Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Co-Host of First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast
Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, serves as a speech-language pathologist with Wolfe Speech Therapy, LLC, in Staunton, VA, and adjunct professor with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. Additionally, she is the acclaimed host of “First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional,” a weekly speech therapy podcast that addresses “all thangs” of pediatric speech therapy and is presented by SpeechTherapyPD.com. Michelle authored "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders." She is an accomplished lecturer, traveling across the nation delivering courses on best practices for the evaluation and treatment of medically complex infants, toddlers, and children with respect to their pediatric oropharyngeal dysphagia, pediatric feeding disorder, as well as language acquisition within the framework of Early Intervention. She currently volunteers as the Topic Chair for the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders committee for the 2024 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention and volunteers as the co-chair for the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) Dysphagia and Pediatric Feeding Disorder Group, as well as a convention committee for the 2025 annual SHAV Convention. She has served as the Treasurer for the Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP), is a Past President of the South Carolina Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (SCSHA), a graduate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Leadership Development Program (ASHA LDP), a recipient of the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Champion from Feeding Matters, a recipient of the Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Outstanding Clinical Achievement from the SCSHA, a recipient of the State Clinical Achievement Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Foundation, recognized as an ASHA Innovator in 2023, and eleven-time recipient of ASHA’s ACE Award for continuing education.
Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC has hosted 236 Episodes.
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Family Mealtime Support for our Friends with Tubies with Dr. Marion Russell
September 24th, 2020 | 1 hr 7 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Dr. Marion Russell, OTD, MOTR/L, SCEF - In this episode Michelle is by the oh-so-joyful Dr. Marion Russell, OTD, MOTR/L, SCEFS, from NoTube.com. Dr. Marion is part of the world renowned “No Tube” Interdisciplinary Therapy Center in Graz, Austria, where they work with families, (both face-to-face and remotely), to assist pediatric patient’s overcome feeding tube dependency…through functional evidenced based practice! In this hour, Dr. Marion discusses the roles and responsibilities of the various members of the team, medical readiness of the candidate, with specific emphasis placed on restoring the heart of mealtime: the healthy relationship between the child, their family/caregiver, and the meal. So, bust out your picnic tablecloth, get your messy feeding clothes ready, and be prepped for an hour of celebrating feeding victories!
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Learning to Listen with Jenine a LSLS Certified AVT SLP
September 17th, 2020 | 1 hr 6 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Jenine Entwistle Viole, MSP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT - In this episode Michelle is joined by the Jenine Entwistle Viole, MSP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Auditory-Verbal therapist with Pediatric Speech and Language Services in North Carolina…and if we are lucky her sidekick Dennis the Golden Doodle, honorary SLP, will join in too! Have you ever worked with a little one who had hearing loss and felt as if you were missing “something” to help them reach their functional language goals? Jenine is here to explain what an Auditory-Verbal Therapist is and how the specialized training and certification process supplies the evidence for that “something” you felt was missing. This is the perfect follow-up episode to compliment Dakota Sharpe, AuD, CCC-A in “The Journey of Cochlear Implants”, from First Bite Episode #109.
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Quick Tips for a Successful Feeding Therapy Session with Erin Forward
September 15th, 2020 | 1 hr 7 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by the powerhouse that is Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, when they break down some of their favorite tips for conducting a successful Feeding Therapy Session. If you are struggling with creating optimal position for PO intake, Erin and Michelle will help provide strategies that are low cost to no cost. Have you consider how “busy” the therapy room may appear to the patient that you’re working with…and how that will impact their ability to attend to the activity? Erin and Michelle offer guidance on how to declutter that clinic space and why! Are you feeling frustrated by challenging behaviors during your session…and not sure which steps you need to take to help ease the storm? Erin and Michelle have ideas to bring the calm! Tune in for an hour of evidenced based feeding strategies that work!
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Expanding Your Evidence Based Triangle for Pediatric Feeding Disorders with Alyson, Erin, and Michelle with Alyson Smith
September 9th, 2020 | 1 hr 9 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Alyson Smith, MS, CCC-SLP - This episode combines the great minds of Alyson Smith, MS CCC-SLP from @ei.teletherapy on Instagram, Erin Forward, MSP CCC_SLP, and Michelle L.W. Dawson, MS CCC-SLP, CLC, where they deep dive into evidence based intervention for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders. Join this electrifying trio as they tackle what the true definition of evidenced-based practice is for PFDs, move into explaining exercise principles, and discuss how to implement EBP strategies in your Early Intervention Clinic or Home-Based Services. These three women are on a mission to bring fabulously functional tips to your practice via an hour packed with laughter and #SLPNerdCrushes.
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More Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders with Dr. Angela with Angela McLeod
August 12th, 2020 | 1 hr 8 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Angela McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by Angela N. McLeod, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, who is a Clinical Associate Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist at the University of SC, that has also obtained certification as a qualified orofacial myologist (QOM). This is the sequel to Dr. Angela’s first appearance in Episode #103 “Mythbusting Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders”. Today Dr. Angela discusses who is an appropriate pediatric candidate for orofacial myofunctional therapy, with emphasis on developmental age, prerequisites to participation, what an evaluation includes, and what an evidenced based treatment session includes. There’s a lot of ground to cover with these two ladies, so hang tight for another mythbusing session!
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It’s More than ‘Picky Eating’… Three Multifaceted Case Studies with Erin Forward
August 5th, 2020 | 1 hr 7 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle and Erin tackle three complex Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) Cases. Join them as they walk through the first steps of identifying signs and symptoms, navigate the complexity of the Interprofessional Practice diagnostic process, address some potential EBP treatment options, and then discuss a recovery plan for when the inevitable “kaboom” of a communication breakdown occurs between practitioners. If you have questions about the initial red flags for EOE, Neurogenic based PFD, and how to establish ideal communication between practitioners, then this is the Clinical Case Study Hour for you!
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Behind the Scenes of AAC with Wyatt Franken
July 29th, 2020 | 1 hr 12 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Wyatt Franken - In this episode Michelle is joined by Wyatt Franken, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Talk to Me Technologies. Wyatt, who has a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, from University of Northern Iowa, is here today to talk about all the nitty gritty details that go on behind the scenes in the process of AAC trials. Have you been worried about what options are out there? Curious about the trends in AAC? What about the little details, such as how do you get assistance with an AAC mount…or who orders those mounts? Have you wondered how long the typical AAC trial is? Or how many devices most folks go through before they find the right one? Or…and this is the big one…have you been questioning what exactly is needed in an AAC report for submission and approval? Wonderful Wyatt is here to answer all those questions and more! So enjoy this behind-the-scenes look into the world of AAC!
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The Journey of Cochlear Implants with Dakota Sharp
July 22nd, 2020 | 1 hr 8 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A - In this episode Michelle is joined by Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A is a clinical assistant professor and audiologist at the University of South Carolina Montgomery-Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Today Dr. Dakota lays out the steps entailed in the process of obtaining a cochlear implant! Have you ever wondered which one of your patients is a candidate for a CI? Or are you unfamiliar with hearing aid technology and unsure of the difference between a CI and other hearing devices? Or do you have a patient that has a CI, but have heard that there are newer features… and you want all the exciting news? Dr. Dakota will shed light on the all the steps and is ready to answer your questions too! Enjoy y’all!
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Top Tips for Starting out as a Clinical Supervisor with Erin Forward
July 8th, 2020 | 1 hr 6 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by her dynamite First Bite partner, Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, where they take on the topic of Clinical Supervision…for a newbie! The lovely Erin, like so many other SLP’s out there, is coming down the home stretch for when she can serve the next round of Clinicians as their Clinical Practicum Supervisor! There’s no better time than now to cover all the amazing supports, supervision requirement changes, research, and practical application strategies for being successful Supervisor! Have you thought about venturing into the world of Clinical Supervision, but not sure where to start? Michelle and Erin will share the fabulous resources to set you and your future students for success!
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EBP for Blenderized Tube Feedings with Melissa Blandford
July 1st, 2020 | 1 hr 5 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Melissa Blandford, MS, RD, LDN - In this episode Michelle is joined by Melissa Blandford - Development Manager for Real Food Blends for the East Coast. Melissa, who has over 20 years of experience working with enteral pediatric patients in the home setting, as well as with DME companies to assist with billing, insurance, and trouble shooting use and approval of enteral feedings in the home setting, is here for an hour to discuss all things EBP for Blenderized Tube Feedings (BTF). Have you worked with a little one with a tubie who has struggled with constipation, retching, GERD management issues? How about the little ones that also struggle with the sugar crashes between tube feedings…because their commercial tube feeds are primarily a “-ose” as in “fructose” or “sucrose”? Well then join Michelle and Melissa for an hour of sugarfree delight while they fill your cup with evidence behind the need for putting real food in a tube!
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Feeding Therapy in an ABA Center with Dani from ‘The Messy SLP’ with Dani Newcomb
June 24th, 2020 | 1 hr 11 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Dani Newcomb, MS CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Dani Newcombe, MS CCC-SLP, the delightfully candid Pediatric Feeding SLP blogger behind The Messy SLP, where she shares bits and pieces of what it's like to be a "messy perfectionist". Dani, who currently works as an SLP in an autism therapy center in South Bend, Indiana, has traveled the country in the pursuit of her passion… delivering EBP Feeding Services to those in need! Today she shares how we can work collaboratively with our ABA Colleagues in the somewhat contentious area of “Feeding”. Yes, you read that right, how to work collaboratively with ABA Colleagues in the world of Pediatric Feeding Disorders…and trust Dani and Michelle…it is possible! Enjoy the hour filled with real life trials and tribulations, lessons learned from past failures, and how to set your tiny human up for Feeding Success!
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The Curious Crossroads of BCBA and CCC's with Sari Risen
June 17th, 2020 | 1 hr 5 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Sari Risen, M.A., CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, BCBA - In this episode Michelle is joined by Sari Risen, M.A., CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, BCBA, from Toronto, Canada, and they tackle the complicated topic of ABA Therapy and Speech Therapy…within the framework of the fields working collaboratively! Join the ladies as Sari takes First Bite Listeners on an Interprofessional Education tour of the process it takes to earn a BCBA certification, explains the differences and similarities between the terminology of the ABA and SLP worlds, and shares the theory of language acquisition that is the framework for the BCBA approach. Extra tidbit…there’s a mini crash course on the differences between licenses in the States and Canada! Here’s hoping that this crossroads conversations can lead to collaboration at a local level.
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Mythbusting Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders with Angela McLeod
June 4th, 2020 | 1 hr 9 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Angela McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Angela N. McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP, who is a Clinical Associate Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist at the University of SC, that has also obtained certification as a qualified orofacial myologist (QOM). Are you new to the words “orofacial myologist” and unclear what it is and how it works within the field of Speech-Language Pathology? Have you worried that orofacial myology is synonymous with non-evidenced based oral motor exercises? Or, (like Michelle until just recently), are you too laboring upon the misinformation that all orofacial myologists are proponents of cutting tethered tissues? Well, then come join the gracious and compassionate Dr. Angela for an hour of mythbusting that is sure to inspire us all in the pursuit of additional coursework! Wahoo for EBP drive SLPs!
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Considerations for That Contract Job with Morgan Mitchell
May 20th, 2020 | 1 hr 8 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Morgan Mitchell - In this episode Michelle is joined by Morgan Mitchell, Senior Recruiter for Elevation Healthcare, to address all the confusions and considerations that surround a contract SLP position! So let’s be honest, we have all seen our friends who take that contract job and are posting beautiful instagram pictures of exotic places across America…and we think to ourselves, “Oh I could do that…but…” and then we freeze because of that tiny little word “but”. Today, we are tackling that “but” and replacing it what the facts about who, what, where, when, why behind a contract and also delving into the ASHA 2019 Healthcare Salary Survey to pack this hour full of information, so that you know your worth! Get your parka or sunglasses ready, because by the end of this hour you will be ready for that contract position and the adventure of a lifetime!
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Chasing the Swallow: The Case for IPP in Pediatric Feeding Disorders with Erin Forward
May 13th, 2020 | 1 hr 18 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by her regular co-host of First Bite, the one and only Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP and…drumroll please…this is the episode where they get to share the project they have been working on for the past year… “Chasing the Swallow: Best Practices for Pediatric Feeding Disorders”… the BOOK… just in PodCourse form of course! Have you ever wondered about what type of training and education the members of the Pediatric Feeding Team have experienced? Have you been curious about what type of tests that ENT, GI, and Neurologist can order? Have you ever pondered who can help solve the riddle of a particular patient’s signs and symptoms? Today the ladies of First Bite answer those questions and more with copious amounts of research and resources! It’s been a long time coming, but y’all “Chasing the Swallow” is finally here!
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Fascination of FEES with Vince Clark
May 6th, 2020 | 1 hr 10 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Vince Clark, M.Ed, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Edgar “Vince” Clark, M. Ed., CCC/SLP, Past President of the GA Speech Language Hearing Association and 2013 Alumni of the Year for the Dewar College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University. Today Vince shares his insights on why the FEEs examination can be as an invaluable tool for the pediatric population as the MBSS instrumental examination, and how it offers improved accessibility especially for those populations that don’t have easy access to a radiology suite. Sit back and let the soothing Southern drawl of these two calm your nerves and lift your spirits while they talk about all thangs noses and fiber optic cameras!