Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, Coordinator for Clinical Education and Assistant Clinical Professor with the Master of Speech-Language Pathology at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC, is the acclaimed host of “First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional” a weekly Speech Therapy Podcast that addresses “all thangs” Pediatric Speech Therapy which is presented by Speechtherapypd.com. Recently, 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 evaluation and treatment of the medically complex infant, toddler, and child with respect to their pediatric oropharyngeal dysphagia, pediatric feeding disorder, as well as language acquisition within the framework of Early Intervention. She has served as the Treasurer for the Council of State Association Presidents, is a Past President of the South Carolina Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, a 2017 graduate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Leadership Development Program, a 2020 recipient of the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Champion from Feeding Matters, a 2021 recipient of the Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Outstanding Clinical Achievement from the South Carolina Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, and six time recipient of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s ACE Award for continuing education.
Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC has hosted 244 Episodes.
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69: Food Chaining with Cheri Fraker, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
October 9th, 2019 | 1 hr 1 min
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Cheri Fraker, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC - In this episode Michelle is joined by the One and Only Cheri Fraker, MS CCC-SLP, CLC! That’s right, the guru behind “Food Chaining: The proven 6-Step Plan to Stop Pick Eating, Solve Feeding Problems, and Expand Your Child’s Diet”. This phenomenal book has indescribably positively impacted that patients of the clinicians that have devoured the text. So, are you feeling stuck with how to proceed with a patient to expand their diet beyond 3 choice foods? Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to introduce PO for the first time to a little one who has feeding tube dependency? Well, leave your chewy tubes at home, lock them away in a box, lose key, and be prepared to have your professional soul nourished with Cheri!
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68: Pediatric Dysphagia Includes the Esophagus - Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP
October 2nd, 2019 | 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 the newly relocated Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, to shed some light on the far too often ignored Esophageal Stage of the swallow! Did you know that the Esophgeal Stage of the swallow is the fourth stage of swallowing? Or that numerous issues or etiologies arising in this area, often present in the oral stage of swallowing as “pocketing” or “behavioral aversions”? Also, did you know that best practice for instrumental swallow exams includes scanning the esophagus during a Modified Barium Swallow Study? Stay tuned for an overdue episode on the unfortunately underrated esophagus!
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67: The Dynamic Role of Registered Dietitians in Early Intervention - Deborah Malkoff-Cohen, MS, RD, CDN, CDE
September 25th, 2019 | 1 hr 16 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Deborah Malkoff-Cohen, MS, RD, CDN, CDE - In this episode Michelle is joined by the radiant Registered Dietitian Deborah Malkoff-Cohen, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, who is the founder of City Kids Nutrition and NYCeatwell, nutrition consultation services for children and adults living in and around New York City. Deborah shares her years of experience about the unique roles and responsibilities of an RD who works in the world of Early Intervention, jumping into Scope of Practice, Roles and Responsibilities, and top etiologies that she engages with on a day-to-day basis. Don’t worry, this isn’t an overly “granola” episode, but functional Interprofessional education, served with a side of avocados and tomatoes!
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65: Ethics Behind Bilingual Evaluations and Treatment - Fé Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP
September 11th, 2019 | 1 hr 31 secs
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Fé Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by the fabulous Fé Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP, who is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department at Northern Arizona University (NAU), and the Immediate Past President of the Arizona State Speech Language and Hearing Association. Have you been unsettled by a recent referral for a child who speaks a different language? Are you unsure with how to proceed? Concerned on whether or not you need an interpreter to assist in the evaluation and/or treatment? Or…the big scary one…what if you can’t find an interpreter?!? Don’t worry, Michelle has had that fear too…but the Fearless Fé is her today to offer some evidence and ethical recommendations on how to proceed!
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64: Ideas & Inspirations to Motivate Your Kids to Practice - Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP
September 9th, 2019 | 1 hr 8 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by the charming Southern Lady that is Char Boshart, MA CCC-SLP…THE SLP behind the dynamic “Speech Link” PodCourse, also sponsored by Speechtherapypd.com! Have you felt “stuck” lately trying to get your little one’s family motivated to implement Speech Therapy homework… aka The sometimes dreaded Home Exercise Program? Welp…me too friend! But I have great news! Char is here to help give us functional strategies to establish motivation and “buy-in” from our little’s ones care givers and loved ones…so watch out HEP…we are about to get-it-done!
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63: Grace in Grief: 7 Stages, PPD, PTSD, and how they impact a ST Session - Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP
September 5th, 2019 | 1 hr 16 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this podcourse, the presenters tackle an often taboo topic, Grief. Too often we “feel” when a patient’s family is having an “off day”, but what happens when those “off days” become the norm? Grief, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, these are all too commonly overlooked diagnoses that the parents and guardians of the special babies we work with, have to deal with on a daily basis. Are you prepared to recognize these s/s? Have you advocated and conveyed your concerns about the parent/guardians mental and emotional health to their physician? Do you feel confident in sharing these concerns? Are you aware of how these factors can impact the implementation of a home exercise plan for ST? Let real life experiences, tearful and comical, with functional and practical resources, build your confidence so that you can support the loved ones and caregivers of our little ones.
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62: The Power of Waiting - Krystal Vermillion, MOT, OTR/L
August 29th, 2019 | 1 hr 6 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Krystal Vermillion, MOT, OTR/L - In this episode Michelle is joined by her dear friend Krystal Vermillion, MOT,OTR/L, from The Shriner’s Hospital Greenville, SC. This episode is near and dear to Michelle’s heart as Krystal’s guidance on utilization of therapeutic cues not only shaped the frequency and types of cues that Michelle has used with her patients, but also with her own personal tiny humans. In short, sometimes the auditory bombardment and latency period that SLP’s, (and tired Mommas), use in general are too much and too short…but never fear, Krystal is here to offer functional evidenced based tips on how to “read” our pediatric patients and offer just the right amount! Enjoy this power hour on therapeutic cues between dear friends who are equal parts nerd girl and avid outdoorsy folks!
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61: “Speechie Side Up” Presents AAC - Venita Litvack, MA, CCC-SLP
August 21st, 2019 | 1 hr 4 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Venita Litvack, MA, CCC-SLP - Michelle is joined by the hostess with Venita Litvack, of “The Speechie Side Up” Podcast and SLP Blog. Today they cover all “thangs” AAC. Ever struggled to find credible resources for learning more about theory and history of best practices behind pediatric AAC, or how to implement AA with a complex pediatric patient, or… and here is the kicker…getting the daycare teachers or the ECSE on board with using the device within their classrooms? Venita is here to take those frustrations and worries away! Enjoy the nerdy-gal conversation between two podcasters who love their field and particularly AAC!
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60: OTs and Feeding? Who knew!?! - Elizabeth “Beth” Halpin, MHS, OTR/L, SCFES
August 14th, 2019 | 1 hr 6 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Elizabeth “Beth” Halpin, MHS, OTR/L, SCFES - Michelle is joined by the one and only Elizabeth “Beth” Halpin, MHS, OTR/L, SCFES, aka Feeding Therapy, OT guru extraordinaire! Yep, we own it, Beth rocks!! This is the hour that your questions pertaining to the Scope of Practice for Occupational Therapists engaged in Feeding Therapy are FINALLY answered! Beth offers functional hands-on, (no pun intended), resources for the EBP of “messy” and “sensory play”, as well as general EBP guidelines for how to incorporate OT skills into your feeding sessions. Enjoy this fascinating feeding hour that will leave you wanting more!!
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59: So About That IDDSI! - Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP
August 7th, 2019 | 58 mins 55 secs
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 Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, and they take on the beast of the change between the National Dysphagia Diet and the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. It is time! Erin and Michelle spend this fast paced hour updating and taste testing foods and drinks according to the new IDDSI guidelines! They will share their favorite IDDSI transition resources, as well as help to explain the differences in food and drink between NDD and IDDSI for all consistencies. Bring your private practice and personal practices in line with current best practice with this lively lecture! Also, be sure to check out the First Bite Insta and FB accounts for the videos of all the taste testing!
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58: Early Childhood and AAC… with SpeechandLanguage Songs - Stephen Kneece, MA, CCC-SLP
July 31st, 2019 | 1 hr 5 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Stephen Kneece, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by Mr. Stephen Kneece, MA CCC-SLP, the charming southern gentlemen who is the mastermind, voice, and musician behind the YouTube Channel “Speech & Language Songs”. Stephen, who serves as the Assistive Technology Consultant for Aiken County School District during the day, joins Michelle to share his passion for all “thangs” AAC. Core Vocab, Fringe, the struggles of choosing an AAC device, and evidenced based options if Speech Generating isn’t the way to go at this moment, are all covered in this dynamic power-hour!
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57: Therapeutic Handling for the Critical Core - Paul Tardy, OTR/L
July 24th, 2019 | 1 hr 12 secs
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Paul Tardy, OTR/L - In this episode Michelle is joined by her mentor, colleague, and “Brother by a Different Mother”, Paul Tardy, OTR/L, of “PT the OT Therapy and Wellness”. Have you ever seen an OT palm a child like a basketball, or bounce them in varying directions on a ball like a wobble head, or seen the kiddo crawling across the floor and observe and OT roll a therapy ball…crash boom bang…right into them and subtlety, or maybe not so subtlety wonder “What in the world are they doing to that kid?!?”. Well, wonder no more! This episode is all about Therapeutic Handling! Paul takes time to explain in detail why handling a pediatric patient in a certain way can reignite, or maybe ignite for the first time, neural connections that encourage the development of a strong core, proper physical alignment, encourage sensory regulation, all of which set a child up for success with life…and for PO intake! Come prepared for the passionate powerhouse that is Paul Tardy OTR/L!
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56: Essential Elements for Pediatric Audiology Evaluations - Jason Wigand, MA, AuD, CCC-A
July 17th, 2019 | 55 mins 35 secs
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Jason Wigand, MA, AuD, CCC-A - In this episode Michelle is joined by the delightful Jason Wigand, AuD., CCC-A, and they pick up where they left off in Episode 38, “The Spectacular Power of Listening”! As they put the cart before the horse and covered interventions last go-around, this episode is dedicated to best practices for audiology evaluations: the different types of hearing tests/assessments available, when various ones are clinically indicated, as well as when it is appropriate to seek out for an evaluation. Fast paced nerdy laughter is guaranteed in this hour of all thangs hearing assessments!
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55: The Problem with Productivity - Erin Forward, MSP, CF-SLP
July 10th, 2019 | 1 hr 12 mins
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CF-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by the energetic Erin Forward, MS CF-SLP. Today is the day they take on that problematic word…”Productivity”! Fear not Friends! Not only will they define productivity, as well as it’s sister words caseload and workload, but they will discuss how productivity guidelines vary across settings, states, and offer some functional solutions to tackle productivity pressures that you may encounter in your Monday-Friday routine. Hopefully after this power-hour you will feel refreshed and energized to address any concerns head-on!
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53: Outstanding Orientation to OT Scope of Practice - Paul Tardy, OTR/L
June 26th, 2019 | 1 hr 1 min
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Paul Tardy, OTR/L - Michelle sits down with longtime friend and professional mentor Paul Tardy to discuss the scope of OT practice and how that impacts an EI speech therapist and how to best work together to achieve maximum results for our kiddos.
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52: Sage Sierra Therapy Tips for Starting a Private Practice - Shawna Ross, MS, CCC-SLP
June 19th, 2019 | 56 mins 39 secs
asha, ceu, continuing education, slp, speech language pathology, speech pathology, speech therapy
Guest: Shawna Ross, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined by the one and only Shawna Ross of the Sierra Therapy Group from the far-far-far away land of Reno, NV! Together these two ASHA LDP Cohort grads tackle the fears and tribulations of what goes on behind the scenes prior to opening the doors of a private practice. Listen in as the wise and utterly delightful Shawna shares her passion that drove her to become not only a dynamic clinician, but also successful private practice owner that regularly gives back to her community through hearing screens, summer camps, and Buddy Walks!