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Explore common GI challenges in autistic individuals, and how they impact feeding, behavior, and participation at mealtimes. Guest: Leena Sayed, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE PFD series, April 30-May 28 In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Leena Sayed, MS, CF-SLP to take a closer look at the connection between autism, gastrointestinal health, and feeding. Together, they discuss how often GI concerns occur, the signs pediatric feeding therapists should be watching for, and how these factors align within the medical domain of PFD. About the Guest: Leena Sayed, MS, CCC-SLP is a recent graduate in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia. She brings hands-on experience working with children with pediatric feeding disorders across university clinic, outpatient hospital, and private practice settings. Show Notes: Bowel Sounds: The Pediatric GI Podcast Love Money Cause: Palestine Children's Relief Fund Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Create safe, supportive assessment experiences to guide trauma-sensitive care. Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE Series: Empowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding Journeys In this part 2 episode, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, to explore how trauma can shape feeding experiences for children and families and what that means for clinicians working in pediatric feeding. They focus on evidence-based approaches to trauma-sensitive PFD evaluations, with particular attention to supporting the psychosocial domain of feeding. Lauren also shares practical strategies for delivering trauma-sensitive interventions that support both the child and caregiver. About the Guest(s): Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with PFD, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools. Show Notes: Contact Lauren: @laurenteetheslp on Instagram Lauren’s Private Practice: Well Fed Feeding Therapy Related Courses: Trauma and PFD: Moving from Understanding to HealingThe Power of PROM for PFD The Feeding Flock: Assessment Tools Infant Feeding Care: Assessment Tools Ezpz Products: Feeding Tools Find local resources: Findhelp.org Love Money Cause: Feeding Matters and your Local Food Banks Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Practical insights into bottles, reflux, GI health, and the collaborative thinking needed to support safe, successful feeding. Guest: Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA, the expert behind Infant Feeding Care, to explore the complexities of feeding in both bottle- and chest-fed infants. They discuss Britt’s research on bottle flow rates and its ongoing clinical relevance, as well as the impact of gastrointestinal issues like reflux on feeding. The conversation highlights the use of the GIGER Scale to improve collaboration between SLPs and medical providers, and concludes with practical insights on conditions like FPIES and FPIAS, along with guidance for supporting lactating caregivers managing infant food allergies. About the Guest: Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA, and Trauma-Informed Professional at Infant Feeding Care in Massachusetts, where she provides clinical care to infants who are struggling with breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding. She is also the owner of Infant Feeding Labs, where she conducts flow rate testing of bottle nipples. Show Notes: Infant Feeding Labs Infant Feeding Care Related courses: The Power of PROM for PFDThe Medical Domain of PFD The Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GIGER) Scale for Infants and Toddlers by Britt Pados, Christine Repsha, and Rebecca R. Hill Dr. Brown’s Bottles Dyphagia Outreach Project Bowel Sounds: The Pediatric GI Podcast Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders FindHelp.org Hospital-to-Home Systems Change Support Feeding Matters Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

A refreshing dose of encouragement and perspective for SLPs who wear many hats. Guest: Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP to celebrate the many roles SLPs take on throughout their careers. They reflect on what makes a supportive and successful clinical fellowship, what graduate students should look for in meaningful practicum placements, and how diverse clinical experiences and strong mentorship can shape a fulfilling career path. They also tackle the reality of imposter syndrome, and offer practical perspectives for protecting your mental health, staying grounded, and rediscovering the passion that drew you to this profession in the first place. If you’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or simply need a reminder of why you chose this field, this episode is for you. About the Guest: Emily Bromer is a SLP based in Lynchburg, Virginia, who is passionate about increasing her community’s access to quality therapy services and strengthening the profession she loves. She has been practicing for six years and currently serves as the Lead SLP for Appomattox County Public Schools. In addition to her work in public education, Emily is the owner of Hill City Speech Services, PLLC. Show Notes: Contact Emily: @hillcityspeechva on Instagram Emily’s Private Practice: Hill City Speech Services Support Miriam’s House - Solutions to Homelessness

How can a simple tool can strengthen complex clinical decision-making? Guests: Kelly Kleinhans, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Courtney Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Kelly and Courtney share how mind maps and case-based learning are used in graduate training to help learners organize complex information, recognize patterns, and connect assessment findings to meaningful intervention planning. Explore how these strategies can support diverse learning styles while also strengthening supervision and mentoring conversations. Use these tools to help students make sense of complex PFD cases and translate knowledge into confident, thoughtful clinical decisions. About the Guests: Dr. Kelly Kleinhans is a professor, program director, and clinical education enthusiast who is passionate about helping graduate students become confident, compassionate, and practice-ready SLPs. She leads the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at Austin Peay State University. Courtney Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is the Lead Feeding Therapist at Advanced Therapy Solutions (ATS) in Clarksville, TN, where she oversees the feeding program across three clinics. Show Notes: Bridging Pedagogy and Practice: Case-Based Learning and Mind Maps by Kelly Kleinhans, Courtney Richards, and Alison Desomma Supplemental Material APSU Speech-Language & Swallowing Community Clinic Feeding Therapy Sweatshirt - Courtney’s Etsy Store Feeding Matters Power of Two Program Support Feeding Matters Related Course: Research to "Chew On" with Dr. Amy Delaney RAM Clinics Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee

How can we strengthen and mentor the next generation of clinicians? Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP welcomes Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE to this episode of First Bite for a powerful conversation on mentoring a healthy professional identity in future colleagues. Together, these SLPs and nurses demonstrate why interprofessional education across allied health professions is not optional, it is essential. The conversation unpacks what “professional identity” really means in clinical education, why it matters for long-term career resilience, and how intentional mentoring shapes confident, ethical SLPs. About the Guests: Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE are a powerhouse group from California State University Long Beach who bring research from the fields of nursing and social work and pour that wisdom directly into speech-language pathology to strengthen how we prepare and mentor the next generation of clinicians. Show Notes: Read the journal article, "Professional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students" Support The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Support your local Domestic Abuse Shelter Support Beach Food Pantry

Moving from understanding to healing in pediatric feeding care. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is grateful to host Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, for a powerful conversation about trauma and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Healing trauma takes time, compassion, and the willingness to move through fear in order to better understand what “trauma” is, especially as it relates to pediatric feeding. Together, Michelle and Lauren differentiate between “trauma-informed” and “trauma-sensitive” care, and Lauren offers thoughtful, practical strategies to help SLPs create trauma-sensitive feeding environments for those they are called to serve. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Part two will be released in April 2026. About the Guest(s): Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with PFD, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools. Lauren blends trauma-sensitive care, connection-focused interventions, and play-based approaches to help families build safe, joyful, and pressure-free mealtime experiences. Show Notes: Contact Lauren: @laurenteetheslp on Instagram Lauren’s Private Practice: Well Fed Feeding Therapy Love Money Cause: Feeding Matters Related Course: Allyship and Advocacy in Pediatric Feeding Disorder with Tracy Camille Johnson Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Discover what happens when SLPs and Educational Audiologists team up. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In celebration of World Hearing Day, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, welcomes Courtney Turner, AuD, CCC-A, for an important conversation about collaboration in hearing care. Courtney breaks down what Educational Audiologists actually do, how they assess and support children with different types of hearing loss. From technology to teamwork, you will gain a clearer understanding of how partnering with an Educational Audiologist can strengthen outcomes for children with hearing differences. About the Guest: Dr. Courtney Turner is a board-certified pediatric audiologist based in Hattiesburg, MS. She has worked at The Children's Center for Communication and Development at the University of Southern Mississippi since 2015, providing clinical and educational audiology services to children from birth through age 5 across southern Mississippi. Show Notes: Contact Courtney Turner: @cg_turner on Instagram Padapillo by Valerie James Abbott Educational Audiology Association Children Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Joshua A. Shah, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode: Complete the accompanying course online with Speech Therapy PD Watch this episode on Youtube: Initiation with Filmmaker and SLP Joshua Shah In a First Bite first, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, sits down with Joshua A. Shah, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist, filmmaker, and the creative force behind the upcoming film Initiation, a fictional narrative inspired by lived experiences related to stuttering and communication differences. Joshua and Michelle explore the responsibilities that come with representing communication differences accurately and compassionately and how language, storytelling, and visibility shape public understanding. Together, they examine the connection between communication and power, including how representation can influence whose voices are valued, amplified, or marginalized. Tune in now for a thoughtful, timely conversation, and stay tuned for the film that sparked it. About the Guest(s): Joshua A. Shah is a filmmaker from Fremont, California. He currently serves as a home health speech-language pathologist, primarily working with individuals with neurological and communication impairments. He’s become inspired to bring the narratives of individuals with communication challenges to the silver screen and is dedicated to crafting these stories with both accuracy and creativity, challenging the current media landscape with empathetic storytelling. Show Notes: Contact Joshua: @shahjosh on Instagram Love Money Cause: @initiationshortfilm on Instagram “Initiation” Short Film: seedandspark.com/fund/initiation2026#story The Stuttering Foundation: www.stutteringhelp.org SPACE | Stuttering Organization: www.spacetostutter.org and @spacetostutter on Instagram The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: www.oliversacks.com/oliver-sacks-books/the-man-who-mistook-his-wife-for-a-hat/ My Stroke of Insight: mystrokeofinsight.com/index.html The Sound of Metal: www.imdb.com/title/tt5363618/ American Association for People with Disabilities: www.aapd.com Able South Carolina: www.able-sc.org First Bite Podcast: Subscribe and listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guests: Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/blackslpmagic-part-2 FREE Black History Month Conference: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/culture-care-knowledge This course meets ASHA's Content Area 2 PD requirement for providing culturally responsive services and effective self-reflection, adaptability, and collaborative practice. In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, continues the conversation with Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP, founders of #BlackSLPMagic. Part 2 shifts from awareness to action, focusing on practical ways to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of speech-language pathology. Together, Michelle, Chelsie, and Jordyn examine systemic barriers that continue to impact BIPOC professionals and discuss evidence-based strategies for creating more welcoming, supportive, and inclusive professional environments. The conversation centers on reducing obstacles to professional growth, increasing representation, and strengthening meaningful connections across the SLP community. Listeners will gain concrete tools for advocacy, professional networking, and allyship, along with actionable steps they can take within their own workplaces, organizations, and professional circles. Chelsie and Jordyn share grounded insights on how intentional actions, not just intentions, can help shift culture and create lasting change. Whether you identify as an ally, advocate, or leader in speech-language pathology, this session offers practical strategies to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful action, supporting a profession where all voices are valued and reflected in the communities we serve. Show Notes: Contact Chelsie: @esekhealth on Instagram Contact Jordyn: @jrc_theslp on Instagram Black SLP Magic: @blackslpmagic on Instagram, www.blackslpmagic.org Donate to Black SLP Magic: ko-fi.com/blackslpmagicslpsocialseen SLP Social Scene: @slpsocialseen on Instagram Professional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students: pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2024_PERSP-24-00043 Cultural Competence Check-ins: www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/self/ Cultural Responsiveness: www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/cultural-responsiveness/ Bias, Appraisal Tools, and Levels of Evidence: www.asha.org/research/ebp/bias-appraisal-tools-and-levels-of-evidence/ Related Courses: #BlackSLPMagic Paving the Way for the FutureCulture, Care, & Knowledge: Advancing Equity in Speech-Language Pathology: A Black History Month Conference Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Tracy Camille Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, MSPA-CPSP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/allyship-advocacy-pfd Related Course: Lactation and the Interprofessional Practice Seminar: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/lactation-and-ip First Bite is back for an all new season, and host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, kicks things off with a powerful conversation on allyship and advocacy. She’s joined by Tracy Camille Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, MSPA-CPSP, Founder and CEO of Buttercup Therapy Services. Together, they explore barriers that BIPOC clinicians may encounter on their journey to becoming an SLP, how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape service delivery, and ways to identify functional, community-based resources that truly uplift caregivers supporting children with pediatric feeding disorders. If you’re ready to reflect, grow, and strengthen your advocacy lens, this episode will meet you there. Come hungry for growth and leave feeling full. About the Guest: Tracy Camille Johnson is a Speech Language Pathologist, Pediatric Feeding Specialist, Certified Lactation Counselor, and Advocate. Originally from Chicago, she now calls Austin, Texas home. She is the founder and CEO of Buttercup Therapy Services which services the greater Austin region across the lifespan for feeding, swallowing, and communication skills since 2022. Show Notes: Lactation Seminar: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/lactation-and-ip Contact Tracy: @chattytraceface.slp on Instagram Butter Cup Therapy: www.buttercuptherapy.org Black Mamas ATX (Love Money Cause): blackmamasatx.com National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH): www.nbaslh.org Find Help: www.findhelp.org

Guests: Rachel S. Tyrone, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Torrey Robinson, MS, CCC-SLP, doctoral student at UMMC. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/population-health Y’all, this conversation exists because of a fantastic dress and a spontaneous chat outside the bathroom at the Mississippi Annual Speech-Language-Hearing Convention. That chance moment sparked a soul-filling discussion about population health, public health, and social determinants of health, and how all three directly shape our work as pediatric SLPs. As 2025 comes to a close and many of us are reflecting on our professional place in the world, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical ways to think and act upstream. You will walk away inspired to become an “Upstreamist,” ready to lead gently and passionately for our field, our colleagues, and the children and families we serve in 2026. Show Notes: ASHA SDOH: https://www.asha.org/practice/social-determinants-of-health/?srsltid=AfmBOopPx1sLqvjVFTyhNQ3gM8f4tlJ3_e6otXZgc5w9S8gGNCKH5zWK Healthy People: https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guests: Vicki R. Deal-Williams, ASHA’s Chief Executive Officer, and Perry Flynn, 2026 ASHA President Elect Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/the-future-of-slh This episode is a collaboration with the Keys for SLPs podcast, hosted by Mary Beth Hines, MS, CCC-SLP. Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S joins as a co-host to welcome ASHA leadership Vicki R. Deal-Williams, MA, CCC-SLP, FASAE, CAE, ASHA’s Chief Executive Officer, and Perry Flynn, MEd, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, CTRI, ASHA-F, 2026 ASHA President Elect for an inside look at the evolving speech-language-hearing professions. Together, they will explore emerging technologies, workforce trends, and ongoing efforts to recruit and retain professionals, particularly those from BIPOC communities. The conversation will also highlight the SLP Interstate Compact and offer practical guidance for students and early-career professionals navigating the changing landscape of the field. About the Guests: Vicki Deal-Williams serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), where she has been a valued team member for more than three decades. A Certified Association Executive and distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Vicki is also an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist and ASHA Fellow. Her expertise lies in cultivating leadership, aligning strategic goals with organizational priorities, and navigating teams through transformation with clarity and purpose. She is known for her ability to authentically build strong, collaborative relationships and to foster a welcoming culture where everyone feels they have a voice. Through clear vision, steady guidance, and deep commitment, she works alongside volunteer leaders and members, students, vendors, partners, and staff to advance ASHA’s mission, achieve optimal results, and ensure lasting impact. Perry Flynn, MEd, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, CTRI, is the Consultant to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in the area of Speech-Language Pathology and a Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a two-time member of ASHA’s Board of Directors, and a Board Certified Specialist in Child Language. He is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Certified Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor. He has presented several times at ASHA Conventions on the topic of recruiting and retaining men and minorities in speech-language pathology and has written several articles on the topic. Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guests: Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, and Briana Klar, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pfd-and-ut Imagine a world where every SLP receives hands-on training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders as part of their university practicum experience! How incredible would it be to build a foundation in patient care alongside early literacy and speech-sound strategies? Thanks to Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, and Briana Klar, MS, CCC-SLP, at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, that vision is becoming a reality. These inspiring educators are integrating interprofessional education for the evaluation and treatment of PFD into their graduate program while providing exceptional care to little ones in their community. In this First Bite episode, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, sits down with Maggie and Briana to learn how they brought this vision to life and to share ideas for creating similar opportunities at your university. Show Notes: University of Tennessee Foundation: https://utfi.org/giving/ About the Guests: Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, has been with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center since 2018, serving in the Pediatric Language Clinic and, more recently, the UT Hearing and Speech Center, working as a clinical assistant professor. She has expertise in parent training, early intervention, autism, and early language. Ms. Wheeler also treats early intervention patients with pediatric feeding and augmentative communication needs. Her previous experience in public schools has made her passionate about helping parents smoothly transition from early intervention into the public school system. She also strives to support her family by connecting them with local resources to support the needs of their child. Briana Klar, MS, CCC-SLP, is a clinical instructor at the UT Hearing and Speech Center with a focus on pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Her clinical experience spans private practice, schools, and pediatric outpatient. Briana is passionate about using a responsive feeding approach to create positive, family-centered feeding environments that support both children and their caregivers in overcoming feeding difficulties. In addition to her work in pediatric feeding, Briana also has a strong interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and enjoys helping children with complex communication needs. Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

Guest: Rachel Conrad, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/embracing-lived-experiences In the first episode of 2025, Michelle is joined by Jaclyn Pederson, MHI, CEO of Feeding Matters, and William Sharp, PhD, Director of Children’s Multidisciplinary Feeding Program (Atlanta, GA) and Professor at Emory University School of Medicine, to lay the foundation for a year of combining passion, advocacy, and learning. These guests share their expertise and highlights from a recent journal publication on how the diagnoses of “Pediatric Feeding Disorder” and “Avoidant Restrictive Feeding Intake Disorder” are individualistic while simultaneously overlapping to capture the unique needs of the little ones on our caseloads. Additionally, they share practical insight into the roles and responsibilities of various team members, such as the SLP and the psychologist, in evaluating and treating these little ones as part of an interprofessional practice team. About the Guest: Rachel Conrad, MA, CCC-SLP, is the owner of Bite and Bloom Therapy, LLC, under The Mindful Collective, where she specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing, ARFID, AAC, and sensory-based therapy. She serves as the Chair of the Feeding Matters Research Consortium, a patient- and family-centered research initiative partially funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Rachel brings a unique perspective to her work, combining her professional expertise with her lived experience of pediatric feeding differences and ARFID. She collaborates with The Village, a perinatal and eating disorder provider group, and participates in national advocacy and education initiatives to improve early intervention and interdisciplinary care for children with feeding differences. Rachel has delivered presentations and talks on best practices for evaluating and treating medically complex children with feeding and swallowing disorders. She is passionate about creating spaces where patients and families feel truly heard, seen, and valued in discussions about feeding differences. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) and is committed to advancing awareness, research, and best practices in pediatric feeding and swallowing. Rachel bridges the gap between research, clinical practice, and lived experience to support children and families navigating feeding differences. Show Notes: Bite & Bloom Therapy: https://www.mindfulcollectivegroup.com/rachel-conrad Feeding Matters: https://www.feedingmatters.org Find Assistance: https://www.findhelp.org Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference