Advertise on podcast: First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

A conversation examining the intersection of systems, bias, and clinical practice to promote equitable feeding experiences for all students. Guest: Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L 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, FNAP, sits down with Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, to explore how bias, policy, and politics have shaped the history of school meals and what that means for children today. Through the lens of institutional feeding systems, this conversation examines how school-based meal programs influence participation, access, and outcomes for students, particularly those with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). Together, they discuss the role of school-based clinicians, including the balance between therapeutic intervention and maintaining safe feeding practices, and how interprofessional collaboration can support more inclusive, student-centered care. About the Guest: Lily M. Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, (she/her) is an OT who is passionate about system level change to support kids with significant support needs. She gained clinical experience in outpatient and school based feeding before completing her PhD in Occupational Science from UNC Chapel Hill. Now, as an assistant professor at Pacific University, she teaches pediatrics and engages in a variety of research projects about pediatric feeding disorder. Show Notes: Contact LilyThe Feeding LinkFeeding Matters DirectoryNational Education AssociationVirginia Department of Health - Maternal Mental Health Books: The Astral Library by Kate Quinn Feeding Tubes and Crushing on Dudes by Hannah Setzer Love Money Cause: Spoon Foundation

This episode offers practical guidance on building a feeding practice that is clinically sound, ethical, and sustainable. Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC 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, is joined by Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, to break down some of the biggest barriers pediatric SLPs face when considering private practice, from mindset blocks and finding your niche to the logistical challenges of getting started. Michelle and Jean dig into what SLPs need to consider when building a feeding-focused practice, including scope of practice, advanced training, ethical decision-making, and the resources that can help guide the process. About the Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, and the founder of Little Eaters & Talkers, a multidisciplinary private practice based in Houston, Texas. Jean specializes in infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, with a focus on medically complex infants, bottle aversion, early feeding development, and caregiver coaching. Show Notes: The American Association of People with Disabilities Contact Jean: IG: @littleaters_talkers Website: thelittleeaters.com Love Money Cause: Hope for Minds

Trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration to better support children and families. Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L 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, FNAP, is joined by Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L, to discuss how combining clinical perspectives can strengthen care for children with feeding challenges, sensory differences, nervous system dysregulation, and other complex needs. They consider what may be behind a child’s apparent refusal, shifting the focus from a child who “won’t” participate to one who may not yet feel safe, regulated, or supported enough to engage. About the Guests: 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 Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools. Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist, TBRI practitioner, and owner of Holistic Abilities where she is passionate about helping children and families thrive through evidence-informed, relationship-based care. She specializes in sensory processing, feeding, and supporting children to make gains in their everyday life. Contact the Guests: Lauren Thompson on LinkedInLauren’s Website: www.wellfedfeedingtherapy.comAllissa Younan on LinkedIn Show Notes: Feeding MattersTrauma-sensitive DefinitionTrust‑Based Relational InterventionDr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the BrainThe Rabbit Listened by Cori DoerrfeldPediatric Feeding Disorder Consensus Definition and Conceptual Framework AB-SSD 2026 Summer Webinar Series - PediatricEmpowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding Journeys Courses:Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental traumaLove Money Cause: www.feedingmatters.org References: Hockey, R., Philpott-Robinson, K., Haracz, K., & Ray, K. (2025). Trauma-informed or sensory-based practices in preschool settings: A scoping review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 72(3), e70027. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70027Purvis, K. B., Cross, D. R., Dansereau, D. F., & Parris, S. R. (2013). Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental trauma. Child & Youth Services, 34(4), 360–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2013.859906Smith, M. L. (2021). The connected therapist: Relating through the senses. Marti Smith Seminars.Williams, M. S., & Shellenberger, S. (1994). How does your engine run? TherapyWorks.

Learn from Margaryta’s "C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T." EI SLP framework to support functional, collaborative, and family-centered intervention. Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE 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, FNAP, is joined by Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and early intervention provider, for a joyful and empowering discussion about the many hats SLPs wear in early intervention. From feeding and dysphagia to communication, caregiver coaching, and collaboration, this episode celebrates the meaningful, real-life work happening in homes and everyday routines. Michelle and Margaryta redefine what it means to be a “confident” EI SLP, reminding us that confidence is not about knowing everything. It is about trusting your foundation, staying curious, and showing up with intention. About the Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin is a bilingual speech-language pathologist based in New York City with over 15 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and school-age children with complex communication, feeding, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, AAC, and working with medically complex populations. Show Notes: Contact Margaryta: IG: @kuzminslpLinkedInWebsite: kuzminslp.comCoursesFree Online AAC Boards Resources: American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders 2026 Summer Webinar SeriesFeeding MattersFamily Guided Routies Based InterventionHealthyChildren.orgIDDSIGo Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the SchoolsGuide to Supporting Pediatric Feeding Disorders in SchoolsPediatric Feeding Disorder and the School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist: An Evidence-BasedUpdate for Clinical Practice Love Money: 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness

Unpack the myths, realities, and clinical considerations surrounding pediatric concussions with an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center. Guests: Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST; Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS; and Jennifer Steward, PhD 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, FNAP, is joined by an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center. Together, they explore common misconceptions about concussions, including how symptoms present differently across toddlers, children, and adolescents, and why recognizing these differences is critical for timely identification and care. The conversation also highlights important topics such as second impact syndrome, current best practices in concussion management, and the role of interprofessional collaboration in supporting recovery. About the Guest(s): Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST, is an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences & Disorders at The University of Tulsa. She is a Co-Director of the Concussion Center and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer. Her clinical and research interest is acquired brain injuries, with a specific focus on concussion. Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS is a Clinical Associate Professor of Athletic Training at The University of Tulsa. She is the co-Director of the Concussion Center at The University of Tulsa. Her research has highly focused on interdisciplinary concussion management, specifically for those experiencing prolonged concussion recovery. Jennifer Steward, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an Applied Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Tulsa. She has been a member of the concussion team since the Concussion Center’s opening, and supervises advanced clinical psychology doctoral students in their work as part of the interdisciplinary team. Show Notes: University of Tulsa Concussion CenterHeads Up CDCHEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training Pedsconcussion.comConcussioninsportgroup.comLove Money: Support The University of Tulsa

Explore the realities of addressing dysphagia and pediatric feeding disorder in schools. Guest: Mary Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP, Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In this episode of the First Bite podcast, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Mary P. Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP, a passionate school-based clinician and advocate from Alaska, for a heartfelt and energizing conversation about supporting students with feeding and swallowing needs in the school setting. Drawing from her journey across medical and educational environments, Mary shares how her work in pediatric feeding and swallowing evolved into systems-level advocacy within her district, state, and national organizations. About the Guest: Mary P. Dooher, M.A., CCC-SLP, has been a school-based SLP in Wasilla, Alaska, for 15 years. She has experience in public schools, hospitals, SNFs, and home health settings. Mary is a strong advocate within her school district and the State of Alaska to increase awareness of/needs of students with dysphagia. She is an active member of her local union, MSEA, and the state association, NEA-Alaska. Show Notes: Feeding Matters PFD in Schools Go Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the Schools ASHA Voices: Engaging With Teacher Unions and Education Associations in Schools

Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators. Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP 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, FNAP, is joined by Farwa Husain, MA, CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting autistic individuals through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they discuss how echolalia can be understood as meaningful communication rather than a behavior to eliminate. Farwa shares practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators who use echolalia, emphasizing how caregiver coaching and everyday interactions can create rich opportunities for connection, language, and participation. About the Guest: Farwa Husain, bilingual SLP, is the Founder of First Phrases and Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy. She specializes in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, with a clinical and educational focus on supporting echolalia. Farwa is an international presenter who provides professional development training for schools and organizations worldwide. Show Notes: Contact Farwa: IG: @firstphrasesofficialLinkedInwww.firstphrases.com Related Course: Autism Conference: Embracing Joy Through Practical Intervention Family Guided Routines Based Interventions Morris County Speech and Hearing Association

Gain actionable strategies to support more inclusive, culturally responsive, and family-centered practice. Guest: Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP 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, is joined by Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation about how culturally responsive communication can promote more equitable outcomes in special education. Drawing on her clinical expertise and leadership experience, Samantha shares practical strategies for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and families while strengthening collaboration across educational teams. About the Guest: Samantha Dudding, M.S., CCC‑SLP, is a speech‑language pathologist and special education leader whose work centers on culturally responsive communication within school‑based special education processes. She is currently a Student Support Coordinator in a school district just outside of Washington, DC where she facilitates special education processes, supports multidisciplinary teams, and leads professional development focused on inclusive practices. Show Notes: Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theorySign up for the ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the team "First Bite Fun Runners"

What does it take to prepare pediatric SLPs in serving diverse communities? Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In this episode of the First Bite podcast, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, bilingual speech-language pathologist, Chief Clinical Supervisor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and President of the ASHA Hispanic Caucus, for a thoughtful conversation about preparing pediatric SLPs to serve culturally and linguistically diverse communities. About the Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Speech-Language Pathologist with over 14 years of experience. Originally from Colombia, Paula has lived in New York City since 2001. She earned her Master’s degree from Adelphi University in 2011 and completed her clinical doctorate at Northwestern University in 2023. Show Notes: Contact Paula: www.tc.columbia.eduFamily Guided Routines Based Intervention: fgrbi.comSign up for ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the team "First Bite Fun Runners" Love Money: Support the Hispanic Caucus: www.hispaniccaucusasha.orgSupport your local immigration association: www.findhelp.org

What role do SLPs play with literacy development? Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QIT 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, FNAP, is joined by Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QIT, for a passionate, research-backed discussion that positions speech-language pathologists as central to literacy development. Heather reframes dyslexia and reading challenges as reflections of underlying language and developmental profiles, explains how early oral language skills lay the foundation for reading, and discusses key early indicators of risk and the diverse developmental pathways that contribute to reading difficulties. About the Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD CCC-SLP, CALT, QI in Training, University of Memphis, 2009, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Idaho State University, owner/clinician at Once Upon a Time LLC, and mother of two children with dyslexia. Her teaching, research, and clinical areas of expertise/interest include infant vocal development, phonetics, phonology, multisensory structured language intervention, spelling, structured word inquiry, literacy, and dyslexia. Show Notes: Read with Ramsdell: www.readwithramsdell.comContact Heather: www.isu.edu/slp/about/facultyPublications: https://pubs.asha.org/authored-by/Ramsdell/Heather+LSign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners"Love Money: Support Children's Dyslexia Centers

Learn how the ASHFoundation is stepping up amidst research funding cuts. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In this special live episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, Executive Director of the ASHFoundation, along with past funding recipients Katherine M. Trice, BA, and Ryan McCreery, PhD, to celebrate the ASHFoundation's 80th anniversary. If you've been watching the news and wondering how research funding cuts might impact our field, take a breath. The ASHFoundation is stepping up. Together, they discuss how innovative funding initiatives, including the Need-Based Emergency Funding Program, are supporting students, early-career investigators, and the future of communication sciences and disorders. Katherine and Ryan also share their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of Foundation support on their research and professional journeys. About the Guests: Dr. Ryan McCreery, PhD, is the Vice President of Research at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He also serves as a Senior Scientist and Director of the Audibility, Perception, and Cognition (APC) Lab. Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, became the executive director of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation in October 2022. Moss is responsible for the ASHFoundation’s leadership and management, fundraising, and mission-related program activities which include scholarship, research grant and special project initiatives. Katherine M. Trice earned her BA in Linguistics from the University of Rochester and completed her PhD in Psychology from Northeastern University this July. She currently works as a postdoctoral associate in the Gabrieli Lab at MIT. Show Notes: www.ashfoundation.orgASHFoundation on Instagram: @ashfoundationcsdASHFoundation on LinkedIn Sign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners"

Learn how to support NICU graduates as they transition from the hospital to home. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube What happens when Michelle sits down with Tiffany Elliott, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC; Sara Circelli, MA, IMH-E, PMH-C; and Dr. Leslie Butterfield, PhD, PMH-C, from Hospital-to-Home Systems Change? You get a powerful hour dedicated to perinatal mental health, systems change, and supporting NICU graduates as they transition from the hospital to home. Together, they discuss how perinatal mental health, including postpartum anxiety, depression, and trauma, impacts caregiver engagement, readiness to learn, and the ability to support their newborns. They also highlight why supporting caregivers is essential to improving outcomes for infants and families. About the Guests: Tiffany Elliott, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC, is a Speech Language Pathologist and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. She brings her deep clinical experience in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, preterm and medically complex infants, and healthcare systems in the work she does as a clinician, educator and systems change advocate. Sara Circelli, MA, IMH-E, PMH-C, is the Hospital-to-Home Systems Change Manager at Northwest Center, where she also served as an Early Intervention Family Resources Coordinator for nearly a decade. She helped develop Northwest Center’s Hospital-to-Home team to address the “service cliff” families face after NICU discharge, ensuring a supported transition home. Leslie Butterfield, PhD, PMH-C, is a perinatal psychologist specializing in the transition to parenthood, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), perinatal loss, recovery from traumatic birth, NICU parenting, and parenting medically fragile infants. She is past Chairwoman of Perinatal Support Washington and the past President of PATTCh (Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth). Show Notes: hospitaltohomesystemschange.org pediatricfeedingconnections.com Love Money: Support National Perinatal Association

What is the ASLP Interstate Compact and what does it mean for SLPs? Guest: Susan Adams, Esq., CAE, Director of State Legislative & Regulatory Affairs at ASHA 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, FNAP, welcomes Susan Adams, Esq., CAE, for a timely discussion about the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) and what it means for speech-language pathologists. Together, they break down how the ASLP Compact works, who is eligible to participate, what privileges it provides, and where implementation currently stands across the United States. If you've been wondering how the compact could affect your clinical practice, this episode will help you understand the opportunities, limitations, and what to watch for next. About the Guest: Susan Adams is the Director for State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at ASHA. She is responsible for advancing the public policy objectives of ASHA by serving as team lead and policy expert on state legislation and regulations affecting audiologists and speech-language pathologists, related to state licensure, including the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that affect the ability to practice. Show Notes: Contact Susan on LinkedInASLP-IC WebsiteLove Money: Support ACLU

Understanding the research, benefits, and limitations of Baby-Led Weaning. Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP 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, and Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, dig into baby-led weaning (BLW). Whether you're new to BLW or looking to refine your clinical perspective, Michelle and Kelsey break down what BLW is, what it isn't, and how to support families and their little ones with confidence. About the Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, research scientist, and mom of two. Her clinical and research work centers on supporting families during the introduction of solid foods, with the goal of preventing long-term pediatric feeding disorders and empowering caregivers to feel confident in their feeding journey. Related Courses: Early Feeding Transitions and Down Syndrome: How to Support CaregiversInfant Reflexes for Feeding and Development Show Notes: Contact Kelsey on LinkedInFeeding FlockFind Resources: FindHelp.orgLove Money: Support Feeding Matters Resources: Complementary Feeding Methods-A Review of the Benefits and RisksThe Baby-Led Weaning Method (BLW) in the Context of Complementary Feeding: A ReviewBaby-led weaning: A thematic analysis of comments made by parents using online parenting forumsEarly feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohortImpact of a Modified Version of Baby-Led Weaning on Infant Food and Nutrient Intakes: The BLISS Randomized Controlled TrialHow different are baby-led weaning and conventional complementary feeding? A cross-sectional study of infants aged 6-8 monthsCurrent Evidence on Nutrient Intakes and Infant Growth: A Narrative Review of Baby-Led Weaning vs. Conventional Weaning

How do mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression influence language and communication? Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP 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, FNAP, is joined by Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful discussion about the connection between adolescent language development and mental health. As mental health concerns continue to affect students across school and clinical settings, this conversation considers the role speech-language pathologists can play as part of an interprofessional team. Michelle and Kary also discuss how emotional well-being may affect assessment findings, goal development, and intervention planning, and offer strategies to help SLPs better understand and support the whole student. About the Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience working in a pediatric hospital setting. Throughout her career, she has specialized in working with adolescents and has had the opportunity to work closely on interdisciplinary teams alongside psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, pediatricians, and advanced practice nurses, supporting school-age children and adolescents with complex communication, learning, and mental health needs. Show Notes: Contact Kary on her website: Woven Language + Learning Love Money: National Alliance on Mental Illness