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First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP
First Bite is your go-to resource for all things pediatric speech therapy–covering pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation, AAC, early language acquisition, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, the podcast brings functional, evidence-based insights straight to clinicians serving little ones and their caregivers. Whether you’re a student, seasoned practitioner, researcher, or interprofessional partner, First Bite invites you to listen, learn, and grow alongside a supportive community. Gain the confidence to take whatever “first bite” comes next in your clinical practice–one heartfelt and tea-fueled conversation at a time. Hosted by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP–bestselling author of "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders," joyful boy mom, and early intervention specialist–First Bite explores the latest research, clinical strategies, and lived experiences shaping pediatric speech therapy today.
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- 3 days ago1h 6m
Growing Great SLPs: The Heart of Clinical Supervision
Encouragement, perspective, and practical guidance for taking that first step to becoming a clinical supervisor.Guest: Katherine Mendez, MA, CCC-SLP, and Justine Springs, MA, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Katherine Mendez, MA, CCC-SLP, and Justine Springs, MA, CCC-SLP, from the University of Memphis to talk about the heart of clinical supervision and the important role supervisors play in shaping the next generation of speech-language pathologists. With honesty and humor, Katherine and Justine share what keeps them coming back to supervision year after year, the qualities that help make a great clinical educator, and how they navigate some of the challenging moments that come with supporting student clinicians.About the Guests: Justine Springs is a clinical instructor and former Co-Director of Clinical Education at the University of Memphis. Having held multiple positions at the university, she has always enjoyed working as a clinical educator. She has eight years of clinical supervision experience. Her passion lies in working clinically with graduate students and seeing their growth alongside the aphasia patients they serve together.Katherine Mendez is Co-Director of Clinical Education in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Memphis. Her clinical work focused on language, literacy, and executive function, but she is also passionate about clinician education. She began serving as a clinical educator as soon as she was eligible to after completing her CF, and she is now in her 12th year of supervising students. In her current role, she supports clinical faculty and off-site clinical educators in their efforts to provide high-quality, enriching, and inspiring clinical education experiences.Show Notes:Supervision in Practice CoursesAnderson J. L. (1988). The supervisory process in speech language pathology and audiology. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.Clinical Supervision in Speech-Language Pathology. (2026). ASHAWeb. https://www.asha.org/policy/tr2008-00296/McCrea, E.S. & Brasseur, J.A. (2019). The Clinical Education and Supervisory Process in Speech-Language Pathology.O’Connor, L. (2008). A Look at Supervision in the 21st Century. The ASHA Leader, 13(5), 14–18. https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.ftr2.13052008.14Supervision. (2026). ASHAWeb. https://www.asha.org/practice/supervision/Love Money Cause: University of Memphis NSSLHA
- 5 days ago1h 6m
Bridging the Gap: The Heart of Educational Audiology Collaboration
Strengthening collaboration to improve access, connection, and opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.Guests: Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A, Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, and Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-AEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this live episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, celebrates Educational Audiology Week with Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A, Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, and Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-A, for a joyful conversation about the power of collaboration in supporting children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Together, they explore how educational audiologists, SLPs, early intervention providers, educators, and families can work together to create strong, supportive pathways as children transition across settings.About the Guests: Dr. Tena McNamara is the coordinator of the Cultural and Informational Hearing Center in Peoria, IL. She retired as an associate professor from the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department at Eastern Illinois University and as an educational audiologist with the Special Education Association of Peoria County. She has been a practicing audiologist for over 40 years and has held dual certification in speech-language pathology for 33 years.Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, is an educational audiologist at the University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She is a contracted services provider for the Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, which serves deaf and hard of hearing students in a center-based program. She coordinates Educational Audiology Awareness Week for the Educational Audiology Association.Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-A, is the Implantable Device Program Coordinator at the University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She provides comprehensive audiological care for children who use cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing devices.Show Notes:Educational Audiology Association: www.edaud.orgPractice Standards & ResourcesIEPs, 504s & School LawEarly Hearing Detection & Intervention Pediatric Audiology Links to ServicesAmerican Board of Audiology: Certificate Holder—Educational Audiology® (CH-EdAud)www.infanthearing.orgLove Money Cause: Support EAA
- 2 weeks ago1h 28m
The Bad Lunch Myth: Bias and Equity in School Feeding with Lily Glasgo
A conversation examining the intersection of systems, bias, and clinical practice to promote equitable feeding experiences for all students.Guest: Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/LEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn 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 HealthBooks:The Astral Library by Kate Quinn Feeding Tubes and Crushing on Dudes by Hannah SetzerLove Money Cause: Spoon Foundation
- 3 weeks ago1h 9m
Finding Your Niche in Feeding Therapy and Building a Private Practice with Jean Hawney
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, CLCEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn 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 DisabilitiesContact Jean: IG: @littleaters_talkers Website: thelittleeaters.comLove Money Cause: Hope for Minds
- 4 weeks ago1h 9m
Beyond “Won’t”: Trauma, Regulation, and Collaborative Care
Trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration to better support children and families.Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/LEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn 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 LinkedInShow 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.orgReferences: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.
- Sep 22, 20261h 23m
The Confident EI SLP: Feeding, Coaching, and Real-Life Care with Margaryta Kuzmin
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-BEEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn 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 BoardsResources: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 PracticeLove Money: 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness
- Sep 15, 20261h 24m
Busting Concussion Myths: What SLPs Need to Know
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, PhDEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn 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
- Sep 8, 20261h 11m
Finding Your Voice: Advocacy and PFD in Schools with Mary Dooher
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 PDWatch on YouTubeIn 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 SchoolsGo Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the SchoolsASHA Voices: Engaging With Teacher Unions and Education Associations in Schools
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About First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights
First Bite is your go-to resource for all things pediatric speech therapy–covering pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation, AAC, early language acquisition, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, the podcast brings functional, evidence-based insights straight to clinicians serving little ones and their caregivers. Whether you’re a student, seasoned practitioner, researcher, or interprofessional partner, First Bite invites you to listen, learn, and grow alongside a supportive community. Gain the confidence to take whatever “first bite” comes next in your clinical practice–one heartfelt and tea-fueled conversation at a time. Hosted by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP–bestselling author of "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders," joyful boy mom, and early intervention specialist–First Bite explores the latest research, clinical strategies, and lived experiences shaping pediatric speech therapy today.
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