Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs

Speech Therapy PD
  • 5.0 (13)
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Join Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, and a variety of guests for this innovative podcast combining evidence-based practice with functional tasks for patients with various communication and cognitive-linguistic disorders. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, earn 0.1 ASHA-CEU for every episode, visit speechtherapypd.com/podcasts to learn more!

  1. 5D AGO

    REWIND: Social Determinants of Mental Health with Pamela Rowe

    *****Originally Aired: August 19, 2024***** Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/social-determinants-of-mental-health-and-the-role-of-the-slp Renee is joined by Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss social determinants of mental health and their relation to speech-language pathology. Social determinants of mental health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, work, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes, as well as the risks associated with these domains. Social determinants of mental health can affect the development and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Understanding and addressing these social determinants can improve mental health outcomes as well as empower SLPs to design and implement more holistic treatment approaches. Join Renee and Pamela for an hour of impactful discussion. About the Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Clinical Director of Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, LLC, an adult and pediatric therapy practice with seven locations across Florida. Her multidisciplinary team provides Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Respiratory Therapy services to clients of all ages. Pamela is currently pursuing dual graduate degrees—a Doctor of Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health—at the University of Indianapolis. She is the co-author of *Putting Your Dreams To Work: Keys To Setting Up Your Therapy Practice* and *Start Your Engines: A Road Map to Your Clinical Fellowship Year*, both designed to guide aspiring clinicians through professional milestones. As a continuing partner with various state agencies, Pamela is passionate about helping individuals find their voice and communicate with confidence in their communities. Her work reflects a commitment to clinical excellence, public health advocacy, and empowering others through education and access.

    1h 5m

  2. FEB 5

    REWIND: Compassionate Communication Strategies with Stephanie M. Sweigart

    *****Originally Aired: April 16, 2024**** Guest: Stephanie Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/brainstorms-compassionate-communication-strategies-in-speech In this episode, Renee is joined by Stephanie to discuss compassionate communication strategies. Whether you are using these strategies in therapy, with caregivers, colleagues, or multidisciplinary teams, we can build the skills needed to enhance collaboration and innovation. What does the 4-step pathway entail? How can we, as SLPs, remain non-reactive when tough situations or conversations occur? Join Renee and Stephanie for an interactive and empowering delve into compassionate communication. About the Guest: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

    1h 3m

  3. JAN 29

    Echolalia in Adulthood with Farwa Husain

    Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/echolaliai-in-adulthood In this episode of Brainstorms, Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation on echolalia in adulthood and how Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) can support meaningful communication growth for adults with neurogenic language disorders. Together, they explore why honoring authentic, emotionally salient language matters just as much in adulthood as it does in childhood, and how echolalia can be understood as part of a functional communication system rather than something to eliminate. Farwa and Renee break down the core principles of NLA and discuss how these concepts translate beyond pediatric practice into adult neurorehab, including acute care and medically complex settings. They share practical ways SLPs can incorporate naturalistic language modeling, consider gestalt language processing, and prioritize relationship-centered communication while still addressing cognitive communication goals and therapy demands. This episode also addresses common misconceptions about echolalia in adults, how NLA can complement cognitive-communication rehabilitation, and real-world clinical examples illustrating these approaches. Whether you are new to NLA or looking to expand your adult neurorehab toolbox, this conversation offers evidence-aligned strategies to help adults reconnect with their voice using the brain’s natural learning pathways. About the Guest: Farwa is the Founder of First Phrases and the Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy, specializing in neurodiversity-affirming care and support for echolalia. She designs nationally recognized interdisciplinary programs, including the Connect and Play summer intensive, and serves as an international presenter, providing professional development training for schools and organizations. Farwa also serves as President of the Morris County Speech and Hearing Association and has been recognized as the 2024 “Clinician of the Year” by NBASLH and an “Innovator" in the field of speech language pathology by ASHA. Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com. This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com.

    1h 5m

  4. JAN 22

    Safe Social Media Use After ABI with Dr. Melissa Brunner

    Guest: Melissa Brunner, PhD, MHlthSC, CPSP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/rebuilding-social-connection In this episode of Brainstorms, host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Dr. Melissa Brunner, PhD, MHlthSC, CPSP, to explore how social media can support connection and identity rebuilding after acquired brain injury when used thoughtfully and safely. Social media has the potential to offer community, purpose, and support after ABI, but for many survivors and caregivers, it can also feel overwhelming, risky, or confusing. Renee and Dr. Brunner introduce the concept of SocialAbility and share practical, functional strategies SLPs can use to help clients navigate online spaces with greater confidence, boundaries, and self-awareness. Designed for SLPs, caregivers, and survivors alike, this conversation offers compassionate guidance and real-world approaches for using social media as a meaningful and safe bridge back to social connection. About the Guest: Dr. Melissa (Liss) Brunner, PhD, MHlthSC, CPSP, is a Senior Lecturer and certified practicing speech pathologist at the University of Sydney, Australia. She has over twenty years of experience in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication difficulties in adults, particularly working with people who have experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Her clinical research addresses the use of digital health solutions to support participation and inclusion, in particular, the complexity of issues surrounding people with ABI using social media and how they may (or may not) be addressed during their rehabilitation. She is passionate about including people with lived experience in her work and is an author of social-ABI-ity training (part of the Social Brain Toolkit project). Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com. This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com.

    1h 5m

  5. JAN 15

    The Autonomic Wildcard: Dysautonomia in Neuro Rehab with Julie A. Fechter

    Guest: Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/autonomic-wildcard In this episode, Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore dysautonomia, an often overlooked but highly impactful factor in neurorehabilitation. Autonomic dysfunction can quietly influence attention, fatigue, communication tolerance, swallowing safety, and overall engagement, showing up in therapy sessions in ways that are easy to miss or misinterpret. This conversation is especially relevant for clinicians working with adults following stroke, TBI, long COVID, and other neurologic conditions. Renee and Julie walk through common red flags, practical assessment considerations, and therapy modifications that help protect energy and support carryover. If you have ever wondered why a patient’s alertness, vital signs, or cognitive endurance seem inconsistent from session to session, this episode offers a clearer framework for understanding what may be happening and how to adapt your clinical approach with greater confidence. About the Guest: Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP, is an adult medical SLP with 15 years of experience across nearly every setting imaginable. Specializing in Parkinson’s in her home health clinical practice, Julie was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's disease. She participated in a clinical trial, which significantly deepened her understanding of the patient experience. Julie has spoken at state speech conventions in California and Louisiana, as well as for the APDA NW. Julie spends time outside of work traveling (60+ countries), baking, arguing about politics, and moderating speech Facebook groups. Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com. This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com.

    1h 5m

  6. JAN 8

    REWIND: From Grassroots to Global: The Power of Advocacy with Sucheta Kamath

    *****Originally Aired: December 26, 2024***** Guest: Sucheta Kamath, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=From-Grassroots-to-Global-The-Power-of-Advocacy-at-Every-Lev In this episode, Sucheta Kamath, MA, CCC-SLP, joins Renee to explore the advocacy journey from grassroots efforts to large-scale impact. Learn how to identify the power of local, community-based action and how it can spark change at the national and even global levels. We will discuss stories of advocates who started small and scaled their efforts, insights into building effective movements, and tips for anyone looking to make a difference in their community. This episode will empower you with the tools and motivation to drive meaningful change – wherever you are. About the Guest: Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com. This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com.

    1h 4m

  7. JAN 1

    REWIND: Virtual Reality and AI with Petra Avramovic and Sophie Brassel

    *****Originally Aired: April 24, 2025***** Guests: Petra Avramović, PhD, CPSP, MSPAA, and Sophie Brassel, PhD, MSPA-CPSP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Virtual-Reality-and-AI-in-Communication-Rehab-after-Brain-In Join host Renee Garrett as she interviews Dr. Sophie Brassel and Dr. Petra Avramović, renowned lecturers and researchers in speech pathology from the University of Sydney. This episode examines the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in speech pathology. Dr. Brassel discusses her groundbreaking research on using VR to address cognitive communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. At the same time, Dr. Avramović explores the potential and current uses of AI in supporting communication rehabilitation. The episode also offers insights into the Australian clinical education structure for speech pathologists, comparing it with the U.S. system. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of speech and language therapy! About the Guests: Dr. Sophie Brassel is a lecturer and early-career researcher in the Discipline of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. She is a certified practicing speech pathologist with extensive experience in assessing and managing adults with communication difficulties. Before joining the University of Sydney, Sophie worked as a speech pathologist in the public health system and as a research assistant on projects relating to communication recovery following traumatic brain injury. Sophie completed her PhD at the University of Sydney within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab. Her thesis explored the use of immersive virtual reality in rehabilitation for cognitive-communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. Sophie’s research examines the use of digital health technologies to support communication after acquired brain injury, while her teaching focuses on practice education for speech pathology students. Dr. Petra Avramović is a lecturer, clinical educator, early-career researcher, and certified practicing speech pathologist. Petra completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) with First Class Honours and completed her PhD within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab at the University of Sydney. She has held several roles in clinical and research settings with a variety of populations, with a particular focus on working with people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her thesis, entitled “The development and evaluation of convers-ABI-lity: an online communication partner training platform for people with traumatic brain injury”, aimed to collaboratively develop a novel multimodal communication partner training program with people with TBI and others involved in their care, and to evaluate its effectiveness and efficacy for improving conversation skills following TBI. Petra is involved in academic, clinical education, and research supervision for speech pathology students within the university. Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com. This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com.

    1h 2m

  8. 12/25/2025

    REWIND: A Faith-Based Caregiver's Journey with Megan Daubert

    *****Originally Aired: July 10, 2025***** TRIGGER WARNING: As a trauma-informed care provider, it’s essential to let you know that this episode may contain subject matter that is a trigger for some listeners. Incidents of traumatic events, injuries, and mental health issues will be discussed. Please listen with caution if these situations are a source of trauma or concern for your mental health. While our guest continues to recover from these events, please note that the content may be challenging to listen to. Guest: Megan Daubert Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/faithbased-caregiver In this heartfelt episode, Renee Garrett welcomes guest Megan Daubert. Megan shares her powerful journey as a full-time caregiver to her husband, Mike, after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that led to an anoxic brain injury. The conversation delves into the medical and emotional challenges faced, the importance of community support, and the transformative role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in rehabilitation. Megan offers valuable insights and words of encouragement for caregivers navigating similar struggles, emphasizing the significance of faith, resilience, and self-care. About the Guest: Megan Daubert lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Mike, and their three children. After nearly losing Mike in early 2024 to sudden cardiac arrest, Megan became a full-time caregiver to her husband as they work through living life with an anoxic brain injury. Megan began podcasting and sharing their journey of healing, caregiving, and dealing with life after a post-traumatic event. Megan openly aims to give a voice to the unseen struggles families face with brain injuries and encourages people to lean into their surrounding communities. Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com. This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode when you complete the accompanying course on speechtherapypd.com.

    1h 2m
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Join Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, and a variety of guests for this innovative podcast combining evidence-based practice with functional tasks for patients with various communication and cognitive-linguistic disorders. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, earn 0.1 ASHA-CEU for every episode, visit speechtherapypd.com/podcasts to learn more!

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