First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

Speech Therapy PD
  • 4.7 (215)
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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. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, allowing you to earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for each episode. For select episodes, colleagues with their CLC can earn CERPs. Visit speechtherapypd.com to learn more. See Michelle's book at: amazon.com/Chasing-Swallow-Pediatric-Swallowing-Disorders/dp/B095WW2H5X

  1. The PFD DAISI: Dynamic Approach to Impacts and Social Integration

    3D AGO

    The PFD DAISI: Dynamic Approach to Impacts and Social Integration

    This innovative tool is sure to support both your clinical heart and your practice as it grows. Guest: Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP and Helen Cohen, BA, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE Empowering Providers PFD series This episode of First Bite features Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, kicking off PFD and ARFID Awareness Month with Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP, and her graduate student, Helen Cohen, BA, CLC, for an in-depth look at the PFD DAISI. Meg and Helen explain how the six DAISI factors, represented by the flower's petals, guide feeding assessment and treatment. They then dive into the four Social Spheres at the flower’s core, highlighting their influence on a child’s mealtime journey. They share practical tips for using the PFD DAISI in clinical practice, helping SLPs take a holistic, dynamic approach to pediatric feeding care. About the Guests: Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a clinician-scientist specializing in infant and child feeding, growth, and care delivery innovation. She serves as a research scientist in the Division of General Academic Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a speech-language pathologist, and Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Helen Cohen, BA, CLC, is a graduate student at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology with a concentration in Medical Speech Pathology. Alongside her academic work, she serves as a research assistant at the University of Rhode Island, conducting research on Pediatric Feeding Disorder, Family Centered Care, and Implementation Science. Show Notes: Contact Meg and Helen on LinkedIn Download the PFD DAISI Feeding Innovation Lab: @feedinginnovationlab on Instagram Dr Brown’s Bottles Dysphagia Outreach Project FindHelp.org The Feeding Flock Feeding Matters Love Money: Support URISSHLA

    1h 22m
  2. Strategies for Successful Supervision with Alice L. Williams

    APR 28

    Strategies for Successful Supervision with Alice L. Williams

    Approach supervision with greater clarity, intention, and sustainability. Guest: Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE 5 part PFD Series, April 30-May 28 This course meets ASHA's Supervision PD requirement. In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA, creator of The SLPA Network, to explore the real challenges SLPs face when stepping into supervisory roles, including limited training and the constant pull between clinical responsibilities and mentorship. Alice breaks down how supervision requirements vary widely across states and settings, while highlighting the core principles that make supervision effective no matter where you practice. The discussion centers on "empowered supervision" as a way to build clinician confidence, strengthen professional identity, and support better outcomes for those we serve. About the Guests: Alice L. Williams, B.A., SLPA, is the creator of The SLPA Network and an experienced speech-language pathology assistant with over seven years in pediatric settings. Her work centers on professional identity, empowered supervision, and sustainable collaboration between SLPs and support personnel. Alice develops educational and leadership resources that support ethical practice, reduce burnout, and strengthen interdisciplinary teams across school-based, medical, and private-practice environments. Show Notes: Contact Alice: @speechwith_msalice and @the.slpa.network on Instagram SLPA Network Alice’s Course: Foundations of Effective Supervision Get 10% with the code: LEAD10 (Valid through 12/31/26) If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee Love Money: Faith Christian Center Cross The Street Fund

    1h 9m
  3. Autism, GI, and Pediatric Feeding Disorder with Leena Sayed

    APR 21

    Autism, GI, and Pediatric Feeding Disorder with Leena Sayed

    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

    1h 11m
  4. Trauma and PFD Part 2: Evaluations and Treatment with Lauren Thompson

    APR 14

    Trauma and PFD Part 2: Evaluations and Treatment with Lauren Thompson

    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

    1h 32m
  5. Infant Feeding: All Things Bottles, GIGER, and Allergies with Britt Pados

    APR 7

    Infant Feeding: All Things Bottles, GIGER, and Allergies with Britt Pados

    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

    1h 9m
  6. Embracing the Joy of Being a SLP "Jill of All Trades" with Emily Bromer

    MAR 31

    Embracing the Joy of Being a SLP "Jill of All Trades" with Emily Bromer

    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

    1h 5m
  7. Mind Maps and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)

    MAR 24

    Mind Maps and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)

    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

    1h 14m
  8. How to Mentor a Healthy Professional Identity in Future SLPs

    MAR 17

    How to Mentor a Healthy Professional Identity in Future SLPs

    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

    1h 15m
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4.7
out of 5
215 Ratings

About

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. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, allowing you to earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for each episode. For select episodes, colleagues with their CLC can earn CERPs. Visit speechtherapypd.com to learn more. See Michelle's book at: amazon.com/Chasing-Swallow-Pediatric-Swallowing-Disorders/dp/B095WW2H5X

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