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–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 0.1 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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    Allyship and Advocacy in PFD with Tracy Camille Johnson

    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

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    Population Health for the Pediatric SLP

    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: 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 This Podcast is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the course on speechtherapypd.com.

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    The Future of SLH Profession with Vicki Deal-Williams and Perry Flynn (ASHA Leadership)

    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.

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    PFD and University of Tennessee

    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: 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 This Podcast is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the course on speechtherapypd.com.

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    Embracing Lived Experiences for ARFID with Rachel Conrad

    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: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast This Podcast is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the 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.

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    Insight into PTs and Feeding in the NICU with Kathryn Knudsen

    Guest: Kathryn (Kati) C. R. Knudsen, PT, MPT, CNT, PCS, DCS, CLE Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pts-and-feeding-in-the-nicu Did you know Physical Therapists can play a vital role in feeding and PO readiness in the NICU? They sure can! If you’re curious about the unique expertise they bring to the table, this episode is for you. Join Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, as she chats with Kathryn C. R. Knudsen, PT, MPT, CNT, PCS, DCS, CLE—affectionately known as “Kati”—a NICU PT with more than 25 years of experience. Kati shares her journey into neonatal care, explores the specialized training PTs receive to support oral readiness, and offers insight into how they help caregivers who are learning to chest feed or bottle feed their little ones. You’ll also hear about the effects of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) on feeding development and how collaborative care between SLPs and PTs can make a real difference. This episode is a powerful example of interprofessional teamwork, with the shared goal of helping babies and caregivers thrive. Show Notes: Find Local Assistance: https://www.findhelp.org "Welcome to Holland" Poem: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland About the Guest: Kati Knudsen has practiced as a pediatric physical therapist since 1996 and as a therapist in the NICU since 1999. Kati served as lead therapist for two NICUs at sister hospitals in Portland, Oregon for 10 years, and continues to work per diem for these hospitals while serving as an account manager for Dr. Brown’s Medical. She has obtained certifications in neonatal therapy, pediatric physical therapy, lactation education, neurodevelopmental treatment, infant massage, developmental care, and transportation of children with special needs to better support infants and families. Kati has published articles about support for preterm and medically fragile infants and spoken nationally and internationally on improving the care of infants in the NICU. Kati serves as the therapy representative on the Vermont Oxford Network Multidisciplinary Advisory Council and is a founding member, past co-chair, and past treasurer of the Neonatal Therapy Certification Board. Kati saw patients in NICU follow-up clinic for more than 25 years where she also helped to redesign care to make it more accessible to families. Kati’s overall goal with her professional activities is to support improved long-term outcomes for medically fragile infants and their families. Follow First Bite: https://linktr.ee/FirstBitePodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1571047e-c5cf-4d4a-8cc6-08ec5871aeb5 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36kfA1xbU156vHPilALVoJ?si=c187e347d3984b45 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-bite/id1399630680 Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast This Podcast is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the 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.

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    #BlackSLPMagic: Paving the Way for the Future

    Guests: Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/cours... If you’re an advocate for creating inclusive spaces, an ally for growing diversity within our profession, and want to engage in professional networking through evidence-based empowerment, then y’all, this is the hour for you! Chelsie and Jordyn educate colleagues on “White Supremacy Culture” and how it manifests in the field of speech therapy, discuss common barriers BIPOC individuals encounter when entering the profession, and inspire us all with strategies our field can take to overcome them. Show Notes: #BlackSLPMagic: https://www.blackslpmagic.org #BlackSLPMagic Linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackslpmagic JRC the SLP: https://beacons.ai/jrc_theslp Esek Health: https://linktr.ee/EsekHealth Culturally Responsive Clinician Handbook: https://www.raynetherapy.com/thecultu... About the Guests: Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP is a highly respected, board-certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose career reflects both academic excellence and an unwavering dedication to healthcare equity. A proud Magna Cum Laude graduate of Howard University with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Chelsie has devoted her expertise primarily to acute care, where she champions improved access, outcomes, and advocacy for underserved communities. Jordyn R. Montique, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and the owner of RAYNE Therapy, a private practice providing therapy for clients, school contracting, and professional development hours (PDHs). She is the author of The Culturally Responsive Clinician Handbook and the creator of JRCtheSLP, LLC, where she speaks, consults, and develops diverse therapy materials. 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 This Podcast is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the course on speechtherapypd.com.

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    The Psychologist Role in Eating with Dr. Amy Talbot

    In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is joined by Dr. Amy Talbot, Director and Clinical Psychologist of the Talbot Centre in Australia, to unpack the well-established overlap between Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). For SLPs new to this area of practice, the lines between roles and responsibilities, particularly with respect to each diagnosis, can be blurry, and Dr. Talbot is here to clean it all up! If you are curious as to what the differences are between PFD and ARFID and want to learn more about how a psychologist can contribute to the care of clients with feeding-related concerns (PFD/ARFID) as part of a multidisciplinary team, then be sure to join this conversation. By the end of the hour, Amy plans to equip guests with strategies for building relationships with suitably trained or qualified psychologists as part of their referral network, aiming to grow a robust interprofessional practice team. Show Notes: Feeding Matters: https://www.feedingmatters.org Talbot Centre: https://thetalbotcentre.com.au Butterfly Foundation: https://butterfly.org.au About the Guest(s): Dr Amy Talbot (she/her) is a multi-award-winning clinical psychologist and director of The Talbot Centre, a multidisciplinary service in Sydney. Her work focuses on eating, feeding, and body image concerns, with an emphasis on neurodiversity-affirming, family-centred care. Amy is a sought-after presenter, supervisor, and researcher, known for advancing interdisciplinary approaches to complex case formulation and integrating lived experience perspectives to improve outcomes for individuals with ARFID and related feeding disorders. Follow First Bite: https://linktr.ee/FirstBitePodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36kfA1xbU156vHPilALVoJ?si=086bed1210af45d5 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-bite/id1399630680 Mentioned in this episode: This is a Speech Therapy PD Podcast This Podcast is worth 0.10 ASHA CEUs when you complete the 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.

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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–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 0.1 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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