Beyond The Caseload Podcast

Beyond the Caseload
  • 4.6 (8)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Beyond the Caseload is a podcast from Progressive Pediatric Therapy that explores the real work of pediatric therapy beyond schedules and paperwork. Through honest conversations with therapists and professionals in the field, the show shares stories from life in the clinic, insights on child development, and perspectives on supporting families and building meaningful careers. With multiple series, including a Wellness Series for families, the podcast offers practical guidance, real experiences, and a closer look at pediatric therapy in practice.

  1. 3d ago

    AAC Explained: Giving Every Child a Voice Through Augmentative & Alternative Communication

    When families hear the term AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), they often think of a speech-generating device or worry that using AAC will prevent their child from ever talking. The truth is, AAC is so much more than a device and the research tells a very different story. In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Gabrielle sits down with Kara, Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist at Progressive Pediatric Therapy, to break down what AAC really is, who can benefit from it, and why communication is about so much more than spoken words. Together, they discuss the many forms of AAC, from simple gestures and picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices and explain how these tools help children communicate, reduce frustration, build confidence, and increase independence. In this episode, you'll learn:- What AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) actually is- The difference between augmentative and alternative communication- Why AAC does not prevent children from developing spoken language- Which children may benefit from AAC: including children with autism, apraxia of speech, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, and more- Common signs that a child may benefit from an AAC evaluation- The difference between low-tech and high-tech AAC systems- What families can expect during an AAC evaluation- How AAC is introduced and used across home, school, therapy, and everyday life- The biggest misconceptions about AAC—and what the research actually shows- The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of giving children a reliable way to communicate Whether you're a parent wondering if AAC might be right for your child, an educator supporting students with communication needs, or a pediatric provider looking to better understand AAC, this episode offers practical guidance, evidence-based information, and reassurance that every child deserves a way to express themselves. Guest:• Kara – Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Progressive Pediatric Therapy If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Beyond the Caseload, leave a review, and share it with another parent, caregiver, educator, therapist, or pediatric provider. Because every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, connect, and be heard. 💙

  2. Aug 11

    Water Safety & Aquatic Therapy: How the Pool Can Help Children Grow, Learn & Thrive

    As summer approaches and families spend more time at pools, beaches, splash pads, and swim lessons, water becomes a central part of childhood. While it offers incredible opportunities for fun and development, it also comes with important safety considerations. In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Gabrielle sits down with Alyssa, Pediatric Physical Therapist and Aquatic Therapy Clinician at Progressive Pediatric Therapy, to explore the powerful role water can play in both therapy and child development. Together, they discuss how aquatic therapy goes far beyond swim lessons, helping children build strength, coordination, confidence, communication, sensory regulation, and functional skills in a fun, motivating environment. They also share critical water safety information every family should know, especially for children with developmental differences. In this episode, you'll learn:- What aquatic therapy is—and how it's different from traditional swim lessons- Which children and diagnoses can benefit from aquatic physical, occupational, and speech therapy- How water supports strength, balance, coordination, endurance, mobility, and motor planning- Why aquatic therapy can be especially beneficial for children with autism and sensory processing differences- The sensory, emotional, and confidence-building benefits of therapy in the pool- Essential water safety tips every family should know before heading to the pool this summer- Why children with autism are at a higher risk for drowning and how families can help prevent water-related accidents- What to expect during an aquatic therapy session and how to know if it's the right fit for your child Whether you're a parent preparing for summer, a therapist, educator, or pediatric provider, this episode offers practical guidance on helping children stay safe while making the most of the therapeutic benefits that water can provide. Guest:• Alyssa – Pediatric Physical Therapist & Aquatic Therapy Clinician, Progressive Pediatric Therapy If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Beyond the Caseload, leave a review, and share it with another parent, caregiver, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider. A little awareness around water safety and the right therapeutic support can make a lasting difference for children and their families!

  3. Aug 4

    Screen Time, School Readiness & Smoother Mornings: What Every Parent Should Know

    Morning routines can be hectic and for many families, screens have become an easy way to get everyone out the door. But what happens when it's time to put the tablet away and walk into the classroom? In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Your Host Gabrielle is joined by Regina DeCanto, M.S., CCC-SLP, Rehabilitation Director at Progressive Pediatric Therapy, along with Amber Franchiser, Owner of Primrose School of Tradition, and Ashley, School Director at Primrose, for an honest conversation about how screen time can impact children's transitions into school. Together, they discuss what educators and therapists are seeing in today's classrooms, why morning screen use can make transitions more difficult, and practical, realistic alternatives that help children arrive at school ready to learn, connect, and succeed. In this episode, you'll learn:- Why putting screens away before school can be so challenging for young children- How excessive screen time affects attention, emotional regulation, creativity, and social skills- What teachers are seeing during morning drop-off and classroom transitions- Simple alternatives to tablets and phones during morning routines and car rides - How families can reduce screen dependence without guilt or unrealistic expectations- Why connection, conversation, movement, and play are some of the most powerful tools for school readiness Whether you're a parent navigating busy mornings, an educator supporting young learners, or a pediatric provider working with families, this episode offers practical strategies to help children build independence, confidence, and stronger transitions into the school day. Guests:• Regina DeCanto, M.S., CCC-SLP – Rehabilitation Director & Speech-Language Pathologist, Progressive Pediatric Therapy• Amber Franchiser – Owner, Primrose School of Tradition• Ashley – School Director, Primrose School of Tradition If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Beyond the Caseload, leave a review, and share this conversation with another parent, teacher, or healthcare provider. Small changes in daily routines can make a lasting impact on a child's success in school and beyond.

  4. Jul 28

    The First Year Of A Therapist

    In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Tara sits down with Ms. Rissa, a CFY in our Lake Worth Clinic, for a real look at The First Year of a Therapist, from student life to stepping fully into the clinician role. Rissa shares how she balanced being an intern while working as an SLPA, what her ramp-up and onboarding actually looked like, and how weekly mentorship, admin support, and built-in documentation time helped her build confidence without feeling thrown into the deep end. She also reflects on the moment the “training wheels” came off, administering assessments independently as a CF and why it still felt like a natural next step because of the preparation she received. You’ll hear about: How PPT structured a schedule to support internship + SLPA hours What a realistic caseload ramp-up looks like in private practice Weekly supervision check-ins + mentorship support The role of admin teams in scheduling, communication, and last-minute changes Using doc time effectively for notes and evaluations The most rewarding moments of year one (hello, first words + milestone wins!) Advice for brand-new clinicians: stay open, collaborate, and find your people Whether you’re a student, SLPA, CF, or new grad thinking about private practice, this episode is a reminder that growth happens quietly until one day you look back and realize how far you’ve come. Sponsored by Galileo for Kids, a science-backed whole body vibration solution supporting strength, balance, and meaningful progress in pediatric therapy. Follow Beyond the Caseload so you never miss an episode and share this one with a new grad who needs the encouragement.

  5. Jul 21

    Growth with Intention in Pediatric Therapy

    What does “growth” really mean in pediatric therapy and how do you scale without losing quality, culture, or clinician well-being? In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Tara and Regina sit down with Aimee Brueck - CEO of Progressive Pediatric Therapy, physical therapist, and founder of PPT4Ed, for an honest conversation about growth and innovation with intention. Aimee breaks down how PPT defines growth beyond just “more patients” or “more clinics,” and shares what it takes to stay mission-driven while navigating Florida’s workforce shortage and the rising demand for pediatric developmental and behavioral support. In this episode, you’ll hear: What intentional growth looks like after 15 years as a practice How PPT protects clinical quality while expanding services and systems Why education is central to retention, burnout prevention, and better care How clinical ladders (feeding, AAC, equipment/wheelchair support) support specialization and excellence Where AI fits into the future of pediatric therapy—and why PPT is taking “slow and steady” steps How leadership communicates change, builds buy-in, and stays solution-oriented How wellness programs help families in the “gray area” and support prevention, not just intervention If you’re a therapist, student, clinic leader, or parent curious about how a practice grows while staying grounded in values this episode is your behind-the-scenes look. Sponsored by Galileo for Kids, a science-backed whole body vibration solution supporting strength, balance, and meaningful progress in pediatric therapy. Follow Beyond the Caseload so you never miss an episode, and we’ll see you next time.

  6. Jul 14

    The Wellness Series: Social Emotional Wellness

    Welcome back to Beyond the Caseload: The Wellness Series, the space where we help families and pediatric providers understand what’s typical, what’s a variation of normal, and when a wellness visit can offer simple, effective support without jumping straight into an evaluation. Today’s topic? Social-Emotional Development. The big feelings.The meltdowns.The bedtime battles.The impossible transitions. Parents often say: “He melts down anytime something changes.” “Bedtime is a battle every single night.” “She gets overwhelmed so easily.” “Once he’s upset, he just can’t calm down.” And pediatricians see these same gray-area concerns during well visits all the time. The truth? Many of these challenges are developmentally typical, especially in toddlers and preschoolers. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t exhausting. In this episode, host Gabrielle is joined by Ms. Romie, a seasoned pediatric OT specializing in early childhood regulation, routines, sensory processing, and parent coaching. Together, they discuss: What typical emotional development looks like from ages 1–5 Why big feelings and tantrums are actually part of brain development Common behaviors that feel alarming but are normal variations True red flags families and pediatricians should watch for Why predictable routines calm the nervous system The power of co-regulation and sensory support What a Social-Emotional Wellness Visit is and how it differs from behavioral therapy Simple, practical strategies parents can start tonight You’ll walk away with clarity, reassurance, and small shifts that can make routines calmer and transitions smoother. If you're a parent navigating big emotions, you're not doing anything wrong, and you're definitely not alone. If you're a pediatric provider, Social-Emotional Wellness Visits offer families an early, compassionate pathway for support before concerns escalate. To learn more or schedule a visit, head to ppt4kids.com. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you next time on Beyond the Caseload.

  7. Jul 7

    Office Team Spotlight

    Behind every therapy session, there’s a team quietly making it all possible. In this episode of Beyond the Caseload, Tara sits down with Casey and Leora, two of the powerhouse office managers who keep Progressive Pediatric Therapy running smoothly behind the scenes. From insurance verifications and authorizations to scheduling, referrals, and navigating tough conversations with families, they share what it really takes to keep a busy pediatric therapy clinic functioning day to day. In this episode, you’ll hear: • The funniest (and most surprising) phone calls they’ve ever received• The biggest misconceptions families have about therapy appointments• What they explain every single day (hello, deductibles)• The reality of multitasking in a fast-paced front office• Where communication breakdowns happen — and how they fix them• Their honest thoughts on cancellation policies• Rapid-fire answers about schedule changes, angry parents vs. therapists, and coffee vs. energy drinks Most importantly, they share what they love most: building relationships with families, helping parents feel supported, and matching children with the right therapist. If you’ve ever wondered what happens before your child walks into their session or what it takes to keep a therapy practice organized, fair, and running on time, this episode shines a light on the team that prevents problems before they ever reach the therapy room. Sponsored by Galileo for Kids, supporting strength, balance, and meaningful progress in pediatric therapy. Follow the show and join us next time as we continue going beyond the caseload.

  8. Jun 30

    Wellness Series: Bilingual Language Development

    Welcome back to Beyond the Caseload: The Wellness Series the space where we help families and pediatric providers understand what’s typical, what’s a variation of normal, and when a wellness visit can be helpful before things get stressful. Today we’re talking about bilingual language development, a topic that comes up in both pediatric well visits and therapy conversations. Parents often ask: “Will two languages confuse my child?” “Is it bad if they mix languages?” “Should we just stick to English?” And pediatricians are often navigating those same questions in the exam room sometimes without clear, research-backed language to reassure families. In this episode, our goal is simple:We want to explain what’s expected in bilingual development, what’s actually very normal, and when a Bilingual Language Wellness Visit can offer guidance, without jumping straight into a speech evaluation. Host Ms. Gabrielle is joined by two of Progressive Pediatric Therapy’s Speech-Language Pathologists: Ms. Jen, Clinical Manager of the Speech Department (Boca Raton), specializing in bilingualism, AAC, apraxia, and feeding Ms. Margie, Director of the Lake Worth clinic, with 20+ years of experience supporting bilingual families, AAC users, and feeding needs Together, they break down: Why bilingualism is often incorrectly blamed for delays What research actually shows about learning two (or more) languages Typical bilingual milestones from infancy through preschool Why code-switching and language mixing are normal, and often a good sign What looks concerning but is actually common (like the “silent period”) True red flags pediatricians should watch for in any language Quick screening questions and phrases providers can use in well visits What a Bilingual Language Wellness Visit is, who it’s for, and how it differs from a formal speech evaluation Simple, realistic strategies families can use at home to support both languages without pressure If you’re a parent looking for reassurance or a pediatric provider wanting clearer language around bilingual development this episode is designed to bring clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. To learn more or schedule a Bilingual Language Wellness Visit, visit ppt4kids.com.

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4.6
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Beyond the Caseload is a podcast from Progressive Pediatric Therapy that explores the real work of pediatric therapy beyond schedules and paperwork. Through honest conversations with therapists and professionals in the field, the show shares stories from life in the clinic, insights on child development, and perspectives on supporting families and building meaningful careers. With multiple series, including a Wellness Series for families, the podcast offers practical guidance, real experiences, and a closer look at pediatric therapy in practice.

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond the Caseload
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Beyond the Caseload
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Caseload Podcast