The Holistic Speech Path Podcast

Fatima Hassan and Megan Harcourt
  • 5.0 (11)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

In a rapidly evolving world, we began to challenge ourselves and the traditional norms of speech and language therapy, recognizing that it was no longer meeting the diverse needs of our clients. This podcast is about moving beyond conventional medical models. We explore holistic, whole-child approaches while listening to and trusting each family’s lived experience. 

  1. APR 8

    Pelvic Floor Health: Dr. Sabrina Baxter

    Dr. Sabrina Baxter is a pelvic floor physical therapist and birth doula in South Florida. She is the founder of Floor Friendly, a pelvic health practice focused on helping women through chronic pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, pregnancy, postpartum recovery. Dr. Baxter blends her clinical PT expertise with strength training and education to help women feel strong, supported, and confident in their bodies.  This conversation explores pelvic floor anatomy and functions, signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and most especially the role of pelvic health in fertility and pregnancy. Dr. Baxter uses a holistic approaches to support pelvic pain and endometriosis and shares in depth the importance of cycle awareness and self-care.  In her practice, she combines hands-on body work and therapeutic exercise to restore posture, build strength and provide her clients with long-lasting results and relief.  Floor Friendly : https://www.drsabrinabaxter.com/pelvic-pt Instagram: @floorfriendly @drsabrinabaxter

    44 min

  2. MAR 31

    Whole-Body Apraxia and Spelling: Dr. Dana Johnson

    Dr. Dana Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, is the Founder of Spellers Center Tampa and Spellers Center Atlanta, the Founder of Invictus Academy Tampa Bay, and the co-founder of the Spellers Method™. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a PhD in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Development.  Dr. Johnson is a producer of the award-winning documentary SPELLERS, executive producer of UNDERESTIMATED: The Heroic Rise of Nonspeaking Spellers, and co-author of The Spellers Guidebook: Practical Advice for Parents and Students. She also serves on the Medical Science and Advisory Board for Documenting Hope. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Johnson specializes in helping individuals with autism, apraxia, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities develop intentional motor skills and improve their overall health. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that these individuals are capable, intelligent, and deserving of the support needed to unlock their full potential. As she shares, whole-body apraxia  is consistently inconsistent. This episode is will help any professional who is look to reframe or shift their mindset as a good starting point in better understanding our non-speakers, whole-body apraxia as well as presuming competence.  Connect with Dr. Dana Johnson on You Tube, Instagram, X and Facebook.  https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellers.com/tampa CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dana Johnson 02:09 Dr. Johnson's Journey in Occupational Therapy 04:49 The Shift to Whole Body Apraxia 10:22 Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection 14:10 Presuming Competence in Clients 17:38 Practical Strategies for Therapists 26:20 Managing Expectations with Whole Body Apraxia 27:36 Mindset Shifts in Therapy 32:37 The Role of Parents in Advocacy 36:59 Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation 43:22 Challenging Traditional Testing Methods 51:33 The Importance of Vision in Motor Planning

    1h 9m

  3. MAR 18

    Unlocking Airway Health: A Conversation with Dr. Svitlana Koval

    In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Svitlana Koval shares her journey into airway-focused orthodontics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the airway in relation to orthodontic treatment. She discusses the impact of sleep disordered breathing with children and adults, the significance of oral anatomy in speech therapy, and the role of the oral microbiome. Dr. Koval also explains innovative procedures like MARPE (Miniscrew-assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) highlighting their benefits for airway health and overall well-being. The discussion underscores the need for an interdisciplinary approach in treatment, guiding parents on how to seek the best support for their children and how fundamental it is to assess a child's airway when symptoms arise.  Website: https://www.drssk.com/ Instagram: @drsvitlanakoval YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drsvitlanakoval 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Svitlana Koval 02:33 The Journey to Airway-Focused Orthodontics 06:26 Understanding Airway and Orthodontics 11:05 The Impact of Sleep Disordered Breathing 15:52 Anatomy and Oral Motor Observations 20:30 The Role of Mouth Breathing in Oral Health 24:58 MARPE and Palatal Expansion Procedures 32:28 Posture and Airway Treatment 36:22 Finding the Right Support for Airway Issues

    45 min

  4. MAR 17

    Presuming Competence: Austin Moore's Journey

    In this episode of the Holistic Speech Path podcast, we welcome Austin Moore, a spelling coach based in Atlanta who shares his journey into the world of spelling and communication for non-speakers. An absolute brilliant mind with a big heart, Austin discusses the importance of presuming competence, the challenges faced by practitioners, and the various methodologies available for teaching spelling. The conversation delves into the brain-body disconnect, gestalt language processing, and the transformative power of spelling in the lives of autistic individuals.  Austin emphasizes the need for humility, trust, and community support in this field, while also looking towards the future of communication. What an inspiring conversation! Connect with Austin on social media: Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @spellingmoore https://spellingmoore.org 00:00 Introduction to Spelling and Communication 02:51 Austin's Journey into the Spelling World 05:37 The Importance of Presuming Competence 08:16 Humility and Learning in Practice 11:16 Navigating Different Methodologies 14:03 Building Communication Through Spelling 16:55 The Role of Trust and Regulation 19:29 The Journey of Non-Speakers to Communication 22:17 The Challenges and Triumphs of Spelling 25:17 Gestalt Processing and Communication Patterns 29:25 Understanding Rote Speech and Communication Challenges 31:56 The Complexity of Sensory Processing and Communication 35:56 The Importance of Presuming Competence 40:10 Empathy and Understanding in Communication 42:42 Personal Stories and Transformative Experiences 46:14 Analogies for Understanding Communication Barriers 51:23 Neuroplasticity and Building Communication Pathways

    1h 3m

  5. MAR 11

    Reflex Therapy from a Visual Perspective: Dr. Pauline Buck

    Dr. Pauline K. Buck, O.D., FOVDR, is a fellowship trained optometrist with the OVDRA.  Dr. Buck developed and is the optometric director of Dr Buck Vision, in Miami, Florida. The clinic focuses on improving the efficiency of the visual system in individuals of all ages, from children with visually based learning dysfunction to teens with concussion to post stroke adults. Dr. Buck utilizes tried and true vision therapy technologies and techniques and has been known to occasionally create her own.  However, her strength is in the collaborative way she works with allied health professionals, teachers, and tutors. Her relationships with these professionals and their numerous information exchanges over the years has cultivated an awareness and understanding of how vision and the therapeutic disciplines of occupational, physical and speech therapy complement each other for improved patient outcomes.   There is a big difference in vision "can I see" and vision as in "how are the eyes behaving." In this episode, Dr. Buck discusses numerous paradigm shifts that helped her recreate her visual pyramid and hierarchy of support in partnering with OT's, functional medicine doctors and other professionals. Vision is related to brain growth and development, sensory, motor, speech and other functions in the body. This is a hugely insightful episode and visual behavior must be taken into consideration as you look at the "whole-child." Dr. Pauline Buck: https://www.drbuckvision.com/  Note: since recording the workshop took place.

    47 min

  6. MAR 10

    We are back! Season 2 updates

    Welcome back to Season 2 of The Holistic Speech Path Podcast. HSP has been on our hearts and minds for the last 8 months as we took a break to recalibrate and focus on our health, shifting our clinical work and taking the time needed to make sure we are in full alignment. We have some incredible guests this season and will be further exploring airway health, vision and visual behavior, spelling and supporting non-speakers, pelvic floor health, motor planning from an OT lens and so much more. We are in deep gratitude that you chose to share your attention and time with us. HSP is our contribution to the collective so that we can all grow and learn together.

    18 min

  7. 06/18/2025

    Autism to Awesomism with Suzy Miller

    Suzy Miller is a pioneer in the field of Speech-Language Pathology having been one of the very first SLP's to understand the depth and magnitude of energy and vibration in working with autistic children. Her experience in becoming multi-dimensional from a spiritual level is mind-blowing and has paved and continues to pave the way in allowing for us to truly understand what unconditional love and understanding is in working with autistic children. To truly listen to what they are conveying to us and the collective.  Suzy is a visionary speaker, author, telepathic communicator, multidimensional seer and integration specialist. She began her life’s work after a child diagnosed with autism requested that she integrate his light body with the physical body so that he could function more fully here. Her success with his integration and many thousands of others with a similar request has encouraged her to use her skills to support anyone seeking to more fully express the essence of their true nature. A former Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, with a Master’s Degree in Education, Suzy has collaborated with professionals in a variety of fields from psychology, social work, mainstream education and medicine to leading edge scientists, metaphysicians, healers and new thought leaders. A lifelong student of consciousness, Suzy has personally facilitated the growth and mastery of hundreds of Awesomism practitioners and thousands of private clients worldwide. She supports the integration of unintegrated aspects of Self through private sessions, courses, workshops, articles, speaking engagements, and live events! She specializes in the integration of autism, childhood traumas and heightened spiritual experiences.  Suzy's website which hosts a plethora of resources and information, monthly offerings and her enlightening newsletter: https://suzymiller.com Suzy's brilliant must-read book Awesomism can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/AWESOMISM-New-Understand-Diagnosis-Autism/dp/1440102856

    53 min

  8. 06/05/2025

    Money Mindset as an SLP and Making a Shift with Cleo Matlou

    Most SLP's are not paid enough in comparison to the heavy work loads they carry. We are often taught to practice from a  "lack mindset" instead of an "abundance mindset" with money and to function from a personal and professional lens of do more for less. A shift is urgently necessary to help avoid burnout. While there is always a need for advocacy, the truth is, a holistic mindset toward your relationship with money starts with YOU. All roads and paths will lead back to "self."  Our conversation with Cleo Matlou, a Money Mindset Coach was expansive and very empowering. She shares some foundational ways to make the necessary shift toward creating more capacity to receive wealth and abundance in your business, career and life. We speak about how many SLP's have subconscious beliefs that are controlling their internal narrative holding them back to try something new or reach their full alignment with their own unique footprint. Entrepreneurship is far from easy but keeping in mind the importance of "impact" and "income" can help set you up for success.  Website: https://www.womenaboutfinance.com/about Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/cleo-matlou Instagram: @cleo_matlou

    50 min
See All (18)

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

In a rapidly evolving world, we began to challenge ourselves and the traditional norms of speech and language therapy, recognizing that it was no longer meeting the diverse needs of our clients. This podcast is about moving beyond conventional medical models. We explore holistic, whole-child approaches while listening to and trusting each family’s lived experience. 

Information

  • Creator
    Fatima Hassan and Megan Harcourt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Holistic Speech Path Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Holistic Speech Path Podcast

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