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First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP
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.
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- 3 days ago1h 9m
Beyond “Won’t”: Trauma, Regulation, and Collaborative Care
Trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration to better support children and families.Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/LEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L, to discuss how combining clinical perspectives can strengthen care for children with feeding challenges, sensory differences, nervous system dysregulation, and other complex needs. They consider what may be behind a child’s apparent refusal, shifting the focus from a child who “won’t” participate to one who may not yet feel safe, regulated, or supported enough to engage.About the Guests: 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 Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools.Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist, TBRI practitioner, and owner of Holistic Abilities where she is passionate about helping children and families thrive through evidence-informed, relationship-based care. She specializes in sensory processing, feeding, and supporting children to make gains in their everyday life.Contact the Guests:Lauren Thompson on LinkedInLauren’s Website: www.wellfedfeedingtherapy.comAllissa Younan on LinkedInShow Notes:Feeding MattersTrauma-sensitive DefinitionTrust‑Based Relational InterventionDr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the BrainThe Rabbit Listened by Cori DoerrfeldPediatric Feeding Disorder Consensus Definition and Conceptual Framework AB-SSD 2026 Summer Webinar Series - PediatricEmpowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding Journeys Courses:Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental traumaLove Money Cause: www.feedingmatters.orgReferences:Hockey, R., Philpott-Robinson, K., Haracz, K., & Ray, K. (2025). Trauma-informed or sensory-based practices in preschool settings: A scoping review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 72(3), e70027. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70027Purvis, K. B., Cross, D. R., Dansereau, D. F., & Parris, S. R. (2013). Trust-based relational intervention (TBRI): A systemic approach to complex developmental trauma. Child & Youth Services, 34(4), 360–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2013.859906Smith, M. L. (2021). The connected therapist: Relating through the senses. Marti Smith Seminars.Williams, M. S., & Shellenberger, S. (1994). How does your engine run? TherapyWorks.
- 1 weeks ago1h 23m
The Confident EI SLP: Feeding, Coaching, and Real-Life Care with Margaryta Kuzmin
Learn from Margaryta’s "C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T." EI SLP framework to support functional, collaborative, and family-centered intervention.Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BEEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and early intervention provider, for a joyful and empowering discussion about the many hats SLPs wear in early intervention. From feeding and dysphagia to communication, caregiver coaching, and collaboration, this episode celebrates the meaningful, real-life work happening in homes and everyday routines. Michelle and Margaryta redefine what it means to be a “confident” EI SLP, reminding us that confidence is not about knowing everything. It is about trusting your foundation, staying curious, and showing up with intention.About the Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin is a bilingual speech-language pathologist based in New York City with over 15 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and school-age children with complex communication, feeding, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, AAC, and working with medically complex populations.Show Notes:Contact Margaryta:IG: @kuzminslpLinkedInWebsite: kuzminslp.comCoursesFree Online AAC BoardsResources:American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders 2026 Summer Webinar SeriesFeeding MattersFamily Guided Routies Based InterventionHealthyChildren.orgIDDSIGo Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the SchoolsGuide to Supporting Pediatric Feeding Disorders in SchoolsPediatric Feeding Disorder and the School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist: An Evidence-BasedUpdate for Clinical PracticeLove Money: 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness
- 2 weeks ago1h 24m
Busting Concussion Myths: What SLPs Need to Know
Unpack the myths, realities, and clinical considerations surrounding pediatric concussions with an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center.Guests: Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST; Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS; and Jennifer Steward, PhDEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center. Together, they explore common misconceptions about concussions, including how symptoms present differently across toddlers, children, and adolescents, and why recognizing these differences is critical for timely identification and care. The conversation also highlights important topics such as second impact syndrome, current best practices in concussion management, and the role of interprofessional collaboration in supporting recovery.About the Guest(s): Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST, is an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences & Disorders at The University of Tulsa. She is a Co-Director of the Concussion Center and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer. Her clinical and research interest is acquired brain injuries, with a specific focus on concussion. Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS is a Clinical Associate Professor of Athletic Training at The University of Tulsa. She is the co-Director of the Concussion Center at The University of Tulsa. Her research has highly focused on interdisciplinary concussion management, specifically for those experiencing prolonged concussion recovery. Jennifer Steward, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an Applied Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Tulsa. She has been a member of the concussion team since the Concussion Center’s opening, and supervises advanced clinical psychology doctoral students in their work as part of the interdisciplinary team. Show Notes:University of Tulsa Concussion CenterHeads Up CDCHEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training Pedsconcussion.comConcussioninsportgroup.comLove Money: Support The University of Tulsa
- 3 weeks ago1h 11m
Finding Your Voice: Advocacy and PFD in Schools with Mary Dooher
Explore the realities of addressing dysphagia and pediatric feeding disorder in schools.Guest: Mary Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP,Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of the First Bite podcast, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Mary P. Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP, a passionate school-based clinician and advocate from Alaska, for a heartfelt and energizing conversation about supporting students with feeding and swallowing needs in the school setting. Drawing from her journey across medical and educational environments, Mary shares how her work in pediatric feeding and swallowing evolved into systems-level advocacy within her district, state, and national organizations.About the Guest: Mary P. Dooher, M.A., CCC-SLP, has been a school-based SLP in Wasilla, Alaska, for 15 years. She has experience in public schools, hospitals, SNFs, and home health settings. Mary is a strong advocate within her school district and the State of Alaska to increase awareness of/needs of students with dysphagia. She is an active member of her local union, MSEA, and the state association, NEA-Alaska.Show Notes:Feeding Matters PFD in SchoolsGo Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the SchoolsASHA Voices: Engaging With Teacher Unions and Education Associations in Schools
- Sep 1, 20261h 7m
Beyond the Echo: Honoring Autistic Communication with Farwa Husain
Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators.Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Farwa Husain, MA, CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting autistic individuals through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they discuss how echolalia can be understood as meaningful communication rather than a behavior to eliminate. Farwa shares practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators who use echolalia, emphasizing how caregiver coaching and everyday interactions can create rich opportunities for connection, language, and participation.About the Guest: Farwa Husain, bilingual SLP, is the Founder of First Phrases and Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy. She specializes in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, with a clinical and educational focus on supporting echolalia. Farwa is an international presenter who provides professional development training for schools and organizations worldwide.Show Notes:Contact Farwa:IG: @firstphrasesofficialLinkedInwww.firstphrases.comRelated Course: Autism Conference: Embracing Joy Through Practical InterventionFamily Guided Routines Based InterventionsMorris County Speech and Hearing Association
- Aug 25, 20261h 6m
Culturally Responsive Practices Transform Outcomes with Samantha Dudding
Gain actionable strategies to support more inclusive, culturally responsive, and family-centered practice.Guest: Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation about how culturally responsive communication can promote more equitable outcomes in special education. Drawing on her clinical expertise and leadership experience, Samantha shares practical strategies for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and families while strengthening collaboration across educational teams.About the Guest: Samantha Dudding, M.S., CCC‑SLP, is a speech‑language pathologist and special education leader whose work centers on culturally responsive communication within school‑based special education processes. She is currently a Student Support Coordinator in a school district just outside of Washington, DC where she facilitates special education processes, supports multidisciplinary teams, and leads professional development focused on inclusive practices.Show Notes:Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theorySign up for the ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the team "First Bite Fun Runners"
- Aug 18, 20261h 21m
Training Pediatric SLPs for Community Impact with Paula Pineda
What does it take to prepare pediatric SLPs in serving diverse communities?Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CLEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of the First Bite podcast, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, bilingual speech-language pathologist, Chief Clinical Supervisor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and President of the ASHA Hispanic Caucus, for a thoughtful conversation about preparing pediatric SLPs to serve culturally and linguistically diverse communities.About the Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Speech-Language Pathologist with over 14 years of experience. Originally from Colombia, Paula has lived in New York City since 2001. She earned her Master’s degree from Adelphi University in 2011 and completed her clinical doctorate at Northwestern University in 2023.Show Notes:Contact Paula: www.tc.columbia.eduFamily Guided Routines Based Intervention: fgrbi.comSign up for ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the team "First Bite Fun Runners"Love Money:Support the Hispanic Caucus: www.hispaniccaucusasha.orgSupport your local immigration association: www.findhelp.org
- Aug 11, 20261h 4m
Language, Literacy, and the Path to Reading Success with Heather Ramsdell
What role do SLPs play with literacy development?Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QITEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QIT, for a passionate, research-backed discussion that positions speech-language pathologists as central to literacy development. Heather reframes dyslexia and reading challenges as reflections of underlying language and developmental profiles, explains how early oral language skills lay the foundation for reading, and discusses key early indicators of risk and the diverse developmental pathways that contribute to reading difficulties.About the Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD CCC-SLP, CALT, QI in Training, University of Memphis, 2009, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Idaho State University, owner/clinician at Once Upon a Time LLC, and mother of two children with dyslexia. Her teaching, research, and clinical areas of expertise/interest include infant vocal development, phonetics, phonology, multisensory structured language intervention, spelling, structured word inquiry, literacy, and dyslexia.Show Notes:Read with Ramsdell: www.readwithramsdell.comContact Heather: www.isu.edu/slp/about/facultyPublications: https://pubs.asha.org/authored-by/Ramsdell/Heather+LSign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners"
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About 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, 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.
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