First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

Musical speech therapy techniques for the non-musical SLP.

Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP

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Take the FREE Pediatric Feeding Courses for ASHA CEUs (through June 30, 2026)

Want to incorporate music into your speech therapy sessions but don't know where to start? Michelle and Corinne share easy-to-use resources to help non-musical SLPs confidently incorporate music into sessions, along with evidence-based tools for clinicians looking to deepen their knowledge of music-based language intervention.

About the Guest: Corinne Zmoos...

Dive into the science behind the power of breastmilk and how it applies clinically.

Guest: Dr. Richard Noel, MD, PhD

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Michelle and Richard lean into the “nerdy details” behind early nutrition and why it matters so much for the infants we serve. Their conversation walks through clinical guidance on probiotics in the NICU, unpacks the emerging science of microRNA, and connects these concepts to real-world infant growth, gut health, and feeding outcomes. Michelle helps you translate the science into...

What does meaningful caregiver coaching look like in infant feeding therapy?

Guest: Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes back Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore infant feeding through a Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) lens. Together, they discuss how medical factors can impact feeding even in the youngest patients, and the importance of early, caregiver-centered support. The conversation also highlights building caregiver confidence, creating realistic feeding goals...

Walk through sensory systems and key reflexes for infant feeding.

Guest: Michelle Emanuel, OTR/L, IBCLC, NBCR, CST

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Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes industry leader Michelle Emanuel, OTR/L, IBCLC, NBCR, CST, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on infant reflexes and their role in early feeding development. Together, they explore how key reflexes contribute to early suck–swallow coordination, and how these patterns evolve as...

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

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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...

Approach supervision with greater clarity, intention, and sustainability.

Guest: Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA

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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...

Explore common GI challenges in autistic individuals, and how they impact feeding, behavior, and participation at mealtimes.

Guest: Leena Sayed, MS, CCC-SLP

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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...

Create safe, supportive assessment experiences to guide trauma-sensitive care.

Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC

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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...

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

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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 th...

A refreshing dose of encouragement and perspective for SLPs who wear many hats.

Guest: Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP

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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...

How can a simple tool can strengthen complex clinical decision-making?

Guests: Kelly Kleinhans, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Courtney Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

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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...

How can we strengthen and mentor the next generation of clinicians?

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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 mean...

Moving from understanding to healing in pediatric feeding care.

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is grateful to host Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, for a powerful conversation about trauma and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Healing trauma takes time, compassion, and the willingness to move through fear in order to better understand what “trauma” is, especially as it relates to pediatric feeding. Together, Michelle and Lauren differentiate between “trauma-informed” and “trauma-sensitive” care, and Lauren offers thoug...

Discover what happens when SLPs and Educational Audiologists team up.

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In celebration of World Hearing Day, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, welcomes Courtney Turner, AuD, CCC-A, for an important conversation about collaboration in hearing care. Courtney breaks down what Educational Audiologists actually do, how they assess and support children with different types of hearing loss. From technology to teamwork, you will gain a clearer understanding of how partnering with an Educational Audiologist can strengthen outcomes for children with hearing...

Guest: Joshua A. Shah, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode: Complete the accompanying course online with Speech Therapy PD

Watch this episode on Youtube: Initiation with Filmmaker and SLP Joshua Shah

In a First Bite first, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, sits down with Joshua A. Shah, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist, filmmaker, and the creative force behind the upcoming film Initiation, a fictional narrative inspired by lived experiences related to stuttering and communication differences. Joshua and Michelle explore the responsibilities that come with representing communication differences accurately and...

Guests: Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/blackslpmagic-part-2

FREE Black History Month Conference: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/culture-care-knowledge

This course meets ASHA's Content Area 2 PD requirement for providing culturally responsive services and effective self-reflection, adaptability, and collaborative practice.

In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, continues the conversation with Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP, founders of #BlackSLPMagic. Part 2 shifts from awareness to action...

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 jo...

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 cl...

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.

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...

Guest: Rachel Conrad, MA, CCC-SLP

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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 D...

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 wi...

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 w...

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...

In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, wraps up October’s AAC Awareness Month with one of her favorite guests, Stephen Kneece, MS, CCC-SLP! Stephen, founder of Speech and Language Songs on Instagram, is an AAC guru with Forbes AAC, a seasoned school-based SLP, and former Department Chair of Speech-Language Pathology at Columbia College. Did we mention he’s also a vocalist and guitarist too?!?

Tune in (pun intended) as Stephen guides us through the clinical decision-making process for AAC selection for the little ones on our caseloads, provides easy step-by-step dire...

Full conversation with Melissa Davis, MS, CCC-SLP and Jenna Nassar, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, for "Intraprofessional Practice: Strategies for Effective Collaboration Between SLPs" an episode of the First Bite podcast.

Hosted by: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/intraprofessional-practice-strategies

In this episode of First Bite, we’re exploring what effective intraprofessional practice really looks like for SLPs in pediatrics. When colleagues collaborate well, everyone benefits—especially the little ones we serve.

Join Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS...

Guest: Hannah Patten MSP, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/brain-injury-and-the-pediatric-slp

Pediatric brain injuries can happen for many different reasons, and they may affect speech, language, feeding, and even result in dysphagia. For many SLPs, working with children who have a brain injury can feel overwhelming, especially if this is a new population for you.

In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, sits down with Hannah Patten, MSP, CCC-SLP...

Guests: Lydia Barry, MS, CCC-SLP, and Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/interprofessional-neurodiversity-affirming

In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is joined by Lydia Barry, MS, CCC-SLP, and Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).

Together, they share how UTHSC’s neurodiversity-affirming, routines-based clinical program partners with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS). You’ll discover two pediatric language clinics on campus that serve families in the community whil...

Guest: Amy Delaney, PhD, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/research-to-chew-on

If pediatric feeding and swallowing are your passion, you won’t want to miss this conversation on First Bite. Host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, welcomes Dr. Amy Delaney, PhD, CCC-SLP, from Marquette University to share the latest findings from the Neurodevelopmental Feeding and Swallowing Lab. Dr. Delaney unpacks neurodevelopmental norms, ongoing research in Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD), and key insights from her recent publication on texture progression. With her expertise, you’ll gain...

Guest: Emma Justice, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, NTMTC

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pfd-problem-solving

Tune in as we welcome one of our favorite humans, Emily Justice, a dedicated speech language pathologist with a wealth of experience working in the NICU and public schools in Boston. Join us for an engaging discussion about her path into speech therapy, her passion for supporting minority recruitment in the field, and her advocacy for accessible feeding therapy. We delve into important topics such as the necessity of instrumental swallow studies...

Guest: Ivonne Maldonado De la Rosa, PhD., MLS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/health-and-pfd

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) directly impact access to evaluation and intervention for infants, toddlers, and children with pediatric feeding disorder. But, how comfortable are you in identifying them? Do you have strategies for overcoming the barriers to care that SDOH create? What are the roles/impact of cultural beliefs and language(s) and their impact on SDOH and PFD?

To answer these profound questions, as well as...

Guests: Jennifer Eggert and Dawn Merth-Johnson

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/lessons-from-wisconson

Do you dream about working with pediatric feeding disorders in the public schools, but aren't sure where to begin? Or, have you recently been asked to do so and are truly hesitant to start? Well, if you answered "Yes" to either one of those scenarios, then don't fret, because "First Bite" has you covered, thanks to the "forward-thinking" of leaders in Wisconsin. So, be inspired by your SLP colleagues Jennifer Eggert and Dawn...

Content warning for this episode: We discuss topics such as gun violence in schools and the recent event at Annunciation Church and Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School.

0.1 ASHA-CEUs will be available for this episode on September 16 at speechtherapypd.com

In this episode Erin and Rachel Archambault (@PTSDSLP) have a candid discussion regarding the tragedy in Minnesota and the impact of gun violence in regard to trauma, specifically in schools. Rachel authentically discusses the importance of the language we use and how we can support people who have experienced similar traumas to not continue to re-traumatize...

This special episode is part one of host Erin Forward's course titled "Attachment and Infant Feeding: an SLPs Role in Mental Health" through the end of September this course is available for free for listeners of First Bite when you use the code "FBSpecial" at checkout!

Earn .2 ASHA CEUs for free with code - FBSpecial: speechtherapypd.com/attachment

Often, SLPs do not fully understand their role in a patient’s mental health regarding feeding. We are well aware that counseling is in our scope of practice, but even in the direct therapy we provide, we pl...

This week on First Bite, Michelle and Erin revisit one of their most-requested topics: real-world feeding case studies.

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/not-just-picky

In this episode, they walk through three complex cases involving children with layered challenges, including trauma histories, ARFID, and rare medical diagnoses. Each story highlights the messy, nonlinear nature of feeding therapy and the importance of flexible, family-centered care.

You’ll hear how clinical reasoning, caregiver collaboration, and a bit of trial and error helped guide each ch...

Full conversation between Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S and Erin Forward MSP, CCC-SLP, CLC,

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/cours...

Do you feel like AAC is outside your comfort zone as an SLP or OT? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

Join Erin and Michelle for a practical and encouraging conversation about why it’s essential for every clinician to develop a foundational understanding of AAC, especially when serving children and families in community settings.

With AAC evalua...

Guest: Karen McWaters MOT, OTR/L

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/the-importance-of-motor-and-language-learning-for-effective-

Originally Aired: September 2023

As SLPs, we can often look at speech and language development in isolation, as our formal assessments encourage us to do; however, it is imperative that we learn from our occupational and physical therapy colleagues regarding motor learning principles and how they parallel those of language development. When we get out of our box, we can further understand the children we work with and their capacities. Erin and Karen...

Guest: Farwa Husain, MS CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/glp-for-the-pediatric-slp

Originally Aired: March 2024

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Farwa Husain, MS CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist and private practice owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy in New Jersey. Farwa, recognized as an ASHA Innovator in 2023, spends this hour sharing her passion for growing culturally and linguistically appropriate therapy for gestalt language processors (GLP) and their caregivers! So, if you want to learn more about GLP, how it compares to analytic language processors (ALP), and how to...

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/valuing-pediatric-vfss

In this episode, Michelle interviews Anais Villaluna, SLPD, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, a trilingual speech-language pathologist, to discuss best practices and critical considerations for pediatric Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS). Anais, who has just completed her SLPD and is already embarking on her PhD journey, shares insights from recent research, including the importance of radiographic settings, hidden technological considerations that can impact the outcome, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how to support the little ones and their caregivers through the VFSS process. If you’re...

Guest: Colleen Ashford MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/advocacy-and-ieps

In this episode, Erin and Colleen discuss the depth of advocacy surrounding IEPs, EI, and the impact of recent policy changes. This vulnerable discussion touches on what it means to advocate for our families in the school setting and beyond. Colleen discusses the effects of variety in policy and laws state by state, and the importance of seeking resources and support to help you support your families. They also discuss how SLPs can tailor...