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First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

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.

This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, allowing you to earn 0.10 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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#361
Tuesday · 1 hr 6 min
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-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In 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 theory Sign up for the ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run Join the team "First Bite Fun Runners"
#360
August 18 · 1 hr 21 min
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-CL Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In 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.edu Family Guided Routines Based Intervention: fgrbi.com Sign up for ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run Join the team "First Bite Fun Runners" Love Money: Support the Hispanic Caucus: www.hispaniccaucusasha.org Support your local immigration association: www.findhelp.org
#359
August 11 · 1 hr 4 min
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, QIT Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In 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.com Contact Heather: www.isu.edu/slp/about/faculty Publications: https://pubs.asha.org/authored-by/Ramsdell/Heather+L Sign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run Join the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners" Love Money: Support Children's Dyslexia Centers
#360
August 9 · 1 hr 2 min
Celebrating ASHFoundation: 80 Years of Advancing Clinical Practice
Learn how the ASHFoundation is stepping up amidst research funding cuts. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In this special live episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, Executive Director of the ASHFoundation, along with past funding recipients Katherine M. Trice, BA, and Ryan McCreery, PhD, to celebrate the ASHFoundation's 80th anniversary. If you've been watching the news and wondering how research funding cuts might impact our field, take a breath. The ASHFoundation is stepping up. Together, they discuss how innovative funding initiatives, including the Need-Based Emergency Funding Program, are supporting students, early-career investigators, and the future of communication sciences and disorders. Katherine and Ryan also share their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of Foundation support on their research and professional journeys. About the Guests: Dr. Ryan McCreery, PhD, is the Vice President of Research at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He also serves as a Senior Scientist and Director of the Audibility, Perception, and Cognition (APC) Lab. Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, became the executive director of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation in October 2022. Moss is responsible for the ASHFoundation’s leadership and management, fundraising, and mission-related program activities which include scholarship, research grant and special project initiatives. Katherine M. Trice earned her BA in Linguistics from the University of Rochester and completed her PhD in Psychology from Northeastern University this July. She currently works as a postdoctoral associate in the Gabrieli Lab at MIT. Show Notes: www.ashfoundation.org ASHFoundation on Instagram: @ashfoundationcsd ASHFoundation on LinkedIn Sign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run Join the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners"
#358
August 4 · 1 hr 13 min
NICU to EI with the Hospital-to-Home Systems Change Team
Learn how to support NICU graduates as they transition from the hospital to home. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube What happens when Michelle sits down with Tiffany Elliott, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC; Sara Circelli, MA, IMH-E, PMH-C; and Dr. Leslie Butterfield, PhD, PMH-C, from Hospital-to-Home Systems Change? You get a powerful hour dedicated to perinatal mental health, systems change, and supporting NICU graduates as they transition from the hospital to home. Together, they discuss how perinatal mental health, including postpartum anxiety, depression, and trauma, impacts caregiver engagement, readiness to learn, and the ability to support their newborns. They also highlight why supporting caregivers is essential to improving outcomes for infants and families. About the Guests: Tiffany Elliott, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC, is a Speech Language Pathologist and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. She brings her deep clinical experience in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, preterm and medically complex infants, and healthcare systems in the work she does as a clinician, educator and systems change advocate. Sara Circelli, MA, IMH-E, PMH-C, is the Hospital-to-Home Systems Change Manager at Northwest Center, where she also served as an Early Intervention Family Resources Coordinator for nearly a decade. She helped develop Northwest Center’s Hospital-to-Home team to address the “service cliff” families face after NICU discharge, ensuring a supported transition home. Leslie Butterfield, PhD, PMH-C, is a perinatal psychologist specializing in the transition to parenthood, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), perinatal loss, recovery from traumatic birth, NICU parenting, and parenting medically fragile infants. She is past Chairwoman of Perinatal Support Washington and the past President of PATTCh (Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth). Show Notes: hospitaltohomesystemschange.org pediatricfeedingconnections.com Love Money: Support National Perinatal Association
#357
July 28 · 1 hr 5 min
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)
What is the ASLP Interstate Compact and what does it mean for SLPs? Guest: Susan Adams, Esq., CAE, Director of State Legislative & Regulatory Affairs at ASHA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Susan Adams, Esq., CAE, for a timely discussion about the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) and what it means for speech-language pathologists. Together, they break down how the ASLP Compact works, who is eligible to participate, what privileges it provides, and where implementation currently stands across the United States. If you've been wondering how the compact could affect your clinical practice, this episode will help you understand the opportunities, limitations, and what to watch for next. About the Guest: Susan Adams is the Director for State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at ASHA. She is responsible for advancing the public policy objectives of ASHA by serving as team lead and policy expert on state legislation and regulations affecting audiologists and speech-language pathologists, related to state licensure, including the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that affect the ability to practice. Show Notes: Contact Susan on LinkedIn ASLP-IC Website Love Money: Support ACLU
#356
July 21 · 1 hr 2 min
Debunking Baby-Led Weaning | Kelsey Thompson
Understanding the research, benefits, and limitations of Baby-Led Weaning. Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, and Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, dig into baby-led weaning (BLW). Whether you're new to BLW or looking to refine your clinical perspective, Michelle and Kelsey break down what BLW is, what it isn't, and how to support families and their little ones with confidence. About the Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, research scientist, and mom of two. Her clinical and research work centers on supporting families during the introduction of solid foods, with the goal of preventing long-term pediatric feeding disorders and empowering caregivers to feel confident in their feeding journey. Related Courses: Early Feeding Transitions and Down Syndrome: How to Support Caregivers Infant Reflexes for Feeding and Development Show Notes: Contact Kelsey on LinkedIn Feeding Flock Find Resources: FindHelp.org Love Money: Support Feeding Matters Resources: Complementary Feeding Methods-A Review of the Benefits and Risks The Baby-Led Weaning Method (BLW) in the Context of Complementary Feeding: A Review Baby-led weaning: A thematic analysis of comments made by parents using online parenting forums Early feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohort Impact of a Modified Version of Baby-Led Weaning on Infant Food and Nutrient Intakes: The BLISS Randomized Controlled Trial How different are baby-led weaning and conventional complementary feeding? A cross-sectional study of infants aged 6-8 months Current Evidence on Nutrient Intakes and Infant Growth: A Narrative Review of Baby-Led Weaning vs. Conventional Weaning
#355
July 14 · 1 hr 8 min
The Intersection of Mental Health and Adolescent Language with Kary Mirasola
How do mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression influence language and communication? Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful discussion about the connection between adolescent language development and mental health. As mental health concerns continue to affect students across school and clinical settings, this conversation considers the role speech-language pathologists can play as part of an interprofessional team. Michelle and Kary also discuss how emotional well-being may affect assessment findings, goal development, and intervention planning, and offer strategies to help SLPs better understand and support the whole student. About the Guest: Kary Mirasola, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience working in a pediatric hospital setting. Throughout her career, she has specialized in working with adolescents and has had the opportunity to work closely on interdisciplinary teams alongside psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, pediatricians, and advanced practice nurses, supporting school-age children and adolescents with complex communication, learning, and mental health needs. Show Notes: Contact Kary on her website: Woven Language + Learning Love Money: National Alliance on Mental Illness
#354
July 7 · 1 hr 9 min
Enthusiastic Bilingual Evaluations en Acción with Damaris Sánchez Rivera
Gain practical strategies to gather meaningful information during bilingual evaluations. Guest: Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP, host of the Spanish-language podcast SLPs en Acción, for a thoughtful conversation about ethical, strengths-based evaluation and treatment approaches for bilingual children. Together, they explore how clinicians can approach bilingual assessments with confidence, cultural responsiveness, and joy while supporting children and families across a variety of settings. About the Guest: Damaris Sanchez Rivera's, MS, CCC-SLP, clinical experience includes working in private practices, charter schools, and home settings. Damaris is currently the Outreach Program Director at a non-profit organization where she coordinates hearing, vision, and speech and language screenings for preschools and Head Start centers for more than 1,000 children every year. Contact Damaris: IG: @speechloveandplaymusic LinkedIn Listen to SLPs en Acción: Apple Podcasts Spotify Youtube Show Notes: Bilinguistics: The Ultimate Speech Language Parent Questionnaire Library Related Course: “Understanding Medical Interpretation” Find Resources: FindHelp.org The Children’s Trust Miami Dolly Parton Imagination Library Dolly Parton Imagination Library Bilingual Instructions Dysphagia Outreach Project Hablamigo: Bilingual resource for K-5 students Love Money: The United Way
#353
June 30 · 1 hr 14 min
Burdens and Blessings of Feeding Tubes | Claire Reilly
An interprofessional conversation on supporting families through the emotional and practical realities of tube feeding. Guest: Claire Reilly, RD, PhD Candidate Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Claire Reilly, RD, PhD Candidate, to First Bite for a thoughtful conversation on the burdens and blessings of pediatric feeding tubes and the path toward tube weaning through an interprofessional lens. Claire shares insights from her latest research on caregiver burden, highlighting the stressors families often carry behind the scenes, including the daily frustrations of managing feeding equipment and routines. Walk away with practical insights, a deeper understanding of caregiver experiences, and a hopeful perspective on helping children move toward greater feeding independence. About the Guest: Claire is a pediatric dietitian and clinical researcher with nearly two decades of clinical experience. Her work focuses on the care and management of children with feeding tubes, with a specific interest in mixed-methods research, consumer engagement, and priority setting. Currently completing her PhD, Claire has published in leading peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. Show Notes: Contact Claire on LinkedIn PFD DAISI: Pediatric Feeding Disorder Dynamic Approach to Impacts and Social Integration Feeding Matters: Power of Two Program Love money: Support Feeding Matters ASHA Advocacy: Take Action
#352
June 23 · 1 hr 13 min
Professional Collaboration and Shared Creation for School-based SLPs with Mary Mitchell
Have you ever heard of the term “shared-creation” or wondered how it applies to effective collaboration for school-based SLPs? Guest: Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP to explore the many ways collaboration can look in practice and define what true shared-creation collaboration involves for the school-based SLP. Michelle and Mary discuss how the SLP’s role shifts across settings, why meaningful collaboration goes far beyond quick conversations or shared paperwork, and how intentional teamwork can help create stronger support systems for students. They share ideas for building authentic partnerships with classroom teachers, navigating common collaboration challenges, and using evidence-based resources to strengthen collaborative practice in schools. About the Guest: Mary Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Pacific University. Her clinical background is rooted in school-based services. Dr. Mitchell’s clinical and research interests include language and literacy assessment and intervention, dynamic assessment, professional learning, supervision, and interprofessional collaboration. *Correction Note: Mary would like to acknowledge and correct her use of the terminology “houseless” and “transitioning” at the end of the episode. She recognizes that language which affirms every person’s humanity and dignity, such as “families experiencing unstable housing situations,” should have been used instead. She expresses gratitude for allowing the space to correct this mistake.* Show Notes: Contact Mary: mary.mitchell@pacificu.edu Collaboration in Schools: Let's Define It (Mitchell et al., 2020) Vocabulary Outcomes With Third Graders in a Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist Collaboration (Mitchell et al., 2022) Facilitating Language Development for Inner-City Children: Experimental Evaluation of a Collaborative, Classroom-Based Intervention (Hadley et al., 2000) Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson Shared Minds: The New Technologies of Collaboration by Michael Schrage Books Are for Talking, Too! By Jane L. Gebers Support the Community Transitional School Support Holla School
#351
June 16 · 1 hr 6 min
Caregiver Coaching for AAC with Daj Mitchell
Connect the dots between AAC caregiver coaching and adult learning. Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Daj Mitchell for a joyful discussion on powerful AAC caregiver coaching. Together, they explore Malcolm Knowles’ Principles of Adult Learning and how these concepts can help SLPs better support caregivers throughout the AAC journey. Daj breaks down the four levels of caregiver readiness for AAC implementation and shares practical strategies for meeting families where they are. Gain ideas for tailoring AAC coaching conversations, strengthening caregiver engagement, and creating more meaningful opportunities for communication success across everyday routines. About the Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS CCC-SLP, graduated from Governors State University with her Bachelor's in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Psychology. She received her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Illinois State University and holds a variety of certifications and awards, including, but not limited to, certification as a Lingraphica Technology Specialist, Level I and Level II Sensory certified, and a recipient of two successive ASHA ACE awards. Show Notes: Contact Daj on Instagram: @yourslpdaj Listen to Daj's Podcast: Co-Treat Corner: Collaboration Tips for Therapists Love Money: Support Spero Stuttering
#350
June 9 · 1 hr 13 min
Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing with Margo Kinzer Courter
Explore the ripple effect of early speech and language skills on literacy development. Guest: Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle is tickled pink to host Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, to explore child-led intervention and how letting little ones take the lead can transform speech and language outcomes in early intervention and preschool settings. Margo shares her go-to resources to help bridge speaking, listening, reading, and writing in ways that feel natural and effective in your sessions. This conversation is full of practical ideas to help you support early communication and literacy while keeping therapy engaging, responsive, and meaningful. About the Guest: Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, began her speech-language pathology career in inpatient pediatric rehabilitation. From there, she moved to an outpatient clinic specializing in language-based learning disabilities. Her medical and educational background in language and language disorders has provided the foundation for her 30-year career as a speech-language pathologist. Show Notes: Big Kid School: EI to Preschool Course Margo’s Website: Courter Communications (Therapy Materials) Childhood Apraxia of Speech Videos Extensions to the Speech Disorders Classification System (Shriberg et al., 2010) Developmental Texture Framework Marquette Neurodevelopmental Feeding And Swallowing Lab I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab Love Money: Support Butler University SLHS Fund
#349
June 2 · 1 hr 23 min
Language and Music Create Magic with Corinne Zmoos
Musical speech therapy techniques for the non-musical SLP. Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube 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, MS, CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist based in Baltimore, Maryland, and the founder of *Messy Happy Music Lab*, a private practice specializing in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Show Notes: Please note the following correction: A4 (A above middle C) is 440Hz, not middle C as stated. Contact Corinne: IG: @crescendo.communication crescendocommunication.com Gestalt Get-Together podcast Love Money: Support Marian House in Baltimore Join the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders Run the Virtual Dash For Dysphagia June 6-13, 2026 Dysphagia Research Society
#348
May 26 · 1 hr 4 min
The Power of Breastmilk with Dr. Richard Noel
Dive into the science behind the power of breastmilk and how it applies clinically. Guest: Dr. Richard Noel, MD, PhD Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube 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 it means at the bedside, in early intervention, and in caregiver conversations. If you’ve ever wanted a clearer, evidence-based understanding of why breastmilk exposure supports GI development and how to talk about it with families, this episode delivers. About the Guest: Dr. Richard Noel, MD, PhD, Division Chief for Pediatric GI at Baylor College of Medicine at CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital in San Antonio and volunteer Medical Director for Feeding Matters. Show Notes: Healthy Children’s Lactation Project IBCLC Gold Lactation Feeding Matters
#347
May 19 · 1 hr 7 min
Supporting Caregivers within the Medical Domain of PFD with Madi Metcalf
What does meaningful caregiver coaching look like in infant feeding therapy? Guest: Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube 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, and supporting families through postpartum challenges. This conversation is rooted in hope, trust, and helping caregivers feel seen, supported, and confident throughout the feeding journey. About the Guest(s): Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, is an Arkansas-based speech-language pathologist with advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders and the owner of Function First Speech and Feeding Therapy, where she provides home, community, and clinic-based services. She is passionate about interdisciplinary care and caregiver collaboration to support safe, functional feeding. Show Notes: Contact Madi: @functionfirstslp on Instagram or on LinkedIn Attend the 2026 PEDIATRIC FEEDING SYMPOSIUM Beyond the Bite: Supporting the Whole Family in Pediatric Feeding Disorders Madi's Related Courses Effective Parent Coaching Course Family Guided Routines Based Intervention Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating Book Britt Pados Related Course Routines-based Interview Checklist Bridging NICU to Home Course Feeding Matters
#346
May 12 · 1 hr 11 min
Infant Reflexes for Feeding and Development with Michelle Emanuel
Walk through sensory systems and key reflexes for infant feeding. Guest: Michelle Emanuel, OTR/L, IBCLC, NBCR, CST Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE Empowering Providers PFD series 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 infants grow. Their conversation also highlights the role of interoception–the body’s internal sense that helps infants recognize hunger and fullness cues. They discuss torticollis and how neck muscle imbalance can impact positioning and latch, and close with a candid look at tethered oral tissues and their potential influence on feeding outcomes. About the Guest: Michelle Emanuel, OTR/L, IBCLC, NBCR, CST, has been a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for 30 years and specializes in working with newborns to pre-crawling infants. She is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and IBCLC, who is also certified in yoga and several forms of manual therapy. Michelle is passionate about infant neurodevelopment, feeding, the sensory nervous system, and social engagement. Show Notes: Contact Michelle Emanuel: @tonguetiebabies and @tummytimemethod on Instagram or on LinkedIn Hazelbaker Lactation Institute American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery: Clinical Consensus Statement: Ankyloglossia in Children Georgia Malandraki Publications Tummy Time Method Love Money: La Leche League
#345
May 5 · 1 hr 22 min
The PFD DAISI: Dynamic Approach to Impacts and Social Integration
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 Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE Empowering Providers PFD series 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. Meg and Helen explain how the six DAISI factors, represented by the flower's petals, guide feeding assessment and treatment. They then dive into the four Social Spheres at the flower’s core, highlighting their influence on a child’s mealtime journey. They share practical tips for using the PFD DAISI in clinical practice, helping SLPs take a holistic, dynamic approach to pediatric feeding care. About the Guests: Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a clinician-scientist specializing in infant and child feeding, growth, and care delivery innovation. She serves as a research scientist in the Division of General Academic Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a speech-language pathologist, and Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Helen Cohen, BA, CLC, is a graduate student at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology with a concentration in Medical Speech Pathology. Alongside her academic work, she serves as a research assistant at the University of Rhode Island, conducting research on Pediatric Feeding Disorder, Family Centered Care, and Implementation Science. Show Notes: Contact Meg and Helen on LinkedIn Download the PFD DAISI Feeding Innovation Lab: @feedinginnovationlab on Instagram Dr Brown’s Bottles Dysphagia Outreach Project FindHelp.org The Feeding Flock Feeding Matters Love Money: Support URISSHLA
#344
April 28 · 1 hr 8 min
Strategies for Successful Supervision with Alice L. Williams
Approach supervision with greater clarity, intention, and sustainability. Guest: Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Register for the FREE 5 part PFD Series, April 30-May 28 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 clinical responsibilities and mentorship. Alice breaks down how supervision requirements vary widely across states and settings, while highlighting the core principles that make supervision effective no matter where you practice. The discussion centers on "empowered supervision" as a way to build clinician confidence, strengthen professional identity, and support better outcomes for those we serve. About the Guests: Alice L. Williams, B.A., SLPA, is the creator of The SLPA Network and an experienced speech-language pathology assistant with over seven years in pediatric settings. Her work centers on professional identity, empowered supervision, and sustainable collaboration between SLPs and support personnel. Alice develops educational and leadership resources that support ethical practice, reduce burnout, and strengthen interdisciplinary teams across school-based, medical, and private-practice environments. Show Notes: Contact Alice: @speechwith_msalice and @the.slpa.network on Instagram SLPA Network Alice’s Course: Foundations of Effective Supervision Get 10% with the code: LEAD10 (Valid through 12/31/26) If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee Love Money: Faith Christian Center Cross The Street Fund
#343
April 21 · 1 hr 10 min
Autism, GI, and Pediatric Feeding Disorder with Leena Sayed
Explore common GI challenges in autistic individuals, and how they impact feeding, behavior, and participation at mealtimes. Guest: Leena Sayed, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube 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 therapists should be watching for, and how these factors align within the medical domain of PFD. About the Guest: Leena Sayed, MS, CCC-SLP is a recent graduate in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia. She brings hands-on experience working with children with pediatric feeding disorders across university clinic, outpatient hospital, and private practice settings. Show Notes: Bowel Sounds: The Pediatric GI Podcast Love Money Cause: Palestine Children's Relief Fund

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