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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.

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

Latest Episodes:

Growing Great SLPs: The Heart of Clinical Supervision Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

Encouragement, perspective, and practical guidance for taking that first step to becoming a clinical supervisor.

Guest: Katherine Mendez, MA, CCC-SLP, and Justine Springs, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Katherine Mendez, MA, CCC-SLP, and Justine Springs, MA, CCC-SLP, from the University of Memphis to talk about the heart of clinical supervision and the important role supervisors play in shaping the next generation of speech-language pathologists. With honesty and humor, Katherine and Justine share what keeps them coming back to supervision year after year, the qualities that help make a great clinical educator, and how they navigate some of the challenging moments that come with supporting student clinicians.

About the Guests: Justine Springs is a clinical instructor and former Co-Director of Clinical Education at the University of Memphis. Having held multiple positions at the university, she has always enjoyed working as a clinical educator. She has eight years of clinical supervision experience. Her passion lies in working clinically with graduate students and seeing their growth alongside the aphasia patients they serve together.

Katherine Mendez is Co-Director of Clinical Education in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Memphis. Her clinical work focused on language, literacy, and executive function, but she is also passionate about clinician education. She began serving as a clinical educator as soon as she was eligible to after completing her CF, and she is now in her 12th year of supervising students. In her current role, she supports clinical faculty and off-site clinical educators in their efforts to provide high-quality, enriching, and inspiring clinical education experiences.

Show Notes:

Love Money Cause: University of Memphis NSSLHA

Bridging the Gap: The Heart of Educational Audiology Collaboration Oct 25, 2026

Show notes

Strengthening collaboration to improve access, connection, and opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Guests: Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A, Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, and Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-A

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this live episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, celebrates Educational Audiology Week with Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A, Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, and Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-A, for a joyful conversation about the power of collaboration in supporting children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Together, they explore how educational audiologists, SLPs, early intervention providers, educators, and families can work together to create strong, supportive pathways as children transition across settings.

About the Guests: Dr. Tena McNamara is the coordinator of the Cultural and Informational Hearing Center in Peoria, IL. She retired as an associate professor from the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department at Eastern Illinois University and as an educational audiologist with the Special Education Association of Peoria County. She has been a practicing audiologist for over 40 years and has held dual certification in speech-language pathology for 33 years.

Laura Parnell, AuD, CCC-A, is an educational audiologist at the University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She is a contracted services provider for the Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, which serves deaf and hard of hearing students in a center-based program. She coordinates Educational Audiology Awareness Week for the Educational Audiology Association.

Kim Fiorentino, AuD, CCC-A, is the Implantable Device Program Coordinator at the University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She provides comprehensive audiological care for children who use cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing devices.

Show Notes:

Love Money Cause: Support EAA

The Bad Lunch Myth: Bias and Equity in School Feeding with Lily Glasgo Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

A conversation examining the intersection of systems, bias, and clinical practice to promote equitable feeding experiences for all students.

Guest: Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, to explore how bias, policy, and politics have shaped the history of school meals and what that means for children today. Through the lens of institutional feeding systems, this conversation examines how school-based meal programs influence participation, access, and outcomes for students, particularly those with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). Together, they discuss the role of school-based clinicians, including the balance between therapeutic intervention and maintaining safe feeding practices, and how interprofessional collaboration can support more inclusive, student-centered care.

About the Guest: Lily M. Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L, (she/her) is an OT who is passionate about system level change to support kids with significant support needs. She gained clinical experience in outpatient and school based feeding before completing her PhD in Occupational Science from UNC Chapel Hill. Now, as an assistant professor at Pacific University, she teaches pediatrics and engages in a variety of research projects about pediatric feeding disorder.

Show Notes:

Books:

Love Money Cause: Spoon Foundation

Finding Your Niche in Feeding Therapy and Building a Private Practice with Jean Hawney Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

This episode offers practical guidance on building a feeding practice that is clinically sound, ethical, and sustainable.

Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, to break down some of the biggest barriers pediatric SLPs face when considering private practice, from mindset blocks and finding your niche to the logistical challenges of getting started. Michelle and Jean dig into what SLPs need to consider when building a feeding-focused practice, including scope of practice, advanced training, ethical decision-making, and the resources that can help guide the process.

About the Guest: Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, and the founder of Little Eaters & Talkers, a multidisciplinary private practice based in Houston, Texas. Jean specializes in infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, with a focus on medically complex infants, bottle aversion, early feeding development, and caregiver coaching.

Show Notes:

The American Association of People with Disabilities

Contact Jean:

IG: @littleaters_talkers
Website: thelittleeaters.com

Love Money Cause: Hope for Minds

Beyond “Won’t”: Trauma, Regulation, and Collaborative Care Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration to better support children and families.

Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L

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In 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 LinkedIn
Lauren’s Website: www.wellfedfeedingtherapy.com
Allissa Younan on LinkedIn

Show Notes:

References:

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/10.1111/1440-1630.70027
Purvis, 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.2013.859906
Smith, 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.

The Confident EI SLP: Feeding, Coaching, and Real-Life Care with Margaryta Kuzmin Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

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-BE

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In 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:

Resources:

Love Money: 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness

Busting Concussion Myths: What SLPs Need to Know Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

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, PhD

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In 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:

Finding Your Voice: Advocacy and PFD in Schools with Mary Dooher Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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 PD

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In 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 Schools

Go Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the Schools

ASHA Voices: Engaging With Teacher Unions and Education Associations in Schools

Beyond the Echo: Honoring Autistic Communication with Farwa Husain Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators.

Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In 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:

Related Course: Autism Conference: Embracing Joy Through Practical Intervention

Family Guided Routines Based Interventions

Morris County Speech and Hearing Association

Culturally Responsive Practices Transform Outcomes with Samantha Dudding Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

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

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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
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