Burnout is one of the most common concerns among speech-language pathologists. But is the problem always workload? Or could it sometimes be misalignment?

Guest: Angelyn Franks, SLPD, CCC-SLP

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In this episode of Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs, host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, sits down with Dr. Angelyn Franks, SLPD, CCC-SLP, to explore the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling out of alignment in your professional role. Together, they unpack why burnout does not always come from too much work. Sometimes it comes from a mismatch between your values, strengths, scope of practice, and the environment in which you work.

About the Guest: Dr. Angelyn Franks, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a burnout coach, mindfulness expert, and speech-language pathologist dedicated to helping healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers break free from burnout and design lives rooted in what truly matters. Drawing on years of clinical practice—and firsthand experience with the burnout cycle—she equips her clients with evidence-based tools to manage stress, set meaningful boundaries, and align their self-care with their core values.

Show Notes:

Contact Angelyn Franks: dr.angelynfranks on IG

As an SLP, are you in control of your money—or is your money quietly controlling you?

Guest: Valeria Gary, MA, CCC-SLP

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In this episode, Valeria Gary, MA, CCC-SLP, joins host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, for a candid conversation about money in our profession. Together, they address the financial realities SLPs face across settings and career stages, and why traditional budgeting advice often misses the mark for healthcare providers.

About the Guest: Valeria Gary, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Thrive Collective Coaching LLC, where she coaches healthcare professionals on writing conference proposals and provides copywriting services for small businesses. She is also a certified YNAB coach, helping clinicians apply intentional budgeting strategies to the unique financial demands of a healthcare career.

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***** Originally Aired: June 12, 2024*****

Guest: Nicole DePalma, MS, CCC-SLP

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

In this episode, Renee is joined by Nicole DePalma to discuss mobile FEES. Mobile FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) is powerful in dysphagia assessment. It improves patients' access to care by providing another option for an instrumental swallowing exam. This episode will delve into what mobile FEES can and cannot provide. Join Renee and Nicole as they share insights on gaining competency in FEES. Let's explore how collaboration can enhance patient outcomes in this crucial area of healthcare.

About the Guest: Nicole DePalma, MS, CCC-SLP, is the owner of NDoscopy Dysphagia Specialists. She received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from New York Medical College. She has over 15 years of clinical experience working with patients with dysphagia, including medically complex cases such as those with tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation.

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What does gut health have to do with brain function, communication, and recovery? More than we once thought.

Guest: Jean Maxwell, DSc, RDN,

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In this episode of Brainstorms, Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, sits down with registered dietitian Dr. Jean Maxwell, DSc, RDN, to explore the powerful connection between the gut and the brain and why speech-language pathologists and dietitians are stronger together when supporting individuals with neurological conditions.

About the Guest: Jean Maxwell, DSc, RDN, is a registered dietitian, doctor of integrative healthcare, and owner of MaxWell Nutrition LLC. She provides holistic, personalized nutrition counseling rooted in both science and the individual's specific needs. She has two decades of experience providing medical nutrition therapy to people with chronic illnesses and digestive issues, helping them achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and working with those looking to improve their wellness through better nutrition.

Show Notes:

Contact Jean: @maxwellnutrition on Instagram

MaxWell Nutrition LLC

Dirty Dozen and Clean 15

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*****Originally Aired: April 11, 2024*****

Guest: Alison Barclift, MSEd, CCC-SLP, ASDCS

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/brainstorms-all-things-adult-autism-

One misconception is that once children grow into adults, their needs diminish. For some autistic people, that is true. However, legal and caregiver concerns change and are not widely known outside the autistic community. So, join Renee and Alison, who have worked with autism across the lifespan for 20 years, for this educational and empowering hour for SLPs and families/caregivers of autistic adults.

About the Guest: Alison Barclift, MSEd, CCC-SLP, ASDCS, is a pediatric SLP and team coordinator with Sentara Healthcare in Southeastern Virginia. She manages 3 pediatric clinics and staff serving 3 cities for Early Intervention. She has been an SLP for 13 years and specializes in Autism. She has worked with autistic people of all ages for 20 years. She is certified in Early Intervention and ADOS-2 administration.

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Guest: Stephane Ratway, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/beyond-mobility

When most people think about spinal cord injury (SCI), they think about mobility. But for speech-language pathologists, the impact of SCI goes far beyond movement.

In this episode, Stephane Ratway, MS, CCC-SLP, and Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, examine how SLPs support quality of life after SCI through ventilator weaning, breath support for speech, cough strength, and secretion management, as well as voice, communication, cognition, swallowing, and airway protection. These areas are central to patient safety, participation, and long-term outcomes, yet they are often misunderstood or underestimated within the rehab process. Whether you work in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, or outpatient neuro settings, this episode will broaden your view of your role on the SCI team. Recovery is not just about movement. It is about being heard, being safe, and staying connected. You will walk away with practical, functional treatment approaches you can use right away.

About the Guest: Stephane Philippe-Ratway received her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University in 1993. She has over three decades of experience working across the healthcare continuum, including trauma ICUs, acute care settings, rehabilitation, and home health. She has delivered numerous presentations at conferences and currently serves in the leadership council of the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group of South Florida and on the Women’s Support Group.

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*****Originally Aired: July 25, 2024*****

Guest: Rachael Silveira, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/tracheostomies-and-upper-airways-demystified

In this episode, Renee is joined by Rachael Silveira to discuss tracheostomies and ventilators, and how to assemble a multidisciplinary team to care for patients with respiratory compromise. Managing patients with tracheostomy and/or ventilator dependency requires an interdisciplinary approach to ensure safety and optimal care. Through continuous monitoring, regular assessments, and nutritional support, SLPs are a crucial component of this team. SLPs are also critical to communication for these patients and to the education and support of the caregiving team/families. Effective management of tracheostomized and ventilated patients with compromised respiratory systems requires comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to each patient's needs.

About the Guest: Rachael Silveira, MA, CCC-SLP, is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist specializing in dysphagia and communication disorders at a Level 1 Trauma/Transplant Hospital in Miami. With advanced training in dysphagia management for respiratory-compromised and medically complex neurogenic populations, Rachael brings clinical depth and interdisciplinary leadership to her practice. A lifelong learner, she earns annual ACE (Award for Continuing Education) recognition and actively mentors fellow clinicians. Rachael is deeply committed to patient advocacy and quality of life, having spearheaded multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Teams across multiple facilities to implement standardized protocols and streamline care. She is also a passionate educator and innovator in the medical SLP space. Her initiatives include the “Badge Buddy Series” and TRACHtalks—an open-access collaborative promoting evidence-based tracheostomy care. Through national and international conference presentations, active research, and guest lectures at universities and hospitals, Rachael continues to elevate medical SLP education and practice. Her work reflects a powerful blend of clinical excellence, advocacy, and community-building in speech-language pathology.

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*****Originally Aired: August 19, 2024*****

Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/social-determinants-of-mental-health-and-the-role-of-the-slp

Renee is joined by Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss social determinants of mental health and their relation to speech-language pathology. Social determinants of mental health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, work, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes, as well as the risks associated with these domains. Social determinants of mental health can affect the development and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Understanding and addressing these social determinants can improve mental health outcomes as well as empower SLPs to design and implement more holistic treatment approaches. Join Renee and Pamela for an hour of impactful discussion.

About the Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Clinical Director of Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, LLC, an adult and pediatric therapy practice with seven locations across Florida. Her multidisciplinary team provides Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Respiratory Therapy services to clients of all ages. Pamela is currently pursuing dual graduate degrees—a Doctor of Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health—at the University of Indianapolis. She is the co-author of *Putting Your Dreams To Work: Keys To Setting Up Your Therapy Practice* and *Start Your Engines: A Road Map to Your Clinical Fellowship Year*, both designed to guide aspiring clinicians through professional milestones. As a continuing partner with various state agencies, Pamela is passionate about helping individuals find their voice and communicate with confidence in their communities. Her work reflects a commitment to clinical excellence, public health advocacy, and empowering others through education and access.

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