***Originally Aired: January 16, 2025***

Guest: Irene H. Kim, MA, CCC-SLP, CSRP, CBIS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Body-and-Mind-in-Harmony-Interdisciplinary-Paths-to-Neurolog

In this episode, Irene H. Kim joins Renee to explore the powerful connection between body and cognition in neurological rehabilitation. We will dive into interdisciplinary approaches in the long-term acute care (LTac) setting, including dual-tasking, neuroplasticity, co-treats, and program development. Join us to learn more about insights and the latest research driving this holistic approach to healing in an often unknown practice setting.

*****Originally Aired: February 28, 2025

Guest: Rebecca Weber, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Insights-into-Mild-Cognitive-Impairment-MCI

Join Renee Garrett as she welcomes Rebecca Weber, founder of Navigating Neurospeech Therapy. This episode delves into the complexities of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), its distinction from normal aging, and early signs of dementia. Rebecca discusses her approach to assessing and treating MCI using a person-centered care model, emphasizing functional strategies and holistic health measures. Gain insights into speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) valuable role in diagnosing and managing MCI and supporting patients and caregivers.

About the Guest:

Rebecca Weber, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is the founder/owner and primary Speech Language Pathologist at Navigating Neuro Speech Therapy (NNST), an adult-focused private practice. She specializes in providing speech, language, and cognitive therapy for those who have had a stroke, suffer from a concussion or brain injury, have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or neurodegenerative diagnoses such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), and Dementia. Rebecca is in South Jersey, right outside Philadelphia, and provides in-home visits and telehealth services in NJ. With over 12 years of experience in various settings, Rebecca founded her practice due to a passion for person-centered care and filling a gap for needed outpatient therapy within the community.

Guest: Beth McHose, MS Ed, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/aac-more-than-just-expression

In this episode of Brainstorms, Renee Garrett, MSED, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Beth McHose, MS Ed, CCC-SLP, to explore the many roles AAC plays beyond expression. Together, they discuss how AAC can build stronger relationships, support understanding, foster emotional well-being, and empower individuals across different settings.

You’ll hear case examples, practical strategies, and insights from lived experiences to help you grow more confident in integrating AAC into your work. Whether you support patients, clients, students, or caregivers, this conversation offers meaningful takeaways for anyone looking to make AAC a more natural and powerful part of communication.

About the Guest: Beth McHose, MS Ed, CCC-SLP, is a speech pathologist currently working as Senior Manager of Clinical Marketing at Lingraphica. She’s an adjunct instructor at Old Dominion University and has clinical experience across the entire spectrum of neurological rehabilitation.

*****Originally Aired: October 24, 2024*****

Guest: Anna Ware, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/bridging-communication-aac-through-a-culturally-humble-lens

In this episode, Renee is joined by Anna Ware, MS, CCC-SLP, to discuss the importance of cultural humility for CSD professionals who evaluate and treat users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Renee and Anna will explore how to understand better the influence of cultural values, beliefs, and communication norms on AAC users and their communication partners. Included are concrete strategies for creating inclusive communication environments that honor the identities and experiences of individuals from various cultural backgrounds, ensuring more effective and personalized AAC interventions. Join us as we explore how to empower all voices.

About the Guest: Anna Ware, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with 15 years of clinical experience and a deep passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She has worked across age groups in leading medical institutions including Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and Shriners Hospital in Chicago, where she honed her expertise in AAC assessment and intervention. Anna has taught both continuing education and graduate-level courses on AAC, driven by her mission to make AAC knowledge accessible to clinicians in all settings. She believes that no person should be left without a voice or the opportunity to communicate, and she advocates for both high-tech funding solutions and low-tech, paper-based resources to ensure equitable access to communication. Her advocacy is grounded in cultural humility and a strong sense of responsibility, particularly when helping individuals develop effective means of communication. Anna recently launched her own practice, *AAC Aware PLLC*, in the Chicago area, and shares insights and resources through her Instagram platform [@AAC_Aware](https://www.instagram.com/aac_aware). She earned her Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University. Now based in Chicago, Anna is raising her family—including her two young sons and spouse—in the city she proudly calls home.

Guest: Lauren Schwabish, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/parenting-through-aphasia

Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, and when aphasia enters the picture, those challenges can become even more complex. In this episode of Brainstorms, Lauren Schwabish, MS, CCC-SLP, joins host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, to explore what it’s like for parents living with aphasia while raising children at home.

You’ll hear real stories about navigating everyday conversations, staying connected with family, and balancing recovery with parenthood. Lauren and Renee share practical strategies, emotional insights, and resources that can help families maintain meaningful communication and strong bonds.

This conversation highlights resilience, creativity, and the love that keeps families moving forward together.

About the Guest: Lauren Schwabish, MS, CCC-SLP, is the owner of Neuro Speech Services, a private practice based in Northern Virginia, specializing in person-centered assessment and treatment of cognitive-communicative disorders related to stroke, acquired brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, ADHD, and other neurologic and neurodegenerative conditions. She has over 25 years of experience working in hospitals and acute rehabilitation centers. She is passionate about providing meaningful and accessible health education about the brain to patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Lauren is committed to empowering communities with evidence-based information and best practices in brain health behaviors.

*****Originally Aired: December 5, 2024*****

Guest: Maurice Goodwin, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD:https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/mastering-the-basics-voice-fundamentals-for-everyone

In this episode, Maurice Goodwin, MS, CCC-SLP, joins Renee to discuss voice fundamentals and a bonus discussion about singing voice evaluation and treatment. The essential building blocks of a strong, healthy voice are key for singers and speakers. Key features of this episode include the anatomy of the voice, understanding vocal qualities, and how to enhance vocal control to maintain a healthy voice. Maurice will review how SLPs can improve their competency in treating voice disorders. Join us on an engaging journey to begin mastering your voice therapy techniques!

About the Guest: Maurice Goodwin, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and practicing speech-language pathologist, voice teacher, and active performer living in Houston, TX. Professionally, he specializes in the evaluation and treatment of the singing voice and voice disorders at The Texas Voice Center and serves as adjunct faculty at Lamar University in the graduate Vocology Certificate Program. Following his undergraduate studies in music performance at Shenandoah University, he completed his graduate work in speech-language pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. During his time at the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center, he completed his graduate thesis on the challenges and changes that occur in the voices of elderly adults. His background as a performer and speech-language pathologist led him to complete a fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Voice and Swallow Clinics, where he focused on treating singers, actors, teachers, and other occupational voice users with voice problems. He is a regular lecturer and presenter at national and international conferences focused on the health and education of professional voice users. Maurice is passionate about vocal health education and the intersections of identity and voice. He is licensed to practice in the state of Texas and holds national certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Guest: Melissa Del Pino, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

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

Neuroplasticity gives us hope after a traumatic brain injury, but how we as SLPs tap into it makes all the difference. In this episode, Melissa Del Pino, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, joins host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, to share how centering patients’ voices, strengths, and lived experiences can lead to more meaningful recovery.

Together, they explore how to align therapy with goals that matter most to patients, recognize the small but powerful communication cues that guide intervention, and create strategies that help the brain rewire in lasting ways.

Tune in for practical, patient-centered approaches that remind us recovery isn’t just about techniques—it’s about truly listening and partnering with the people we serve.

About the Guest: Melissa Del Pino. MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and Dr. Amen–Certified Brain Health Trainer. She is the founder of Speech Like Honey Speech Therapy Inc., a private practice offering speech therapy and consultation services across the lifespan, with a specialized focus on concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Melissa’s passion for brain health and athlete rehabilitation emerged through her clinical journey, where she found her calling in supporting TBI survivors. With a deep understanding of the challenges associated with brain injury and a strong commitment to harnessing neuroplasticity, she works to help individuals regain cognitive function, enhance communication, and optimize overall brain health. Melissa has been invited to speak on numerous topics, including the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA), AAC assessment and intervention, creating language-rich environments for late talkers, the role of the SLP in school settings, and the cognitive-communication impacts of brain injury. Outside of her professional work, Melissa enjoys camping, gardening, Zumba, and pottery.

Guest: Jaime Bauer Malandraki, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/heart-of-communication

In this episode of Brainstorms, we look at the often-overlooked role of mental health and its impact on education and rehabilitation. How do emotional well-being and psychological safety influence communication recovery? What can educators and rehabilitation professionals do to support the whole person, rather than just the diagnosis?

Guest Jaime Bauer Malandraki, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, and host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, discuss the emotional toll of mental health challenges faced by students and patients, as well as the role of SLPs and teachers in creating trauma-informed, empathetic environments.

About the Guest: Jaime Bauer Malandraki, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University. She received her bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her primary clinical and research interests lie in the evaluation and management of swallowing disorders across the lifespan, with a special emphasis on neurodegenerative conditions and head and neck cancer.