Episodios

  • Foundational Skills for Language Development: Part 1

    Foundational Skills for Language Development: Part 1
    Feb 17 2026
    In this episode, Michelle kicks off a two-part series focusing on critical developmental skills that precede speech. While many parents and caregivers eagerly await a child’s first words, several foundational milestones must occur first to support successful communication. Michelle breaks down these essential skills, offering practical advice for parents, caregivers, and speech-language pathologists on how to spot them and why they matter.Michelle explores the importance of early interactions, such as reacting to the environment and responding to people. She explains how simple activities like playing with crinkly toys, listening to music, or engaging in "peekaboo" help build the cognitive framework for language. The discussion also covers the significance of turn-taking, attention span, and joint attention—skills that serve as the building blocks for future conversational ability. Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Foundational Language Skills Series01:53 – Reacting to Events in the Environment03:40 – Responding to People and Developing Social Awareness05:03 – The Importance of Turn-Taking in Early Communication06:15 – Anticipating Events and Developing Object Permanence07:35 – Developing Attention Span: Age-Appropriate Expectations09:00 – Transitioning from Child-Led to Adult-Directed Play10:21 – Shifting and Sharing Joint Attention12:00 – The "Tell, Show, Help" Method for Caregivers14:50 – The Impact of Screen Time on Early Development Quick NotesHost: Michelle, Speech-Language PathologistKey Concepts Discussed:Reacting to the Environment: Encouraging infants to use all senses (sight, sound, touch) to interact with their world.Social Responsiveness: Promoting eye contact, tracking, and listening to voices to establish two-way communication.Turn-Taking: Using games like peekaboo to teach the back-and-forth nature of conversation.Joint Attention: The ability to share focus on an object with another person, a critical precursor to vocabulary development."Tell, Show, Help": A strategy for teaching new skills by verbally explaining, demonstrating, and then physically assisting the child.Resources Mentioned:Child Yoga: A recommended activity to get children moving and ready to focus before seated tasks.Connect with Us: If you have questions about early childhood development or want to share your experiences, connect with us on Instagram @AMN_allied.Subscribe: Don't miss the next episode for Part 2 of this series on foundational language skills. Subscribe to SLP Full Disclosure on your favorite podcast platform. Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply hereLearn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure PodcastLevel up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare. Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! WebsiteInstagramYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • Fluency, Anxiety, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Tim Mackesey

    Fluency, Anxiety, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Tim Mackesey
    Feb 3 2026
    Episode SummaryIn this episode, Michelle sits down with Tim Mackesey, a board-certified specialist in fluency disorders with over 33 years of experience. Tim brings a unique perspective to the conversation, as he is both a seasoned clinician and a person who stutters. Together, they explore the complexities of fluency disorders, moving beyond the mechanics of speech to address the deep emotional and psychological components of stuttering.Tim shares his personal journey, from negative experiences with speech therapy in childhood to finding his own path to confidence. He discusses his fascinating work as an expert witness for cases involving sudden onset stuttering following brain injury and details how he integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into his practice to help clients manage social anxiety. Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Tim Mackesey and Fluency Disorders01:59 – The Role of an Expert Witness in Sudden Onset Stuttering Cases03:30 – Tim’s Personal Journey: From "Stutterer" to Person Who Stutters09:57 – The Anxiety of Stuttering in Professional Settings11:42 – A Shift in Perspective: The Impact of Dean Williams17:16 – Stuttering in High-Stakes Professions: Police, Pilots, and Medical Students22:07 – Therapy Approaches: Direct Models for Preschoolers vs. CBT for Adults26:22 – The Developmental Impact of Stuttering at Age Seven30:15 – Timeline Therapy: Addressing Past Trauma and Reframing Memories33:26 – Practical Techniques: Using Mind Lines and Conversational Reframing37:00 – Essential Resources for SLPs: Where to Start with Fluency Quick NotesGuest: Tim Mackesey, Speech-Language Pathologist and Board-Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders.Resources Mentioned:Stuttering Foundation of America: Tim recommends their "Pioneer" videos as a foundational resource for SLPs.The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering (London): A great source for solution-focused therapy and counseling videos.Book: Mind Lines (for conversational reframing).Website:stutteringadvice.com (Tim's educational modules).Connect with Us: We love hearing from our listeners! If you have questions about fluency or want to share your own experiences with CBT in therapy, connect with us on Instagram @AMN_allied. Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply hereLearn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure PodcastLevel up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare. Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! WebsiteInstagramYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    40 m
  • A Sneak Peek into 2026!

    A Sneak Peek into 2026!
    Jan 20 2026

    Episode Summary

    In the first episode of 2026, Michelle gives a special preview of the exciting guests and topics lined up for SLP Full Disclosure in the coming months. From groundbreaking AAC technology and fluency therapy to the worlds of voice coaching and pediatric feeding, this season is packed with diverse expertise.

    Listen in as Michelle shares how she discovers incredible SLPs on social media and introduces the specialists who will be joining the show. You'll hear about upcoming discussions on everything from being a traveling SLP and navigating your clinical fellowship year to the complexities of dysphagia and apraxia. Get ready for a year of fun, learning, and insightful conversations with leaders and innovators in the field of speech-language pathology.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Happy New Year & A Look Ahead at 2026
    01:51 - Dylan McConney & the Nerd Chat AAC Platform
    03:41 - Tim McKenzie on Fluency and Building Client Confidence
    04:45 - Maurice Goodwin: A Look into Voice Coaching
    06:19 - Kaylee on Pediatric Feeding in the NICU
    07:58 - Brandon, the Traveling SLP
    09:09 - George Barnes on Dysphagia and Being an Expert Witness
    10:24 - Recruiter Christy Yankovic on Building Clinician Relationships
    11:17 - Michelle's Two-Part Series on Early Intervention
    12:11 - Laura Smith Returns to Discuss Apraxia
    13:25 - Claudia Berger on Traveling During Your CFY
    15:48 - The Future of AI in Speech Therapy

    Quick Notes:

    Upcoming Guests: Stay tuned for episodes featuring Dylan McConney (Nerd Chat), Tim McKenzie (fluency), Maurice Goodwin (voice), Kaylee (pediatric feeding), Brandon (travel SLP), George Barnes (dysphagia), Christy Yankovic (recruiting), Laura Smith (apraxia), Claudia Berger (travel CFY), and Israel Montano (SLP AI Tools).

    Connect with Us: Are you an SLP creating content on social media? Michelle is always looking for new guests! Connect with us on TikTok @SLPFullDisclosure.

    Share Your Experience: If you are using AI in your therapy sessions or workflow, we want to hear from you. Send us a comment and let us know how you're incorporating it into your practice.

    Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

    Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

    Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

    Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.

    Share the opportunity and refer a friend today!

    Episode Sponsor:

    We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

    Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!

    Website

    Instagram

    YouTube

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify


    Powered by AMN Healthcare


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    20 m
  • ASHA 2025 Convention Recap

    ASHA 2025 Convention Recap
    Dec 9 2025

    Episode Summary

    In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle shares an exciting recap of the ASHA 2025 Convention in Washington, D.C. Celebrating ASHA's centennial anniversary, this year's convention was a massive gathering of nearly 15,000 speech-language pathologists, graduate students, and exhibitors from around the world.

    Listen in as Michelle discusses the incredible energy at the AMN Healthcare booth, the surprising prevalence of AI in therapy discussions, and the valuable connections made with fellow professionals. She also shares personal highlights, including finally meeting her recruiter of five years and attending an inspiring session with Abby from "Love on the Spectrum." Whether you attended the convention or are curious about the latest in the SLP world, this episode covers the key takeaways, professional opportunities, and what to look forward to at ASHA 2026.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - ASHA 2025 Recap

    01:41 - AMN Healthcare at ASHA

    03:11 - AI in Therapy

    03:56 – Debunking Myths About Your Clinical Fellowship Year

    04:43 - Inspiring Sessions ft. Abby from "Love on the Spectrum"

    05:20 – The Joy of Meeting Podcast Guests and Colleagues in Person

    Quick Notes:

    • ASHA 2026 Convention: Mark your calendars for next year's event in Indianapolis, Indiana.
    • AMN Healthcare Giveaway: Don't miss your chance to win a $500 ASHA registration gift certificate and a $1,000 travel voucher for ASHA 2026. [https://www.amnhealthcare.com/social/asha-giveaway/]

    Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

    Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

    Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

    Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.

    Share the opportunity and refer a friend today!

    Episode Sponsor:

    We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

    Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!

    Website

    Instagram

    YouTube

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify


    Powered by AMN Healthcare


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    7 m
  • From Texas to Cabo: A Global Perspective on Cleft Palate Care with Regina Ramone

    From Texas to Cabo: A Global Perspective on Cleft Palate Care with Regina Ramone
    Nov 25 2025

    In this episode, we're joined by Regina Ramone, a Speech Language Pathologist who brings a unique perspective from her work in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Regina shares her journey from Texas to directing a clinic in Mexico, focusing on the critical care for children with cleft lip and palate.

    She discusses the significant differences in speech pathology services, early intervention, and family support between the U.S. and Mexico. This conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of providing multidisciplinary care in an area where speech therapy is still an emerging profession and resources can be scarce.

    Keywords: speech pathology, cleft lip, cleft palate, early intervention, international SLP, bilingual SLP, pediatric therapy, medical SLP, multidisciplinary team, global healthcare

    Chapters

    00:00 - A Look at Speech Pathology in Mexico

    03:30 - Regina's Journey to Cleft Palate Specialization

    04:54 - Structural vs. Functional Therapy

    06:26 - The Process and Timing of Surgical Intervention

    09:23 - Gaps in Family Support and Follow-Up Care

    10:51 - Building a Multidisciplinary Care Team

    12:39 - The Biggest Misconception About Cleft Palate Care

    21:13 - Serving the Community in Southern Baja California

    23:43 - A New Profession in Mexico

    36:30 - Recommended Resources for SLPs

    Guest Bio

    Regina Ramone is a speech language pathologist who grew up in Del Rio, Texas. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on serving bilingual populations. With a background in early childhood intervention and medical settings, Regina is now the director of Communicable in Los Cabos, Mexico. She collaborates with local foundations to provide essential care for children with cleft lip and palate.

    Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

    Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

    Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

    Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.

    Share the opportunity and refer a friend today!

    Episode Sponsor:

    We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

    Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!

    Website

    Instagram

    YouTube

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify


    Powered by AMN Healthcare


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    39 m
  • Supporting Bilingual Students in Speech Therapy with Natalie Jaramillo

    Supporting Bilingual Students in Speech Therapy with Natalie Jaramillo
    Nov 11 2025

    In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle is joined by AMN Healthcare teletherapist and bilingual SLP, Natalie Jaramillo. Natalie shares her expertise on supporting Spanish-speaking students in a school setting, from the importance of a thorough family interview to understand a child's language exposure and cultural background to how dynamic assessments can reveal a child's learning potential beyond standardized testing.

    They also discuss common articulation differences between Spanish and English, strategies for improving intelligibility without diminishing a child's cultural identity, and the nuances of assessing language skills in both languages.

    Chapters:

    00:44 – Introduction to Natalie the episode's topic: working with bilingual children.

    03:03 – The first thing to consider when you receive a referral for a bilingual student.

    05:34 – Using dynamic assessments (test, teach, reteach) to gauge learning potential.

    09:18 – Differences in Spanish and English Pronunciation

    11:38 – Accent Versus Speech Sound Error

    15:14 – Word Order Differences Between English and Spanish.

    18:44 – Differentiating Language Delay and Lack of Exposure to English

    22:05 – Bilingual vs. Interpreter Evaluations

    24:01 – Therapy Strategies for Engaging Bilingual Students

    28:36 – Advice for New SLPs

    Guest Bio:

    Natalie Jaramillo, M.S. CCC-SLP, is bilingual speech-language pathologist with AMN Healthcare. Her experience includes home health, therapeutic preschools, private clinics, and teletherapy, with a focus on providing high-quality care to diverse pediatric populations.

    Natalie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and completed her graduate studies at Eastern New Mexico University.

    Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

    Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

    Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

    Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.

    Share the opportunity and refer a friend today!

    Episode Sponsor:

    We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

    Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!

    Website

    Instagram

    YouTube

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify


    Powered by AMN Healthcare


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • From TikTok to Therapy: An Inspiring Story of Private Practice with Melissa Perez

    From TikTok to Therapy: An Inspiring Story of Private Practice with Melissa Perez
    Oct 28 2025

    In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle interviews Melissa Perez, a passionate speech-language pathologist and business owner. Melissa shares her journey into the field, from discovering her love for working with children to starting her private practice, Honeybee Speech.

    She discusses the challenges she has faced, including navigating insurance, building client relationships, and growing her practice. Melissa also highlights the role of mentorship and how TikTok has helped her share knowledge and connect with clients. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the belief that anyone can achieve their dreams with the right support and mindset.

    Chapters:
    00:00 - Introduction to Melissa Perez and Her Journey
    03:01 - Finding Passion in Speech Pathology
    05:54 - Transitioning to Private Practice
    09:04 - Starting Small: The Private Practice Journey
    12:07 - Building Client Relationships and Referrals
    15:08 - Navigating Insurance and Billing Challenges
    17:58 - The Impact of TikTok on Professional Growth
    20:46 - Lessons Learned as a Business Owner
    24:04 - Advice for New SLPs and CFYs

    About Melissa:
    Melissa Perez, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and owner of Honeybee Speech, a private practice based in El Centro, California. She specializes in early intervention and speech sound disorders, and is passionate about helping little ones find their voice. Melissa also enjoys supporting other SLPs as they navigate the private practice journey.

    She has built her career on resilience, mentorship, and love for helping children. Through social media platforms like TikTok, Melissa shares her expertise, connects with clients, and inspires others to pursue their dreams in speech pathology.

    Follow Melissa on TikTok

    Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply here

    ASHA Giveaway! Don’t miss your chance to win! Enter today

    Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

    Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

    Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.

    Share the opportunity and refer a friend today!

    Episode Sponsor:

    We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

    Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!

    Website

    Instagram

    YouTube

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify


    Powered by AMN Healthcare


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Social Determinants of Health with Stefanie LaManna

    Social Determinants of Health with Stefanie LaManna
    Oct 14 2025
    In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle sits down with Stefanie LaManna, an experienced SLP and Associate Director of Healthcare Services in Speech-Language Pathology at ASHA, to discuss the critical topic of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Together, they explore how SDOH impacts healthcare access, patient outcomes, and the role of SLPs in addressing these factors across various settings, including schools, hospitals, home health, and more.Stefanie shares her journey as an SLP, her passion for neonatal airway disorders and family-centered care, and her transition to her current role at ASHA. The conversation dives deep into the five key areas of SDOH, practical interventions for SLPs, and the importance of building rapport with families to provide equitable and effective care.Chapters00:00 – Welcome and Guest Introduction01:33 – Stefanie’s Career Journey03:15 – What Are Social Determinants of Health?06:00 – Protective Factors, Social Risks, and Social Needs09:48 – Why SDOH Matters for SLPs13:28 – Real-Life Examples of SDOH in Practice17:07 – Practical Interventions for SLPs22:53 – Cultural Considerations26:29 – Advice for SLPs28:27 – Closing Thoughts and Upcoming EventsResources MentionedWhat are SDOH? – ASHA’s SDOH webpageSDOH: What's My Role? – The SLP’s role in SDOHSDOH: Tools and Support Highlighted Leader Articles:SDOH and Pediatric SLPsSDOH and Feeding SLPsSDOH and Dysphagia SLPsInterprofessional Practice in the NICUPodcast: Social Determinants and Pediatric FeedingAbout the Guest: Stefanie LaManna is a speech-language pathologist and certified neonatal therapist with experience working in various pediatric medical settings over the past decade. She currently works as Associate Director, Health Care Services at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. In her role, Stefanie serves as the team lead on all priorities related to pediatric feeding disorder and pediatric health care settings. Her clinical interests and expertise include neonatal and infant airway disorders, and using FEES with the pediatric population.Upcoming EventsASHA Centennial Celebration: November in Washington, DC.Visit AMN Healthcare at Booth #3312 to connect with the team and learn more about SLP opportunities. Champions Care Scholarship: Apply now for the $5,000 Champions Care Scholarship! Apply hereLearn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure PodcastLevel up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program. Share the opportunity and refer a friend today! Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare. Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today! WebsiteInstagramYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Más Menos
    30 m