***** This episode may contain subject matter that is a trigger for some listeners. Incidents of traumatic events, injuries, and mental health issues will be discussed.********

Guest: Jessica Cortez, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS

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In this episode of the Brainstorms Functional Neuro Rehab for SLPs podcast, host Renee Garrett welcomes guest Jessica Cortez, a speech-language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist. The discussion focuses on the impactful work being done to provide speech therapy services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Jessica shares her journey and experiences, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care, functional brain injury assessments, and the challenges of delivering these essential services. Practical insights into personalized treatment, building rapport, and innovative approaches for outreach to underserved populations are provided, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in neurorehabilitation and social justice.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:34 Guest Introduction: Jessica Cortez

02:30 Jessica's Journey into Neuro Rehab

03:41 Focusing on Traumatic Brain Injury

05:49 The Criminal Justice System and Brain Injuries

13:30 Patient-Focused Brain Injury Assessment

24:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Prison Reform

32:39 Understanding Brain Function and Holistic Care

33:55 Challenges in Nutrition and Healthcare Systems

35:04 Addressing Bias and Habitual Behavior

36:01 Outreach and Support for Underserved Populations

38:18 Screening and Support Systems for TBI

40:06 Collaborative Care and Rehabilitation

42:01 Functional Therapy and Real-Life Applications

54:37 Success Stories and Rehabilitation Impact

01:00:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

About the Guest:

Jessica Cortez is a Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist with over 15 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in various medical settings. She earned her Master's in Speech Language Pathology from The George Washington University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Mount Union. She now lives in Northern Colorado and owns The Loom Connection, focusing exclusively on treating acquired brain injuries in the general and criminal justice.

-Originally Aired October 9, 2023-

Guest: Amy Larocca, MS, CCC-SLP

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Welcome to the Brainstorms: Functional Neuro Rehab podcast for SLPs, presented by Speech Therapy PD. Host Renee Garrett introduces Amy Larocca, an experienced speech-language pathologist specializing in Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. This episode focuses on the challenges and considerations in treating patients with Parkinson’s. Topics include the importance of tailored treatments, assessments, collaborative care, patient engagement, and the effects of interventions like deep brain stimulation. Amy and Renee emphasize the need for continuous education, the role of preventive and maintenance programs, and the significance of patient-centered care. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice for SLPs working with this complex patient population.

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

03:00 Meet Amy Larocca: Experience and Expertise

05:39 Diving into Parkinson's: Symptoms and Variability

09:33 Speech Therapy's Role in Parkinson's Diagnosis

15:20 Collaborative Care and Patient-Centered Approach

24:44 Resources and Assessments for Parkinson's

34:50 Voice Handicap Index and Patient Reported Outcomes

35:06 Parkinson's Patients in the Community

36:42 Perceptions and Realities of Parkinson's

38:28 Swallow Disturbance Questionnaire

39:06 Motor Speech Evaluations

43:25 Deep Brain Stimulation and Its Impacts

48:37 The Role of Speech Therapists

49:51 Preventative Programs and Maintenance

51:59 Humor and Rapport with Patients

53:52 Instrumentation and Treatment Programs

56:34 Effective Treatment Strategies

01:01:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About the Guest: Amy Larocca, MA, CCC-SLP, is the owner and lead Speech-Language Pathologist at Polaris Speech & Neurological Rehabilitation, a hybrid private practice in Northeast Ohio. She brings 17 years of clinical and teaching experience to her patients and specializes in evaluating and treating patients with Parkinson's and other neurological diseases. She is trained in SPEAK OUT!®, Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, and Manual Therapy for the SLP. She holds a Parkinson Foundation Team Training certification. Amy is on the Board of the Ohio Parkinson's Foundation Northeast Region, Contracts to provide classes at InMotion, and is the Chair of the planning Committee for the Parkinson Foundation Cleveland Moving Day.

Guests: Joanne Steel, PhD, BSPTH (Hons), CPSP, and Elise Bogart, PhD, for "TBI Grand Rounds: The Role of Narrative Language in TBI Recovery," an episode of the Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs podcast.

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Join host Renee Garrett in an in-depth discussion with Dr. Joanne Steel from the University of Newcastle and Dr. Elise Bogart from the University of Sydney. This episode covers many topics, including the TBI Bank—a comprehensive international database featuring language samples from individuals with brain injuries designed to educate speech pathology students. Further insights include the development of narrative-based interventions, cognitive communication assessments, and the importance of functional treatment approaches in SLP practices. The guests share their journeys, experiences in TBI rehabilitation, the challenges in integrating research with practice, and the efficacy of various communication strategies and interventions. The discussion also touches on the complexities of access to care and the importance of a patient-centered approach in speech therapy. This episode offers valuable information for clinicians, researchers, and anyone passionate about improving communication recovery post-TBI.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Host Disclosures

01:29 Guest Introductions

03:05 Overview of TBI Bank

04:38 Clinical Experiences and Challenges

07:05 Importance of Discourse in TBI Recovery

16:33 Narrative-Based Treatment and Research

28:00 Challenges in Inpatient Rehab for Brain Injury

28:37 Collaborative Development of Narrative-Based Treatment

30:04 Flexible and Accessible Treatment Resources

31:05 Importance of Education and Continuity of Care

33:46 Communication Partner Training and Functional Tasks

37:49 Objective Data and Conversational Skills

44:31 Aphasia in TBI Patients

52:12 Access to Care and Insurance Challenges

57:49 Conclusion and Future Research

About the Guests:

Dr Joanne Steel, PhD, is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She is a practising speech pathologist with over 15 years of research and clinical experience with adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her research focuses on improving clinical methods for cognitive-communication assessment and intervention after TBI. She has published over 20 journal articles and two book chapters and is co-developing a story-based intervention program for cognitive-communication disorder after TBI.

Elise Bogart, PhD, is a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, Australia. Elise is a certified speech pathologist with over 10 years of clinical and research experience. Elise holds a PhD in acquired brain injury and has led the development of an internationally utilised educational resource and research database called TBIBank. Elise is passionate about equipping clinicians with the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based practice. Elise was the 2024 conference chair and an ongoing committee member for the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment.

Guest: Felicia Francois, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Empowering-Voices-GenderAffirming-Voice-Care

Join Renee Garrett as she hosts Felicia Francois, a queer, non-binary speech language pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway disorders, on the Speech Therapy PD podcast. In this insightful episode, Felicia discusses the intricacies of gender-affirming voice care, including their philosophy, the importance of patient-centered approaches, and various techniques and surgeries that can help align a patient’s voice with their gender identity. The conversation delves into Felicia's background, the role of SLPs before and after gender-affirming surgeries, and the critical aspect of mental health in this specialized field. Whether you’re an experienced clinician or new to this niche, this episode provides valuable knowledge and techniques for delivering inclusive and effective care.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:00 Meet Felicia Francois: A Journey in Voice Therapy

03:22 Understanding Gender Affirming Voice Care

06:54 Exploring Voice Therapy Techniques and Tools

20:54 Gender Affirming Voice Surgeries

29:21 The Healing Process After Voice Surgery

30:27 Pre-Surgery Counseling for Gender Affirming Voice Surgery

30:43 Teaching Communication Alternatives and Managing Expectations

32:19 Voice Therapy Techniques and Exercises

37:21 Gender Affirming Voice Therapy Sessions

46:28 Addressing Preexisting Conditions and Surgery Candidacy

53:23 The Importance of Mental Health in Voice Therapy

58:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Future Practitioners

About the Guest:

Felicia François (they/she) is a queer, nonbinary, white speech-language pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway. They have a passion for gender-affirming voice care and lead the gender-affirming voice care initiative at the USC Voice Center in Los Angeles, California, where they also work with performing vocalists and a variety of other patients with voice and upper airway disorders. She is passionate about advancing research for gender-affirming voice care and improving the quality of life for those with voice issues.

Guests: Petra Avramović, PhD, CPSP, MSPAA, and Sophie Brassel, PhD, MSPA-CPSP

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Join host Renee Garrett as she interviews Dr. Sophie Brassel and Dr. Petra Avramović, renowned lecturers and researchers in speech pathology from the University of Sydney. This episode dives deep into the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of speech pathology. Dr. Brassel discusses her ground-breaking research on using VR for cognitive communication disorders following traumatic brain injury, while Dr. Avramović explores the potential and current uses of AI in supporting communication rehabilitation. The episode also offers insights into the Australian clinical education structure for speech pathologists, comparing it with the U.S. system. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of speech and language therapy!

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:00 Meet the Guests: Dr. Sophie Brassel and Dr. Petra Avramović

03:51 Understanding Virtual Reality in Communication Disorders

07:58 Research and Applications of VR in Cognitive Communication Disorders

15:04 Challenges and Future Directions in VR Research

21:22 Exploring AI in Speech Pathology

24:32 AI Tools and Applications in Therapy

28:00 Case Studies and Future Prospects

34:15 Maintaining Core Principles in Digital Interventions

35:39 Emotional Connection in Clinical Practice

36:41 The Role of Technology in Therapy

38:02 Clinical Practicum Structures in Australia

39:24 Undergraduate Clinical Placements

44:09 Graduate Programs and Career Pathways

56:53 Clinical Hours and Competency Requirements

57:57 AI and Data Security in Clinical Practice

01:01:14 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

About the Guests:

Dr. Sophie Brassel is a lecturer and early career researcher in the Discipline of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. She is a certified practicing speech pathologist with extensive experience in assessing and managing adults with communication difficulties. Before joining the University of Sydney, Sophie worked as a speech pathologist in the public health system and as a research assistant on projects relating to communication recovery following traumatic brain injury. Sophie completed her PhD at the University of Sydney within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab. Her thesis explored the use of immersive virtual reality in rehabilitation for cognitive-communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. Sophie’s research examines the application of digital health technologies in supporting communication following acquired brain injury, while her teaching concentrates on practice education for speech pathology students.

Dr. Petra Avramović is a lecturer, clinical educator, early-career researcher, and certified practicing speech pathologist. Petra completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) with First Class Honours and completed her PhD within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab at the University of Sydney. She has held several roles in clinical and research settings with a variety of populations, with particular focus in working with people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her thesis, entitled “The development and evaluation of convers-ABI-lity: an online communication partner training platform for people with traumatic brain injury”, aimed to collaboratively develop a novel multimodal communication partner training program with people with TBI and others involved in their care, and to evaluate its effectiveness and efficacy for improving conversation skills following TBI. Petra is involved in academic, clinical education, and research supervision for...

-Originally aired: January 14, 2024 -

Guest: Megan Battles Parsons, PhD, CCC-SLP, CDP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD:https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Implementing-Education-Practices-as-a-Clinician-and-educator

In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Megan Battles Parsons to discuss a framework for structuring clinical practicums that empowers students to increase knowledge and active participation in their education. How can one devise a mentor/mentee educational program? What key components have proven successful in this type of program? Join Renee and Megan as we discuss ways SLPs can implement educational strategies in other clinical roles, including patient education.

About the Guest:

Megan Battles Parsons, PhD, CCC-SLP, CDP, is a medical speech-language pathologist and visiting assistant professor in Memphis, TN. Megan actively mentors future speech-language pathologists in the clinic and the classroom through both roles. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner and participant in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Leadership Development Program, Megan also advocates for patient education and informed consent, ensuring individuals and families are empowered in their healthcare decisions.

Guests: Leanne Togher, PhD, FSPA, FASSBI, Rachael Rietdijk, PhD, SLP, & Kate Smith, MSPA, CPSP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Social-Brain-Toolkit-Practical-Resources-for-Caregiver

Join Renee Garrett as she kicks off Season 2 of Brainstorms Functional Neurorehab with esteemed guests Dr. Leanne Togher, Dr. Rachael Rietdijk, and Kate Smith. In this episode, the team explores the Social Brain Toolkit, a suite of resources designed to improve communication for individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI). The discussion covers the inception, development, and components of programs like TBI Express, TBI ConneCT, and Interactability. They delve into the crucial role of communication partner training, methodological research, and evidence-based practices in supporting TBI patients and their caregivers. Additionally, the episode touches upon the groundbreaking work at the University of Sydney and introduces speechBITE, a curated repository of treatment research in speech pathology. Tune in to learn about their innovative approach to making effective communication strategies accessible and practical for clinicians, students, and families worldwide.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:40 Meet the Experts

04:50 The Social Brain Toolkit: Origins and Development

09:03 TBI Express, and TBI ConneCT: Evolution of Training Programs

11:36 Telehealth and Digital Health Innovations

13:18 Expanding Communication Partner Training

15:22 Interactability and Social Ability: New Tools for Broader Impact

17:39 Practical Applications and Future Directions

32:48 Understanding Communication After Brain Injury

33:26 Training for Caregivers and Students

35:14 Introducing TBI Express and interact-ABI-lity

36:03 Free Resources and Accessibility

36:46 speechBITE: A Resource for Speech Pathologists

37:32 The Evolution and Impact of speechBITE

44:19 Kate Smith's PhD Research on Clinical Information Needs

53:01 Addressing Methodological Quality in Research

56:07 The Social Brain Toolkit and Caregiver Support

59:08 Final Thoughts and Resources

About the Guests:

Professor Leanne Togher is a full Professor at the University of Sydney, Australia, and NHMRC Professorial Research Fellow (Investigator Grant Leadership Level 3). Professor Togher holds a PhD in speech pathology and is internationally recognised with more than 250 journal articles. Professor Togher has led the development of communication treatments for people with brain injury and their families, carers, and community agencies, including TBI Express, TBI ConneCT, and the Social Brain Toolkit. She is the director of the evidence-based practice website speechBITE. Professor Togher is the incoming Chair for the International Brain Injury Association and Chair of Brain Injury Australia.

Dr Rachael Rietdijk is a certified practising speech pathologist and Lecturer at the University of Sydney, with research interests in acquired brain injury, communication partner training, and digital health. Her PhD research produced a new evidence-based intervention for people with traumatic brain injury called TBIconneCT. Dr Rietdijk was the project lead for the Social Brain Toolkit project, including interact-ABI-lity, the first free evidence-based online program about communicating successfully with people with a brain injury. This program has reached over 1500 people from over 25 countries. Dr Rietdijk continues collaborating as part of research teams on the Communication Connect NHMRC Ideas Grant and the Communication for Safe Care NDIS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building grant.

Kate Smith is a speech-language pathologist who has worked in evidence-based practice for two decades. She is a member of the speechBITE advisory committee at the University of...

-Originally Aired: October 3, 2024 -

Guest: Dawn Ducca

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD:https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Understanding-and-Caring-for-Individuals-with-Frontotemporal

In this episode, Renee is joined by Dawn Ducca, who serves as a volunteer Ambassador for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a group of brain disorders that primarily impact personality, behavior, and language skills. This combination presents unique challenges for caregivers. Discussion includes medical aspects of the disease, psychological symptoms, and the progression of the disease that wreaks havoc on daily life. Some of the complexities of caregiving include the physical and emotional toll, but combined with coping and self-care strategies, caregivers can learn ways to support their well-being. Join Renee and Dawn for an hour of caregiving techniques and understand the importance of a support network.

About the Guest:

Dawn Ducca began volunteering with AFTD in 2019. As the former primary caregiver for her husband before his untimely death in 2022, she’s passionate about raising awareness and supporting others affected by this disease. Before joining the Ambassador team in 2021, she raised awareness in her community through presentations. She actively participated in AFTD’s annual flagship campaign, Food for Thought, as both a host and then liaison, supporting volunteers around the country with planning their events. As an Ambassador covering the Southeast Michigan, Northern Indiana, and Northwest Ohio area, she continues to raise awareness, educate others, and be a voice for FTD, including ensuring FTD is represented in her local dementia-friendly community.