Workshop

Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

Abstract: There is a common misconception in the world of Early Intervention that the infants and toddlers that we serve, have all potential diagnoses delivered upon hospital discharge.  Therefore, the speech-language pathologist should be able to enter the scene and easily address the known disorders with confidence.  Unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Often, the speech-language pathologist receives the referral for a patient and the prescription for therapy doesn’t even include “Pediatric Feeding Disorder” (PFD), however, it is abundantly clear during the evaluation, that this was the true need for the referral.  So, where does that leave the licensed SLP?  In a fantastic new role of detective!  Join Michelle Dawson, MS CCC-SLP, CLC, from “First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional a Speech Therapy Podcast”, for an hour long interactive lecture where she engages attendees through three clinical case studies focused on interprofessional practice for an evidenced-based approach to evaluation and treatment of PFD in the world of EI.  Michelle shares how to effectively engage with Allergists, GIs, OTR/Ls, and most importantly Caregivers, to obtain optimal outcomes for the little ones on your caseloads.  If you have ever wondered what signs and symptoms would warrant a referral, what common tests these specialists could run, or what are the most common diseases/disorders diagnosed by these professionals, then this is the hour for you!  Come grow your EBP and feel free to ask questions along the way in this dynamic early intervention case study conversation!

Learner Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Describe pediatric feeding disorder signs and symptoms that would warrant a referral to an allergist, as well as two tests an allergist can order/perform.
• Describe pediatric feeding disorder signs and symptoms that would warrant a referral to a gastrointestinal (GI) physician, as well as two tests a GI can order/perform.
• Describe pediatric feeding disorder signs and symptoms that would warrant a referral to an occupational therapist (OTR/L), as well as two tests an OTR/L can order/perform.

Level of Learning: Intermediate

Michelle Dawson is coordinator for clinical education and assistant clinical professor with the Master of Speech-Language Pathology at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, is the acclaimed host of First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional a weekly speech therapy podcast that addresses “all thangs” pediatric speech therapy, and is presented by Speechtherapypd.com. Recently, Michelle authored, Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders. She is an accomplished lecturer; traveling across the nation delivering courses on best practices for evaluation and treatment of the medically complex infant, toddler and child with respect to their pediatric oropharyngeal dysphagia, pediatric feeding disorder, as well as language acquisition within the framework of early intervention. She has served as the treasurer for the Council of State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Presidents, is a past president of the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a 2017 graduate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Leadership Development Program, a 2020 recipient of the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Champion from Feeding Matters, a 2021 recipient of the Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Outstanding Clinical Achievement from the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association and seven-time recipient of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s ACE Award for continuing education. 

Financial Disclosures: Michelle Dawson receives compensation for similar presentations from SpeechTherapyPD.com from webinars, as well as from the CEUs associated with First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional and Understanding Dysphagia, both are speech therapy podcasts. Michelle also receives compensation for a similar webinar from PESI, Inc. Michelle is the coordinator for clinical education and clinical assistant professor for the Department of Speech-Language Pathology with Francis Marion University, in Florence, South Carolina, for which she receives an annual salary. She also receives royalties from the sale of her book Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders, and compensation for the CEUs for it from SpeechTherapyPD.com. Lastly, Michelle is volunteering her time here today. 
Non Financial Disclosures: Michelle Dawson is a volunteer with Feeding Matters, a former treasurer with the Council of State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Presidents (CSAP), and a past president with South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  She is a current member of both ASHA, SCSHA and the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS). Michelle has also recently volunteered with ASHA for the Pediatric Feeding Disorder planning committee for the ASHA 2021 Convention. 

Rebecca Smith, MS, CCC-SLP

Abstract: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) demands that professionals provide interdisciplinary care to infants to achieve the best possible outcomes upon discharge. Knowledge of infant feeding methods is insufficient for the speech-language pathologist to function as an excellent therapist in the NICU. Understanding theories of motor development and appropriate infant positioning techniques are necessary to improve feeding and neurodevelopment after discharge and beyond. Additionally, educating parents on the importance of positioning during feeding without understanding its rationale is unacceptable. Speech-language pathologists must recognize that caring for these medically complex infants requires holistic knowledge of infant development, much of which is not provided in graduate school or the initial stages of training in the NICU. 

Learner Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Describe the acquisition of motor skills in the premature infant receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit.  
• Identify typical positioning aides found in the neonatal intensive care unit. 
• Explain the impact of positioning on feeding safety and quality.  

Level of Learning: Intermediate

Rebecca Smith is the lead inpatient speech-language pathologist at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and the primary speech-language pathologist in their level III neonatal intensive care unit. She is a certified neonatal therapist and pursuing her doctorate in Health Sciences with a Neurologic Rehabilitation concentration. She is an adjunct instructor at local universities and volunteers at the local, state, and national level within the speech-language pathology profession.

Financial Disclosure: Presenter is employed as the lead inpatient speech-language pathologist at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and is an adjunct instructor at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Nonfinancial Disclosure: Presenter is a member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association medical committee, a member of ASHA SIG 13 PDC and a volunteer with Feeding Matters, NFOSD, DOP, and SUP Podcast.

Raquel Garcia, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CNT, BCS-S

Abstract : Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is an instrumental assessment that was created by Dr. Susan Langmore in the late 1980’s to further assess the pharyngeal phase of swallowing in adults. Once thought to be an alternative to VFSS, FEES is now viewed as an equal and reliable instrumental assessment. This presentation will review the utility of  FEES with infants and neonates in the critical care units. It will address patient candidacy for infant  FEES as well as review the safety and reliability of it in this specialized population.

Learner Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Define Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
• Differentiate instrumental swallow assessments
• Explain the role of FEES in the critical care units (NICU, PCVICU, PICU)
• Review special consideration for FEES in Infants 

Level of Learning: Introductory

Raquel Garcia, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CNT, BCS-S

Raquel Garcia is a trained craniofacial speech-language pathologist who is a core member of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Craniofacial team. She works in the acute care setting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. She graduated with her M.S. in communication disorders from Nova Southeastern University and her doctorate of speech-language pathology from Northwestern University. Her clinical interests include upper airway disorders, infant feeding, neonatal care, and dysphagia. 

Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial relationships to disclose.
Nonfinancial Disclosure: Presenter has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Kara Larson, MS, CCC-SLP

Abstract: This session will present an overview of the use of Thickened Liquids as a treatment option in the pediatric population. Indication for when to use thickeners will be reviewed. Types of thickeners recommended based on age and medical conditions will be discussed. A comparison of current commercial thickeners recommended for use in the pediatric population will be addressed. Other area’s to be covered include: strategies for thickening breast-milk, concerns regarding arsenic in rice cereal and methods of delivery when using thickened liquids. 

Learner Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Explain the rationale for when to use thickeners in the pediatric population.
• Describe the types of thickeners used in the birth to 6 month old population.
• Understand when to choose grain based thickeners. 

Level of Learning: Intermediate

Kara Fletcher Larson is the director of the Feeding and Swallowing Program in the Division of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has 25 years of experience in pediatric dysphagia. She specializes in pediatric aerodigestive disorders. She is part-time faculty at Boston University and Emerson College. She conducts research in pediatric dysphagia. She is an elected member of the executive committee of the Aerodigestive Society and is an active member in SIG #13 with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Financial Disclosures: Presenter receives a salary as a consultant of The First Years Company and will be referencing this company during her presentation.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Presenter has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

Nancy Carlino, MA, CCC-SLP; Caterina Staltari, MA, CCC-SLP; Hope Warner, MS, CCC-SLP; Joanne Wisely, MA, CCC-SLP

Abstract: This interactive town hall will focus on advocacy.  Participants will be informed of current PSHA advocacy initiatives and will be introduced to PSHA-appointed individuals who advocate for the membership on a variety of issues.  The ASHA State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL) will provide information on education issues affecting school-based ASHA members at state and local levels.  The ASHA State Advocate for Medicare Policy (StAMP) will provide information regarding Medicare coverage and reimbursement of audiology and speech-language pathology services.  The ASHA State Advocate for Reimbursement (STAR) provide information health care coverage and reasonable reimbursement.  Participants will be provided with the opportunity to ask questions related to advocacy issues. 

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

1. Relate at least two current PSHA advocacy initiatives.
2. Differentiate between the roles of the SEAL, StAMP and STAR.
3. Identify at least two methods to engage in grass roots advocacy for the profession.

Time ordered agenda:

• 8:00-8:05 – Introductions
• 8:05-8:20 – Review of PSHA advocacy initiatives
• 8:20-8:30 – SEAL Presentation
• 8:30-8:40 – StAMP Presentation
• 8:40-8:50 – STAR Presentation
• 8:50-9:00 – Q and A       

Nancy Carlino is an assistant professor at California University of Pennsylvania (CALU). She is also the externship director and program director for the Communication Disorders graduate program. Professor Carlino teaches undergraduate courses and provides clinical supervision of graduate and undergraduate students in CALU’s Speech and Hearing Clinic. Her research interests include topics related to critical thinking and clinical education. She is a consultant speech-language pathologist with the adult population in home health and rehabilitation settings and serves as the president of the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA). 

Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial relationships to disclose.
Nonfinancial Disclosure: Presenter is the current president of the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Board.

Caterina Staltari is the director of clinical education in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Duquesne University.  She received her master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from The University of Pittsburgh. Mrs. Staltari has extensive experience in clinical practice and supervision of both pediatric and adult populations with an emphasis on disorders of language, speech and cognition. She additionally provides course instruction to undergraduate and graduate students in the speech-language pathology program. 

Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial relationships to disclose.
Nonfinancial Disclosure: Presenter has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Hope Warner is a graduate of Clarion University with a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She was employed by the Riverview Intermediate Unit in Clarion as a school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) for six years before moving into the role of a supervisor of special education. After three years of special education administration in the rural educational setting, she shifted to a similar role with Pittsburgh Public Schools where she has been since 2019. Over the years, Ms. Warner has presented at a number of university engagements and professional educational conferences on topics ranging from family engagement and inspiring women to differentiated instruction and service delivery. She also serves as an ASHA State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL) for the state of Pennsylvania, an ASHA SEAL Champion for the northeastern region of the United States and on the ASHA School Issues Advisory Board (SIAB). Through these volunteer opportunities, she assists statewide and nationwide efforts in advocacy and leadership for school based SLPs. Additionally, she volunteers on PSHA’s SLPs Initiative for Pennsylvania Schools Committee to analyze the needs and concerns of school based SLPs across our state.

Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial relationships to disclose.
Nonfinancial Disclosure: Presenter has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Joanne Wisely has served in all post-acute settings, as a speech-language pathologist, a clinical and operational manager and as a health care administrator. She has been actively engaged in clinical service improvements, financial stewardship, statutory compliance and legislation development.  A frequent presenter at national conferences, she has also served as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer. In 2017, Joanne was awarded Distinguished Fellowship in Public Policy by the National Academies of Practice and currently serves that organization as Vice President of Public Policy. Drawing on experience as a member of several CMS Technical Expert Panels (TEPs), the MedPAC Medicare Part B Payment TEP and as the Long Term Care industry representative to the Congressional Bipartisan/Bicameral Work Group responsible for development of the IMPACT Act of 2014, Joanne is known as a clinical expert and professional advocate. An ongoing participant of the RAND IMPACT Act Focus Group for Skilled Nursing Facilities, she is currently engaged as a Clinical Medical Expert with the CMS PACIO Committee to develop post-acute electronic health record guidance and the CMS MACRA/MIPS Chronic Conditions Work Group.  In addition to an extended service history for post-acute health care advocacy organizations, Joanne is a Life Member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, serves Pennsylvania as the American Speech-Language Hearing Association State Advocate for Medicare Policy and is a member of the Board of Directors for Wayne Senior Center, an NCOA NISC accredited program.

Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial relationships to disclose.
Nonfinancial Disclosure: Presenter has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.