Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs

Guest: Sarah Tucker, PT, NCS, AIT, BRMEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeThis episode of Brainstorms: Functional Rehab for SLPs features Sarah Tucker, PT, NCS, AIT, BRM, discussing the vital role adaptive fitness can play in long-term neuro recovery after formal rehabilitation ends. For individuals living with stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other neurological conditions, recovery is often a lifelong process. This conversation explores how adaptive fitness programs can help rebuild strength, confidence, identity, and connection while supporting meaningful participation in everyday life. Renee and Sarah highlight the growing intersection between rehabilitation and inclusive fitness, emphasizing how movement impacts not only physical function, but also cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.About the Guest:Sarah Tucker, MPT, is a physical therapist with over 17 years of experience in inpatient rehabilitation and 8 years in outpatient neurological therapy. She earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, in 2002 and has spent her entire clinical career in Newport News, Virginia.Sarah Tucker IG: Uncharted_Adaptive_Fitness

*****Originally Aired: August 19, 2024*****Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLPEarn 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-slpRenee 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.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Aphasia Discourse Conference on June 7

Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/echolaliai-in-adulthoodIn this episode of Brainstorms, Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation on echolalia in adulthood and how Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) can support meaningful communication growth for adults with neurogenic language disorders. Together, they explore why honoring authentic, emotionally salient language matters just as much in adulthood as it does in childhood, and how echolalia can be understood as part of a functional communication system rather than something to eliminate.Farwa and Renee break down the core principles of NLA and discuss how these concepts translate beyond pediatric practice into adult neurorehab, including acute care and medically complex settings. They share practical ways SLPs can incorporate naturalistic language modeling, consider gestalt language processing, and prioritize relationship-centered communication while still addressing cognitive communication goals and therapy demands.This episode also addresses common misconceptions about echolalia in adults, how NLA can complement cognitive-communication rehabilitation, and real-world clinical examples illustrating these approaches. Whether you are new to NLA or looking to expand your adult neurorehab toolbox, this conversation offers evidence-aligned strategies to help adults reconnect with their voice using the brain’s natural learning pathways.About the Guest: Farwa is the Founder of First Phrases and the Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy, specializing in neurodiversity-affirming care and support for echolalia. She designs nationally recognized interdisciplinary programs, including the Connect and Play summer intensive, and serves as an international presenter, providing professional development training for schools and organizations. Farwa also serves as President of the Morris County Speech and Hearing Association and has been recognized as the 2024 “Clinician of the Year” by NBASLH and an “Innovator" in the field of speech language pathology by ASHA.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Aphasia Discourse Conference on June 7

Guest: Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/autonomic-wildcardIn this episode, Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore dysautonomia, an often overlooked but highly impactful factor in neurorehabilitation. Autonomic dysfunction can quietly influence attention, fatigue, communication tolerance, swallowing safety, and overall engagement, showing up in therapy sessions in ways that are easy to miss or misinterpret.This conversation is especially relevant for clinicians working with adults following stroke, TBI, long COVID, and other neurologic conditions. Renee and Julie walk through common red flags, practical assessment considerations, and therapy modifications that help protect energy and support carryover. If you have ever wondered why a patient’s alertness, vital signs, or cognitive endurance seem inconsistent from session to session, this episode offers a clearer framework for understanding what may be happening and how to adapt your clinical approach with greater confidence.About the Guest: Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP, is an adult medical SLP with 15 years of experience across nearly every setting imaginable. Specializing in Parkinson’s in her home health clinical practice, Julie was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's disease. She participated in a clinical trial, which significantly deepened her understanding of the patient experience. Julie has spoken at state speech conventions in California and Louisiana, as well as for the APDA NW. Julie spends time outside of work traveling (60+ countries), baking, arguing about politics, and moderating speech Facebook groups.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Aphasia Discourse Conference on June 7

*****Originally Aired: April 24, 2025*****Guests: Petra Avramović, PhD, CPSP, MSPAA, and Sophie Brassel, PhD, MSPA-CPSP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Virtual-Reality-and-AI-in-Communication-Rehab-after-Brain-InJoin 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 examines the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in speech pathology. Dr. Brassel discusses her groundbreaking research on using VR to address cognitive communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. At the same time, 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!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 use of digital health technologies to support communication after acquired brain injury, while her teaching focuses 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 a particular focus on 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 speech pathology students within the university.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Aphasia Discourse Conference on June 7

*****Originally Aired: May 1, 2025*****Guest: Felicia Francois, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Empowering-Voices-GenderAffirming-Voice-CareJoin 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.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 on gender-affirming voice care and improving the quality of life for individuals with voice disorders.Mentioned in this episode:Register for the Aphasia Discourse Conference on June 7