First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

Approach supervision with greater clarity, intention, and sustainability.Guest: Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPAEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeRegister for the FREE 5 part PFD Series, April 30-May 28This course meets ASHA's Supervision PD requirement.In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Alice L. Williams, BA, SLPA, creator of The SLPA Network, to explore the real challenges SLPs face when stepping into supervisory roles, including limited training and the constant pull between clinical responsibilities and mentorship. Alice breaks down how supervision requirements vary widely across states and settings, while highlighting the core principles that make supervision effective no matter where you practice. The discussion centers on "empowered supervision" as a way to build clinician confidence, strengthen professional identity, and support better outcomes for those we serve.About the Guests: Alice L. Williams, B.A., SLPA, is the creator of The SLPA Network and an experienced speech-language pathology assistant with over seven years in pediatric settings. Her work centers on professional identity, empowered supervision, and sustainable collaboration between SLPs and support personnel. Alice develops educational and leadership resources that support ethical practice, reduce burnout, and strengthen interdisciplinary teams across school-based, medical, and private-practice environments.Show Notes:Contact Alice: @speechwith_msalice and @the.slpa.network on InstagramSLPA NetworkAlice’s Course: Foundations of Effective SupervisionGet 10% with the code: LEAD10 (Valid through 12/31/26)If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred LeeLove Money: Faith Christian Center Cross The Street Fund

Create safe, supportive assessment experiences to guide trauma-sensitive care.Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLCEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeRegister for the FREE Series: Empowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding JourneysIn this part 2 episode, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, to explore how trauma can shape feeding experiences for children and families and what that means for clinicians working in pediatric feeding. They focus on evidence-based approaches to trauma-sensitive PFD evaluations, with particular attention to supporting the psychosocial domain of feeding. Lauren also shares practical strategies for delivering trauma-sensitive interventions that support both the child and caregiver.About the Guest(s): Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with PFD, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools.Show Notes:Contact Lauren: @laurenteetheslp on InstagramLauren’s Private Practice: Well Fed Feeding TherapyRelated Courses:Trauma and PFD: Moving from Understanding to HealingThe Power of PROM for PFDThe Feeding Flock: Assessment ToolsInfant Feeding Care: Assessment ToolsEzpz Products: Feeding ToolsFind local resources: Findhelp.orgLove Money Cause: Feeding Matters and your Local Food Banks

A refreshing dose of encouragement and perspective for SLPs who wear many hats.Guest: Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP to celebrate the many roles SLPs take on throughout their careers. They reflect on what makes a supportive and successful clinical fellowship, what graduate students should look for in meaningful practicum placements, and how diverse clinical experiences and strong mentorship can shape a fulfilling career path. They also tackle the reality of imposter syndrome, and offer practical perspectives for protecting your mental health, staying grounded, and rediscovering the passion that drew you to this profession in the first place. If you’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or simply need a reminder of why you chose this field, this episode is for you.About the Guest: Emily Bromer is a SLP based in Lynchburg, Virginia, who is passionate about increasing her community’s access to quality therapy services and strengthening the profession she loves. She has been practicing for six years and currently serves as the Lead SLP for Appomattox County Public Schools. In addition to her work in public education, Emily is the owner of Hill City Speech Services, PLLC.Show Notes:Contact Emily: @hillcityspeechva on InstagramEmily’s Private Practice: Hill City Speech ServicesSupport Miriam’s House - Solutions to Homelessness

How can we strengthen and mentor the next generation of clinicians?Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeMichelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP welcomes Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE to this episode of First Bite for a powerful conversation on mentoring a healthy professional identity in future colleagues. Together, these SLPs and nurses demonstrate why interprofessional education across allied health professions is not optional, it is essential. The conversation unpacks what “professional identity” really means in clinical education, why it matters for long-term career resilience, and how intentional mentoring shapes confident, ethical SLPs.About the Guests: Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE are a powerhouse group from California State University Long Beach who bring research from the fields of nursing and social work and pour that wisdom directly into speech-language pathology to strengthen how we prepare and mentor the next generation of clinicians.Show Notes:Read the journal article, "Professional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students"Support The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)Support your local Domestic Abuse ShelterSupport Beach Food Pantry

Discover what happens when SLPs and Educational Audiologists team up.Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn celebration of World Hearing Day, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, welcomes Courtney Turner, AuD, CCC-A, for an important conversation about collaboration in hearing care. Courtney breaks down what Educational Audiologists actually do, how they assess and support children with different types of hearing loss. From technology to teamwork, you will gain a clearer understanding of how partnering with an Educational Audiologist can strengthen outcomes for children with hearing differences.About the Guest: Dr. Courtney Turner is a board-certified pediatric audiologist based in Hattiesburg, MS. She has worked at The Children's Center for Communication and Development at the University of Southern Mississippi since 2015, providing clinical and educational audiology services to children from birth through age 5 across southern Mississippi.Show Notes:Contact Courtney Turner: @cg_turner on InstagramPadapillo by Valerie James AbbottEducational Audiology AssociationChildren Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi

Guests: Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/blackslpmagic-part-2FREE Black History Month Conference: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/culture-care-knowledgeThis course meets ASHA's Content Area 2 PD requirement for providing culturally responsive services and effective self-reflection, adaptability, and collaborative practice.In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, continues the conversation with Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP, founders of #BlackSLPMagic. Part 2 shifts from awareness to action, focusing on practical ways to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of speech-language pathology.Together, Michelle, Chelsie, and Jordyn examine systemic barriers that continue to impact BIPOC professionals and discuss evidence-based strategies for creating more welcoming, supportive, and inclusive professional environments. The conversation centers on reducing obstacles to professional growth, increasing representation, and strengthening meaningful connections across the SLP community.Listeners will gain concrete tools for advocacy, professional networking, and allyship, along with actionable steps they can take within their own workplaces, organizations, and professional circles. Chelsie and Jordyn share grounded insights on how intentional actions, not just intentions, can help shift culture and create lasting change.Whether you identify as an ally, advocate, or leader in speech-language pathology, this session offers practical strategies to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful action, supporting a profession where all voices are valued and reflected in the communities we serve.Show Notes:Contact Chelsie: @esekhealth on InstagramContact Jordyn: @jrc_theslp on InstagramBlack SLP Magic: @blackslpmagic on Instagram, www.blackslpmagic.orgDonate to Black SLP Magic: ko-fi.com/blackslpmagicslpsocialseenSLP Social Scene: @slpsocialseen on InstagramProfessional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students: pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2024_PERSP-24-00043Cultural Competence Check-ins: www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/self/Cultural Responsiveness: www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/cultural-responsiveness/Bias, Appraisal Tools, and Levels of Evidence: www.asha.org/research/ebp/bias-appraisal-tools-and-levels-of-evidence/Related Courses:#BlackSLPMagic Paving the Way for the FutureCulture, Care, & Knowledge: Advancing Equity in Speech-Language Pathology: A Black History Month Conference

Guests: Rachel S. Tyrone, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Torrey Robinson, MS, CCC-SLP, doctoral student at UMMC.Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/population-healthY’all, this conversation exists because of a fantastic dress and a spontaneous chat outside the bathroom at the Mississippi Annual Speech-Language-Hearing Convention. That chance moment sparked a soul-filling discussion about population health, public health, and social determinants of health, and how all three directly shape our work as pediatric SLPs. As 2025 comes to a close and many of us are reflecting on our professional place in the world, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical ways to think and act upstream. You will walk away inspired to become an “Upstreamist,” ready to lead gently and passionately for our field, our colleagues, and the children and families we serve in 2026.Show Notes:ASHA SDOH: https://www.asha.org/practice/social-determinants-of-health/?srsltid=AfmBOopPx1sLqvjVFTyhNQ3gM8f4tlJ3_e6otXZgc5w9S8gGNCKH5zWKHealthy People: https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople

Guests: Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, and Briana Klar, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pfd-and-utImagine a world where every SLP receives hands-on training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders as part of their university practicum experience! How incredible would it be to build a foundation in patient care alongside early literacy and speech-sound strategies?Thanks to Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, and Briana Klar, MS, CCC-SLP, at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, that vision is becoming a reality. These inspiring educators are integrating interprofessional education for the evaluation and treatment of PFD into their graduate program while providing exceptional care to little ones in their community.In this First Bite episode, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, sits down with Maggie and Briana to learn how they brought this vision to life and to share ideas for creating similar opportunities at your university.Show Notes:University of Tennessee Foundation: https://utfi.org/giving/About the Guests: Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, has been with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center since 2018, serving in the Pediatric Language Clinic and, more recently, the UT Hearing and Speech Center, working as a clinical assistant professor. She has expertise in parent training, early intervention, autism, and early language. Ms. Wheeler also treats early intervention patients with pediatric feeding and augmentative communication needs. Her previous experience in public schools has made her passionate about helping parents smoothly transition from early intervention into the public school system. She also strives to support her family by connecting them with local resources to support the needs of their child.Briana Klar, MS, CCC-SLP, is a clinical instructor at the UT Hearing and Speech Center with a focus on pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Her clinical experience spans private practice, schools, and pediatric outpatient. Briana is passionate about using a responsive feeding approach to create positive, family-centered feeding environments that support both children and their caregivers in overcoming feeding difficulties. In addition to her work in pediatric feeding, Briana also has a strong interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and enjoys helping children with complex communication needs.

Guest: Kathryn (Kati) C. R. Knudsen, PT, MPT, CNT, PCS, DCS, CLEEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pts-and-feeding-in-the-nicuDid you know Physical Therapists can play a vital role in feeding and PO readiness in the NICU? They sure can! If you’re curious about the unique expertise they bring to the table, this episode is for you.Join Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, as she chats with Kathryn C. R. Knudsen, PT, MPT, CNT, PCS, DCS, CLE—affectionately known as “Kati”—a NICU PT with more than 25 years of experience. Kati shares her journey into neonatal care, explores the specialized training PTs receive to support oral readiness, and offers insight into how they help caregivers who are learning to chest feed or bottle feed their little ones.You’ll also hear about the effects of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) on feeding development and how collaborative care between SLPs and PTs can make a real difference. This episode is a powerful example of interprofessional teamwork, with the shared goal of helping babies and caregivers thrive.Show Notes:Find Local Assistance: https://www.findhelp.org"Welcome to Holland" Poem: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-hollandAbout the Guest: Kati Knudsen has practiced as a pediatric physical therapist since 1996 and as a therapist in the NICU since 1999. Kati served as lead therapist for two NICUs at sister hospitals in Portland, Oregon for 10 years, and continues to work per diem for these hospitals while serving as an account manager for Dr. Brown’s Medical. She has obtained certifications in neonatal therapy, pediatric physical therapy, lactation education, neurodevelopmental treatment, infant massage, developmental care, and transportation of children with special needs to better support infants and families. Kati has published articles about support for preterm and medically fragile infants and spoken nationally and internationally on improving the care of infants in the NICU. Kati serves as the therapy representative on the Vermont Oxford Network Multidisciplinary Advisory Council and is a founding member, past co-chair, and past treasurer of the Neonatal Therapy Certification Board. Kati saw patients in NICU follow-up clinic for more than 25 years where she also helped to redesign care to make it more accessible to families. Kati’s overall goal with her professional activities is to support improved long-term outcomes for medically fragile infants and their families.Follow First Bite: https://linktr.ee/FirstBitePodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=1571047e-c5cf-4d4a-8cc6-08ec5871aeb5Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36kfA1xbU156vHPilALVoJ?si=c187e347d3984b45Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-bite/id1399630680

In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is joined by Dr. Amy Talbot, Director and Clinical Psychologist of the Talbot Centre in Australia, to unpack the well-established overlap between Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). For SLPs new to this area of practice, the lines between roles and responsibilities, particularly with respect to each diagnosis, can be blurry, and Dr. Talbot is here to clean it all up!If you are curious as to what the differences are between PFD and ARFID and want to learn more about how a psychologist can contribute to the care of clients with feeding-related concerns (PFD/ARFID) as part of a multidisciplinary team, then be sure to join this conversation.By the end of the hour, Amy plans to equip guests with strategies for building relationships with suitably trained or qualified psychologists as part of their referral network, aiming to grow a robust interprofessional practice team.Show Notes: Feeding Matters: https://www.feedingmatters.orgTalbot Centre: https://thetalbotcentre.com.auButterfly Foundation: https://butterfly.org.auAbout the Guest(s): Dr Amy Talbot (she/her) is a multi-award-winning clinical psychologist and director of The Talbot Centre, a multidisciplinary service in Sydney. Her work focuses on eating, feeding, and body image concerns, with an emphasis on neurodiversity-affirming, family-centred care. Amy is a sought-after presenter, supervisor, and researcher, known for advancing interdisciplinary approaches to complex case formulation and integrating lived experience perspectives to improve outcomes for individuals with ARFID and related feeding disorders.Follow First Bite: https://linktr.ee/FirstBitePodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36kfA1xbU156vHPilALVoJ?si=086bed1210af45d5Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-bite/id1399630680

Full conversation with Melissa Davis, MS, CCC-SLP and Jenna Nassar, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, for "Intraprofessional Practice: Strategies for Effective Collaboration Between SLPs" an episode of the First Bite podcast.Hosted by: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-SEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/intraprofessional-practice-strategiesIn this episode of First Bite, we’re exploring what effective intraprofessional practice really looks like for SLPs in pediatrics. When colleagues collaborate well, everyone benefits—especially the little ones we serve.Join Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, as she interviews Melissa Davis, MS, CCC-SLP, owner of Speech Therapy for Kids and co-owner of Kids Therapy Spot in Starkville and Columbus, MS, and Jenna Nassar, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, clinician and instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Together, they share how they make intraprofessional collaboration work for optimal continuity of care.Tune in to learn what a typical day looks like for a pediatric medical SLP in different settings, discover strategies to strengthen your clinical skills across those settings, and gain practical ideas for communicating effectively—even across hundreds of miles—so that the little ones on both your caseloads thrive.About the Guest(s): Melissa Davis, MS CCC-SLP, is the owner of Speech Therapy for Kids and co-owner of Kids Therapy Spot located in Starkville and Columbus, MS. Melissa received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Middle Tennessee State University in May of 2000 and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Mississippi University for Women in May of 2002. Melissa worked for two rehabilitation companies from 2002 to 2009, providing speech therapy services in homes and daycare centers for children in the early intervention program. In January 2010, Melissa went into private practice. She now has two outpatient clinics in Starkville and Columbus, MS, in addition to contracting speech therapy services at three Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Facilities and the private schools in Starkville, MS. In addition to owning a private practice, Melissa continues to be a treating SLP primarily focusing on treating children with pediatric feeding disorders at her two outpatient clinics, in addition to the PPEC in Starkville, MS. She also consults on patients with PFD at the PPECs located in Meridian and Columbus, MS. Melissa is an active volunteer with Feeding Matters and was on the 2023 and 2024 ASHA PFD topic committee. She consistently speaks to undergraduate and graduate students at various universities about PFD and has also had numerous speaking engagements, presenting information on opening and operating a private practice.Jenna Nassar, MS CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a pediatric speech pathologist and an instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. In addition to these roles, she also serves as the pediatric outpatient team leader, clinical Internship coordinator for the Department of Speech Pathology, and as a member of the cleft and craniofacial team. She specializes in pediatric swallowing and feeding disorders and serves patients both inpatient and outpatient at Batson Children's Hospital. She holds Board Certification in swallow and swallowing disorders through the ABSSD. She is trained in a variety of treatment approaches for feeding and swallowing disorders. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association, SIG 13, and Feeding Matters. She was awarded the 2023 Clinical Achievement Award from the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Association's Honors in 2025. In 20024, she served on the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Topic Committee for the ASHA Convention. She graduated summa cum laude in 2007 from the University of Mississippi for Women with a B.S. in speech and hearing science. She then graduated in 2009 with high distinction, earning an M.S. in Communicative Sciences from Jackson State University. She has served both the adult population and pediatrics, with a special interest in craniofacial development, tracheostomy/ventilation, complex care, and post-NICU graduates. She enjoys academia related to our profession and currently serves as an adjunct professor at Jackson State University as well as a student intern supervisor for various programs.Watch First Bite on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKRCVcHJGL0

Guests: Lydia Barry, MS, CCC-SLP, and Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/interprofessional-neurodiversity-affirmingIn this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is joined by Lydia Barry, MS, CCC-SLP, and Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).Together, they share how UTHSC’s neurodiversity-affirming, routines-based clinical program partners with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS). You’ll discover two pediatric language clinics on campus that serve families in the community while also giving graduate SLP students the chance to roll up their sleeves and coach caregivers on early language and social skills. The conversation also highlights teamwork, with graduate students learning how to collaborate across disciplines to support the entire family. It’s a practical, real-world look at early intervention that’s equal parts informative and encouraging.About the Guests: Maggie Wheeler, MS, CCC-SLP, has been with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center since 2018, serving in the Pediatric Language Clinic and, more recently, the UT Hearing and Speech Center, working as a clinical assistant professor. She has expertise in parent training, early intervention, autism, and early language. Ms. Wheeler also treats patients with early intervention needs who require pediatric feeding and augmentative communication services. Her previous experience in public schools has made her passionate about helping parents smoothly transition from early intervention into the public school system. She also strives to support her family by connecting them with local resources that meet their child's needs.Lydia Barry, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and clinical faculty member at the University of TN Health Science Center Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology. She serves as the program coordinator of the UT Pediatric Language Clinic, an Early Intervention Resource Agency (EIRA) funded through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) that supports the families of young children with autism and/or social-communication differences. Ms. Barry was inspired to enter the speech pathology field by her brother, who is an autistic AAC user and has a passion for helping families become successful and supportive advocates and caregivers for their children. Her interests include early social-communication development, augmentative alternative communication (AAC), caregiver-mediated intervention, and mental health aspects of clinical practice.Show Notes:https://helpingbabies.org/volunteer-give/https://give.uthsc.edu/campaigns/42945/donations/new?a=1a

Guest: Emma Justice, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, NTMTCEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pfd-problem-solvingTune in as we welcome one of our favorite humans, Emily Justice, a dedicated speech language pathologist with a wealth of experience working in the NICU and public schools in Boston. Join us for an engaging discussion about her path into speech therapy, her passion for supporting minority recruitment in the field, and her advocacy for accessible feeding therapy. We delve into important topics such as the necessity of instrumental swallow studies, the power of family and caregiver involvement in therapy, and the importance of interprofessional collaboration. This episode is packed with practical insights for therapists, caregivers, and anyone invested in improving pediatric feeding practices.About the Guest: Emma Justice, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, NTMTC, works full-time for Boston Public Schools and is the owner of Justice for Infant Feeding Therapy and Lactation. She specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing, with a focus on medical complexities and culturally diverse populations. Emma is certified in lactation counseling as well as neonatal touch and massage. She received her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University and completed her clinical fellowship at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Emma has experience across several settings, including pediatric acute care, encompassing a Level III NICU, PICU, Oncology, Cleft and Craniofacial team, Aerodigestive team, and the well-baby Mother-Infant Unit. Additionally, Emma has experience in pediatric outpatient rehab, home health, and public school settings. She is a guest lecturer and the primary pediatric consultant for the Swallowing Wellness Center, where she teaches a course on pediatric swallow studies. Emma co-created BABY S.T.E.P. with Dr. Ianessa Humbert, an infant and pediatric adaptation of Humbert’s S.T.E.P. (Swallowing Training Educational Portal), designed to provide accessible, affordable, and evidence-based swallowing education. She currently serves on ASHA’s topic committee for Pediatric Feeding Disorders and has presented nationally on topics related to pediatric dysphagia and cultural disparities.