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First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

By: Michelle Dawson MS CCC-SLP CLC BCS-S FNAP
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First Bite is your go-to resource for all things pediatric speech therapy–covering pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation, AAC, early language acquisition, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, the podcast brings functional, evidence-based insights straight to clinicians serving little ones and their caregivers. Whether you’re a student, seasoned practitioner, researcher, or interprofessional partner, First Bite invites you to listen, learn, and grow alongside a supportive community. Gain the confidence to take whatever “first bite” comes next in your clinical practice–one heartfelt and tea-fueled conversation at a time. Hosted by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP–bestselling author of "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders," joyful boy mom, and early intervention specialist–First Bite explores the latest research, clinical strategies, and lived experiences shaping pediatric speech therapy today. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, allowing you to earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for each episode. For select episodes, colleagues with their CLC can earn CERPs. Visit speechtherapypd.com to learn more. See Michelle's book at: amazon.com/Chasing-Swallow-Pediatric-Swallowing-Disorders/dp/B095WW2H5X© 2025 Speech Therapy PD Career Success Economics Education
Episodes
  • Caregiver Coaching for AAC with Daj Mitchell
    Jun 16 2026

    Connect the dots between AAC caregiver coaching and adult learning.

    Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS, CCC-SLP

    Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

    Watch on Youtube

    Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Daj Mitchell for a joyful discussion on powerful AAC caregiver coaching. Together, they explore Malcolm Knowles’ Principles of Adult Learning and how these concepts can help SLPs better support caregivers throughout the AAC journey. Daj breaks down the four levels of caregiver readiness for AAC implementation and shares practical strategies for meeting families where they are. Gain ideas for tailoring AAC coaching conversations, strengthening caregiver engagement, and creating more meaningful opportunities for communication success across everyday routines.

    About the Guest: Daj Mitchell, MS CCC-SLP, graduated from Governors State University with her Bachelor's in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Psychology. She received her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Illinois State University and holds a variety of certifications and awards, including, but not limited to, certification as a Lingraphica Technology Specialist, Level I and Level II Sensory certified, and a recipient of two successive ASHA ACE awards.

    Show Notes:

    • Contact Daj on Instagram: @yourslpdaj
    • Listen to Daj's Podcast: Co-Treat Corner: Collaboration Tips for Therapists
    • Love Money: Support Spero Stuttering

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing with Margo Kinzer Courter
    Jun 9 2026

    Explore the ripple effect of early speech and language skills on literacy development.

    Guest: Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL

    Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

    Watch on Youtube

    In this episode of First Bite, Michelle is tickled pink to host Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, to explore child-led intervention and how letting little ones take the lead can transform speech and language outcomes in early intervention and preschool settings. Margo shares her go-to resources to help bridge speaking, listening, reading, and writing in ways that feel natural and effective in your sessions. This conversation is full of practical ideas to help you support early communication and literacy while keeping therapy engaging, responsive, and meaningful.

    About the Guest: Margo Kinzer Courter, MBA, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, began her speech-language pathology career in inpatient pediatric rehabilitation. From there, she moved to an outpatient clinic specializing in language-based learning disabilities. Her medical and educational background in language and language disorders has provided the foundation for her 30-year career as a speech-language pathologist.

    Show Notes:

    • Big Kid School: EI to Preschool Course
    • Margo’s Website: Courter Communications (Therapy Materials)
    • Childhood Apraxia of Speech Videos
    • Extensions to the Speech Disorders Classification System (Shriberg et al., 2010)
    • Developmental Texture Framework
    • Marquette Neurodevelopmental Feeding And Swallowing Lab
    • I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab
    • Love Money: Support Butler University SLHS Fund

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Language and Music create Magic with Corinne Zmoos
    Jun 2 2026

    Musical speech therapy techniques for the non-musical SLP.

    Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP

    Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

    Watch on Youtube

    Take the FREE Pediatric Feeding Courses for ASHA CEUs (through June 30, 2026)

    Want to incorporate music into your speech therapy sessions but don't know where to start? Michelle and Corinne share easy-to-use resources to help non-musical SLPs confidently incorporate music into sessions, along with evidence-based tools for clinicians looking to deepen their knowledge of music-based language intervention.

    About the Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist based in Baltimore, Maryland, and the founder of *Messy Happy Music Lab*, a private practice specializing in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

    Show Notes:

    Please note the following correction: A4 (A above middle C) is 440Hz, not middle C as stated.

    Contact Corinne:

    • IG: @crescendo.communication
    • crescendocommunication.com
    • Gestalt Get-Together podcast

    Love Money: Support Marian House in Baltimore

    Join the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

    Run the Virtual Dash For Dysphagia June 6-13, 2026

    Dysphagia Research Society

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 24 mins
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