First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

Unpack the myths, realities, and clinical considerations surrounding pediatric concussions with an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center.
Guests: Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST; Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS; and Jennifer Steward, PhD
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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by an interprofessional team from The University of Tulsa's Concussion Center. Together, they explore common misconceptions about concussions, including how symptoms present differently across toddlers, children, and adolescents, and why recognizing these differences is critical for timely identification and care. The conversation also highlights important topics such as second impact syndrome, current best practices in concussion management, and the role of interprofessional collaboration in supporting recovery.
About the Guest(s): Laura Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, CBIST, is an Associate Professor in Communication Sciences & Disorders at The University of Tulsa. She is a Co-Director of the Concussion Center and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer. Her clinical and research interest is acquired brain injuries, with a specific focus on concussion.
Rachel Hildebrand, PhD, LAT/ATC, CBIS is a Clinical Associate Professor of Athletic Training at The University of Tulsa. She is the co-Director of the Concussion Center at The University of Tulsa. Her research has highly focused on interdisciplinary concussion management, specifically for those experiencing prolonged concussion recovery.
Jennifer Steward, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an Applied Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Tulsa. She has been a member of the concussion team since the Concussion Center’s opening, and supervises advanced clinical psychology doctoral students in their work as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Show Notes:
University of Tulsa Concussion Center
Heads Up CDC
HEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training
Pedsconcussion.com
Concussioninsportgroup.com
Love Money: Support The University of Tulsa

Explore the realities of addressing dysphagia and pediatric feeding disorder in schools.
Guest: Mary Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP,
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In this episode of the First Bite podcast, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Mary P. Dooher, MA, CCC-SLP, a passionate school-based clinician and advocate from Alaska, for a heartfelt and energizing conversation about supporting students with feeding and swallowing needs in the school setting. Drawing from her journey across medical and educational environments, Mary shares how her work in pediatric feeding and swallowing evolved into systems-level advocacy within her district, state, and national organizations.
About the Guest: Mary P. Dooher, M.A., CCC-SLP, has been a school-based SLP in Wasilla, Alaska, for 15 years. She has experience in public schools, hospitals, SNFs, and home health settings. Mary is a strong advocate within her school district and the State of Alaska to increase awareness of/needs of students with dysphagia. She is an active member of her local union, MSEA, and the state association, NEA-Alaska.
Show Notes:
Feeding Matters PFD in Schools
Go Team Go! Interprofessional Practice for Pediatric Feeding in the Schools
ASHA Voices: Engaging With Teacher Unions and Education Associations in Schools

Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators.
Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP
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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Farwa Husain, MA, CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting autistic individuals through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they discuss how echolalia can be understood as meaningful communication rather than a behavior to eliminate. Farwa shares practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators who use echolalia, emphasizing how caregiver coaching and everyday interactions can create rich opportunities for connection, language, and participation.
About the Guest: Farwa Husain, bilingual SLP, is the Founder of First Phrases and Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy. She specializes in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, with a clinical and educational focus on supporting echolalia. Farwa is an international presenter who provides professional development training for schools and organizations worldwide.

Show Notes:
Contact Farwa:
IG: @firstphrasesofficial
LinkedIn
www.firstphrases.com

Related Course: Autism Conference: Embracing Joy Through Practical Intervention
Family Guided Routines Based Interventions
Morris County Speech and Hearing Association

Gain actionable strategies to support more inclusive, culturally responsive, and family-centered practice.
Guest: Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP
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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Samantha Dudding, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation about how culturally responsive communication can promote more equitable outcomes in special education. Drawing on her clinical expertise and leadership experience, Samantha shares practical strategies for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and families while strengthening collaboration across educational teams.
About the Guest: Samantha Dudding, M.S., CCC‑SLP, is a speech‑language pathologist and special education leader whose work centers on culturally responsive communication within school‑based special education processes. She is currently a Student Support Coordinator in a school district just outside of Washington, DC where she facilitates special education processes, supports multidisciplinary teams, and leads professional development focused on inclusive practices.
Show Notes:
Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory
Sign up for the ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run
Join the team "First Bite Fun Runners"

What does it take to prepare pediatric SLPs in serving diverse communities?
Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
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In this episode of the First Bite podcast, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is joined by Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, bilingual speech-language pathologist, Chief Clinical Supervisor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and President of the ASHA Hispanic Caucus, for a thoughtful conversation about preparing pediatric SLPs to serve culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
About the Guest: Paula V. Pineda, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Speech-Language Pathologist with over 14 years of experience. Originally from Colombia, Paula has lived in New York City since 2001. She earned her Master’s degree from Adelphi University in 2011 and completed her clinical doctorate at Northwestern University in 2023.
Show Notes:
Contact Paula: www.tc.columbia.edu
Family Guided Routines Based Intervention: fgrbi.com
Sign up for ASHFoundation's 7th Annual Virtual Walk/Run
Join the team "First Bite Fun Runners"

Love Money:
Support the Hispanic Caucus: www.hispaniccaucusasha.org
Support your local immigration association: www.findhelp.org