MedSLP Collective Learning Lab

LIVE AGENDA:

Day 1 Agenda:

10:00-11:00 AM EST: Power in Practice: A Hands-On Training in Respiratory Muscle Strength Training

11:00 AM-12:00 PM EST: Optimizing Tongue Endurance, Strength and Stability: STS Device-Assisted Strategies for Improved Swallowing Outcomes

12:00-1:00 PM EST: Training and Targeting Attention, Awareness, and Working Memory Skills from Concrete Tasks to Real-World Applications

1:00-1:30 PM EST: Break

1:30-2:30 PM EST: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Feeding Therapy: Practical Strategies for Communication, Regulation, and Mealtime Participation

2:30-3:30 PM EST: A Comprehensive Approach to Adult Neuro Treatment and Carryover: The Virtual Rehab Center

3:30-4:30 PM EST: Low Cost Doesn’t Mean Low Quality: Resourceful Voice Rehab

4:30-5:30 PM EST: Enhancing Dysphagia Therapy Outcomes Through Surface Electromyographic (sEMG) Biofeedback

5:30-6:30 PM EST:Bridging The Gap: Feeding Challenges and Solutions in Infants with Cleft Palate

Day 2 Agenda: Advocacy in Action: How to Obtain the Tools Needed

10:00-11:00 AM EST- Exploring Therapy Materials, Equipment, Funding, and Self-Advocacy

11:00 AM-12:00 PM EST- Implementing Therapy Materials in Clinical Practice 12:00-12:15 PM EST- Break

12:15-1:15 Realities of Therapy Budgets

1:15-2:15 Summary: Advocating for Materials & Making it Work

Lysa Johnson, MAS,CCC-SLP

With 25+ years of experience in adult and active aging services, Lysa blends clinical expertise with creative solutions in rehab, cognitive care, interdisciplinary leadership and team training. She’s a certified Speech Language Pathologist, Dementia Capable Care Trainer, PAC Educator, SLP Mentor — and a seven-time ASHA ACE award winner. She currently works with Benedictine as the Program Development Specialist focusing on collaborative solutions in senior services. When she’s not leading outcomes-driven care, you’ll find her coaching youth curling—or just enjoying a strong cup of coffee!

Financial Disclosures:

• honorarium from Medical SLP Collective; salary from Benedictine

Non-financial Disclosures:

• Leading Age, Dementia Action Alliance, Faith Community Nurse Network, MAGIC, ECHO, TCSLP

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Michelle Hoefnagel,M.S., CCC-SLP; BC-ANCDS

Michelle Hoefnagel has over 17 years of clinical expertise as a speech language pathologist. She works at the UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program in Florida where she collaborates with an extensive interdisciplinary team in evaluating and treating military veterans and first responders who have experienced a mild-moderate traumatic brain injury. This program is one of 6 academic sites nationwide participating as a part of the Avalon Action Alliance. She is honored to provide care within her role to give back to this incredible population to improve their cognitive-communication and quality of life. She completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Theoretical Linguistics with a Minor in French giving her a unique and skilled perspective on language. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Utah. Michelle has extensive experience across the continuum of healthcare providing skilled services to people with various difficulties including swallow, voice, speech, language, pragmatics, communication, and cognition. She has been a primary investigator in research in collaboration with Georgia Tech. She spent five years as a member of a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team at the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY. She is pleased to have earned her ANCDS Board Certification in 2024.

Financial Disclosures:

• UFHealth Jacksonville – Salary; Medical SLP Collective – Honoraria

Non-financial Disclosures:

• Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences – Member

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Christine Sapienza,PhD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Christine Sapienza is a leading clinician-scientist, educator, and innovator in speech-language pathology and rehabilitation science. With over 25 years of experience, she is internationally recognized for her pioneering research in respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) and its application to voice, speech, and swallowing disorders. Dr. Sapienza has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbooks, and clinical protocols that have shaped evidence-based practice. As a mentor and academic leader, she is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and translating scientific discovery into practical therapeutic outcomes that improve patient quality of life across neurological and respiratory conditions.

Financial Disclosures:

• Royalties from Plural Publishing for books I have authored, speaker honorariums for webinars I provide

Non-financial Disclosures:

• none

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George Barnes,M.S.,CCC-SLP,BCS-S

George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders. He brings dysphagia knowledge to those who need it,helping to change lives.

George is passionate about making education useful and providing accessible,quality care. With a deep appreciation for the joy and connection that food brings to our lives, he has dedicated his life to helping others experience this simple yet deeply rooted pleasure.

Financial disclosures:

• Paid by Progia Medical as their Chief Dysphagia Officer, paid mentor for MedSLP Collective

Non-financial disclosures:

• None

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Ross Dunbar

Ross is a global, multi-disciplined leader for over 30 years. With experience in the medical device, biopharmaceutical, and stem cell, and various industrial segments. Including COO and Vice President of Operations roles with several start-ups as well as various managerial positions at Boston Scientific; Guidant, Advanced Technology Materials, Inc., Arctic Cat/ Textron, Honeywell Electronic Materials, Additional fractional roles at start ups.and Andersen Consulting. Ross is also a business advisor for several early-stage startups and has M & A experience. Ross earned a bachelor’s degree in Management from Luther College, a Mini MBA in Industrial Engineering at St. Thomas University and an Executive Supply Chain Management certification from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Ross has been certified in Lean Six Sigma, GMP/ISO and ProjectManagement methodology.

Financial disclosures:

• None

Non-financial disclosures:

• None

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Kara Larson serves as the Co-Director of the Center for Communication Enhancement and the Director of the Feeding & Swallowing Program in the Division of Otolaryngology & Center for Communication Enhancement at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has over 25 years of clinical experience in pediatric dysphagia. Kara focuses her clinical work and research in Pediatric Aerodigestive Disorders. She is part-time faculty at Boston University. She is also Vice President of the Aerodigestive Society. Kara serves on the Professional Development Committee for SIG #13 for ASHA. When not working she loves drinking strong coffee and spending time with her husband and two adult children skiing and cold plunging on the East Coast.

Financial disclosures:

• Honoraria from MedSLP Collective

Non-financial disclosures:

• None

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Lori Morgan, PhD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Burkhead Morgan earned a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from University of Florida in 2005, focusing on applying exercise science principles to communication and swallowing rehabilitation. During 30 years of clinical and academic endeavors, she has developed an expertise in evaluation & treatment of medically-complex patients. Dr. Burkhead Morgan is a published author and sought-after speaker on the topic of dysphagia, medically-based speech pathology and exercise science relating to dysphagia. She is currently Faculty in the Department of Neurology at the Medical College of GA at Augusta University and also part-time faculty at Augusta University, Speech Pathology Department.

Financial Disclosures:

• Speaking fee, educator for MedSLP Education

Non-financial Disclosures:

• none

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Allyson Kranz,MHS,CCC-SLP

Allyson Kranz, MHS, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist in Missouri and California with over 15 years of experience across clinical, academic, and non-clinical settings. Since earning her Master of Health Sciences degree in 2007, she has worked with patients across the lifespan through telepractice, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient programs specializing in brain injury and stroke recovery.

She has also served as a clinical supervisor and adjunct instructor, mentoring graduate students and teaching both online and in-person courses. In addition to her clinical background, she has experience in the speech therapy technology space. She has been working with Tactus Therapy for over a year, focusing on sales, customer success, and marketing.

She is passionate about innovative technology that empowers clinicians to enhance their practice while improving patient outcomes.

Financial Disclosures:

• I am receiving an Honorarium for Medical SLP Collective. I work as a contractor for Tactus Therapy.

Non-financial Disclosures:

• none

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Ashley Michaelis,M.S.,CCC-SLP

Ashley began her undergraduate degree in Voice Performance & Music Education at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. She encountered her own voice difficulties during her studies and found the field of Speech-Language Pathology as a result. She decided that she wanted to help others rehabilitate their own voices and switched majors. She then completed her graduate degree at the University of Wyoming. She has worked in private practice, schools, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, and various multidisciplinary clinics. She also has taught the Voice Disorders graduate level class at the University of Vermont and was previously a Mentor for the MedSLP Collective. Her specialty areas are singing voice rehabilitation, voice disorders, swallowing disorders, upper airway disorders, and neurogenic communication disorders. She is a multiple time ASHA Ace Award Recipient. In her free time, Ashley loves to spend time with her family and dogs, as well as perform with local community theaters.

Financial Disclosures:

• Medical SLP Collective – Honoraria; Empowered Voice Rehabilitation – Owner

Non-financial Disclosures:

• MSLP Certification Exam Development Committee; ASHA Member; ASHA SIG 3 (Voice) Affiliate; The Voice Foundation Professional Member; Member of Jax Therapy & Wellness Collective; Member of Jax Gender-Affirming Healthcare Collaborative

Kelly Caldwell is a dedicated speech-language pathologist and educator with 17+ years of experience in healthcare and education. She specializes in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders, serving in ENT and acute care settings. As a mentor and advocate, Kelly has led legislative efforts, presented nationally, and supported thousands of clinicians in evidence-based practice and ethics. Her leadership in professional organizations reflects a deep commitment to improving access to care and driving sustainable change in healthcare systems.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Erin Forward,MSP,CCC-SLP,CLC is a speech-pathologist, certified lactation counselor, and private practice owner at Nourishing Connection LLC. Erin has advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, early language, AC, and trauma. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Master’s in Speech Pathology.Erin is Expert DIR®Floortime Provider/Training Leader and is a TBRI®Trained Practitioner.

Financial Disclosures: I receive royalties for webinars and presentations with Speechtherapypd.com.  I am the owner and SLP at Nourishing Connection LLC

Non-financial Disclosures: ASHA member, Volunteer for Feeding Matters Presenter for ICDL

Can I get ASHA CEUS for this Course?

To successfully complete this course, participants must submit a reflective statement (150-250 words in length) within 14 days of taking the course addressing the following: Identify one key concept, technique, or insight you learned during the course and describe how you plan to apply this learning in your clinical practice.

What is the Refund/Cancellation Policy?  

Click here to view our policy:  https://medslpcollective.com/cancellation-of-courses-and-events/

What can I do if I have a complaint?  

Please contact us at info@medslpcollective.com

Who is this webinar appropriate for?  

The target audience for this content is licensed speech-language pathologists. There are no prerequisite skills or knowledge needed beyond the basic speech-language pathology training and licensing.

What if I need special accommodations?  

If you require accommodations to access these materials due to a disability, please email us at info@medslpcollective.com