Welcome to the SLP Full Disclosure Podcast, the show for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) seeking to enrich their skills and build connections within the supportive speech therapy community. With our inclusive platform that fosters exploration and growth, we delve into a variety of topics, from practical therapy techniques and technologies to early-intervention, travel therapy, teletherapy, clinical fellowship, and more. Join us as we navigate the diverse field of speech-language pathology, embracing full disclosure each episode.
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Welcome back to another episode of the SLP Full Disclosure podcast. In Episode 144, host Michelle sits down with Maurice Goodwin, a licensed speech-language pathologist and voice teacher based in Houston, Texas. Maurice is the founder of Goodwin Voice and Speech, adjunct faculty at Lamar University and Marymount University, and a specialist in voice and upper airway disorders. Together, they pull back the curtain on a subspecialty that many SLPs rarely encounter—and explain why that needs to change.
Maurice shares his unique path into speech pathology—from vocal performance and music in undergrad to becoming a voice specialist who works with professional singers, performers, and medical patients alike. The conversation covers the full spectrum of voice disorders, diagnostic tools (many of them free), therapy approaches for pediatric and adult clients, and the critical importance of medical collaboration. Michelle also opens up about her own post-surgical voice experience, making for a candid and relatable discussion. Whether you're a new grad, a school-based SLP who has never seen a voice referral, or a seasoned clinician curious about expanding your scope, this episode delivers practical insight and genuine encouragement.
Key Takeaways
Voice Is a Broader Scope Than Most SLPs Realize: Voice disorders range from nodules and muscle tension dysphonia to neurologic conditions like spasmodic dysphonia, head and neck cancer, and post-surgical dysphonia. Hospital-based clinics manage the most medically complex cases, but community-based and school SLPs have real opportunities for early impact.
Free Tools Exist for Voice Diagnostics: The CAPE-V, the GRBAS scale, pediatric patient-reported outcome measures, and Praat acoustic analysis software are all accessible and implementable without expensive equipment.
Move Away from "Stop It" Therapy: Rather than telling clients what not to do, effective voice therapy focuses on active skill-building—using play-based activities, shaping voice behavior in real contexts, and teaching healthy voice use.
Voice Therapy Is Not Harmful, but It Can Be Unhelpful: Without complete diagnostics or a clear understanding of the etiology, therapy may not produce results. Good diagnostics and medical collaboration are key to ensuring intervention is targeted and effective.
SLPs Are Professional Voice Users Too: Using your voice for eight to 10 hours a day in clinical and social settings adds up. Awareness, balance, and rest are foundational to vocal health for clinicians themselves.
The Research Is Positive: Evidence supports that when SLPs are involved—whether through indirect hygiene-based approaches or direct voice exercises—clients improve. The data is encouraging.
Timestamps
00:00:00 – Introduction: Michelle welcomes Maurice Goodwin and shares his background
00:02:11 – Maurice's origin story: from vocal performer to speech-language pathologist
00:03:39 – Inside a hospital-based voice clinic: what clients and diagnoses look like
00:06:08 – What therapy looks like for medical voice patients vs. professional performers
00:08:35 – Diagnostics in the school setting: free tools and accessible resources
00:12:44 – What voice therapy looks like for pediatric clients
00:14:44 – The problem with "stop it" therapy and why active therapy wins
00:15:39 – Unpacking the statement: "Voice therapy is not harmful, but may not be helpful"
00:17:10 – The medical diagnosis gap: why laryngeal imaging matters
00:18:27 – Michelle's personal experience with post-surgical dysphonia
00:22:42 – Vocal health for SLPs: voice fatigue, balance, and knowing when to rest
00:25:17 – ASHA resources, perspectives, and the practice portal for voice disorders
00:27:37 – Advice for new grads and early-career SLPs interested in voice
Resources Mentioned
CAPE-V (Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice) – Free auditory-perceptual rating scale for documenting voice quality https://www.asha.org/form/cape-v/
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What Really Happens Behind the Scenes at AMN Schools with Patrick O'Connor
Episode 143
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 32:03
Ever wonder how your dream school assignment actually comes together? What does it take for a staffing agency to land a contract with a school district, and what does that mean for your career?
In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle sits down with Patrick O'Connor, President of AMN's Schools Division, for an inside look at the school staffing world. With more than 15 years of experience at AMN, Pat pulls back the curtain on the RFP process, the technology transforming teletherapy, and why choosing the right agency makes all the difference for your career.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Evolution of Travel: How the staffing industry shifted from transactional to consultative over the past decade.
Behind the RFP: What it really takes for AMN to secure school district contracts.
Technology and Access: How teletherapy and AI bring services to students in underserved areas.
Choosing Your Agency: Why researching benefits, values, and reputation matters more than the highest pay.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and meeting Pat
02:15 - From nursing to allied health: AMN's growth story
04:02 - How the travel industry has changed in the last 10 years
06:35 - Why staffing shortages happen
07:32 - The future of travel and teletherapy technology
11:36 - Inside the RFP and school contract process
18:23 - Balancing vendors and job openings
24:38 - Expanding into teachers and international staffing
28:09 - Why researching your agency matters
Guest Spotlight
Meet Patrick O'Connor, President of AMN Healthcare's K-12 Schools Division. Since joining AMN in 2011, Pat has led sales, recruitment, and operational teams while championing student-centered care and school safety. His deep industry knowledge offers SLPs and new grads a rare look at how the right partner can shape a fulfilling career.
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Feeding Therapy and Life in the NICU with Kailey Harmon
Episode 142
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 31:53
Kailey Harmon has spent nearly a decade working in acute care and the NICU, building expertise in neonatal feeding, myofunctional therapy, and outpatient feeding intervention. In this conversation, she and Michelle explore the realities of NICU speech pathology, from earning the trust of nursing staff to navigating the emotional weight of supporting families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They also tackle the gap in care that exists when babies leave the hospital, the role of sensory regulation in feeding therapy, and practical advice for graduate students who want to break into the medical setting.
Key Takeaways
The NICU Is Not for Everyone, and That's Okay: Working with medically fragile infants requires the ability to stay calm when a baby turns gray or purple during a feed. Knowing your limits is just as important as knowing your strengths.
Trust Is Earned, Not Given: Kailey had to prove her value to the nursing team over time. Listening to the nurses who spend the most time with these babies is essential to effective, collaborative care.
Certifications That Matter: While no single certification is universally required, Kailey recommends training through the Neonatal Therapy Association (NAT), SOS Feeding (Sequential Oral Stimulation), and myofunctional therapy as foundational knowledge for anyone working in this space.
The Gap After Discharge Is Real: Many families leave the NICU without an outpatient speech therapy referral, and when developmental regressions occur, often around three to eight months, they are left without support. Kailey advocates for routine outpatient referrals for all premature infants.
Sensory Regulation Before Expectation: For children with food aversions or limited food repertoires, regulation must come before intervention. Occupational therapists are invaluable partners in building the sensory protocols that make feeding therapy possible.
Not Every Picky Eater Needs Therapy: Some children, particularly neurodiverse individuals, may always have a limited food repertoire. The real red flag is when preferred foods start disappearing and nutritional variety drops to a critical low.
Hospital settings rarely allow shadowing after graduation. Students should pursue medical placements while still in school and take full advantage of every opportunity to observe.
Experience as a Travel SLP and Clinical Fellow with Claudia Berger
Episode 141
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 • Duration 21:05
Claudia and Michelle first connected at ASHA in Washington, D.C., where Claudia, a Travel SLP fielded a steady stream of questions from curious graduate students. This episode captures all of that and more. Claudia walks listeners through how she discovered AMN Healthcare, what her first recruiter call felt like, her clinical fellowship year, how she chose Vermont as her first destination, and how AMN's support system helped her thrive during her clinical fellowship year (CFY). She also gets candid about the logistics of travel life: housing, storage, road trips across the country, and what to do with your summers between contracts.
Key Takeaways
You Don't Need to Be Hired to Use the AMN Passport App: Anyone can download the app, search available positions, filter by location and contract length, and explore pay rates before ever speaking to a recruiter.
Your Recruiter is a Great Resource: Claudia's recruiter, Paige, walked her through licensing requirements, health insurance options, and contract details from day one—and became a genuine professional ally.
State Licensing Complexity Matters: Not all states are equally straightforward to get licensed in. Claudia originally wanted Maine, but her recruiter flagged the complicated licensing process and suggested Vermont instead for her first assignment.
AMN Handles CFY Supervisor Placement: New grads don't have to scramble to find a qualified supervisor. AMN vets and places supervisors for clinical fellows, providing structure and mentorship from the start.
Furnished Finders Makes Housing Easy: This app, built for travel healthcare workers, connects travelers with fully furnished short-term rentals—no need to haul furniture across the country.
Traveling Builds Your Resume and Skill Set: Variety is one of travel therapy's biggest professional benefits. Each contract can expose you to different populations, settings, and clinical approaches.
Timestamps
Take Charge of Your Career With the AMN University Program with Jill Pantle
Episode 140
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Duration 21:43
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the job market right out of graduate school? Do you desire greater control of your clinical career trajectory from day one?
In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle welcomes back Jill Pantle, the Director of University Programs at AMN Healthcare, to discuss an incredible new initiative. They explore how the University Program connects educational institutions with open opportunities to graduates ready for their first role. You will discover how experienced clinicians can guide the next generation, how virtual mentorship is expanding, and how to take charge of your own professional journey.
Key Topics Discussed:
Bridging the Gap: Connecting upcoming graduates with the support they need to navigate the job market confidently.
Virtual Mentorship: Exciting upcoming changes that allow clinical fellows to find the perfect mentor anywhere in the country.
The Alumni Ambassador Program: Earning compensation by sharing your expertise, returning to your alma mater, and empowering students.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Jill Pantle
01:41 - Discovering the AMN University Program
05:49 - Upcoming changes to virtual clinical fellowship mentorship
06:56 - Empowering clinicians through the Alumni Ambassador program
13:30 - Taking greater control of your career and exploring different settings
Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!Support for every step. . Share the opportunity and !
Celebrating SLP Month, Career Growth, and New Opportunities in Speech Pathology LIVE
Episode 139
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 59:09
In episode 139, Michelle Gage and Breana Donnelly celebrate Speech and Hearing Month with a special live episode focused on the impact of speech-language pathologists, the many paths within the profession, and the exciting opportunities available to both experienced clinicians and new grads. Michelle shares her personal career journey through public schools, early intervention, travel therapy, and teletherapy, while answering common questions about clinical fellowships, mentorship, summer work, and finding the right fit.
Later in the episode, Jill Pantle joins the conversation to introduce AMN Healthcare’s Alumni Ambassador program, which connects experienced clinicians with students and upcoming graduates. This episode is a helpful listen for SLPs who want career encouragement, practical advice, and a clearer view of what is possible in the field.
Chapters
00:00 – Celebrating Speech and Hearing Month and Kicking Off the Live Episode
03:38 – Michelle’s SLP Journey Through Schools, Early Intervention, Travel, and Teletherapy
06:07 – Why Teletherapy Works and What Michelle Learned During the Pandemic
09:07 – Career Possibilities for New Grads and the Diversity of Speech Pathology
12:34 – Favorite Podcast Episodes, Niche Topics, and Upcoming Guests
18:35 – Listener Q and A: Summer Work, CF Advice, and Choosing the Right Job
24:27 – How Recruiters and the AMN Passport App Can Support Your Job Search
29:17 – What New Grads Should Look for in a Clinical Fellowship
31:39 – Jill Shares the Mission Behind the Alumni Ambassador Program
36:09 – Common Misunderstandings About Travel Therapy for New Grads
Taking Control of Your Career: The Power of Travel Therapy with Kristie Yakovich
Episode 138
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • Duration 27:54
In episode 138, Michelle sits down with AMN Healthcare recruiter Kristie Yakovich to explore the highly desired and empowering world of travel therapy. Kristie shares her 15 years of insight into the differences between school-based and medical settings, the step-by-step process of securing your ideal contract, and the incredible support systems AMN provides.
The conversation covers how to handle contracts that are not a perfect fit, the requirements for transitioning into teletherapy, and the beautiful friendships that blossom on the road. You will discover how open communication with a trusted recruiter gives you greater control of your professional journey, helping you build a life and career you truly love.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Taking Control of Your Career
02:43 – Meet Kristie: Over 15 Years of Healthcare Recruiting
04:10 – Medical vs. School-Based Settings: Finding Your Fit
06:06 – The Process of Getting Started in Travel Therapy
08:45 – Navigating Challenges and Changing Contracts
12:52 – Transitioning to Teletherapy and Required Experience
15:36 – Building a Strong Recruiter-Clinician Relationship
21:14 – Success Stories: Love, Friendship, and Travel
25:13 – Advice for Maximizing Your Career Potential
On-the-Job Training: Articulation Therapy Insights with Michelle Gage
Episode 137
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 22:46
In episode 137, Michelle explores the realities of articulation therapy, and the practical skills speech-language pathologists learn on the job. While graduate school provides a strong foundation in anatomy, speech sound norms, and analytical skills, many therapists find themselves figuring out the exact techniques to correct specific sounds through trial and error. Michelle shares her experiences bridging this gap, offering encouragement and practical advice for both new and seasoned professionals.
The conversation covers the challenges of group therapy, coaching parents with accessible language, and the realities of speech sound development charts. You will also discover strategies for scaffolding sounds, the importance of accurate initial diagnoses, and how telehealth and visual aids can enhance therapy outcomes.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to On-the-Job Training for Articulation
01:17 – The Gap Between Graduate School and Real-World Therapy
03:00 – Keeping Drills Engaging and Adjusting Mid-Session
04:14 – Coaching Parents and Writing Attainable Goals
06:29 – Managing Group Therapy and Differing Needs
08:04 – Navigating Speech Sound Development Norms
09:31 – Scaffolding Sounds From Isolation to Conversation
12:08 – The Importance of Accurate Initial Diagnoses
14:36 – Breaking Habitual Motor Patterns in Short Sessions
17:06 – Multi-Sensory Input and Telehealth Success
19:58 – Advice for New Speech-Language Pathologists
Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!Support for every step. . Share the opportunity and !
Understanding Childhood Apraxia of Speech with Laura Baskall-Smith
Episode 136
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 29:19
In episode 136, Michelle welcomes back Laura Smith, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Also known as the "SLP Mommy of Apraxia," Laura brings both clinical expertise and personal experience as a mother of a child with CAS. She breaks down exactly what apraxia is—a disconnect between the brain's planning and the mouth's movement—and why the diagnosis can often feel overwhelming for families.
The conversation explores how to differentiate apraxia from other speech sound disorders using dynamic motor speech exams. Laura debunks common myths, such as the idea that a child cannot be diagnosed before age three, and shares critical red flags to look for during a parent intake case history. Listeners will also learn about evidence-based treatment strategies like DTTC, the importance of the principles of motor learning, and why ongoing continuing education is vital for speech-language pathologists.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Childhood Apraxia of Speech
00:28 – Welcoming Guest Laura Smith (SLP Mommy of Apraxia)
01:58 – Defining Apraxia: The Disconnect Between Brain and Mouth
03:18 – Why an Apraxia Diagnosis Can Be Scary for Parents
05:08 – Distinguishing Apraxia from Other Speech Sound Disorders
08:26 – The "ASHA 3" Core Characteristics of CAS
11:58 – Debunking the Age of Diagnosis Myth
15:10 – Key Red Flags to Look for in Early Case Histories
17:32 – Hidden Challenges of Apraxia in Daily Life
20:00 – Effective Therapy Techniques and DTTC Training
22:02 – Recommended Frequency for Apraxia Therapy
23:18 – Advice for Graduate Students and SLPs
26:02 – Conclusion and Upcoming Episode Plans
Breaking Down Communication Barriers with Ner Chat
Episode 135
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 • Duration 27:32
In episode 135, Michelle welcomes Dylan Makani, co-founder and CEO of Ner Chat, to discuss how his company is revolutionizing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Inspired by a close friend who used an AAC device but struggled to stay in touch remotely, Dylan set out to bridge the gap in digital communication. He created tools that allow AAC users to connect seamlessly through mainstream messaging, moving beyond the limits of face-to-face interactions.
Dylan shares the journey of developing Leaf, an iOS keyboard that integrates AAC symbols directly into everyday apps like text messaging and email. The conversation also dives into Glint, a groundbreaking platform designed for speech-language pathologists and educators.
Glint allows professionals to create highly customized, interactive visual supports in seconds, complete with Google Image integration, voice output, and simple sharing via QR codes. By streamlining the creation of visual materials, Ner Chat is saving SLPs countless hours and empowering complex learners across all environments.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Ner Chat and Guest Dylan Makani 02:24 – The Inspiring Story Behind Ner Chat 05:10 – Introducing Leaf: AAC in Everyday Messaging 08:22 – The Difference Between Ner Chat, Leaf, and Glint 09:03 – How Glint Simplifies Visual Support Creation 11:24 – Seamless Google Image Integration in Glint 13:08 – Sharing and Customizing Visual Boards with Audio 16:29 – Partnering with AMN Healthcare and Elevate 18:23 – Real-Life Success Stories with Glint 23:37 – Dylan's Message to Families and Professionals: You Are Not Alone 25:33 – Upcoming Demos and Conclusion
About the Guest:
Dylan Makani is the Co-Founder of Ner Chat, the company behind Glint, an AI-powered platform transforming how educators and therapists create visual supports. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with dual majors in Neuroscience and Medicine, Health & Society, and is currently an M1 at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences.Dylan’s background spans neuroscience research, private equity, and healthcare investing, combined with personal experience in autism and assistive technology through his work with Best Buddies. His mission is to make communication supports faster, easier, and universally accessible for educators, families, and the students who rely on them.
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46:32 – Featured SLP Job Opportunities Across the Country
57:16 – A Closing Message to Celebrate SLPs Everywhere
Key Concepts Discussed:
Speech-Language-Hearing Month: A reminder of the meaningful role SLPs play in helping people communicate, connect, and build stronger relationships with the world around them.
Career Flexibility in Speech Pathology: Michelle’s story highlights how an SLP career can grow across settings, including public schools, early intervention, travel contracts, and teletherapy.
Finding the Right Job Fit: Whether you are considering a CF, a school role, or a contract position, choosing a setting that matches your goals, schedule, and support needs matters.
Alumni Ambassador Program: AMN Healthcare’s program helps connect students and upcoming grads with experienced clinicians who can share insight, encouragement, and guidance.
Recruiter Support and Job Search Tools: Recruiters and the AMN Passport app can help SLPs explore jobs, narrow options, and build a career path with more confidence.
Guest Bio:
Jill Pantle, Director of the University Program for Allied and Alumni Ambassadors at AMN Healthcare, joined the episode to discuss the Alumni Ambassador program and how it supports students and new graduates entering the field. A former recruiter, Jill brings years of experience helping clinicians explore career opportunities, build meaningful connections, and feel supported as they move into the next stage of their professional journey.
Breana Donnelly is an Associate Brand Manager on the Allied Brand team at AMN Healthcare, where she focuses on creating thoughtful, engaging marketing strategies that support allied healthcare professionals throughout their career journey. She works closely on the SLP Full Disclosure podcast, helping bring meaningful conversations and resources to speech-language pathologists through storytelling, social content, and clinician-focused initiatives.
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