Guest: Amy Zembriski, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Neurodiversity-Affirming-Feeding-Therapy-Where-do-I-Start

In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson introduces a valuable conversation between Aaron Forward and Amy Zimbrisky, a seasoned speech therapist specializing in neurodiversity affirming feeding therapy. After highlighting insights from the Feeding Matters Conference, Aaron and Amy delve into practical strategies for beginning feeding therapy with neurodiverse children. They discuss creating a safe and welcoming environment, the importance of caregiver education, and the significance of understanding each child's unique relationship with food. Amy shares her personal journey in overcoming challenges and learning to support her clients in a more holistic and relationship-based manner, emphasizing the significance of autonomy and trust. Tune in to learn how to build therapeutic strategies personalized for each child, utilize AAC effectively, and foster a positive mealtime experience.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:41 Feeding Matters Conference Highlights

01:31 Creating a Safe Space for Feeding Therapy

03:33 Personal Reflections and Announcements

05:25 Introduction to Amy Zembrisky

07:16 Amy's Journey in Feeding Therapy

11:44 Building Trust and Autonomy in Feeding Therapy

15:29 Caregiver Education and Support

17:44 The Importance of Routine and Flexibility

35:28 Validating Caregiver Concerns

36:44 Navigating Social Media Judgments on Parenting

37:51 Understanding Children's Food Preferences

38:54 The Importance of Flexibility in Feeding Therapy

40:24 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy

42:10 Case Study: Engaging a Child in Mealtime

43:42 Personalizing Therapy Approaches

47:45 The Role of Caregivers in Feeding Therapy

58:12 Advice for New Therapists

01:00:55 Resources and Mentorship

01:05:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

About the Guest: Amy Zembriski, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP is a certified speech language pathologist with an extensive background working in a variety of settings, including acute care, skilled nursing facilities, schools, early intervention, and private practice. Additionally, she has had past experience working as an adjunct professor supervising graduate students during their diagnostic clinical practicum. She is the owner of Speech Therapy Connections in Fair Lawn, NJ, where she specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and gestalt language processing; Amy offers expert support for families with autistic children. Her passion lies in educating and empowering both professionals and families through neurodiversity-affirming practices.

Guest: Ashley Muñoz López MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Discovering-the-Leader-in-You

In this episode, Michelle Dawson introduces the theme of leadership within the field of speech pathology. Michelle shares insights from her recent experience at the Feeding Matters conference, highlighting the importance of advocacy, especially regarding the protection of 504 plans under threat in several states. The week's guest, Ashley Lopez, delves into her journey as a speech pathologist transitioning from adult care to pediatric care, her pursuit of leadership roles, and the challenges of balancing professional and personal life during these transitions. Ashley also opens up about the impact of postpartum depression, the necessity of finding one's tribe for support, and her educational path that includes obtaining an MBA to enhance her leadership skills. This episode is a heartfelt discussion about personal growth, professional transitions, and the essential role of advocacy in the field.

Link to ASHA Advocacy - Texas v. Beccera: https://www.asha.org/news/2025/texas-v-becerra-a-lawsuit-that-threatens-disability-rights/

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Welcome to First Bite

00:18 Reflections on Feeding Matters Conference

02:52 The Fight for 504 Plans

07:39 Introducing Ashley Lopez

09:14 Ashley's Journey into Speech Pathology

17:33 Career Pivots and Challenges

20:45 Transitioning to Pediatrics

22:52 Navigating Postpartum Depression

32:35 Mentorship and Adult Learning

34:19 Pursuing an MBA During the Pandemic

37:38 Discovering a Passion for Medicine

38:01 Pursuing an MBA

38:41 Balancing Education and Career

39:59 Understanding the Bigger Picture in Healthcare

40:50 The Importance of Leadership in Healthcare

41:38 Graduating and Future Aspirations

43:06 Challenges in Clinical Training

45:09 The Role of Business in Healthcare

46:10 Personal Life and Professional Balance

49:14 Finding Support and Building a Tribe

51:43 Adapting to New Normals

01:03:04 Leadership and Continuous Learning

01:09:09 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

About the Guest: Ashley is a board-certified clinician with experience in direct patient care, project management, service line development, and leadership. She has worked as a speech-language pathologist for over a decade and has experience working with children and adults in various practice pathways. She has substantial experience working with patients with acquired brain injury, respiratory compromise, and dysphagia.

Ashley has been published in the ASHA Leader and Aerodigestive Health as well as the Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. She received the Distinguished Early Career Professional (ECP) Certificate in 2018 and graduated from ASHA's Leadership Development Program (LDP) in 2019. She is a current member of the Hispanic Caucus for ASHA and a previous board member. She has been a guest speaker for several universities and has presented at the local, state, and national levels, including multidisciplinary presentations with nursing organizations. Most recently, she was invited to be a speaker at ASHA's upper airway online conference. In 2020, Ashley began her term as a site visitor for the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). ​​​

Ashley provided dedicated service to ASHA's Special Interest Group 13 as a professional development member from 2021 - to 2023 and the CE content manager. Currently, she is serving on the adult swallowing committee for the ASHA 2024 convention. Outside of her duties in the clinical realm, Ashley empowers diverse members of the healthcare workforce and was the 2022 co-chair and 2023

Guest: Dyan Dickerson MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Floortime-for-the-SLP

In this episode of First Bite, Michelle and Erin welcomes Dyan Dickerson, a certified expert in DIR Floortime and feeding, to explore the intricacies of the Floortime model. Listeners get an inside look into the principles of DIR (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based) Floortime and understand its impact on communication and feeding therapy. Diane shares her professional journey, the importance of affect, and how to approach therapy with critical thinking. Tune in to hear case studies and learn practical tips for applying Floortime in both feeding and communication settings.

About the Guest: Dyan Dickerson is an ASHA (USA) and RCLST (UK) certified speech-language pathologist who graduated with both her B.S. and M.A. degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida. While in school, Dyan became passionate about The Floortime Approach while working privately with a family, where she used the approach with their son for nearly four years (Hi, J!). After graduation, Dyan moved to Washington, D.C., to work at The Floortime Center for six years, where she later became the lead speech-language pathologist. Dyan provided services in the private practice setting, school-based therapy, home services, and throughout the community. She saw clients in individual sessions and group therapy as well as provided intensive services for families around the world as part of a collaborative team. Dyan is Floortime trained and holds certification in the S.O.S. Approach to Feeding and Integrated Listening Therapy (iLs) and training with Gestalt Language Processing. While working at The Floortime Center, Dyan traveled to Budapest to present on Foodtime, a feeding program she co-developed, as well as Miami to present on both Foodtime and speech-language therapy using the Greenspan Floortime Approach. Dyan is a collaborative volunteer for The Greenspan Approach online course - an ASHA-approved C.E. program - she holds licensure in Florida and the UK. Dyan believes in a developmental, whole-child approach to therapy and uses The Floortime Approach to support children and their families. Dyan is soon moving back to Tampa, Florida, and will support clients and families in person and virtually.

Mentioned in this episode:

Nourishing Connection: Trauma-Informed Feeding Therapy a course from Erin Forward

This comprehensive course supports you in providing authentic, trauma-informed feeding therapy for neurodivergent and medically complex clients. Through 18 hours of ASHA CEU credits, you’ll engage with a weekly live lecture (that can be rewatched as a recorded version) plus dedicated office hours for additional questions if you’re unable to join live. You’ll gain access to a supportive group for ongoing discussion and receive a 50+ page ebook filled with valuable resources, including a goal bank. Explore the key principles of mealtime literacy—connection, comfort, and curiosity—designed to help children engage with food in a way that respects their individuality. Scroll down for a detailed topic breakdown and start building your confidence in a flexible, child-centered approach to feeding therapy. Learn more/sign up: https://www.erinforwardslp.com/courses