Full Program

Full Program

Thursday

June 19, 2025 01:00 am to
02:30 pm

Dysphagia in HNC: The Journey of the Patient and SLP

Daniel Gonzalez
MS, CCC-SLP

Tamber Taskonak
M.S., CCC-SLP, CLT

Ronja Hildebrand
MA, CCC-SLP

Patients with head and neck cancer may experience some degree of dysphagia prior, during or after medical and/or surgical interventions. These deficits can create short and long-term symptoms to address. It is imperative that speech-language pathologists assume an adaptable role across the continuum of care to optimize swallowing outcomes.

Learning outcomes:

  • Identify the primary objectives of the SLP in dysphagia management in inpatient and outpatient settings.
  • Identify how patient and clinician reported outcome measures can be utilized to measure and track various dysphagia-related variables across the continuum of care.
  • Identify the techniques and strategies the SLP can implement when treating patients with head and neck cancer.
June 19, 2025 08:00 am to
09:00 am

Deaf + And Access: What you need to know

Kori Gedris
other, MS in Education, will have ED.D by the time of the conference.

Students who are Deaf-Hard of Hearing, PLUS other disabilities (or many other disabilities) can present unique challenges to educators. Where should you start, and what can be done to help these students succeed?

Learning outcomes:

  • The participants will analyze a sample student and determine basic supportive educational needs based on a case study.
  • Participants will apply the principle of Least Dangerous Assumption to a sample case study.
  • Participants will identify resources available related to Environmental Communication Training, the communication matrix, alternate achievement and accessible materials for instruction. standards
June 19, 2025 08:00 am to
10:00 am

Empowering Clinical Educators with Joy and Humor

Joe Zelenke
ED.D, CCC-SLP

Jeani Mead
ED.D, CCC-SLP

The purpose of this presentation is to emphasize the importance of maintaining a sense of humor and joyfulness while teaching student interns and CFs. Additionally, an overview of foundations in clinical education and supervision will be discussed. This course would meet the two-hour supervision requirement.

Learning outcomes:

  • The importance of maintaing a sense of humor and joy while educating interns and CFs.
  • The foundational knowledge and skills required for successful clinical education and supervision.
  • How implementing joy and humor can have a positive impact on the well-being of clinical educators.
June 19, 2025 09:00 am to
10:00 am

Empowering Clinicians: Practical Language Sampling for Children Who Are DHH

Lynn Miskiel
MA, CCC-SLP/A

Helen Hernandez
MS, CCC-SLP

Victoria Wine
MS, CCC-SLP

Alina Lopez
MA, CCC-SLP

This session will explore limitations of standardized testing and provide strategies for obtaining relevant language data for children who are deaf/hard of hearing. Conventional language assessments fail to capture the range of children's functional language abilities. Attendees will be equipped with tools to complement formal testing with functional intervention practices.

Learning outcomes:

  • Attendees will be able to identify the assets and limitations of standardized language testing.
  • Attendees will be able to describe resources for gathering functional language samples.
  • Attendees will be able to analyze language samples to develop goals and implement intervention.
June 19, 2025 10:30 am to
11:30 am

Empowering Voices: Advancing Leadership Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists of Color

Kierstyn Johnson-Wigfall
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

This research presentation addresses systemic barriers faced by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) of color and marginalized groups. It highlights disparities in mentorship and professional development while proposing strategies to enhance leadership diversity. By promoting inclusive pathways, the study aims to integrate diverse perspectives into SLP practices and decision-making processes.

Learning outcomes:

  • Learners will be able to articulate the systemic barriers and challenges that Speech-Language Pathologists of color and marginalized groups face in pursuing leadership roles within the field, supported by evidence from current literature.
  • Learners will be equipped to implement best practices for promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, including the development of mentorship programs, cultural competence training, and effective recruitment strategies.
  • Learners will be able to critically evaluate the potential benefits and risks associated with diversity initiatives in SLP, utilizing evidence-based research to support their assessments and recommendations for organizational change.
June 19, 2025 11:30 am to
01:30 pm

DEI Panel Presentation: Aspects of Advocacy, Alliances and Allyship in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Rachel Williams
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Timothy Kowalski
MA, CCC-SLP, M.A,CCC-SLP, ASDCI

Kelly David
MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Advocacy in DEI fosters inclusion by creating spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. For this presentation, the role and purpose of advocacy, alliances, and allyship supporting DEI will be discussed. Stories or examples of advocacy, alliances and allyship efforts will be presented highlighting providing culturally responsive services.

Learning outcomes:

  • Define the terms advocacy, alliance, and allyship as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Summarize advocacy efforts, affiliations, and partnerships that support DEI found within the professions at the local, state and national levels
  • Describe ways individuals can become an advocate, collaborator, partner and/or supporter of DEI when providing culturally responsive services
June 19, 2025 11:30 am to
03:30 pm

Empowering Young Ears-Solutions from Advanced Bionics and Phonak

Karalee Kowar
MS, CCC-SLP

4 hour presentation: Professionals working with children who use hearing assistive technology are often tasked with verifying and troubleshooting equipment without having the proper training or resources to accomplish this effectively and efficiently. Through hands-on instruction, participants will learn about AB/Phonak technology solutions, FM/accessories, rehab resources, and troubleshooting.

Learning outcomes:

  • After completion of this course, the learner will be able to summarize Marvel CI features and technology.
  • After completion of this course, the learner will be able to describe Marvel CI solutions and identify the benefits of this technology for clinical application.
  • After completion of this course, the learner will list rehAB resources from Advanced Bionics.
June 19, 2025 01:30 pm to
03:00 pm

Equity in Action: Social Determinants of Health in Communication Disorders

Lauren Hastings
MS, CCC-SLP

Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a critical role in shaping the outcomes of individuals with communication disorders. This session explores how factors such as socioeconomic status, education, access to healthcare, and cultural background intersect with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in clinical practice.

Learning outcomes:

  • Participants will apply at least two culturally responsive strategies to address barriers related to social determinants of health in clinical case scenarios.
  • Participants will be able to analyze how at least three social determinants of health (e.g., income, education, or access to care) impact individuals with communication disorders.
  • Participants will create a basic action plan outlining three steps to promote equity and inclusion in their assessment and intervention practices for clients from diverse backgrounds.
June 19, 2025 03:00 pm to
04:00 pm

Elevating Accommodations from the Classroom to the Clinical World

Melissa Edrich
ED.D, CCC-SLP

Erin Beasley
MS, CCC-SLP

Current research shows that individuals diagnosed with various disabilities and conditions may benefit from workplace accommodations. However, many are uncomfortable asking for help due to negative stigma and bias. This presentation will discuss the shift from providing reasonable accommodations in academia to the real clinical world.

Learning outcomes:

  • Describe the research regarding adults with mental health conditions in academic and workplace settings
  • Compare accommodations given in the educational setting to reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
  • Describe strategies for communication with supervisors regarding support in the work setting.
June 19, 2025 03:00 pm to
04:00 pm

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: Career, Regulation, and Supervision Basics

Deborah Campbell
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Licensed since the 1990s, Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) in Florida gained new career opportunities with the 2020 SLPA Rule change and ASHA certification. Despite this, SLPAs remain underutilized. This presentation covers the SLPA profession, past and current regulations, and the supervisory roles and responsibilities of SLPs.

Learning outcomes:

  • SLPAs governing rules, including the SLPA Protocol's purpose and function, and SLP supervision requirements
  • The basics of obtaining employment as an SLPA
  • Common myths and facts about SLPA supervision and use within our workforce.
June 19, 2025 04:00 pm to
05:00 pm

Transformation Change Agents as It Impacts the Future of CSD

June 19, 2025 05:00 pm to
05:30 pm

VIP Exhibitor Meet and Greet Welcome Party

June 19, 2025 05:30 pm to
06:30 pm

Exhibitor Meet and Greet Welcome Party

Friday

June 20, 2025 10:00 am to
11:30 am

Invisible Disabilities: How to Support What Goes Unseen

Stephanie Hanrahan
BS

Using personal narrative, statistical data, and the internationally-acclaimed resource, True Hues Color Wheel, attendees will be guided through a three-part presentation on how to effectively support disabled children in both clinical and educational settings leading to a better understanding of the neurodivergent experience and more effective and empathetic practices.

Learning outcomes:

  • Attendees will be able to demonstrate effective communication to bridge gap between provider and parent, including deficit versus differences and weaknesses versus skills yet to be taught
  • Attendees will be able to apply changes to their learning/teaching environments, including environmental/behavioral responses they can implement to produce more desirable outcomes.
  • Attendees will be able to identify ways to increase empathy and inclusion for disabled and non-disabled peers based on a better understanding of neurodiversity
June 20, 2025 11:30 am to
01:00 pm

Concussion, TBI, and CTE in Athletes & The SLP's Role

Kelli Uitenham
other, CScD, CCC-SLP

As awareness of concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) continues to grow, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely positioned to play a critical role in the identification, management, and rehabilitation of athletes affected by these conditions. This presentation will explore the expanding role of SLPs in the multidisciplinary care of athletes, emphasizing how our expertise in communication and cognition are vital in promoting comprehensive brain health. The session will begin with an overview of concussions, TBIs, and CTE, focusing on their causes, symptoms, and long-term impacts on athletes of all ages. We will delve into the neurophysiological mechanisms behind these injuries and highlight the cumulative risks of repeated head trauma, especially in young athletes. Attendees will gain insights into the latest research and diagnostic criteria, equipping them with the knowledge to apply evidence-based strategies in their own clinical practice. SLPs are often underutilized in sports injury management, despite their essential role in addressing cognitive and communication deficits following brain injury. This presentation will demonstrate how SLPs can contribute to the assessment, treatment, and long-term recovery of athletes through case studies comparing outcomes when SLPs are actively involved in care versus cases where SLPs are not integrated into the team. A key goal of this session is to promote collaboration between SLPs, athletic trainers, coaches, and other healthcare professionals. Practical strategies will be shared on how SLPs can work alongside these professionals to establish protocols for concussion prevention, early detection, and effective referrals. Attendees will also learn how to develop holistic care plans that incorporate medical, educational, and therapeutic interventions, ensuring optimal athlete outcomes. Finally, this presentation will empower attendees to advocate for policy changes that prioritize the inclusion of SLPs in concussion management protocols and comprehensive brain health education. By understanding the vital role SLPs play in the care of athletes, attendees will leave equipped to drive meaningful change within their institutions and communities, ultimately enhancing long-term athlete brain health.

Learning outcomes:

  • Identify the neurophysiological mechanisms and long-term impacts of concussions, TBIs, and CTE in athletes, and recognize the specific cognitive and communication challenges these conditions pose.
  • Describe the essential role of speech-language pathologists in the multidisciplinary management of brain injuries, including their contributions to assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation, through evidence-based practices and case studies.
  • Explain the need to advocate for the inclusion of speech-language pathologists in concussion management policies and protocols within athletic and educational settings, and promote brain health education to enhance long-term outcomes for athletes.** This fourth objective emphasizes advocacy and policy change, encouraging SLPs to take an active role in shaping how brain injuries are managed within their institutions and communities.
June 20, 2025 11:30 am to
01:00 pm

LSLS Live: Live demonstrations of therapeutic activities for DHH children

Erica Clark
other, MA CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT

Emily Biro
MS, CCC-SLP

This session will provide live demonstrations and rationale for lesson planning new and exciting activities as well as the goals each activity can target. Each tried and true activity will be demonstrated by a therapist live who can share the materials, process and outcomes from using their activity.

Learning outcomes:

  • Participants will be able to demonstrate how to plan a lesson utilizing an LSL strategy to coach a family of a child who is DHH.
  • Participants will list one new activity to target speech, listening and language goals for children who are DHH.
  • Participants will formulate three goals that can be targeted for one activity and one new resource for finding therapy materials or activities for children who are DHH.
June 20, 2025 11:30 am to
01:00 pm

Voice Grand Rounds: The stories behind the problem

Maria Murljacic
MS, CCC-SLP

Robert Fritz
MS, CCC-SLP

Christine Martin
MA, CCC-SLP

Emily Cole
MS, CCC-SLP

Rebecca Gould
MS, CCC-SLP

Voice cases with interesting causes behind the issue will be presented starting with patient symptoms, history, and evaluation. Evaluation will include perceptual analysis, acoustic and aerodynamic assessment, and videostroboscopy. There will be a discussion of treatment and follow up will be presented. There will be a panel discussion with

Learning outcomes:

  • The current evaluation methods for voice disorders
  • Current methods for treating individuals with voice disorders
  • Possible treatment options and evaluation strategies with presenters and other attendees within the context of evidence-based practice
June 20, 2025 12:00 pm to
01:00 pm

Love Serving Autism: A Therapeutic Sports Model to Enhance Communication and Health Outcomes for Individuals with ASD

Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix
MS, CCC-SLP

Abstract: The need for physical activity and therapeutic programming is critical for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who often experience barriers to accessing comprehensive and inclusive therapy. Love Serving Autism (LSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, addresses this gap by offering therapeutic racquet sports instruction to children and adults with ASD. This session will present LSA's innovative interdisciplinary model, led by speech-language pathologists, behavior analysts, and tennis professionals, which integrates evidence-based tools to improve communication and health outcomes on and off the tennis court. Participants will learn how therapeutic strategies, such as visual schedules, augmentative communication devices, and adaptive sports techniques, can be applied in non-clinical settings to foster resilience and promote holistic development in individuals with ASD.

Learning outcomes:

  • Describe how interdisciplinary sports therapy can enhance communication and physical health in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
  • Identify adaptive and inclusive sports as a medium for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to apply therapeutic techniques in non-clinical settings.
  • Formulate new strategies for integrating physical activities into therapeutic practices to support individuals with ASD and other developmental challenges.
June 20, 2025 12:00 pm to
01:00 pm

The Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology: Roles and Responsibilities

Frederick Rahe
Au.D, CCC-A

It is important for Speech and Hearing professionals to understand the regulatory process that governs their practices. We will review the Board's Quasi-legislative role in the rulemaking process, the difference between statute and rule, and we will review the complaint process and the Board's Quasi-judicial role in discipline.

Learning outcomes:

  • Attendees will list the statutory responsibilities of the Florida Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology licensing board.
  • Attendees will describe the process of filing and investigating complaints filed against licensees.
  • Attendees will summarize the Board's responsibilities and limitations in defining Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s scope of practice in Florida.
June 20, 2025 12:00 pm to
01:00 pm

Three C's of a Successful CF: clinical supervision, collaboration, creativity

Elizabeth Pozen
other, M.S. CF-SLP

Following graduation, the transition from student to speech pathologist continues with the Clinical Fellowship (CF) experience. This presentation will combine evidence-based practice, clinical research, and SLP interviews to identify three components of a successful CF: clinical supervision, collaboration, and creativity.

Learning outcomes:

  • Three components of a successful Clinical Fellowship
  • Evidence based strategies for clinical practice within a CF
  • Supervision strategies through scenarios.
June 20, 2025 02:30 pm to
03:30 pm

Culturally Responsive Practices in Early Intervention: Elevating the Coaching Model

Katherine Javier Widdicombe
MS, CCC-SLP

Katherine Manrique
MS, CCC-SLP

This presentation aims to reframe the coaching model for early intervention from a culturally responsive lens by sharing tools and strategies for service delivery, increasing awareness and understanding of cultural and linguistic implications, and developing perspective and confidence to provide the most effective and skilled clinical services to every family.

Learning outcomes:

  • Identify the principles of Culturally Responsive Practices (CRP).
  • Analyze the Coaching model from a Culturally Responsive lens.
  • Integrate CRP with Coaching model for Early Intervention.
June 20, 2025 02:30 pm to
03:30 pm

Do Clinical Educators Feel Prepared to Educate Students in AAC?

Joe Zelenke
ED.D, CCC-SLP

MARIATERESA MUNOZ
SLP.D, CCC-SLP

This presentation aims to reveal survey findings on preparing clinical educators to instruct graduate students in AAC service delivery. The presenters will provide recommendations, strategies, and resources to enhance the preparedness of clinical educators in this essential area of clinical practice when working with individuals with complex communication needs.

Learning outcomes:

  • The clinical educators' experiences of training graduate students in AAC service delivery.
  • Clinical educators' perceptions of preparedness to train graduate students in AAC service delivery.
  • Recommendations for improving clinical educators' preparedness to train graduate students in AAC service delivery.
June 20, 2025 02:30 pm to
03:30 pm

iHEAR: Transforming Reading and Writing Outcomes for DHH Children

Carrie Loughran
MA, CCC-SLP

Carli Brent
BA

Grace Proctor
BS

Whitney Haas
MA, CCC-SLP

Janel Cosby
Au.D, CCC-A

This presentation will demonstrate the benefits of incorporating auditory-based approaches within individualized activities to support the language development of children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. The Intensive Hearing Enrichment and Reading ( iHEAR) program supports DHH children in developing foundational literacy skills through intensive, multisensory instruction and evidence-based instruction.

Learning outcomes:

  • Participants will be able to describe auditory-based strategies and multisensory activities that can be used in therapy sessions with DHH children
  • Participants will be able to list three key auditory-based treatment approaches for DHH children that can be implemented into therapy sessions
  • Participants will explain how to implement strategies and activities that are tailored to the needs of DHH children to enhance language development skills
June 20, 2025 07:30 am to
08:30 am

Breakfast and FLASHA Business Meeting

June 20, 2025 08:30 am to
09:30 am

Will My Child with Autism Ever Talk?

Sheryl Rosin
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

It is estimated that about 40% of children with ASD are nonverbal leading to one of the most frequently asked questions from parents "Will my child ever talk?" For many families of children with ASD, having their child learn to talk is their primary goal.

Learning outcomes:

  • Language development of children with autism
  • Functional developmental levels and how they apply to talking
  • The steps of climbing the language mountain
June 20, 2025 08:30 am to
09:30 am

LSVT Loud, PhoRTE, SPEAK OUT!: Are they the same?

Christine Martin
MA, CCC-SLP

Robert Fritz
MS, CCC-SLP

Phonation Resistance Training Exercises (PhoRTE), Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud), and SPEAK OUT! are all physiologically based voice rehabilitation programs. Their tasks are similar but differ in underlying purpose. This talk aims to explore the similarities and differences between the three approaches and provide clinical examples of each.

Learning outcomes:

  • Learner will identify the key similarities and differences between PhoRTE, LSVT, and SPEAK OUT!
  • Learner will define target population for each approach.
  • Learner will integrate the therapeutic models into a comprehensive plan of care.
June 20, 2025 08:30 am to
10:00 am

Culturally Responsive SLP Practices to Address Disproportionate Representation

Shannon Hall-Mills
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

This presentation explores school-based SLPs’ perspectives on culturally responsive assessment and its role in addressing disproportionate representation in speech-language services. Focus group findings highlight key barriers, facilitators, and collaborative strategies, offering actionable insights to promote equity in assessment practices and guide future research on reducing systemic disparities in schools.

Learning outcomes:

  • The role of the SLP in and the importance of culturally responsive assessment to prevent and address disproportionate representation in school-based speech-language services
  • Challenges in the current context which hinder culturally responsive assessment practices in schools
  • Implications for practice based on the findings from focus group interviews with a nationally representative group of SLPs.
June 20, 2025 08:30 am to
10:00 am

Measuring Medical Mistrust: A Dynamic Discussion Among Clinicians

Pamela Rowe
MA, CCC-SLP

Jessica Hooke
MA, CCC-SLP

Medical mistrust is a lack of trust in or suspicion of medical organizations (Jaiswal & Halkitis, 2019). It is found in every area of education, healthcare, and care management in the United States.

Learning outcomes:

  • Learners will be able to define medical mistrust and its origins in the United States
  • Learners will be able to explain how medical mistrust contributes to health disparities in the medical and educational fields
  • Learners will be able to describe key ways to improve medical trust within the various continuums of care
June 20, 2025 08:30 am to
10:00 am

Let's Talk: Self-Advocacy and Hearing Loss at School

Alexandria Mestres
other, MSEd

D/HH students are often put in the position of advocating for their hearing needs. How do we ensure that these students feel competent so that they are motivated to advocate for the supports they need? This session will discuss self-determination theory as it relates to the language of self-advocacy.

Learning outcomes:

  • Participants will be able to describe the challenges for DHH children in developing self-advocacy skills.
  • Participants will identify some resources for developing self-advocacy skills in children with hearing loss.
  • Participants will demonstrate an understanding of how motivation supports development of self-advocacy skills.
June 20, 2025 09:00 am to
10:00 am

Total Laryngectomy 101: Basic Communication and Stoma Care Needs for the Novice Speech-Language Pathologist

Ronja Hildebrand
MA, CCC-SLP

Tamber Taskonak
M.S., CCC-SLP, CLT

Management that includes the care of laryngectomees is routinely seen by SLPs in university and VA medical settings. However, community SLPs have limited exposure to this specific, but dynamic patient population. This lecture will help navigate SLPs unfamiliar with general management and communication modalities in the total laryngectomy population.

Learning outcomes:

  • Describe post-operative anatomical changes after undergoing total laryngectomy
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of alaryngeal speech and communication options
  • Identify the basic principles of pulmonary management including the role of a heat and moisture exchange system (HME)
June 20, 2025 02:30 pm to
04:00 pm

Empowering SLPs: Solutions for the 9 Tensions of School Practice

Marie Ireland
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Learn about the 9 major tensions facing school SLPs and how to address them. Tools for analysis and identification at the individual, school, and LEA level will be shared. Discussion of strategies and resources will provide examples for easy implementation. A focus on building advocacy skills, understanding conflict, development of

Learning outcomes:

  • Describe the nine major tensions regarding eligibility decision making in the school setting
  • Identify how SLPs and school leaders may address concerns to reduce obstacles and as a catalyst for change
  • Explain the usefulness of Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) for understanding SLP challenges in schools
June 20, 2025 02:30 pm to
04:00 pm

Calling Aspiring SLP Presenters: Public Speaking & Presenting

Corina Espejo
MS, CCC-SLP

We need more SLPs to build the confidence and capability to pursue collaborative public speaking to foster competency-based outcomes, intentional learning continuum, and learning opportunities in Interprofessional Education (IPE). Connecting with our unique perspective as SLPs and a multidisciplinary audience creates trust and more effective IPE in various settings.

Learning outcomes:

  • List benefits to SLPs contributing to IPE through presenting
  • Identify strengths-based public speaking tools to effectively educate
  • Describe dynamic soft skills that can engage a multidisciplinary audience
June 20, 2025 03:00 pm to
03:30 pm

Snack Break with Exhibitors

June 20, 2025 03:00 pm to
04:00 pm

Bridging Clinical Care and Professional Voice Users in Vocal Arts

Zerrin Martin
other, DMA

Candice Adams-Mitchell
SLP.D, CCC-SLP

This session is designed to equip SLPs with practical tools and techniques for assessing and treating voice-related concerns with professional voice user populations and individuals instructing these populations. Session attendees will be provided insight into the practices within the vocal arts and means of effectively communicating prevention and care.

Learning outcomes:

  • Evidence-based practice tools that are pertinent to professional voice use within and beyond clinical settings.
  • Terminology and practices using communication that appropriately addresses the needs of professional voice users across age ranges, voice types, and levels of voice training.
  • Appropriate treatment plans for professional voice users with voice disorders.
June 20, 2025 04:00 pm to
04:30 pm

Snack Break with Exhibitors

June 20, 2025 04:30 pm to
05:30 pm

Parental Perspectives on AAC Usability in Home, School, Social Settings

MARIATERESA MUNOZ
SLP.D, CCC-SLP

Robert Fifer
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Christina Givner Alonso
MS, CCC-SLP

Michelle Schladant
Ph.D.

Cristina Pujol
MS, CCC-SLP

The FIU/ UM research team sought to appraise parental perspectives of AAC usability in the home, school, and social settings supporting their child's communication abilities. Findings from this study brought an awareness of parental perceptions of facilitators and barriers to AAC use and probable predictors of AAC abandonment.

Learning outcomes:

  • Parental perspectives on AAC usability in home settings.
  • Parental perspectives on AAC usability in school settings.
  • Parental perspectives on AAC usability in social settings.
June 20, 2025 04:30 pm to
05:30 pm

MAKE TRAVEL THEIR JOURNEY: Supporting Clients/Patients/Families for Accessible Travel

Stacie Smith
MA, CCC-SLP

MAKE TRAVEL YOUR PATIENT'S/CLIENT'S JOURNEY. Accessible travel will be defined. Participants will learn creative treatment ideas to prepare their patient/client so they too can enjoy a travel experience. Examples of needs and/or accommodation requests that can be provided will be shared. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to empower families and patients to advocate for their unique travel needs.

Learning outcomes:

  • At least two accessible travel solutions available.
  • Two treatment ideas that you can implement to prepare your patient/client for their travel journey.
  • Three examples of needs or accommodation requests that can be made to allow accessible travel for all.
June 20, 2025 04:30 pm to
05:30 pm

Strategies to Increase Family Participation in Therapy for DHH Children

Sydney Bassard
other, MSP, CCC-SLP

Family involvement is the hallmark of a strong provider-client relationship. Across settings, speech-language pathologists believe that family-centered therapy is the best practice to increase patient outcomes. However, maintaining family involvement has proven to be challenging, especially in recent years. This session will cover four strategies to increase family participation.

Learning outcomes:

  • Some challenges that parents face day to day that might limit participation in therapy.
  • Parent coaching strategies to actively involve parents in speech therapy sessions.
  • The importance of parent involvement in speech therapy.
June 20, 2025 05:00 pm to
06:00 pm

From Bedside to Beyond: A Continuum of Empowerment for Dysphagia

Catherine (Cat) Castillo
M.A. CCC-SLP, CBIS

Erica (Danielle) Hiner
MA, CCC-SLP

This presentation explores the continuum of care for head and neck cancer patients, emphasizing the vital role of speech language pathologists (SLPs) in optimizing functional outcomes. Using the Orlando Health Cancer Institute model, highlighting SLPs' contributions to pre-treatment counseling, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and long-term advocacy, showcasing multidisciplinary evidence-based practice.

Learning outcomes:

  • Identify the key roles of SLPs in the continuum of care for head and neck cancer patients
  • Describe evidence-based interventions for swallowing and communication rehabilitation in oncology populations
  • Discuss strategies for ensuring continuity of care across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings
June 20, 2025 05:00 pm to
07:00 pm

A Comprehensive Review of CMV: Clinical impact, diagnosis, intervention, prevention

A recent survey revealed that less than 20% of SLPs have heard of CMV, and even then mostly from their OB physician. Audiologists' familiarity centers only on hearing loss. This presentation will fill in the gaps for neurological and other sequelae, prevalence, intervention, SES and regional influences, and prevention.

Learning outcomes:

  • The need for professional education for all health care professionals regarding the clinical characteristics, the scope and severity of disease progression, and the need for a multi-disciplinary team approach for diagnosis and treatment.
  • The non-clinical influences on CMV prevalence including geographic region, SES status, the order of childbirth, and the emotional impact on the family of a newborn CMV diagnosis.
  • The challenges of prevention originating from physician communities, innocent actions of parents, and lack of professional healthcare knowledge.
June 20, 2025 05:30 pm to
06:30 pm

Unpacking Gestalt Language Processing: Understanding Echolalia

Farwa Husain
MS, CCC-SLP

Echolalia is a meaningful communication tool for many autistic and neurodivergent children (Blackburn et al., 2023). This presentation will explore the latest unbiased research on gestalt language processing, its distinction from analytic processing, and Marge Blanc's Natural Language Acquisition framework. Clinicians will gain practical strategies to support children using echolalia.

Learning outcomes:

  • Participants will define both immediate and delayed echolalia as meaningful communication tools in language development for all children.
  • Participants will contrast gestalt language processing from analytic language processing to determine the appropriate therapeutic supports needed for language intervention.
  • Participants will define the six stages of the NLA framework to assess and support children using delayed echolalia.
June 20, 2025 06:00 pm to
07:00 pm

Building Babies' Musical Brains

Valeri Le Beau
MS, CCC-SLP

Karalee Kowar
MS, CCC-SLP

Music engages the whole family and supports the development of listening, speaking and literacy skills by stimulating a baby's auditory brain. This talk summarizes research about the impact of music on brain development and offers practical suggestions and musical resources for adding language enrichment to the daily routines of infants and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Learning outcomes:

  • Summarize research about the positive impact of music on the developing brain
  • Explain and demonstrate how daily music and rhythm activities can be used by parents and professionals to support the development of listening, language and literacy skills for infants and young children
  • Detail several different musical resources readily available to professionals and families
June 20, 2025 06:00 pm to
07:00 pm

Supporting the Mental Wellness of Cognitive-Communication Clients: A Metacognitive Approach

Kristen Lewandowski
BA

Delaney Mohesky
BA

Julia Kay Waid-Ebbs
PhD

Clients with cognitive-linguistic disorders may also experience changes to their mental wellness. Overall mental wellness, including pre-existing or co-occurring mental health disorders, may impact client outcomes during therapeutic intervention. This session reviews a metacognitive intervention that employs use of mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques.

Learning outcomes:

  • The relationship between cognitive-linguistic disorders and mental wellness.
  • A metacognitive intervention that employs use of mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques.
  • Opportunities for implementing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques in clients with cognitive-linguistic disorders.
June 20, 2025 06:00 pm to
07:00 pm

Legacy and Leadership: Past President Roundtable

Timothy Kowalski
MA, CCC-SLP, M.A,CCC-SLP, ASDCI

Felice Abby
MS, CCC-SLP

Marian Lowther
MS, CCC-SLP

Shannon Hall-Mills
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Lyndsey Zurawski
SLP.D, CCC-SLP

Lisa Garrett
MS, CCC-SLP

Celia Santini
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Stacie Smith
MA, CCC-SLP

Rachel Williams
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Melissa Edrich
ED.D, CCC-SLP

Frederick Rahe
Au.D, CCC-A

Robert Fifer
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Joe Barimo
ED.D, CCC-SLP

Lynn Miskiel
MA, CCC-SLP/A

15 FLASHA past presidents will explain why one doesn't have to be an extraordinary professional who has credentials a mile long to hold a FLASHA office. Each decided to help FLASHA achieve it's goals and want to challenge you to do the same by addressing any concerns you may have.

Learning outcomes:

  • Identify traits of an effective leader
  • Define skills necessary to empower others to take on leadership roles
  • Compare your abilities to those of 15 past presidents

Saturday

Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Florida

Kristen Izaryk
Ph.D.

Kinsey Higgins
BS

Olivia Licata
BA

The purpose of this study is to examine the definitions and evaluation requirements for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder in the state of Florida. How Florida compares to trends at the national level will be described and implications will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe concerns regarding the overlap of ASD and SPCD as they pertain to SLPs.
  • Explain how eligibility for ASD and SPCD are established in the state of Florida.
  • Contrast national trends for how eligibility for ASD and SPCD are established.

Defining The Well-Being of Speech-Language Pathologists

Wyndi Capeci
ED.D, CCC-SLP

Michelle Cancio
BA

Kaitlyn Manny
BS

Elise Perez
BS

Camryn Voss
BS

Roxana Wheeler
BA

Shanae Bennett
BA

Kailey McCarthy
BS

SLPs face barriers that manifest as burnout symptoms that impact their well-being and can lead to attrition in the field.. This poster aims to define well-being in using a quantitative survey of over 200 SLPs to better understand well-being and it’s meaning to professionals. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to describe well-being as defined by the participants of the study.
  • Participants will be able summarize the importance of well-being being defined for speech language pathologists.
  • Participants will be able to identify a minimum of two supports that improve SLP well-being

The Use of Jargon Outside of Acute Care Settings

Wyndi Capeci
ED.D, CCC-SLP

Kathryn Lott
BS

Jack Waitrovich
BS

Alodia Diane Alcala
BS

Reagan Young
BS

Communicating clinical details to an interdisciplinary team is an integral role of SLPs that can support or inhibit health and educational literacy as well as compromise client safety and contribute to medical errors. This poster assesses the impact of jargon across school-based, outpatient, non-acute inpatient, and other settings.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to define jargon in different settings, comparitively.
  • Participants will be able to identify terms that SLP professionals in different settings consider to be jargon .
  • Participants will be able to identify terms that SLP professionals in different may encounter but not understand.

Acculturation Influence on Language in Bilingual English and Spanish Speakers

Monica Hough
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Marigloria Hernandez
M.S.

Sabah Hoodbhoy
M.S.

Grismary Ruda
M.S.

Alisha Thadani
M.S.

The nature of acculturation in Hispanic bilingual Spanish and English-speaking adults relative to language usage and cultural beliefs was examined. Administration of two assessments, Bidimensional Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics and Cultural Health Attributions Questionnaire revealed performance differences for males/females, young/older adults, and simultaneous versus sequential second language learners.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify differences between assimilation and acculturation
  • Explain why age of second language acquisition impacts acculturation
  • Describe the purpose of acculturation scales

3 Ms: Medicare, Medicaid and Managed Care: Where to begin?

Nicole Day
MS, CCC-SLP

Medicare and Medicaid are both government-funded health insurance programs, but they are very different in who they serve, how they're funded, and who oversees and administers them compared to Managed Care Plans. Understanding each program and their differences can help SLPs work within them and advocate for improved funding.

Learning Objectives:

  • Be able to define and explain Medicare, Medicaid and Managed Care programs, including eligibility and coverage, as well as how a need becomes a law
  • To summarize how payment rates are set, who decides how much you get paid and differences across treatment settings
  • To identify the major players, decision makers, current and potential roadblocks,  how to get involved in advocacy and what your state association (FLASHA) and ASHA are doing for you
June 21, 2025 02:00 am to
03:00 am

Empowering Choices in Speech Therapy

Martha Boiardt
MS, CCC-SLP

This presentation empowers parents and SLPs to make informed decisions about pediatric speech therapy by exploring research-based evidence for both coaching and direct intervention models. Participants will gain clarity on the strengths and applications of each approach, equipping them to advocate for individualized, effective care that meets the needs of

Learning Objectives:

  • Summarize the difference between a direct intervention model versus a coaching model.
  • Apply the different approaches to individual cases.
  • Identify the barriers to implementation of the therapy approaches.
June 21, 2025 08:00 am to
09:00 am

Dyslexia is a LANGUAGE difference!

Elizabeth Doherty
MS, CCC-SLP

This introductory session defines dyslexia, specifically as it relates to speech and language development for preschool and school age children. During this presentation participants will learn the ways in which dyslexia, SSDs, and DLD are distinct but frequently co-occurring. Participants will learn strategies to support dyslexic students during speech-language therapy.

Learning outcomes:

  • Reading, decoding, and dyslexia
  • Why dyslexia is considered a language-based disorder
  • Dyslexia, speech sound disorders, and developmental language disorder
June 21, 2025 08:00 am to
10:00 am

Mastering Ethical Insurance Billing: Safeguard Your Practice with Confidence

Lauren Hastings
MS, CCC-SLP

In today's complex healthcare environment, making the right decisions in insurance billing is critical to protecting your practice and maintaining your professional integrity. This interactive seminar will equip you with the tools and strategies to confidently navigate ethical dilemmas in billing, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure compliance with insurance regulations.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to identify at least three ethical principles related to insurance billing from the ASHA Code of Ethics and explain how they apply to common billing scenarios.
  • Participants will evaluate sample documentation to determine whether it meets insurance compliance standards, identifying at least two areas of improvement for accuracy and defensibility.
  • Participants will develop a checklist of five actionable steps to reduce the risk of billing fraud and abuse within their practice, incorporating compliance monitoring and self-auditing practices.
June 21, 2025 08:00 am to
10:00 am

Helping our Patients Through Thick or Thin: Part 1

Hillary Cooper
MA, CCC-SLP

Thickeners have been historically taught to be benign one-size-fits-all solutions for aspiration. However, current research shows that thickeners may be harmful in certain cases. In this lecture, we discuss the use of thickeners as dysphagia compensation techniques as well as the pros, cons, and ingredients of the most common thickeners.

Learning Objectives:

  • The participant will identify 3 aspects of thickening which may impact quality of life.
  • The participant will demonstrate understanding of the current scientific evidence regarding use of thickeners without instrumentation.
  • The participant will describe 5 types of thickeners and their primary indications and contraindications for use.
June 21, 2025 08:00 am to
10:00 am

SLP to Bee

Wyndi Capeci
MS, CCC-SLP

Megan Northcutt
MA, CCC-SLP

Rita Lenhardt
MS, CCC-SLP

This session will provide a learning opportunity for graduate students and SLPs/AuDs. Potential PRAXIS questions will be provided and teams will compete to win.

Learning Objectives:

  • Compare the knowledge of graduate students vs. professionals in the field
  • Show possible scenarios that may be presented in the PRAXIS
  • Measure possible success while taking the PRAXIS
June 21, 2025 09:00 am to
10:00 am

Speaking the Language of Impact

Sarah Breshears
MA, CCC-SLP

Discover how to amplify your voice as an SLP through strategic social media presence. Learn to create engaging content that educates others, advocates for our profession, and builds your professional brand. Leave with actionable strategies to expand your reach, serve your community, & share your expertise through content that connects.

Learning Objectives:

  • Opportunities to expand their professional impact beyond traditional clinical settings through digital platforms and content creation.
  • How sharing their expertise on social media can benefit the field of speech-language pathology, educate the public, and serve more people in need of services.
  • How building a professional presence online can create meaningful connections within the SLP community while advocating for the profession and those we serve.
June 21, 2025 09:00 am to
10:00 am

T.H.R.I.V.E.! Transforming in Higher-Education by Recognizing Inclusive Voices in Education

Alexandra Pelton
MA

Juliana Hirn
MA, CCC-SLP

This presentation explores the challenges faced by neurodiverse graduate students, including accessibility, research demands, and inconsistent faculty support. It highlights evidence-based strategies, such as Universal Design for Learning and mentorship, to foster inclusive environments. Attendees will gain actionable insights for promoting equity, enhancing academic success, and supporting neurodiverse voices in

Learning Objectives:

  • Key barriers faced by graduate students with disabilities in areas such as accessibility, research expectations, and faculty support, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges impacting academic success.
  • Inclusive practices and strategies that promote accessibility and equity in graduate programs, including the application of universal design principles and effective accommodation processes tailored to diverse needs.
  • Supportive environments through improved faculty-student interactions and mentorship, learning techniques to build meaningful connections that encourage persistence and engagement among graduate students with disabilities.
June 21, 2025 10:00 am to
12:00 pm

Math, What's an SLP Got To Do With It?

Stephanie Schwartz
MS, CCC-SLP

This presentation explores the connection between mathematical milestones in children to the Florida BEST standards. It highlights the crucial role SLPs provide with intervention. Participants will learn how to use their knowledge of language and vocabulary development to apply these principles to mathematical concepts.

Learning Objectives:

  • Summarize the mathematical developmental milestones in typical childhood development.
  • Demonstrate the importance of subject matter and core vocabulary for math.
  • Apply language remediation strategies to math skills.
June 21, 2025 10:00 am to
11:00 am

Reframe and Refocus Using the Magic Within and Around Us

Timothy Kowalski
MA, CCC-SLP, M.A,CCC-SLP, ASDCI

Our lives have become increasingly demanding. Personal and professional obligations present with ever more complex challenges. This session is designed to help you identify, delineate, and move into a more realistic pathway for personal and professional success and in doing so, allow yourself to be a better you.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe how stress impacts performance and how to effectively manage it
  • List leadership opportunities and typical reasons why we often talk ourselves out of it
  • List methods to challenge negative thinking
June 21, 2025 10:00 am to
11:00 am

Snack & Story: A Multisensory Approach to Language and Literacy

Kristine Deworocki
MS, SLP

Snack & Story pairs seasonal books with hands-on food activities to enhance language and literacy development. This multisensory approach targets goals like sequencing, vocabulary, and story comprehension, offering practical strategies for therapists to engage children through interactive, enjoyable, and evidence-based therapy activities.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify seasonal books and multisensory food crafts to target language and literacy goals such as sequencing, vocabulary, and story comprehension.
  • Formulate therapy plans that incorporate multisensory approaches to enhance engagement and participation in therapy sessions.
  • Apply evidence-based strategies to adapt Snack & Story activities for children with varying communication needs, including those with autism and developmental delays.
June 21, 2025 10:00 am to
12:00 pm

Dysphagia Grand Rounds

Tin Wai Tiffany Siu
MS, CCC-SLP

Daniel Gonzalez
MS, CCC-SLP

Jennifer Colsky
MA, CCC-SLP

Tiffany Borcherds
MS, CCC-SLP

Tara Segalewitz
MA, CCC-SLP

Morgan Holloway
MS, CCC-SLP

Kristin Winter
MEd, CCC-SLP

Swallowing complaints often have various etiologies that require different assessment and treatment approaches. This interactive session showcases the specialized roles and expertise speech-language pathologists require during dysphagia management through presentation of seven unique case studies.

Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate appropriate use of assessment tools when evaluating patients with swallowing complaints
  • Describe the importance of a dynamic assessment when managing patients with swallowing complaints
  • Demonstrate how to determine evidenced based treatment recommendations based on swallowing deficits observed during assessment
June 21, 2025 10:00 am to
12:00 pm

Governmental Ed Roundtable

Natasha Carby-Joseph
MA, CCC-SLP

Hasina Echoles
MS, CCC-SLP

Charlene Westman
MA, CCC-SLP

Duenna Dorsett
M.A

Deborah Campbell
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Felice Abby
MS, CCC-SLP

Join FLASHA's Governmental Education Roundtable - a pivotal platform discussing topics like Medicaid rate increases and HMO changes. Engage with insurance reps, stay informed, and actively participate in FLASHA's advocacy efforts. Enhance your healthcare stakeholder role through immersive learning and networking. Shape the future of healthcare in our state.

Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of FLASHA's advocacy efforts in the field of speech and language therapy in Florida.
  • Learn to interpret contracting, billing, and credentialing info from representatives from insurance companies and the dedicated advocacy team.
  • Apply effective advocacy skills and strategies to actively contribute to shaping a brighter future for speech and language therapy in Florida's healthcare policy.
June 21, 2025 10:30 am to
11:30 am

Exploring Caregivers' Unmet Needs in Supporting Individuals with Aphasia

Cassandra Bodi
BS

Dianne Bennett
PhD, Social Work Intern, Aphasia House

Lauren Bislick
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

This study explores caregiver perspectives on supporting individuals with aphasia (PWA) after stroke or TBI. Focus group interviews at a university-based aphasia program revealed caregivers' resource needs, the impact of communication changes on relationships, and their views on the program’s support. Thematic analysis highlighted gaps in knowledge and available resources.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the psychosocial impact of aphasia on caregivers and identify key challenges, including third-party disability, to enhance understanding of caregiver roles in post-stroke and post-TBI rehabilitation.
  • Identify gaps in caregiver education and support within current aphasia rehabilitation programs and explain how Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) address these needs.
  • Describe the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to aphasia care by describing the roles of speech-language pathologists, social workers, and mental health professionals in supporting caregivers and PWAs.
June 21, 2025 10:30 am to
11:30 am

Factors Influencing Outcomes in Metacognitive Intervention: Considerations for Individualized Strategies

Delaney Mohesky
BA

Kristen Lewandowski
BA

Sarah Dolinsky
MA, CCC-SLP

Julia Kay Waid-Ebbs
PhD

Clients with cognitive-linguistic disorders require individualized interventions to meet their dynamic needs. Goal Management Training is a metacognitive intervention that has been modified to meet the needs of veterans with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. This session reviews influencing factors in this metacognitive intervention and discusses individualized strategies.

Learning Objectives:

  • Factors that may influence the outcomes of combined metacognitive and attention training in veterans with mTBI/PTSD.
  • Individual differences in patients' effort, follow-through, cognitive ability, and mood for implementation and treatment planning.
  • At least 3 intervention strategies that can be implemented in a metacognitive treatment plan that support patients' individualized needs and outcomes.
June 21, 2025 10:30 am to
11:30 am

Language for Life: Empowering Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Through Executive Function Practice

Cindy Leyva
BA

Alexa Kamer
BS

Kelly David
MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Melanie Mera
BA

This presentation highlights how group sessions help adults with intellectual disabilities enhance executive function skills. It will showcase strategies used within UCF's Language for Life program, emphasizing an interdisciplinary framework and providing experiences to illustrate the program's success in fostering skill development and independence.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will describe what executive functions are and how challenges with these skills can negatively impact adults with disabilities in daily life.
  • Participants will show why developing executive function skills are essential for enhancing independence, improving social interactions, and achieving a better quality of life.
  • Finally, participants will state three activities they can implement with adults with ID to support EF skills.
June 21, 2025 10:30 am to
11:30 am

Analyzing Caregivers' Perspectives of AAC Abandonment and Rejection

Jannabel Ameen
BS, SLPA

Alliete Alfano
PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT

This study explores the barriers to AAC use, focusing on abandonment and rejection through caregivers’ perspectives. Insights from caregivers reveal critical challenges within clinical, familial, and societal contexts, offering recommendations to speech-language pathologists for improving AAC adoption and support, ultimately enhancing long-term engagement for individuals with complex communication needs.

Learning Objectives:

  • The concepts of AAC abandonment and rejection
  • Caregivers' persepctives of AAC abandonment
  • Caregivers' perspectoves of AAC rejection
June 21, 2025 11:00 am to
12:00 pm

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Promote Self-Advocacy and Independence in Adults

Kiera Anderson
Oh.D., OTR/L

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can hold transformative potential to empower adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), fostering independence and self-advocacy. By integrating AI tools into daily life, individuals with ID can achieve greater autonomy in decision-making, communication, and routine management.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will describe how inter-professional collaboration with artificial intelligence strengthens inclusive postsecondary education programs.
  • Participants will define how the development of campus and community partnerships utilizing artificial intelligence provide a means to develop career readiness skills.
  • Participants will list 3 ways to develop partnerships to implement supports for postsecondary student success utilizing artificial intelligence.
June 21, 2025 11:00 am to
12:00 pm

Examining the Clinical Impact on Care of Health Literacy

Sydney Bassard
other, MSP, CCC-SLP

Professionals provide health information via handouts, videos, and social media posts consistently to families.  When providing information to families, it is important to consider the readability, accuracy, and effectiveness of the message. For families of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, there are additional cultural humility factors that should be addressed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Health literacy and the aspects that impact Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
  • Aspects that assist with the readability of health information.
  • Case studies based on the Three A's for health literacy information
June 21, 2025 12:00 pm to
01:30 pm

Lunch on Your Own

June 21, 2025 12:00 pm to
01:30 pm

Time matters: Examining rest and sleep effects on speech-motor learning

F. Sayako Earle
Ph.D.

Anne L. van Zelst
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

For speech-motor learners, how time is spent immediately following speech-motor practice may modulate performance enhancement in the absence of further training. Using a web-administered experiment to train a novel vowel contrast, we evaluated whether a post-practice period of rest or one containing nocturnal sleep could facilitate increased movement accuracy.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define speech-motor learning; the memory processes of encoding, consolidation, and  interference; and off-line performance gains and enhancement
  • Describe the post-practice conditions of wakeful rest and sleep as well as discuss their possible effects on the time course of speech-motor learning
  • Connect the potential importance of speech-motor post-practice conditions to facilitate and maximize speech-motor learning in those with and without childhood apraxia of speech
June 21, 2025 01:30 pm to
03:00 pm

Eligibility for Speech Sound Disorders: Integrating Research and Regulations

Marie Ireland
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Participants will review research in speech sound disorders and the requirements for evaluation and eligibility in schools.  A review of research, explanation of the “not new norms” and evaluation and eligibility resources from across the USA will be provided. SLPs are encouraged to consider their evaluation and eligibility practices

Learing Objectives:

  • Identify free professional development offerings for both assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders in children.
  • Explain how to locate online information on state regulations and guidance to support school based practice.
  • List examples of tools that can be used to evaluate children  and document IDEA requirements for eligibility.
June 21, 2025 01:30 pm to
03:00 pm

How to Transition from Your Full-time Job to Private Practice

Adrienne Fuller
MS, CCC-SLP

This presentation guides Speech-Language Pathologists through the transition from full-time employment to private practice. Topics include business planning, licensure, insurance, financial preparedness, and client acquisition. Attendees will gain practical strategies and confidence to navigate this shift successfully while maintaining high-quality care and achieving professional autonomy.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learner will identify WHY she/he wants to start a private practice.
  • Learner will list the ten steps to starting a private practice
  • Learner will define what private practice is.
June 21, 2025 03:30 pm to
04:30 pm

Benefits of Whole Body Learning: Importance of looking through an interdisciplinary lens

Farwa Husain
MS, CCC-SLP

This presentation highlights the importance of looking at each child through an interdisciplinary lens and enhancing their critical thinking to create dynamic therapeutic environments. By equipping speech-language pathologists with essential knowledge of body awareness, sensory systems, and language development, clinicians can gain the tools and confidence to more effectively support their caseloads. This approach empowers SLPs to implement inclusive, responsive, and effective interventions that promote meaningful communication and developmental success. It's about working smarter, not harder, to achieve bigger gains in therapy!

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will integrate how to incorporate insights from multiple disciplines, such as Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, into speech-language interventions to create dynamic and effective therapeutic environments for early language learners.
  • Participants will define the foundational knowledge of sensory systems and body awareness, enabling them to better support self-regulation and language development in young children.
  • Participants will develop strategies for implementing inclusive, responsive interventions that promote meaningful communication and developmental success, empowering SLPs to achieve bigger gains in therapy.
June 21, 2025 03:30 pm to
04:30 pm

How to Conduct Comprehensive Assessments of Spanish-Speaking Children

Alliete Alfano
PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT

Daniela Reyes
MA, CCC-SLP

This presentation will take a deep-dive into comprehensive assessment procedures with Spanish-speaking children and research regarding professionals' knowledge of Spanish language assessments. Assessments available in Spanish for speech, language, and speech perception will be reviewed. We also discuss culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment considerations for special populations who speak Spanish.

Learning Objectives:

  • SLPs knowledge of Spanish-language resources available for children with hearing loss.
  • Speech, language, and speech perception assessments available in Spanish for children.
  • Considerations for special populations who are culturally and linguistically diverse.
June 21, 2025 03:30 pm to
04:30 pm

Enhancing AACcess through AI: Innovative Customization Approaches in AAC

A'Niyah Brown
MA, CCC-SLP

Karline Brown
MS, CCC-SLP

Sarah Lewis
MCD, CCC-SLP

This session explores how artificial intelligence (AI) enhances AAC device customization, improving communication outcomes for diverse populations. Participants will learn to address challenges, personalize AAC tools effectively, and integrate AI into practice. The session emphasizes overcoming barriers and applying ethical principles to ensure equitable access and usability for all.

Learning Objectives:

  • List common barriers faced by caregivers and professionals when customizing AAC devices.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in integrating AI tools into AAC device customization through hands-on learning activities
  • Explain the ethical considerations and equitable practices necessary for implementing AI-driven AAC customization
June 21, 2025 03:30 pm to
05:30 pm

Helping Our Patients Through Thick or Thin – Interactive Lab

Hillary Cooper
MA, CCC-SLP

In this hand-on lab experience, the participant will be provided with a variety of commercial thickener products to mix and then perform qualitative ratings based on organoleptic properties such as mouthfeel, texture, smell, appearance, and more. (DISCLOSURE/ALLERGY WARNING: Participants will be expected to consume small quantities of thickener products).

Learning Objectives:

  • The participant will demonstrate correct mixing techniques for a variety of thickener products.
  • The participant will identify the impact that salivary amylase has on the viscosity of commercial thickener products.
  • The participant will demonstrate understanding of the importance of organoleptic properties of thickeners on quality of life and patient compliance with thickener use.
June 21, 2025 04:00 pm to
05:00 pm

Prevalence of post-operative dysphagia following cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Antonietta Mastrota
MS, CCC-SLP

Dysphagia in cardiac surgical patients is an emerging area of research. Although some previous studies have identified specific intraoperative/post-operative risk factors, the implications of cardiac valve replacement on dysphagia have yet to be examined. This preliminary research aims to identify the prevalence of dysphagia in patients post-operatively following cardiac valve

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to analyze acute risk factors for increased prevalence of airway invasion following valve replacement surgeries.
  • Participants will be able to describe specific surgical considerations for valve replacement surgeries as it relates to dysphagia.
  • Participants will be able to summarize the importance of early instrumentation with valve replacement patients.
June 21, 2025 04:00 pm to
05:00 pm

Recovery Patterns in Bilingual Aphasia

Monica Hough
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Karina De La Rosa
M.S.

Jeannine Lederman
M.S.

Isabella Martinez
M.S.

Angelina Stafford
M.S.

Purpose of study was to examine performance patterns of five bilingual Spanish-English aphasic adults. Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) and Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT) were administered,   revealing each participant showed unique pattern across two languages and two modalities. Majority of participants performed better in first language, Spanish, supporting Ribot's law.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe differences between parallel and nonparallel recovery in bilingual aphasia
  • Identify factors that influence recovery in bilingual aphasia
  • List types of nonparallel recovery in bilingual aphasia
June 21, 2025 04:00 pm to
05:00 pm

The Well-Being of Graduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology

Wyndi Capeci
ED.D, CCC-SLP

Katie Register
BS

Jasmine Dominguez
BS, Undergraduate Student

Jenna Dodak
BS

Kailin McKinnon
BA

Graduate student well-being has been an increasing concern in the field related to student depression, burnout, and anxiety.  This poster focuses on defining well-being as determined by surveyed graduate students to better understand the impacts of stressors and supports that can be provided to future clinicians.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to describe well-being as defined by the participants of the study.
  • Participants will be able to compare results of participants from different backgrounds, highlighting well-being as a fluid definition that must focus on inclusivity and differences.
  • Participants will be able to identify a minimum of two supports that support graduate students well-being.
June 21, 2025 04:00 pm to
05:00 pm

Roaring into success with Reading Buddies

Juliana Hirn
MA, CCC-SLP

Reading Buddies, a year-long experience for 3rd and 5th graders, employs a cross-curricular, hands-on approach, enhancing science education and fostering reading motivation in low socio-economic schools. The program aims to boost students' science knowledge through engaging learning opportunities reinforcing science education, the value of reading, and critical thinking.

Learning Objectives:

  • Information gathered from Reading Buddies will assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the program in supporting the development of science knowledge and literacy skills of students in low socioeconomic schools in Florida's Brevard County Public Schools.
  • The knowledge and educational outcomes of diverse populations, such as students from lower socio-economic status classrooms.
  • Creating and utilizing hands-on science instruction connected to real-world contexts to support learning and recall of science knowledge (i.e., coordinating with the zoo to bring in animals when learning about wildlife), and test students reading scores to gather information about student reading motivation.
June 21, 2025 04:00 pm to
06:00 pm

Medicaid & Insurance Reimbursement: You Need to Know More!

Felice Abby
MS, CCC-SLP

Deborah Campbell
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Charlene Westman
MA, CCC-SLP

For pediatric private practice clinicians, who have some experience working with Florida Medicaid and commercial insurance payers, this session provides valuable information and recommendations needed for survival and success in the complex world of insurance reimbursement.

Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the current FL Medicaid Managed Care program.
  • Define EPSDT and its impact on access to SLP services in Florida.
  • Identify opportunities to educate parents and others about insurance options and/or ways to navigate the system in order to obtain medically necessary services for their children.
June 21, 2025 04:00 pm to
05:00 pm

Path to Speech and Phonological Awareness: An integrated intervention

Jennifer Venne
MS, CCC-SLP

Howard Goldstein
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Approximately 35% of U.S. fourth graders read below grade level, with 15-20% exhibiting dyslexia symptoms. Phonological awareness (PA) predicts reading success and is linked to speech sound disorders (SSD). This poster presents results of an integrated speech production and literacy intervention for kindergarteners with SSD, enhancing articulation and PA outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the rationale for using an integrated phonological awareness and articulation intervention approach in children with speech sound disorder.
  • Modify traditional speech production evaluation protocols to include measures of phonological awareness.
  • Describe effective literacy intervention for children with SSD.
June 21, 2025 04:30 pm to
05:30 pm

Teaching Morphological Awareness: SLPs Supporting Language and Literacy Growth

Hannah Hudson
MS, CCC-SLP

This presentation explores how SLPs can leverage their language expertise by integrating morphological awareness instruction into small group sessions for upper elementary. Further, it demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for integrating morphological awareness and identifies evidence-based morphological awareness strategies that SLPs can implement to increase language and literacy growth.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learners will demonstrate an understanding of the SLPs role in morphological awareness instruction.
  • Learners will analyze the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between SLPs and the special education team for integrating morphological awareness instruction effectively.
  • Learners will be able to identify evidence-based strategies for teaching morphological instruction.
June 21, 2025 05:00 pm to
06:00 pm

Empowering Voices Through Posture: Innovative Motor Speech Service Delivery

Valeria Gary
MA, CCC-SLP

Lena Ebron
PT, DPT

Research highlights the critical role of posture in speech production, particularly affecting phonation and respiration. Despite this connection, many SLPs lack comprehensive training in postural assessment and intervention. This session demonstrates practical techniques for integrating postural work into motor speech treatment through collaboration between speech-language pathology and physical therapy.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the relationship between posture and motor speech.
  • List two stretches to facilitate improved posture.
  • Demonstrate how to use posture supports for the seated and bed-bound patient
June 21, 2028 08:00 am to
09:00 am

Integrated Therapy for Parkinson's: A Case Study

Brieanna Durosier
BS

Annalise Perez
PT, DPT, NCS

Kelly David
MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS

This presentation will highlight a case study of a patient with Parkinson's disease with significant motor and speech difficulties. Medical history, including impacts of DBS and medication, assessments completed, outcomes and interventions utilized will be discussed by each professional. Effects of co-treatment sessions will be shared.

Learning Objectives:

  • How interprofessional collaboration strengthens a patient-centered course of treatment.
  • Dual-tasking and the impact on patients with Parkinson's disease
  • 3 strategies to implement in clinical practice to address the speech and motor deficits during dual tasks.

Sunday

June 22, 2025 08:00 am to
09:00 am

Financial Planning for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists

Anne Healy
MS, CCC-SLP

This session aims to provide attendees with a basic understanding of the role of a financial planner, when life changes or circumstances indicate a consultation with a financial professional, and how a fiduciary financial advisor can add value to the attendees of the conference in various employment settings

Learning Objectives:

  • What to look for in a financial advisor
  • Identify the relevant types of financial accounts, investments, and vehicles used by financial professionals, and the areas of planning provided by financial advisors working in fiduciary relationship
  • Attendees will be able to identify Florida employer plans that allow for active management with a financial planner and how this may benefit their overall financial strategy
June 22, 2025 08:00 am to
09:00 am

The State of Pediatric Voice Therapy in Florida

Robert Fritz
MS, CCC-SLP

Julia Gerhard
DMA, CCC-SLP

Clinicians in the schools and general pediatric practices may seldom evaluate and treat voice disorders, despite a high prevalence in the pediatric population. This presentation will feature an overview of the state of pediatric voice therapy in Florida, including strategies for supporting children with voice disorders across settings.

Learning Objectives:

  • Behaviors and symptoms which may indicate a voice problem in children.
  • Best practice patterns for effective diagnosis and treatment of pediatric voice disorders.
  • Gained knowledge into their own practice to support vocal health among the pediatric population.
June 22, 2025 09:00 am to
10:00 am

Professional Ethics in Today's World

Marian Lowther
MS, CCC-SLP

When an ethical dilemma is identified an ethical decision-making process, based on awareness, intent, judgment, and behavior, can be utilized to determine the best ethically correct decision for resolution.  Ethical practices focus on deliberate decisions made to benefit clients or to have the least harmful repercussions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define Ethics and terminology associated with ethics
  • Describe the sections in the 2023 ASHA Code of Ethics.
  • Describe the steps for preventing and resolving ethical dilemmas
June 22, 2025 09:00 am to
10:00 am

Seeing is Believing: Maximizing Swallowing Outcomes Using Biofeedback

Tin Wai Tiffany Siu
MS, CCC-SLP

Daniel Gonzalez
MS, CCC-SLP

Ronja Hildebrand
MA, CCC-SLP

Dysphagia affects the safety and/or efficiency of the swallow, leading to higher risk of aspiration, malnutrition and an increase mortality rate. This oral seminar highlights using biofeedback during swallowing rehabilitation to enhance the rate of success by maximizing swallowing outcomes and quality of life.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe ways to utilize biofeedback during swallowing rehabilitation
  • Describe specific examples of biofeedback that can be utilized for swallowing rehabilitation
  • List the benefits of utilizing biofeedback for swallowing therapy
June 22, 2025 10:00 am to
12:00 pm

Medical Errors for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Timothy Kowalski
MA, CCC-SLP, M.A,CCC-SLP, ASDCI

This satisfies the required 2-hour course on the prevention of medical errors required by Florida for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The Florida law is presented and methods to reduce and prevent errors are reviewed. Also discussed, are common misdiagnosed conditions that contribute to medical errors.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define "Medical Error"
  • List the injuries resulting from an adverse event that must be reported to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
  • Describe interventions that may prevent medical errors.
June 22, 2025 10:00 am to
12:00 pm

FLASHA Leadership Development Program Grand Rounds: Developing Leaders of Authenticity, Resilience and Inclusivity

MARIATERESA MUNOZ
SLP.D, CCC-SLP

Jaimie Gant
MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Tin Wai Tiffany Siu
MS, CCC-SLP

Nohemi Moffatt
Ph.D, CCC-SLP

Nicole Day
MS, CCC-SLP

Join the program director and graduates of the FLASHA Leadership Development Program in a discussion about authentic leadership in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Learn how to apply to FLASHA's Leadership Development Program, as well as how the initiatives of the program's graduates benefit the students, patients and families of Florida.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss and describe leadership styles that contribute to success with strategic network building, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
  • Create a personal leadership strategy that reflects resilient and authentic leadership
  • Summarize the application process and program requirements to participate in the FLASHA Leadership Development Program.