Dr. Ali Navidi is a licensed clinical psychologist renowned for his expertise in gastro-psychology, a specialized field in neuroscience and gastrointestinal health. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Navidi has been instrumental in transforming lives, particularly those grappling with gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain, and intricate medical conditions. As Co-founder of GI Psychology and past President of the Northern Virginia Society of Clinical Hypnosis, he has pioneered innovative approaches in clinical hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy. In this episode… Clinical hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy have emerged as effective therapeutic treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome. How do these treatments harness the intricate connection between mind and body, empowering individuals to reclaim control over their gut health and overall well-being? Underscoring the intricate interplay between the brain and gut health, Dr. Ali Navidi, a seasoned gastro-psychologist, explores the complex nature of chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS — despite conventional medical assessments often showing no structural anomalies. Dr. Navidi emphasizes the need to address physical and psychological components in IBS management, advocating for a multifaceted approach involving psychotherapy, hypnosis, and collaborative care with medical professionals and dietitians. Additionally, he highlights hypnosis as a promising tool in addressing a spectrum of mental health issues beyond gastrointestinal ailments, including eating disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, and addiction, reiterating its versatility in clinical practice. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini hosts Dr. Ali Navidi, a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in gastro-psychology, to discuss gut-brain connection and its impact on physical health. They delve into the brain’s role in chronic pain management, the importance of addressing psychosomatic factors, the stigma surrounding clinical hypnosis, and the effectiveness of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool for anxiety, addiction, and digestive issues.

Nick Prefontaine is the Founder and CEO of Common Goal, a coaching company providing people with support and tools to reach their potential. He is also a 3x bestselling author and was named a top motivational speaker in 2022 by Yahoo Finance. Using his proprietary STEP system, Nick helps individuals overcome their trauma. In this episode… When faced with a terrifying ordeal, it can be arduous to continue fighting. With the right support, you can shift your mindset and overcome trauma with grace. How did a motivational speaker recover from multiple traumas to discover his calling? At just 14 years old, Nick Prefontaine sustained a traumatic brain injury following a snowboarding accident. He received speech and physical therapy to relearn how to walk, talk, and swallow. After making a full recovery, he began experiencing tension in his vocal cords, impacting his speech once again. Through countless doctors, botox injections, and more speech therapy, Nick nearly lost hope, but after speaking at events and establishing a speaker persona, he developed a method to help others overcome their trauma. No matter what you’re facing in life — when you have a support system, trust those guiding you through the process, cultivate the energy to recover, and persevere through setbacks, you can alter your mindset to persist through anything. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel talk with Nick Prefontaine, the Founder and CEO of Common Goal, about how he persevered through trauma. Nick shares how he became a trauma coach, the mindset that saved him during his brain injury, and the stages of his recovery.

Christine Sproat, MA, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist and the Founder of Canyon Kids, a development and sensory-motor clinic. With over 20 years of experience, she has served children with autism and developmental delays, developing innovative and effective programs at home and in school. Christine’s research focuses on parent-therapist-child partnerships, primary prevention, and sensory processing disorders. Her work has been published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. In this episode… Many parents associate occupational therapy with strokes and significant physical disabilities and refuse the treatment for their children. Yet OT is holistic, encompassing key functions that influence children’s development. How can you integrate OT treatments into your practice and educate parents about the process? Pediatric occupational therapists evaluate children’s fine and gross motor skills and sensory, social, and emotional development. This often involves having kids participate in activities that include assembling blocks, climbing rock walls, and swinging on swings. Child development advocate and occupational therapist Christine Sproat notes that when engaging in sensory activities, children with speech and language delays may utter sounds they wouldn’t have made otherwise. She encourages speech therapists to incorporate swings and other sensory activities into their treatment protocols to stimulate language development. For occupational therapists, Christine suggests offering free educational screenings for parents to learn about the process. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel talk with Christine Sproat, the Founder of Canyon Kids, about integrating OT with SLP. Christine addresses the average developmental milestones for OT and cognitive skills, how to accelerate children’s growth mindsets, and how swimming can promote OT skill development.

Jacqueline Helcer Becker, PhD is a Clinical Neuropsychologist at Mount Sinai Health System and a Professor of Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the bidirectional impact of cognitive impairment in chronic diseases. Since 2020, Jacqueline has studied the cognitive effects of COVID. She is also Chair of the International Neuropsychological Society’s NeuroCOVID long-term outcomes task force committee. In this episode… Four years have passed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and researchers are beginning to discover the long-term effects of the virus. With symptoms ranging from fatigue and brain fog to non-specific myalgias and cardiovascular dysfunction, clinicians have developed clinical trials for treatments. How are neuropsychologists helping people recover from long COVID? To be diagnosed with long COVID, patients must have noticeable cognitive and executive dysfunction, which can either be confirmed through a test or the individuals’ account of symptoms. As a devoted researcher into the cognitive impacts of COVID, Jacqueline Helcer Becker, PhD spearheads a neurological clinical trial focused on cognitive dysfunction. Aiming to provide holistic diagnostics and care, neuropsychologists work with speech pathologists to evaluate cognitive and executive functions through a series of tests involving memory, verbal learning, emotional regulation, and goal-management. Treatment involves working diligently with the individual to practice declining skills, leading to functional improvements and renewed performance. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel talk with Jacqueline Helcer Becker, PhD, a Clinical Neuropsychologist at Mount Sinai Health System and a Professor of Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine. Together, they discuss clinical trials studying long COVID. Jacqueline also shares examples of culturally offensive cognitive test questions, how neuropsychologists provide cognitive rehabilitation services, and her approach to evaluating executive functions.

Chris Niebauer is a tenured professor at Slippery Rock University, where he teaches courses on mindfulness, consciousness, left- and right-brain differences, and AI. He received his PhD in cognitive neuropsychology, specializing in the differences between the left and right hemispheres of the human brain. Chris is also the author of No Self No Problem, which explores the connection between neuropsychology and Buddhism. In this episode… Many people are at war with their minds and struggle to reduce negative thoughts. They allow their consciousness to control them, becoming enslaved by their thoughts and leading to anxiety. There’s a way to overcome this toxic pattern, but it’s not what you may expect. Contemporary neuropsychological methods teach us to combat these thoughts through cognitive behavioral therapy and other repetitive behaviors and thought patterns. After suffering from severe neurosis that overtook his daily life, neuropsychological researcher Chris Niebauer, PhD discovered traditional Eastern schools of thought that taught him that you can’t think your way out of a mental crisis. This leads to overthinking, which can send you further into a spiral. Instead, you must be mindful of the moment and only focus on the task at hand. This requires utilizing the right side of your brain, which is more relaxed. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Chris Niebauer, PhD, who talks about how to retrain your brain to remain mindful. Chris shares his definition of consciousness, how AI impacts neurology and neuroscience, and how the left brain manifests happiness and self-acceptance.

Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP is the Founder of SpeechKids, a private, holistic speech therapy and parent mentoring practice. As a speech-language pathologist and certified parent coach with over 20 years of experience, she helps families and children with speech and language difficulties increase communication success. Gabriele’s profound ability to translate information from children and develop strategies for reducing behavioral challenges has helped parents understand why their child acts the way they do. Through her course Raising Orchid Kids, she empowers parents to truly see, understand, and cater to their children’s needs. In this episode… Research has shown that autism, ADHD, or other special needs conditions may invite stigma and the loss of a parent's feeling of normalcy. How can parents truly understand their children and help them improve their quality of life? According to Gabriele Nicolet MA, CCC-SLP, a trained speech pathologist, the focus should be on the child's functioning and ability to express their needs, rather than the diagnosis. Gabriele started parent coaching to empathize with the challenges of parenting and teaching special needs, stressing that the stigma surrounding autism and other conditions can hinder the ability of children to learn and develop. Highlighting the relationship between gut health and brain health, she emphasizes the impact of diet on a special needs child’s nervous system, especially with regard to attention, memory, and language learning. Gabriele also addresses tongue-tie and its effect on feeding habits and oral development, therapy approaches in speech therapy, and why teachers' personality types are a crucial factor in education and stress management. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini hosts Gabriele Nicolet MA, CCC-SLP, the Founder of SpeechKids and Raising Orchid Kids, to demystify the negative stigma of neurodivergent children. Sharing her experiences as a communication specialist and parent coach, Gabriele explains the importance of the nervous system and diet, how to create a supportive environment, and tongue-tie's impact on speech and feeding.

Ada Stevens is the Owner of SnapHappy Photos, a small team of professional photographers in Charlotte, NC. Ada discovered photography when her husband Doug Stevens gifted her a camera, leading to her opening a photography business. In 2007, she joined forces with Doug to establish SnapHappy, giving up her sales career to pursue the profession full-time. The duo specializes in business portraits, events, real estate, architectural photography, and family photos. In this episode… Professional photographers know eye contact can be tough for some individuals; people with special needs often need more help getting the best portrait. How can photographers create a safe and supportive environment while helping their subjects explore and express themselves? Having navigated the photography scene for over 17 years, photographer Ada Stevens has discovered the importance of creating enjoyable experiences during photography sessions. Numerous behavioral issues can cause hurdles while photographing clients with special needs. Reflecting on her experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum, she highlights the challenge of capturing their personalities and expressions due to their commonplace difficulty with eye contact and smiling. Ada stresses the crucial role of empathy; by minimizing pushiness and allowing her subjects to lead, she fosters an atmosphere of respect and understanding. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini welcomes her mother Ada Stevens, the Owner of SnapHappy Photos, as they discuss Ada’s experience photographing subjects with special needs. She discusses her journey as a mom with a child with special needs, her parenting style, and the importance of empathy in photography. Ada also shares her career pivot to photography from sales, business growth strategies, and her daily routines as a thriving businesswoman.

Jennifer Branchini is a speech-language pathologist and the Founder of District Speech & Language Therapy. District Speech is a team of certified and licensed speech-language pathologists servicing all ages in diagnosing and treating communication disorders and physical impairments. Jennifer honed her expertise in craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate while interning with the Shands Hospital craniofacial team while studying at the University of Florida. She also participated in a speech therapy camp in Ukraine, where she evaluated and treated children with speech impairments. Ama Teasdel is an educational consultant and curriculum designer. She’s a former middle school inclusion specialist at Two Rivers Public Charter School, which is part of a network of high-performing schools in the Washington, D.C. area. As an educator and analytical leader, Ama has coached teams of teachers, designed and facilitated professional development sessions, and served as a mentor teacher. She is also a thought leader in special education who has presented at national conferences. In this episode… The effects of traumatic brain injuries, and even COVID, can require therapy — which can often be a complicated and comprehensive process.  According to Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel of District Speech & Language Therapy, the impact of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-related cognitive issues is often multifaceted, and the strategies for addressing them can pose challenges. Jennifer and Ama discuss the diverse range of effects resulting from TBIs, from physical impairments like swallowing difficulties to cognitive deficits such as memory loss and confusion. This sheds light on the importance of early intervention and comprehensive therapy approaches, emphasizing the need to address speech and other brain functions through occupational and physical therapy. Challenges within the education system, particularly regarding the provision of paid services for children with unmet needs in public schools, highlight the complexities faced by families and educators. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel are interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 about the effects of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-induced cognitive issues. Jennifer and Ama emphasize the importance of awareness, education, and access to resources for individuals and families navigating these challenges. They also underscore the significance of ongoing research and support systems, noting the challenges faced by public schools in facilitating recovery.

Michelle Posner is the Founder of Bilingual SLP and has over 15 years of experience empowering speech-language pathologists to provide effective therapy to bilingual clients. Her diverse background includes roles in private practice clinics, outpatient departments, and school-based programs. Michelle served as an outpatient SLP at All Children's Hospital in Brandon, Fla., and later as a school-based SLP at Mill Creek Elementary in Osceola, Fla. Since 2011, she has been employed by DC Public Schools at the Early Stages Center, specializing in testing and placing children aged 6 months to 5 years in special education services. Michelle has also contributed to Strong Start, DC's Early Intervention program, conducting assessments and providing therapy using the coaching model. In this episode… Overcoming language barriers is a formidable challenge for ESL students during their formative academic years. What can educators and language specialists do to help bridge the communication gap? Speech therapist Michelle Posner draws from her own experiences to understand the unique needs of bilingual individuals. She emphasizes the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity in effective communication through bilingual speech-language pathology. One distinguishing feature of Michelle's approach is her preference for visual aids over actions in articulation therapy. As the demand for bilingual speech-language pathologists rises, Michelle's innovative approach is a beacon of hope for individuals seeking comprehensive and inclusive speech therapy services. In this episode of Especially Speech?!, hosts Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Michelle Posner, Founder of Bilingual SLP, to examine the challenges ESL students face due to language barriers. Michelle shares her personal journey as an ESL student, the inspiration behind founding her business, and valuable insights gained from her extensive experience as a speech therapist.

Dr. Jesse Lewis is the Founder and Owner of District Performance & Physio, a physical therapy practice in Washington, D.C. for those recovering from injury or pain. He’s a physical therapist and coach who believes that movement and exercise are essential activities for remaining active and healthy. In conjunction with exercise, manual therapy, and dry needling, Dr. Lewis develops plans with a rehabilitation and performance approach. Dr. Lewis earned his DPT from Ithaca College and possesses numerous advanced certifications in physical therapy and strength and training. In this episode… Physical therapy focuses on helping individuals improve their physical abilities and functions. However, many people may be surprised by some of the unique medical conditions PT professionals treat. Who all can benefit from PT? Dr. Jesse Lewis was drawn to the field by the opportunity to help others heal and recover. He discusses the various ways that physical therapists can help people, from treating orthopedic issues to neurological rehabilitation. Dr. Lewis also discusses some of the alternative options available to aspiring physical therapy business owners, such as sharing space with a doctor, therapist, or gym owner. Lastly, Dr. Lewis highlights the low overhead costs associated with this type of arrangement and why it’s often beneficial for his clients to schedule appointments without dealing with the inconvenience of going through an insurance provider. On today’s episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Dr. Jesse Lewis, Founder and Owner of District Performance & Physio, to the show. Dr. Lewis talks about his inspiration for starting his company and what attracted him to a career in physical therapy, shares lower-cost alternatives for starting a PT business, the unique conditions physical therapists treat, and why his company prefers private pay.

Chris McLeod is the Founder and Owner of Black Mammoth Apparel, a brand that encourages individuals to break free from conformity. He launched the venture in 2017 while pursuing his career in marketing and advertising. Embracing opportunities as they arise, Chris ventured into the apparel industry when the chance presented itself, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and versatility in various professional roles. In this episode… Stuttering can significantly affect an individual's career and personal life. Professionally, it may hinder communication abilities, leading to challenges in job interviews, presentations, and interactions with colleagues or clients. This can result in decreased confidence, missed career opportunities, and heightened stress or anxiety in workplace settings. Chris McLeod’s journey highlights the profound impact of speech therapy on personal growth. Through therapy, he conquered his impediment, regaining confidence and assurance. Chris reveals the pivotal moment when he realized the necessity of seeking professional assistance, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging one's need for support to begin the journey toward improvement. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Chris McLeod, Founder and Owner of Black Mammoth Apparel, to share his journey of overcoming stuttering. Chris opens up about his decision to seek professional help, the challenges his disorder posed to his career and well-being, and the importance of discussing disabilities with loved ones.

Sophie Edwards is the Co-owner of Cloud Surfing Media, a comprehensive digital marketing agency offering e-commerce, email marketing, SEO, PPC, and web development services. In her roles, she specializes in helping clients enhance their online presence by facilitating clear communication and optimizing websites to attract prospects effectively. Prior to her current position, Sophie contributed her expertise as a digital marketing consultant at the Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. As a transgender woman and transgender advocate, Sophie works as a voice feminization coach, providing non-surgical support for transgender women to develop a more feminine voice. In this episode… For many transgender individuals, the journey toward self-discovery and authenticity encompasses various aspects of personal expression. One crucial facet is voice feminization therapy — a specialized form of treatment empowering transgender individuals, especially transgender women, as they navigate the complexities of gender identity. Sophie Edwards’ odyssey as a transgender woman led her to a transformative exploration of voice feminization. In her quest for authenticity and self-expression, Sophie refined her voice and found a more profound calling as a voice coach dedicated to empowering other transgender women. Her approach to voice feminization extends beyond technicalities, involving a holistic integration of mindset and voice therapy techniques. Understanding the mental and emotional aspects of the journey, Sophie creates a supportive environment where individuals can explore, embrace, and celebrate their unique voices. In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Sophie Edwards, Co-owner of Cloud Surfing Media and voice therapist, to discuss voice feminization coaching for transgender women. Sophie talks about her background in SEO marketing, shares her voice therapy techniques, and reflects on her upbringing and experiences as a transgender woman.

Corey Jason is Co-founder and Web Marketing Strategist of Cloud Surfing Media, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and online marketing strategies. With a passion for helping businesses succeed in the digital landscape, Corey has dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of SEO and leveraging them to drive results for his clients. He is committed to providing tailored solutions that help businesses increase their online visibility, attract more customers, and achieve their goals. In this episode… In the increasingly competitive field of speech therapy, standing out is essential for attracting clients and growing a thriving practice. While word-of-mouth referrals and traditional marketing methods may have been sufficient in the past, the digital age presents new opportunities and challenges. Why is investing in SEO and marketing a crucial strategy? SEO specialist Corey Jason urges speech therapists to prioritize SEO and marketing efforts for several reasons: enhanced online visibility, targeted reach, brand authority and trust, competitive edge, and increased client acquisition and retention. As more individuals seek healthcare services online, having a robust online presence becomes imperative. Implementing SEO causes websites and their content to rank higher in search engine results, facilitating easier discovery by potential clients. By harnessing these strategies, speech therapists can amplify their online visibility, attract a larger clientele, and foster practice growth in the digital age. In this episode of Especially 'Special' Speech?!, hosts Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Corey Jason, Co-founder and Web Marketing Strategist of Cloud Surfing Media, to delve into the advantages of SEO and marketing strategies. Corey shares insights on his journey into SEO, the inception of his company, the appeal of collaborating with healthcare professionals, and the intricacies of web rankings.

Kristen Masci is the Owner, CEO, and an Occupational Therapist at Skills on the Hill, a pediatric practice offering physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy in Capitol Hill. Boasting nearly three decades of experience, she has steered Skills on the Hill for over 20 years. Kristen graduated from Gettysburg College and earned her MS in occupational therapy from Shenandoah University. In this episode… Occupational therapists play a crucial role in enhancing individuals’ overall well-being by addressing various conditions. As skilled professionals, they focus on promoting independence and improving daily functioning. Occupational therapy is a practice that many people are unfamiliar with, so what conditions do they treat? OTs treat a diverse range of conditions, including physical disabilities, injuries, developmental delays, and mental health challenges. Kristen Masci, an experienced OT professional, reflects on rewarding moments in her career, emphasizing OT's positive impact.Although the journey for most patients can be daunting, Kristen highlights the transformative power of OT and its ability to empower individuals, promote independence, and contribute to a fulfilling life. Join Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel on today’s episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, where they welcome Kristen Masci, Owner and CEO of Skills on the Hill, to the show. Kristen shares the inspiration behind becoming an occupational therapist and starting a practice, defines what an occupational therapist is and the conditions they treat, and reflects on some of her most rewarding experiences working in the profession.

Jennifer Branchini is a speech-language pathologist and the Founder of District Speech and Language Therapy. District Speech is a team of certified and licensed speech-language pathologists servicing all ages in diagnosing and treating communication disorders and physical impairments. Jennifer honed her expertise in craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate while interning with the Shands Hospital craniofacial team while studying at the University of Florida. She also participated in a speech therapy camp in Ukraine, where she evaluated and treated children with speech impairments.  Ama Teasdel is an educational consultant and curriculum designer. She’s a former middle school inclusion specialist at Two Rivers Public Charter School, which is part of a network of high-performing schools in the Washington, D.C. area. As an educator and analytical leader, Ama has coached teams of teachers, designed and facilitated professional development sessions, and served as a mentor teacher. She is also a thought leader in special education who has presented at national conferences. In this episode… Several misperceptions have been associated with speech pathology, including the erroneous belief that speech pathologists only work with individuals who have a lisp or stutter. In reality, speech therapists treat a broad spectrum of communication disorders. Jennifer Branchini, a certified speech pathologist, says that speech therapy is about more than just speaking. Speech therapists treat people with oral problems including speech, language, and social and cognitive communication. Common conditions within these disorders include aphasia, dysphagia, voice disorders, and craniofacial disorders, such as cleft palate. Aphasia affects the way people communicate and is usually the result of a stroke. Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. A cleft palate is a developmental defect that affects children’s palates, causing them to be unable to articulate correctly. When treating cleft palate, therapists use articulation therapy techniques to help them speak clearly and effectively. On today’s episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews our hosts Jennifer Branchini, certified speech pathologist and Founder of District Speech and Language Therapy and Ama Teasdel, educational consultant and curriculum designer, about the misconceptions of speech pathology. Together, they discuss their experience in the education system, how speech therapy impacts children’s confidence, and their motivation for starting a podcast. Plus, Jennifer reveals her upcoming book, Imperfectly Perfect.