Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the job market right out of graduate school? Do you desire greater control of your clinical career trajectory from day one? In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle welcomes back Jill Pantle, the Director of University Programs at AMN Healthcare, to discuss an incredible new initiative. They explore how the University Program connects educational institutions with open opportunities to graduates ready for their first role. You will discover how experienced clinicians can guide the next generation, how virtual mentorship is expanding, and how to take charge of your own professional journey.

In episode 139, Michelle Gage and Breana Donnelly celebrate Speech and Hearing Month with a special live episode focused on the impact of speech-language pathologists, the many paths within the profession, and the exciting opportunities available to both experienced clinicians and new grads. Michelle shares her personal career journey through public schools, early intervention, travel therapy, and teletherapy, while answering common questions about clinical fellowships, mentorship, summer work, and finding the right fit. Later in the episode, Jill Pantle joins the conversation to introduce AMN Healthcare’s Alumni Ambassador program, which connects experienced clinicians with students and upcoming graduates. This episode is a helpful listen for SLPs who want career encouragement, practical advice, and a clearer view of what is possible in the field.

In episode 138, Michelle sits down with AMN Healthcare recruiter Kristie Yakovich to explore the highly desired and empowering world of travel therapy. Kristie shares her 15 years of insight into the differences between school-based and medical settings, the step-by-step process of securing your ideal contract, and the incredible support systems AMN provides. The conversation covers how to handle contracts that are not a perfect fit, the requirements for transitioning into teletherapy, and the beautiful friendships that blossom on the road. You will discover how open communication with a trusted recruiter gives you greater control of your professional journey, helping you build a life and career you truly love.

In episode 137, Michelle explores the realities of articulation therapy, and the practical skills speech-language pathologists learn on the job. While graduate school provides a strong foundation in anatomy, speech sound norms, and analytical skills, many therapists find themselves figuring out the exact techniques to correct specific sounds through trial and error. Michelle shares her experiences bridging this gap, offering encouragement and practical advice for both new and seasoned professionals. The conversation covers the challenges of group therapy, coaching parents with accessible language, and the realities of speech sound development charts. You will also discover strategies for scaffolding sounds, the importance of accurate initial diagnoses, and how telehealth and visual aids can enhance therapy outcomes.

In episode 136, Michelle welcomes back Laura Smith, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Also known as the "SLP Mommy of Apraxia," Laura brings both clinical expertise and personal experience as a mother of a child with CAS. She breaks down exactly what apraxia is—a disconnect between the brain's planning and the mouth's movement—and why the diagnosis can often feel overwhelming for families. The conversation explores how to differentiate apraxia from other speech sound disorders using dynamic motor speech exams. Laura debunks common myths, such as the idea that a child cannot be diagnosed before age three, and shares critical red flags to look for during a parent intake case history. Listeners will also learn about evidence-based treatment strategies like DTTC, the importance of the principles of motor learning, and why ongoing continuing education is vital for speech-language pathologists.

In episode 135, Michelle welcomes Dylan Makani, co-founder and CEO of Ner Chat, to discuss how his company is revolutionizing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Inspired by a close friend who used an AAC device but struggled to stay in touch remotely, Dylan set out to bridge the gap in digital communication. He created tools that allow AAC users to connect seamlessly through mainstream messaging, moving beyond the limits of face-to-face interactions. Dylan shares the journey of developing Leaf, an iOS keyboard that integrates AAC symbols directly into everyday apps like text messaging and email. The conversation also dives into Glint, a groundbreaking platform designed for speech-language pathologists and educators. Glint allows professionals to create highly customized, interactive visual supports in seconds, complete with Google Image integration, voice output, and simple sharing via QR codes. By streamlining the creation of visual materials, Ner Chat is saving SLPs countless hours and empowering complex learners across all environments.

In the second part of this series, Michelle continues the discussion on the foundational skills toddlers need before they begin to talk. This episode builds on the previous one by exploring how play, imitation, and environment shape a child's path to verbal communication. Michelle offers practical strategies for parents and SLPs to encourage these skills, emphasizing that language development is a step-by-step process. Michelle explains the importance of functional toy play, motor imitation, and following simple directions. She provides actionable tips, such as limiting toys to reduce overwhelm and using the "Tell, Show, Help" method. The discussion also covers how to foster vocalizations, use gestures, and set up the environment to create communication opportunities—turning everyday moments into powerful language-learning experiences.

In this episode, Michelle kicks off a two-part series focusing on critical developmental skills that precede speech. While many parents and caregivers eagerly await a child’s first words, several foundational milestones must occur first to support successful communication. Michelle breaks down these essential skills, offering practical advice for parents, caregivers, and speech-language pathologists on how to spot them and why they matter. Michelle explores the importance of early interactions, such as reacting to the environment and responding to people. She explains how simple activities like playing with crinkly toys, listening to music, or engaging in "peekaboo" help build the cognitive framework for language. The discussion also covers the significance of turn-taking, attention span, and joint attention—skills that serve as the building blocks for future conversational ability.

Episode Summary In this episode, Michelle sits down with Tim McKenzie, a board-certified specialist in fluency disorders with over 33 years of experience. Tim brings a unique perspective to the conversation, as he is both a seasoned clinician and a person who stutters. Together, they explore the complexities of fluency disorders, moving beyond the mechanics of speech to address the deep emotional and psychological components of stuttering. Tim shares his personal journey, from negative experiences with speech therapy in childhood to finding his own path to confidence. He discusses his fascinating work as an expert witness for cases involving sudden onset stuttering following brain injury and details how he integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into his practice to help clients manage social anxiety. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Tim McKenzie and Fluency Disorders 01:59 – The Role of an Expert Witness in Sudden Onset Stuttering Cases 03:30 – Tim’s Personal Journey: From "Stutterer" to Person Who Stutters 09:57 – The Anxiety of Stuttering in Professional Settings 11:42 – A Shift in Perspective: The Impact of Dean Williams 17:16 – Stuttering in High-Stakes Professions: Police, Pilots, and Medical Students 22:07 – Therapy Approaches: Direct Models for Preschoolers vs. CBT for Adults 26:22 – The Developmental Impact of Stuttering at Age Seven 30:15 – Timeline Therapy: Addressing Past Trauma and Reframing Memories 33:26 – Practical Techniques: Using Mind Lines and Conversational Reframing 37:00 – Essential Resources for SLPs: Where to Start with Fluency Quick Notes Guest: Tim McKenzie, Speech-Language Pathologist and Board-Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders. Resources Mentioned: • Stuttering Foundation of America: Tim recommends their "Pioneer" videos as a foundational resource for SLPs. • The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering (London): A great source for solution-focused therapy and counseling videos. • Book: Mind Lines (for conversational reframing). • Website: stutteringadvice.com (Tim's educational modules). Connect with Us: We love hearing from our listeners! If you have questions about fluency or want to share your own experiences with CBT in therapy, connect with us on Instagram @AMN_allied.

In the first episode of 2026, Michelle gives a special preview of the exciting guests and topics lined up for SLP Full Disclosure in the coming months. From groundbreaking AAC technology and fluency therapy to the worlds of voice coaching and pediatric feeding, this season is packed with diverse expertise. Listen in as Michelle shares how she discovers incredible SLPs on social media and introduces the specialists who will be joining the show. You'll hear about upcoming discussions on everything from being a traveling SLP and navigating your clinical fellowship year to the complexities of dysphagia and apraxia. Get ready for a year of fun, learning, and insightful conversations with leaders and innovators in the field of speech-language pathology.