Guest: Stephane Ratway, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/beyond-mobility

When most people think about spinal cord injury (SCI), they think about mobility. But for speech-language pathologists, the impact of SCI goes far beyond movement.

In this episode, Stephane Ratway, MS, CCC-SLP, and Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, examine how SLPs support quality of life after SCI through ventilator weaning, breath support for speech, cough strength, and secretion management, as well as voice, communication, cognition, swallowing, and airway protection. These areas are central to patient safety, participation, and long-term outcomes, yet they are often misunderstood or underestimated within the rehab process. Whether you work in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, or outpatient neuro settings, this episode will broaden your view of your role on the SCI team. Recovery is not just about movement. It is about being heard, being safe, and staying connected. You will walk away with practical, functional treatment approaches you can use right away.

About the Guest: Stephane Philippe-Ratway received her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University in 1993. She has over three decades of experience working across the healthcare continuum, including trauma ICUs, acute care settings, rehabilitation, and home health. She has delivered numerous presentations at conferences and currently serves in the leadership council of the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group of South Florida and on the Women’s Support Group.

*****Originally Aired: July 25, 2024*****

Guest: Rachael Silveira, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/tracheostomies-and-upper-airways-demystified

In this episode, Renee is joined by Rachael Silveira to discuss tracheostomies and ventilators, and how to assemble a multidisciplinary team to care for patients with respiratory compromise. Managing patients with tracheostomy and/or ventilator dependency requires an interdisciplinary approach to ensure safety and optimal care. Through continuous monitoring, regular assessments, and nutritional support, SLPs are a crucial component of this team. SLPs are also critical to communication for these patients and to the education and support of the caregiving team/families. Effective management of tracheostomized and ventilated patients with compromised respiratory systems requires comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to each patient's needs.

About the Guest: Rachael Silveira, MA, CCC-SLP, is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist specializing in dysphagia and communication disorders at a Level 1 Trauma/Transplant Hospital in Miami. With advanced training in dysphagia management for respiratory-compromised and medically complex neurogenic populations, Rachael brings clinical depth and interdisciplinary leadership to her practice. A lifelong learner, she earns annual ACE (Award for Continuing Education) recognition and actively mentors fellow clinicians. Rachael is deeply committed to patient advocacy and quality of life, having spearheaded multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Teams across multiple facilities to implement standardized protocols and streamline care. She is also a passionate educator and innovator in the medical SLP space. Her initiatives include the “Badge Buddy Series” and TRACHtalks—an open-access collaborative promoting evidence-based tracheostomy care. Through national and international conference presentations, active research, and guest lectures at universities and hospitals, Rachael continues to elevate medical SLP education and practice. Her work reflects a powerful blend of clinical excellence, advocacy, and community-building in speech-language pathology.

*****Originally Aired: August 19, 2024*****

Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/social-determinants-of-mental-health-and-the-role-of-the-slp

Renee is joined by Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss social determinants of mental health and their relation to speech-language pathology. Social determinants of mental health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, work, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes, as well as the risks associated with these domains. Social determinants of mental health can affect the development and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Understanding and addressing these social determinants can improve mental health outcomes as well as empower SLPs to design and implement more holistic treatment approaches. Join Renee and Pamela for an hour of impactful discussion.

About the Guest: Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, is the Clinical Director of Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, LLC, an adult and pediatric therapy practice with seven locations across Florida. Her multidisciplinary team provides Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Respiratory Therapy services to clients of all ages. Pamela is currently pursuing dual graduate degrees—a Doctor of Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health—at the University of Indianapolis. She is the co-author of *Putting Your Dreams To Work: Keys To Setting Up Your Therapy Practice* and *Start Your Engines: A Road Map to Your Clinical Fellowship Year*, both designed to guide aspiring clinicians through professional milestones. As a continuing partner with various state agencies, Pamela is passionate about helping individuals find their voice and communicate with confidence in their communities. Her work reflects a commitment to clinical excellence, public health advocacy, and empowering others through education and access.