In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, Michelle interviews Josh Eliand and Chirag Kulkarni, the co-founders of Sira, an AI-powered platform built to help speech-language pathologists (SLPs) streamline documentation and enhance patient care.

Josh and Chirag share their unique backgrounds and personal motivations behind creating Sira, while shedding light on the real pain points faced by SLPs in clinical practice. They discuss the pros and cons of utilizing AI in healthcare, the critical importance of HIPAA compliance, and the challenges and limitations of this technology. The episode also outlines the development of the Sira platform, its features, and the user experience. Finally, they explore the potential for AI to extend its impact beyond speech therapy, offering advice and insights for SLPs considering AI-driven solutions.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to AI in Speech Therapy
01:58 - Founders' Backgrounds and Personal Connections
07:03 - Identifying Pain Points in Speech Therapy
11:00 - Building the AI Platform: Initial Steps
14:03 - Pros and Cons of AI in Healthcare
17:57 - Challenges and Limitations of AI Technology
22:01 - HIPAA Compliance in AI Solutions
26:06 - Overview of the Sira Platform
29:51 - Getting Started with Sira and User Experience
34:05 - Expanding Use Cases Beyond Speech Therapy
37:57 - Final Thoughts and Advice for SLPs

About Chirag and Josh:
Chirag is a co-founder of Syra, an innovative AI platform focused on automating manual tasks within healthcare settings.

Leveraging his experience from McKinsey & Company as well as a number of high-growth health-tech startups, Chirag specializes in applying artificial intelligence to streamline healthcare operations and improve patient care.
He is passionate about harnessing AI and technology to address real-world challenges in healthcare, particularly in areas such as speech therapy and clinical workflows.

Josh is the co-founder of Syra, an AI-driven automation platform designed for non-technical users. With a background in strategy and operations across private sector industries (Bain & Company) and NGOs (nonprofit Run Your City), Josh is passionate about leveraging technology to simplify complex workflows and relieve administrative burdens.

Get Syra today!

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

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In this heartfelt episode, Michelle dives into the inspiring journey behind her decision to become a speech-language pathologist. Guided by her Christian faith and a deep desire to serve others, she shares touching personal stories that reveal the joy of transforming lives through communication. From building lasting connections with families to witnessing the power of human connection in therapy, Michelle explains how her career didn’t just happen—it chose her. This episode is a celebration of purpose, faith, and the incredible fulfillment that comes from helping others thrive.

Chapters

• 00:00 Discovering My Why as a Speech-Language Pathologist
• 06:40 The Power of Serving Others
• 12:54 Building Lasting Connections with Families
• 18:38 The Joy of Human Connection in Therapy

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

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Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.

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Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!

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Join Michelle as she chats with her daughter Mia, a middle school math teacher, about how math and language connect. They explore how strong vocabulary supports math learning, the shift from numerical to language-based problem-solving, and the challenges faced by students with language delays or IEPs.

The episode highlights the value of collaboration between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and math teachers, tips for supporting English learners, and the power of visual strategies to make math more accessible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Math and Language

03:09 The Role of Vocabulary in Math Education

06:04 Transitioning from Numbers to Language in Math

09:01 Understanding Math Standards and Language Challenges

11:52 The Impact of Language on Math Learning

15:07 Supporting Students with IEPs in Math

17:54 Inclusion of English Learners in Math Education

21:14 Collaboration Between SLPs and Math Teachers

24:04 Advice for SLPs Working with Math Students

26:58 Visual Learning Strategies in Math

27:57 Conclusion and Future Discussions

About Mia
Mia graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, specializing in secondary mathematics. During her time at Ole Miss, she was actively involved in organizations like Kappa Delta Alpha Mu, Teachers of Tomorrow, the National Education Association, the Mississippi Association of Education, and the National Honor Society for Leadership and Success. She also served as an Education Ambassador and co-presented at the Mississippi Council for Teachers of Mathematics Conference.

Currently, Mia is an 8th-grade math teacher at Oxford Middle School, where she serves as the PLC Leader for the math department, mentors a first-year teacher, and acts as a Clinical Instructor for a senior teaching fellow from the University of Mississippi. Recognized for her excellence, she was named Oxford Middle School Employee of the Year for 2023-2024 and received the Elevating Excellence Pin in August 2024.

Beyond the classroom, Mia is the assistant coach for the middle school cheerleading team and sponsor of the OMS Diamond Dolls for the baseball team. She enjoys traveling, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with family and friends.

Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast

Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!

Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.

Share the opportunity and refer a friend today!

Episode Sponsor:

We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.

Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Powered by AMN Healthcare