Guest: Melissa Brunner, PhD, MHlthSC, CPSP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/rebuilding-social-connection

In this episode of Brainstorms, host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Dr. Melissa Brunner, PhD, MHlthSC, CPSP, to explore how social media can support connection and identity rebuilding after acquired brain injury when used thoughtfully and safely. Social media has the potential to offer community, purpose, and support after ABI, but for many survivors and caregivers, it can also feel overwhelming, risky, or confusing. Renee and Dr. Brunner introduce the concept of SocialAbility and share practical, functional strategies SLPs can use to help clients navigate online spaces with greater confidence, boundaries, and self-awareness. Designed for SLPs, caregivers, and survivors alike, this conversation offers compassionate guidance and real-world approaches for using social media as a meaningful and safe bridge back to social connection. About the

Guest: Dr. Melissa (Liss) Brunner, PhD, MHlthSC, CPSP, is a Senior Lecturer and certified practicing speech pathologist at the University of Sydney, Australia. She has over twenty years of experience in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication difficulties in adults, particularly working with people who have experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Her clinical research addresses the use of digital health solutions to support participation and inclusion, in particular, the complexity of issues surrounding people with ABI using social media and how they may (or may not) be addressed during their rehabilitation. She is passionate about including people with lived experience in her work and is an author of social-ABI-ity training (part of the Social Brain Toolkit project).

Guest: Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/autonomic-wildcard

In this episode, Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore dysautonomia, an often overlooked but highly impactful factor in neurorehabilitation. Autonomic dysfunction can quietly influence attention, fatigue, communication tolerance, swallowing safety, and overall engagement, showing up in therapy sessions in ways that are easy to miss or misinterpret.

This conversation is especially relevant for clinicians working with adults following stroke, TBI, long COVID, and other neurologic conditions. Renee and Julie walk through common red flags, practical assessment considerations, and therapy modifications that help protect energy and support carryover. If you have ever wondered why a patient’s alertness, vital signs, or cognitive endurance seem inconsistent from session to session, this episode offers a clearer framework for understanding what may be happening and how to adapt your clinical approach with greater confidence.

About the Guest: Julie A. Fechter, MS, CCC-SLP, is an adult medical SLP with 15 years of experience across nearly every setting imaginable. Specializing in Parkinson’s in her home health clinical practice, Julie was recently diagnosed with Sjogren's disease. She participated in a clinical trial, which significantly deepened her understanding of the patient experience. Julie has spoken at state speech conventions in California and Louisiana, as well as for the APDA NW. Julie spends time outside of work traveling (60+ countries), baking, arguing about politics, and moderating speech Facebook groups.

*****Originally Aired: December 26, 2024*****

Guest: Sucheta Kamath, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=From-Grassroots-to-Global-The-Power-of-Advocacy-at-Every-Lev

In this episode, Sucheta Kamath, MA, CCC-SLP, joins Renee to explore the advocacy journey from grassroots efforts to large-scale impact. Learn how to identify the power of local, community-based action and how it can spark change at the national and even global levels. We will discuss stories of advocates who started small and scaled their efforts, insights into building effective movements, and tips for anyone looking to make a difference in their community. This episode will empower you with the tools and motivation to drive meaningful change – wherever you are.

About the Guest: