The Speech Link with Char Boshart

Reading difficulties can hide in plain sight, but the underlying challenges often connect directly to areas SLPs know well.

Guest: Kim Kramer, MSEd, MS, CCC-SLP, C-SLDS

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this episode of The Speech Link, host Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, is joined by Kim Kramer, MSEd, MS, CCC-SLP, C-SLDS, to examine the connections between speech, language, literacy, and reading development and why understanding those connections matters for SLPs.

They explore the SLP’s role in identifying and supporting children who struggle with reading, and how our speech and language expertise can help us recognize concerns that might otherwise be missed.

About the Guest: Kim Kramer, MS. Ed., M.S., CCC-SLP, C-SLDS, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Structured Dyslexia Specialist, and Learning Specialist with over 30 years of experience. Kim has dual master’s degrees in special education and Speech-Language Pathology,

Show Notes:

Orton-Gillingham Academy

Wilson Foundations

UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute

What frontal or lateral lisp challenge has you scratching your head? Have you thought, "I've tried everything," "Productions are inconsistent," or "My client has plateaued?"

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD.

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In this episode of The Speech Link podcast, host Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, invites you to bring your toughest questions and clinical conundrums. Together, you'll analyze challenging cases, discuss practical solutions, and explore therapy strategies you can apply immediately.

Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Char will answer your questions, troubleshoot common therapy roadblocks, and share practical strategies for addressing frontal and lateral lisps. Whether you're working through persistent errors, inconsistent productions, or treatment plateaus, you'll leave with new ideas and greater confidence in your clinical decision-making.

Show Notes: Tricia H. Rogers: https://www.misstongueandfriends.com

School-age students who stutter deserve therapy that supports authentic communication, participation, and confidence.

Guest: Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, F-ASHA

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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If you've ever believed, "It's okay to stutter," but felt your training didn't fully reflect that belief, this episode is for you. Designed for SLPs working with school-age students who stutter, this conversation provides practical guidance for navigating change in clinical practice. Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, F-ASHA, shares ways to individualize therapy, evaluate different intervention approaches, and make immediate shifts toward stutter-affirming care, helping students move toward greater communicative freedom with confidence and grace.

About the Guest: Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-F, is a board-certified specialist in fluency differences and the Director of Stuttering Therapy Resources. A career-long public school clinician, Nina specializes in stuttering therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults. As an author and presenter, she aims to provide practical, evidence-informed guidance to clinicians working with students who stutter.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Gain approachable, engaging ways SLPs can support and educate caregivers without overwhelming them.

Guest: Carly Dorfman, MS, CCC-SLP

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In this episode of Speech Link, Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, welcomes Carly Dorfman, MS, CCC-SLP, for a practical conversation about one of the most overlooked parts of early intervention: the parent knowledge gap. While SLPs often assume caregivers understand foundational speech, language, and developmental milestones, many parents have never been taught what to look for or how everyday interactions shape communication growth. Through real-world examples and strategies drawn from the KIDnection Method™, she shares how clinicians can translate clinical knowledge into fun, accessible learning opportunities that empower families and strengthen carryover beyond therapy sessions.

About the Guest: Carly is a licensed, certified, and credentialed pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 12 years of experience treating children of all developmental levels. She specializes in a child- and family-centered approach, using evidence-based best practices to improve speech, receptive and expressive language, fluency, and oral-motor skills.

Show Notes:

• Contact Carly on IG: @kidnectionco
• KIDnection
• KIDnection Training Courses

Mentioned in this episode:

Register for the Back-2-School Conference

How can SLPs support speech clarity and verbal language development in children with Down syndrome?

Guest: Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP

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In this episode of The Speech Link, Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, continues her conversation with Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP, on language development in children with Down syndrome. Jennifer shares practical, evidence-based strategies SLPs can use to build clearer speech and more effective verbal communication. This episode reinforces an important takeaway: children with Down syndrome can develop speech clarity, and SLPs are uniquely positioned to support access to verbal language through thoughtful, evidence-based intervention.

About the Guest: Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist with 20 years of experience treating individuals with speech, language, and feeding delays and disorders. She has spent the last 12+ years specializing in communication and feeding for individuals with intellectual disabilities and motor speech disorders.

Show Notes:

Contact Jennifer: @speechconnects and @lets.chat321 on Instagram

Jennifer’s Website: Connected Speech

Jennifer’s Book: “I Can Learn”

Related Courses:

• Independent Communication for those with Down Syndrome in the Schools
• Use Strengths and Needs of Those with Down Syndrome to Improve Speech Clarity
• Three Super-Techniques to Foster Academic Success for Those with Down Syndrome

Mentioned in this episode:

Register for the Back-2-School Conference

Explore the powerful relationship between speech practice and language development in individuals with Down syndrome.

Guest: Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP

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In this 2-part episode of Speech Link, host Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, sits down with Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP. Together, they unpack why frequent speech production plays such an important role in expanding utterance length and supporting the development of grammar and syntax. Jennifer explains how repetition helps strengthen cognitive-linguistic skills while also improving voice, prosody, and overall speech clarity. Clinicians will come away with a clearer understanding of why speech practice matters and how to incorporate it intentionally into therapy to support language growth.

About the Guest: Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist with 20 years of experience treating individuals with speech, language, and feeding delays and disorders. She has spent the last 12+ years specializing in communication and feeding for individuals with intellectual disabilities and motor speech disorders.

Show Notes:

Contact Jennifer: @speechconnects or @lets.chat321 on Instagram

Grays Peak Speech Services

Connected Speech

Jennifer’s Book: “I Can Learn”

Related Courses:

• Independent Communication for those with Down Syndrome in the Schools
• Use Strengths and Needs of Those with Down Syndrome to Improve Speech Clarity
• Three Super-Techniques to Foster Academic Success for Those with Down Syndrome

Mentioned in this episode:

Register for the Back-2-School Conference

What if the most powerful way to boost a child’s language skills isn’t in the therapy room—but in everyday moments at home?

Guest: Mary Lou Brecht Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP

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Mary Lou Brecht Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, joins host Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, on this episode of the Speech Link podcast to explore parent coaching strategies that go beyond the ordinary to boost children’s language development. Parents want and need to know what they can do between therapy visits to help their children talk better. Coaching parents to optimize their daily verbal interactions benefits children, and some ways of talking are more effective than others for promoting verbal turn-taking and language growth.

About the Guest: Mary Lou Brecht Johnson, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a native of Akron, Ohio, and earned her BA at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH. Then, after completing her master’s degree in Speech & Hearing at Washington University in St. Louis, Mary Lou headed to Denver for her first clinical position and never left. For over 40 years as a speech-language pathologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Mary Lou honed her methods while helping children and their parents.

Mentioned in this episode:

Register for the Back-2-School Conference

Guest: Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP,

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

Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, joins host Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, for a practical, relationship-centered conversation about building strong, trust-based partnerships between families and school teams. Drawing on real-world experience, Carolyn shares strategies to help clinicians move beyond checklists and build meaningful collaboration that consistently supports students across settings. The discussion focuses on respectful ways to involve families, address challenges as they arise, and align educational supports with medical and home-based care. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas you can use right away to strengthen communication, reduce friction, and support better feeding and swallowing outcomes through shared understanding and teamwork.

About the Guest: Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing assessment and intervention within the public school system. Her work is deeply rooted in supporting students and school-based teams through evidence-informed, practical dysphagia care. Through her graduate-level teaching, Carolyn prepares the next generation of school-based dysphagia providers to lead with confidence and competence. Through her private practice, Bite-Sized Advice, she offers consultation and dysphagia support to school teams nationwide. An internationally recognized speaker and published author, Carolyn is known for her dynamic, engaging presentations that bring school-based feeding and swallowing services to life. Carolyn is also the host of the School of Speech Podcast.

Guest: Tricia H. Rogers, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/orp-the-missing-piece

Every moving body part has an ideal place to rest when not in use, and the moving mouth parts are no different. In this episode, Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, is joined by Tricia H. Rogers, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore Oral Resting Posture (ORP) and why it is often the missing piece in remediating speech and supporting carryover for preschool and school-age children. Char and Tricia define a desirable oral resting posture and highlight common characteristics of undesirable ORPs frequently observed in young learners. They explain how ORP positions the lips, tongue, and jaw in an efficient operating zone that supports stability and movement for accurate sound production and connected speech. The episode also provides practical, developmentally appropriate ways to introduce ORP concepts to preschoolers and school-age children, with clear expectations for therapy. Char and Tricia share ORP techniques that build self-monitoring, improve muscle endurance, and support habituation so gains extend beyond structured practice and into everyday communication.

About the Guest: Tricia H. Rogers, MS-CCC, is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with nearly 30 years of experience in the field. For over two decades, she has specialized in orofacial myofunctional disorders, working with children to improve their breathing, oral rest posture, and overall oral function. Alongside running a private practice, Tricia mentors, presents, and consults with professionals nationwide. She is also the creator and author of Miss Tongue and Friends—a children’s book series that makes myofunctional concepts simple, fun, and engaging. These books are now being used by therapists, educators, and families as practical resources to support healthy oral development and lifelong habits. Through her Miss Tongue and Friends books, Tricia is bringing these important skills to children around the world in a way that feels playful, approachable, and empowering.

Guest: Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin, PhD, CCC-SLP

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

In this episode of The Speech Link, Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP, talks with Dr. Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin, PhD, CCC-SLP, who shares creative and practical ways SLPs can coach families to build language through everyday routines.

From talking during mealtime to reading together before bed, Dr. Roseberry-McKibbin highlights simple strategies that make a significant impact. She also emphasizes the importance of helping caregivers understand developmental milestones so they can feel confident supporting their child’s growth with love, talk, and reading.

About the Guest: Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin, Ph.D., is the daughter of Baptist missionaries who lived with her parents in the Philippines from ages 6 to 17. She quickly acclimated to the culture of the United States and earned her doctorate degree in speech-language pathology from Northwestern University. Currently, she is a Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at California State University, Sacramento, and a part-time speech pathologist in the San Juan Unified School District. She provides services for pre-schoolers through high school. She especially enjoys working with culturally and linguistically diverse students who have communication disorders, as well as those from low-income backgrounds. In addition to her practical experience, Dr. Roseberry-McKibbin has authored over 70 publications, written 16 books, and delivered nearly 400 presentations throughout the United States and internationally. She is an ASHA Fellow and winner of ASHA’s Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs, and received the national presidential Daily Point of Light Award for her volunteer work in building literacy skills of children in poverty. Notably, she recently delivered an excellent TED Talk, which earned her a standing ovation. Her topic? “Is ignoring children for devices creating language delay?”

Guest: Adina Soclof, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode

-Originally Aired: July 2021-

This one-hour course provides practical information and strategies to successfully manage disruptive and challenging student behaviors during therapy sessions. Adina provides effective ways to motivate and engage students to create an inviting therapy environment to stimulate cooperation and more responsible and respectful behavior conducive to learning.

Guest: Stephanie LoPresti, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Dynamic-Methods-to-Identify

In this episode of The Speech Link podcast, host Char Boshart and guest Stephanie LoPresti, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, discuss dynamic methods for identifying language abilities and therapy needs. The conversation covers financial disclosures, Stephanie's extensive experience in the field, and her commitment to early intervention. Stephanie shares insights into her passion for assessing young children, the importance of working within the zone of proximal development, and how she applies dynamic assessment techniques in various settings. Learn about practical strategies for engaging children in assessments, the role of parent and teacher collaboration, and the multifaceted nature of speech therapy. A must-watch for speech therapists seeking innovative and effective assessment methods.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

00:54 Meet Our Guest: Stephanie LoPresti

02:26 Stephanie's Journey to Early Childhood Assessment

05:04 The Importance of Dynamic Assessment

06:09 Understanding the Zone of Proximal Development

11:56 Dynamic Assessment in Practice

27:58 Challenges and Techniques in Pragmatic Assessment

34:25 The Dynamic Role of Speech Pathologists

35:21 Understanding Developmental Milestones

37:20 Introducing the Protocol for Assessment

41:31 Dynamic Assessment in Practice

51:45 Engaging Parents in the Therapeutic Process

59:37 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

About the Guest: Stephanie LoPresti, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, is a speech-language pathologist with over a decade of diverse experience in medical, academic, and private settings. She has served clients from infancy through geriatrics, and her expertise extends to speech and language disorders, feeding and swallowing, cognitive impairments, and augmentative communication. Stephanie exemplifies a special commitment to patient-centered care and is an experienced Clinical Fellowship and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant supervisor. Most notably, Stephanie is the author of the comprehensive and evidence-based guide The Speech & Language Protocol: An Assessment Tool for Early Years. This resource enhances assessment and service delivery. In addition, she presents academic lectures and professional development seminars.

-Originally Aired September 2019-

Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv

In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology.

Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up. Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here.

Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions.

-Originally Aired September 2019-

Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv

In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology.

Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up. Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here.

Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions.

-Originally Aired September 2019-

Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv

In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology.

Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up. Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here.

Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions.

-Originally Aired September 19, 2019-

Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv

In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology.

Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up. Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here.

Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions.

-Originally Aired September 2019-

Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv

In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology.

Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up. Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here.

Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions.

-Originally Aired: November 2018-

Guest: Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-F

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=SchoolAge-Stuttering-Therapy-Essentials-for-SLPs-298

In this insightful episode, Char Boshart interviews Nina Reeves, a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist and specialist in fluency disorders. They discuss essential aspects of stuttering therapy for school-age children, emphasizing the importance of revisiting personal mindsets about stuttering. Nina Reeves shares her extensive experience and knowledge, offering practical tips and strategies for effective stuttering therapy. Topics include the role of parents and teachers, updating therapeutic approaches based on current research, and the differences in therapy for different age groups. Additionally, Nina provides valuable resources for further learning and professional development.

About the Guest:

Nina Reeves is a board-certified specialist in fluency differences and the Director of Stuttering Therapy Resources. She has been a career-long public school clinician who specializes in stuttering therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults. As an author and presenter, she aims to provide practical information to clinicians working with stuttering students.

-Originally Aired: January 16, 2020-

Guest: Susan Haseley, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=How-to-Move-Beyond-Inconsistent-RProductions-179

In this course, Susan, an experienced school SLP, shares her practical tips and techniques on /r/ remediation and much more. She describes what children with r-distortions are doing and not doing intra-orally. She also shares her observations and first-hand experiences of using the Bite-R therapy device and tactile therapy to remediate her speech-kids. This course is very informative and practical.

About the Guest:

Susan Haseley received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Illinois State University. Her career has taken her to Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, where she has primarily worked in schools. For 45 years, she has been married to her high school sweetheart, Roger. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. They love traveling to places they have never been to and trying new foods and activities. She invented the Bite-R when she was unsuccessful in remediating the R sound for two young boys. Her passion has caused her to champion the R sound and all its problems.

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=How-to-Effectively-Supervise-Future-SpeechLanguage-Pathologi

This one-hour course explained the ASHA supervision expectations and five additional practical guidelines for effectively supervising practicum for graduate students in any setting. Numerous details were provided regarding supervision of the evaluation/diagnostic process, treatment implementation, professionalism, and the importance of flexibility.

About the Guest:

MariBeth Plankers, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP, is a Clinical Supervisor and the Regional Assistive Technology Center Facilitator at Minnesota State University Moorhead, a lending library of Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology tools. MariBeth teaches at the clinic and practices Speech-Language Pathology in autism spectrum disorders, augmentative alternative communications, and telepractice.