Convention Schedule & Session Information

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Presentation Titles, Abstracts, and Learner Objectives

Title

Improving Social Connection in Aphasia: The Role of Texting for 45 Minutes 

Date and Time

Friday, June 7^th from 7:45-8:30am

Speaker(s)

Mary McMahon, M.S., CCC-SLP, Josie Roane, Darriante Washington, and Taylor Guillory

Special Topic

POSTER SESSION

Abstract

This presentation will detail qualitative findings from an investigation into texting in aphasia and the strategies and barriers present during text exchanges for a person with aphasia and his partner. We will include data from the Texting Transactional Success rating scale and qualitative analysis of authentic texting data to demonstrate how communication breakdowns can happen because of aphasia and the role of the person with aphasia and texting partner in effective communication. These data were collected under a funded project by the NIH to develop a texting intervention for people with aphasia and their partners. Various clinical applications will be discussed including clinician strategies, outcome measures for working on texting in therapy, and technology-based barriers and solutions for online conversations. 

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to discuss three strategies for improving texting success for people with aphasia and their partners.
2. Participants will be able to name one published tool for measuring texting transactional success in aphasia.
3. Participants will be able to offer one clinician technique that could be used to target texting in aphasia therapy sessions. 

Speaker 1 Bio

Mary McMahon, MS, CCC-SLP is a PhD student at UL Lafayette. Mary has worked as a clinician in outpatient clinics and residential therapy programs. Her main research interest is understanding the perspectives and lived experience of adults living with communication disabilities.

Speaker 1 Financial Disclosures

• Receives a salary from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
• Received discounted registration to this convention. 

Speaker 1 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker is a student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

Speaker 2 Bio

Josie Roane is an undergraduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She plans to attend graduate school to obtain her certification to work as a speech-language pathologist. She is currently a research assistant in the clinical research lab of Dr. Jamie Azios that works to reduce the social isolation of aphasia. 

Speaker 2 Financial Disclosures

• The research reported in this presentation was supported by the National Institute On Deafness And Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R15DC020836.
  
• The speaker received discounted registration to this convention.
  

Speaker 2 Non-Financial Disclosures

The speaker has no relevant non-financial disclosures to report.

Speaker 3 Bio

Darriante Washington is an undergraduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She plans to attend graduate school to obtain her certification to work as a speech-language pathologist. She is currently a research assistant in the clinical research lab of Dr. Jamie Azios that works to reduce the social isolation of aphasia. 

Speaker 3 Financial Disclosures

• The research reported in this presentation was supported by the National Institute On Deafness And Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R15DC020836.
  
• The speaker received discounted registration to this convention.

Speaker 3 Non-Financial Disclosures

The speaker has no relevant non-financial disclosures to report.

Speaker 4 Bio

Taylor Guillory is a senior double major in Speech Pathology & Audiology and Psychology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Currently, she is working in an aphasia lab under the Transactional Success in the Texting Exchanges of People with Aphasia grant. Previously, she worked in the ULL psychology research lab, BEETS Lab, where she is credited as the third author of the project, What’s in a Name? Perceptions of First Names in the Workplace.

Speaker 4 Financial Disclosures

• Receives a salary from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
• Received discounted registration to this convention. 

Speaker 4 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker has no relevant non-financial disclosures. 

Keynote Presentation Title

Creating Communicatively Accessible "Talk Therapy" and Motivational Interviews

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 8:30-10:00am

Speaker(s)

Dr. Jerry Hoepner

Abstract

Across the lifespan and workplace settings, counseling is a core element of speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology (AuD) interventions. Understanding our roles in counseling begins with a clear understanding of our scope of practice. The Stepped Care Model provides a framework for defining our scope, boundaries, and referrals. ASHA identifies two main types of counseling for SLPs and AuDs, informational and personal adjustment counseling. Establishing therapeutic alliance and fostering self- determination is crucial for both types. Each type also requires knowledge and tools to support counseling assessment. Dr. Hoepner will address scope of practice, referrals, interprofessional collaborations, and foundational counseling skills; providing suggestions for tools and techniques to modify access to “talk-therapy” approaches. He will also introduce the motivational interviewing approach, including core principles, addressing core micro skills, steps, and specific techniques.

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will identify the levels and functions of the Stepped Care model for guiding scope of practice in CSD.
2. Participants will identify at least two tools that can be used to provide modified access to “talk therapy” approaches in CSD.
3. Participants will identify at least three applications of the motivational interviewing approach to their everyday practice.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Jerry Hoepner (ASHA Fellow) is a Professor at the University of Wiscosin – Eau Claire. He teaches courses in anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy & neurophysiology, acquired cognitive disorders, dysphagia, and counseling. Jerry co-facilitates three community-based brain injury groups and the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp. His research addresses video self-modeling interventions, aphasia camp outcomes for campers and students, motivational interviewing, counseling methods and training, undergraduate research outcomes, course-embedded clinical experiences, and instructional pedagogies.

Financial Disclosures

• The speaker received a honorarium for this presentation as keynote speaker and was offered promotional space for advertising his published textbook.

Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker is an associate coordinator and board member of ASHA’s SIG 20.

Title 

Why Advocacy is Essential in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Professions

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 10:10-11:10 am

Speaker(s)

Stephen Wright and Elly Wright

Special Topic

LSHA Lobbyist Update

Abstract

Action - How You Make A Difference - Members have the strongest voice when it comes to advocating for your profession.  Join us for a dynamic talk at the SLP convention, where we'll delve into the transformative power of advocacy. Our session emphasizes the crucial role each SLP member plays in shaping policies and elevating our profession. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, we'll empower attendees to advocate effectively for themselves and their colleagues. Let's unite our voices and drive positive change together!

Learner Objectives

1. Participant will be able to identify priority policy issues important to LSHA for 2024-2025 plan development and focus on all methods of participation to implement. 

Speaker Bio

Stephen and Elly Wright have a personal passion advocating for LSHA, as the parents of a non-verbal autistic daughter, they are excited to educate public policy officials about the value of communication and how essential your role is to the success of every community. Before founding the firm, Stephen held the role of Director of State Affairs and Federal Health Policy for Tulane University. His previous experience includes the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Legislature, and private lobbying firms. His education includes a B.A. in Political Science from LSU and a law degree from Loyola University. He is a registered attorney with the Louisiana State Bar. 

Financial Disclosures

Stephen and Elly Wright are registered Lobbyists and owners of Seersucker Strategies. They are paid to represent LSHA. 

Non-Financial Disclosures

N/A

Title 

Working Memory and Its Implications When Working with English Learners 

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 11:20-12:20pm

Speaker(s)

Rachel Beckwith, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL

Special Topic

DEI

Abstract

Speech-Language Pathologists are increasingly required to assess students from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Approximately 21% of students ages 5 to 17 speak a language other than English at home (quoted in Gorman 2015). SLPs must be equipped to competently assess and treat students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Research continues to demonstrate the importance of working memory in regards to language functioning, yet there is not a substantial amount of literature examining both working memory deficits and language deficits in English Learners (ELs). This presentation will attempt to provide current research, assessment information, and intervention information to ensure clinicians are using evidenced base practice.

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to discuss the effect of working memory on language.
2. Participants will be able to discuss how working memory may affect English Learners.
3. Participants will be able to discuss ways to address working memory in English Learners.

Speaker Bio

Rachel Beckwith, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is a school-based clinician who works in a rural, yet diverse area. She works primarily with upper elementary students. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and her master's degree from University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Rachel has been an SLP since 2004 and has experience in a multitude of settings. She is currently in the process of obtaining her ESL teaching certificate.

Financial Disclosures

• The speaker is employed by Berryville Schools.
• Received discounted registration for the convention.

Non-Financial Disclosures

• There are no relevant non-financial disclosures to report.

Title 

Tracheotomy Considerations for the Obese Patient

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 11:20-12:20pm

Speaker(s)

Dr. Karuna Dewan, Dr. Nizar Tejani, and Meredith McLain, MCD, CCC-SLP

Abstract

Louisiana has a higher than average obese population. Obese patient experience various airway disorders at a higher rate than non-obese patients. There are special considerations when planning intervention and treatment options in this population. Drs. Dewan and Tejani will discuss anatomical and physiological changes, surgical approaches, tracheostomy tube selection. And Meredith will discuss speaking valve options and considerations.

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to state 2 changes in the airway that occur in obese patients.
2. Participants will be able to describe general difference in tracheotomy approaches for the non-obese patient vs obese patient.
3. Participants will list two major categories of speaking valves. 

Speaker 1 Bio

Dr. Dewan is Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at LSU. She is the director of the Ark-La-Tex Voice, Airway and Swallowing center. Her practice specializes in surgeries for disorders of swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Dr. Dewan has a special interest in chronic cough, surgical management of swallowing disorders, and rehabilitation after head and neck cancer treatment.

Speaker 1 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker received discounted registration to the convention.

Speaker 1 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker has no relevant financial disclosures to report.

Speaker 2 Bio

Dr. Tejani is a 5th year resident with the LSUHSC-Shreveport School of Medicine. He has a special interest in laryngology and plans to pursue a laryngology fellowship upon graduation.

Speaker 2 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker received discounted registration to the convention.

Speaker 2 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker has no relevant non-financial disclosures to report.

Speaker 3 Bio

Meredith McLain is a SLP with 13years of experience in various settings. The last 8 years in acute care with 2years at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. She has a special interest in dysphasia and voice/airway disorders affecting communication in all populations. 

Speaker 3 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker receives salary from Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. 
• Received free registration to the convention for participation on the LSHA Board.

Speaker 3 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker serves on the board as the LSHA Continuing Education Administrator.

Title 

Establishing Their Voices as Writers: Diverse Topics from Unique Thinkers 

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 1:45-2:45pm

Speaker(s)

Dr. Christine Weill

Special Topic

DEI

Abstract

In this presentation we will discuss the use of shared writing techniques to extend the diverse social communication styles of individuals with autism. Writing, as a form of social communication, can be used in group interventions for developing social relationships (i.e., friendships) and for developing higher-level, symbolic records of interactions (e.g., memory books, social media posts). Specific attention will be given to the generation of writing topics that reflect the voice and style of autistic writers as users of writing for authentic social interaction. Results from research demonstrating changes in language behaviors, which reflect shifts in social language skills (e.g., incorporation of audience needs), will be provided as well as video demonstrations of specific techniques used in group/individual sessions. 

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to list three necessary components of shared writing intervention
2. Participants will be able to identify five client behaviors indicative of successful topic generation for social writing purposes
3. Participants will be able to identify three writing behaviors indicative of progress relative to symbolic use of writing for social purposes

Speaker Bio

Christine P. Weill, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has worked as a speech-language pathologist for over 26 years specializing in language and literacy development and autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Weill has published and presented nationally and internationally on the topics of autism spectrum disorders, language, literacy, and social interaction throughout the lifespan. Her specific research interests include authentic social interaction and communication, qualitative research methods, and aspects of neurodiversity. 

Financial Disclosures

• The speaker receives financial support from UL Lafayette as a full-time faculty member. 
• Received discounted registration to the convention.

Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker has no relevant non-financial disclosures to report.

Title 

Vocal Hygiene: Dispelling Myths and Tailoring Tips for Vocal Health

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 1:45-2:45pm 

Abstract

Do you ever wonder if you really need those eight glasses of water? Should you reach for that hot tea with lemon if you ‘lose’ your voice? And how does social media play into all of this? Join the conversation about sorting fact from fiction with vocal hygiene. We will explore the role of vocal hygiene in both prevention and rehabilitation of our voice. We will also discuss how to identify specific techniques beyond a list of do’s and don’ts to cultivate a patient driven approach to vocal education. The goal of this talk is to provide you with meaningful tools for how we can optimize patient vocal health while managing day-to-day vocal demands.

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify the most impactful factors for vocal hygiene.
2. Participants will be able to contrast tenets of vocal hygiene with common myths.
3. Participants will be able to develop a patient-centered approach towards vocal hygiene education to increase patient self-efficacy

Speaker Bio

Dr. Lindsey A. Parker is an assistant professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Southeastern Louisiana University. Her research interests include examining the reliability and validity of diagnostic measures in voice and swallowing disorders, and factors influencing perceptual clinical judgments in assessments. She is currently exploring the intersections of vocal hygiene, social media, and how people seek out information on vocal health online. 

Financial Disclosures

• The speaker receives salary from Southeastern Louisiana University. 
• Received discounted registration to the convention.

Non-Financial Disclosures

• There are no relevant non-financial disclosures to report.

Title 

Elevating Student Clinician Strengths through Relationship-Oriented Supervision 

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 1:45-2:45pm

Speaker(s)

Maria Mengis, M.S., McKenzie Weddle-Coats, M.S., and Patricia Hunt, M.S. CF-SLP

Special Topic

Supervision

Abstract

In this presentation, we define relationship-oriented supervision and describe how it helped student clinicians begin to develop a strengths and mindfulness stance towards service delivery. Relationship-oriented supervision considers learning as a relational process of coordinating actions and thoughts to effectively meet contextual demands. This requires a stance that looks beyond the self, to see the supervisor/student-clinician as a singular relationship. In this study, five graduate student clinicians contributed personal journals about their clinical experiences, each of which was transcribed and independently coded to examine the development of strengths orientation. During this analysis, a significant theme of relationship-oriented supervision developed. This finding echoes patterns from a larger body of interprofessional research and supports application to the area of clinical supervision.

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe how contexts can be leveraged to highlight strengths and relationships 
2. Participants will be able to define relationship-oriented supervision 
3. Participants will be able to discuss two aspects of strengths-perspective development in student clinicians

Speaker 1 Bio

Maria Mengis, M.S. is a doctoral student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her research interests include social justice, adult neurogenics, qualitative research methodology, strengths-based perspective, and pedagogy.

Speaker 1 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker received discounted registration to the convention.

Speaker 1 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker is a PhD student at UL Lafayette. 

Speaker 2 Bio

McKenzie Weddle, M.S. is a doctoral student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her primary research interests include qualitative research methodology, systems of care, pedagogy, strengths-based perspective, and friendship in adolescents with communicative disorders.

Speaker 2 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker received discounted registration to the convention.

Speaker 2 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker is a PhD student at UL Lafayette. 

Speaker 3 Bio

Patricia Arias Hunt, M.S., CF-SLP is a doctoral student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her primary research interests include qualitative research methodology, community-based literacy education, pedagogy, and strengths-based perspective.

Speaker 3 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker received discounted registration to the convention.

Speaker 3 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker is a PhD student at UL Lafayette. 

Title

PDA Primer: Supporting Autistic Individuals with a Pathological Demand Avoidance Profile

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 3:00-4:00pm

Speaker(s)

Dr. Jennifer Corie

Abstract

Many providers serve autistic individuals, but few are familiar with the autistic profile termed PDA (for pathological demand avoidance or pervasive drive for autonomy). This profile is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood, leaving PDAers and their families without appropriate direction and essential support. This presentation will introduce the PDA profile from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. The first half of the presentation will give an overview of this high-anxiety profile, including traits, identification, assessment, and co-occurring conditions. The second half of the presentation will focus on how to support PDAers in their natural environments. Attendees should have some familiarity with autism to serve as a foundation for learning about this complex, controversial profile.

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to list key features of pathological demand avoidance (PDA)
2. Participants will be able to compare and contrast how autistic individuals with and without PDA present
3. Participants will be able to summarize best practices for supporting PDA individuals and their families

Speaker Bio 

Jennifer Corie, PhD, CCC-SLP received her doctoral degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She has 15 years of experience in speech-language pathology in various capacities and settings. Jennifer currently owns Iceberg Therapy Services where she provides autism screening and assessment, consultations, and parent coaching. Jennifer is passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals of all ages from a neurodiversity-affirming approach. 

Financial Disclosures

• The speaker owns and earns income from her small private practice, Iceberg Therapy Services. The practice offers services related to autism. 
• Received discounted registration to the convention.

Non-Financial Disclosures

• The author works with autistic clients and has autistic family members.

Title

Multidisciplinary Care of the Adult Patient in the Acute Setting, When to Consult ENT

Date and Time

Saturday, June 8^th, 2024 from 3:00-4:00pm

Speaker(s)

Dr. Karuna Dewan, Chelsea Robillard, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Meredith McLain, MCD, CCC-SLP

Abstract

This presentation will focus on the acute care patient that does not present with an easily identifiable need for an ENT consult. We will discuss the importance of the interdisciplinary team approach to these patients, provide case studies for discussion and most importantly answer the question “When to consult ENT in the acute care setting?”

Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify the benefits of the multidisciplinary approach to the acute care patient
2. Participants will be able to recall case studies in which an ENT consult was beneficial for a “non-traditional” ENT patient
3. Participants will be able to discriminate which acute care patients will benefit from ENT consults

Speaker 1 Bio

Dr. Dewan is Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at LSU. She is the director of the Ark-La-Tex Voice, Airway and Swallowing center. Her practice specializes in surgeries for disorders of swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Dr. Dewan has a special interest in chronic cough, surgical management of swallowing disorders, and rehabilitation after head and neck cancer treatment.

Speaker 1 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker received discounted registration to the convention.

Speaker 1 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker has no relevant financial disclosures to report.

Speaker 2 Bio

Chelsea Robillard is a SLP in the adult acute care setting at Ochsner LSU Health-Shreveport. Chelsea attended MCH Institute of Health Professions for her MS in Speech-Lanaguage Pathology and SUNY Fredonia for her BS in Communication Disorders and Sciences. Chelsea’s population of interest include trauma, TBI, dysphasia, trach and vents, and medically complex patients. 

Speaker 2 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker is a full-time employee at Ochsner LSU Health. 
• Received discounted registration to the convention.

Speaker 2 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker has no relevant non-financial disclosures.

Speaker 3 Bio

Meredith McLain is a SLP with 13years of experience in various settings. The last 8 years in acute care with 2years at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. She has a special interest in dysphasia and voice/airway disorders affecting communication in all populations. 

Speaker 3 Financial Disclosures

• The speaker receives salary from Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. 
• Received free registration to the convention for participation on the LSHA Board.

Speaker 3 Non-Financial Disclosures

• The speaker serves on the board as the LSHA Continuing Education Administrator.