Exploring High Standards and Models of Imperfection

Rupert Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Professor at Nazareth University in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to discuss his experiences personally and professionally with stuttering.  Dr. Johnson begins by sharing his story and how giving the valedictorian speech in high school was his catalyst for change. He explores what it's like to be someone who stutters in academia within a CSD program, the many benefits as well as the challenges he faces, and how he supports graduate students through their educational and clinical learning journeys to be better equipped to work with those who stutter in a comprehensive and person-centered manner upon graduation. Rupert further discusses the importance and benefits of cultivating community, honoring and making space for intersectionality and one's multiple identities, and more on an affinity group he helped form for CSD students who identify as people of color, 'Speech-language Therapy and Audiology Minority Program (STAMP).'

Rupert's contact information for anyone local to Nazareth University: rjohnso2@naz.edu

Rupert Johnson is an Associate Professor at Nazareth University in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). He earned his BA in Psychology at Vassar College and M.S. and Ph.D in CSD at Penn State University. Rupert specializes in Stuttering. He teaches the Fluency Disorders grad course at Nazareth and runs the on-campus Stuttering Clinic. In the community, he runs a summer camp for children who stutter (Camp RAYS - Rochester’s Adventure for Youth who Stutter) and serves as a co-chapter leader for Rochester’s chapter of the National Stuttering Association adult support group. He also is one of the co-founders of STAMP (the Speech-language Therapy & Audiology Minority Program), which is an affinity group for racial or ethnic minority students in CSD at Nazareth, and their allies. Rupert’s special interests include investigating the psychosocial aspects of stuttering; advocating for people who stutter; and supporting the recruitment, retention, and success for underrepresented students in CSD.

Join us on a reflective journey with Dr. David Luterman, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, professor emeritus at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. In this episode, hosted by Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, Dr. Luterman delves into his remarkable 60-year clinical teaching career. Starting with his own educational journey, he shares profound lessons and euphemisms that have significantly influenced his teaching philosophy.

Discover the evolution of Dr. Luterman's teaching framework as he discusses his immersive approach to empowering students in the field of speech-language pathology and audiology to develop counseling skills in a way that empowers them to take control of their own learning, mitigates against the development of self-consciousness, and prioritizes non-judgmental, active listening.

In the concluding moments, Dr. Luterman reflects on the legacy he aspires to leave in our field and the impact he hopes to be remembered for. This conversation will leave you reflecting on your own teaching styles, educational journeys, and (hopeful) legacy in a wonderful way.

Related Resources:

• Sharpening Counseling Skills Course through Stuttering Foundation
• Parent Counseling: Conversations with David Luterman Parts 1 & 2 through Stuttering Foundation
• Counseling Persons with Communication Disorders as part of the Virtual Learning by Stuttering Foundation Series
• Counseling Persons with Communication Disorders Textbook
• Working on the Family Level as part of the Virtual Learning by Stuttering Foundation Series

David Luterman, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, is a professor emeritus at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where he taught full-time for 40 years and he has continued to teach the counseling course for 20 more years beyond that (not something many people can say!). He is the author of many articles and several books, including his seminal book called Counseling Persons with Communication Disorders and Their Families, now in its 5th edition. He has done several podcasts and videos through the Stuttering Foundation called Counseling People who Stutter and Their Families and Conversations with Parents. In addition to authoring many books, he is a well-known teacher, researcher, consultant, and lecturer. Dr. Luterman is a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and recipient of the Frank Kleffner Clinical Achievement Award (2011).

Vivian Sisskin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, and Owner of the Sisskin Stuttering Center, joins host, Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for the fourth and final episode of this 4-part mini series  (part of an ongoing Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) Series which we will continue to add to) to kick off Season 6. In this episode, Vivian discusses the 'Active Ingredients' of change in ARTS®.  Listen to Parts 1, 2, & 3 (Season 6, Episodes 1, 2, & 3) released earlier this month where foundational concepts, theory, the journey of  ARTS®, and barriers to change were explored.

Further Resources:

• Yes, Avoidance Reduction Therapy (ARTS®) is for kids, too! Episode with Ben Goldstein, M.A., CCC-SLP
• Avoidance Reduction Therapy in a Group Setting Stuttering Foundation Course
• Open Stutter YouTube Channel
• ARTS® SLP Training Opportunities

Vivian Sisskin , M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F is a Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, an ASHA Fellow, and a Board Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders. She served as Coordinator for ASHA’s Special Interest Group 4 (Fluency Disorders), Chair of ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and received ASHA’s Media Champion Award. Sisskin served as Vice-Chair of the American Board on Fluency and Fluency Disorders and is a faculty member for the Stuttering Foundation’s Mid-Atlantic Workshop. She was named Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year by the National Stuttering Association. She owns the Sisskin Stuttering Center in the Washington DC area.

Vivian Sisskin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, and Owner of the Sisskin Stuttering Center, joins host, Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for the third episode of this 4-part mini series (part of an ongoing Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) Series) to kick off Season 6. In this episode, Vivian discusses impatience, habit, and other barriers to change within the ARTS® journey.  Listen to Parts 1 & 2 (Season 6, Episodes 1 & 2) released earlier this month where foundational concepts, theory, and the journey of  ARTS® were explored. Tune back in for Part 4 releasing next Tuesday.

Further Resources:

• Yes, Avoidance Reduction Therapy (ARTS®) is for kids, too! Episode with Ben Goldstein, M.A., CCC-SLP
• Avoidance Reduction Therapy in a Group Setting Stuttering Foundation Course
• Open Stutter YouTube Channel
• ARTS® SLP Training Opportunities

Vivian Sisskin , M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F is a Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, an ASHA Fellow, and a Board Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders. She served as Coordinator for ASHA’s Special Interest Group 4 (Fluency Disorders), Chair of ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and received ASHA’s Media Champion Award. Sisskin served as Vice-Chair of the American Board on Fluency and Fluency Disorders and is a faculty member for the Stuttering Foundation’s Mid-Atlantic Workshop. She was named Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year by the National Stuttering Association. She owns the Sisskin Stuttering Center in the Washington DC area.

Vivian Sisskin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, and Owner of the Sisskin Stuttering Center, joins host, Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for the second episode of an ongoing Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) Series. In this second episode, Vivian discusses the journey in ARTS®, the power of language (the words we use, the language of responsibility), the significance of intent, and a deeper look into 'control' and 'struggle.'  Listen to Part 1 (Season 6, Episode 1) released last week where foundational concepts, theory, and a historical perspective of ARTS® was discussed in, 'The Essence of ARTS®.' Tune back in for parts 3 and 4 releasing each Tuesday in the remaining weeks of January 2024. 

Further Resources:

• Yes, Avoidance Reduction Therapy (ARTS®) is for kids, too! Episode with Ben Goldstein, M.A., CCC-SLP
• Avoidance Reduction Therapy in a Group Setting Stuttering Foundation Course
• Open Stutter YouTube Channel
• ARTS® SLP Training Opportunities

Vivian Sisskin , M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F is a Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, an ASHA Fellow, and a Board Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders. She served as Coordinator for ASHA’s Special Interest Group 4 (Fluency Disorders), Chair of ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and received ASHA’s Media Champion Award. Sisskin served as Vice-Chair of the American Board on Fluency and Fluency Disorders and is a faculty member for the Stuttering Foundation’s Mid-Atlantic Workshop. She was named Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year by the National Stuttering Association. She owns the Sisskin Stuttering Center in the Washington DC area.

Vivian Sisskin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, and Owner of the Sisskin Stuttering Center, joins host, Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for the inaugural episode of an ongoing Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) Series. In this first episode, Vivian discusses what she calls 'The Essence of ARTS®' through exploring fundamental concepts, underlying theory, rationale, the historical context and more! Tune back in for parts 2, 3, and 4 releasing each Tuesday in the remaining weeks of January 2024. 

Further Resources:

• Yes, Avoidance Reduction Therapy (ARTS®) is for kids, too! Episode with Ben Goldstein, M.A., CCC-SLP
• Avoidance Reduction Therapy in a Group Setting Stuttering Foundation Course
• Open Stutter YouTube Channel
• ARTS® SLP Training Opportunities

Vivian Sisskin , M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-F is a Clinical Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland, an ASHA Fellow, and a Board Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders. She served as Coordinator for ASHA’s Special Interest Group 4 (Fluency Disorders), Chair of ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and received ASHA’s Media Champion Award. Sisskin served as Vice-Chair of the American Board on Fluency and Fluency Disorders and is a faculty member for the Stuttering Foundation’s Mid-Atlantic Workshop. She was named Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year by the National Stuttering Association. She owns the Sisskin Stuttering Center in the Washington DC area.

Heather Grossman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-F joins host Sara MacIntyre to discuss Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Stuttering. Heather shares how her interest and passion for REBT initially developed, then walks listeners through the underlying rationale, concepts, and principles of REBT. She proceeds to share specific insights into how to incorporate REBT within stuttering therapy, sharing clinical examples throughout. 

Resources mentioned:

• Virtual Learning by Stuttering Foundation Webinar and now CEU opportunity, 'Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy for Stuttering'
• ISAD Paper from 2016, 'Holistic Approach to Stuttering Using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy'
• 'Bouncing Back from Microaggressions' Paper

Heather Grossman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-F is the Director of the American Institute for Stuttering and has worked with individuals who stutter for over 30 years. She has taught stuttering at numerous universities and is an extremely active member of the stuttering self-help community. She is a regular presenter at both national and international stuttering conferences.

Marie Halpin, BSc (Hons), CertMRCSLT, HCPC, a Senior Speech and Language Therapist in Ireland, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to discuss effectively working with autistic individuals who also stutter (stammer). Marie walks us through terminology and emphasizes the importance of language and the words we use within therapy. She explores neurodiversity affirming zones of practice as foundational to our work, the importance of learning and taking the lead from the autistic community, and general considerations for best supporting autistic clients in a total communication, strength-based manner. Finally,  Marie discusses Palin PCI considerations when working with autistic children, as well as walking us through a research study (linked below).

Article discussed:
'Palin parent-child interaction therapy with children with autism spectrum disorder and stuttering' in the Journal of Communication Disorders, 2022.

Resources mentioned:

• Recent Virtual Learning  by Stuttering Foundation,  'Working with Young Autistic Children who Stutter' with Gemma Clarke
• Stammering Plus training at MPC
• Marie on Twitter @Mariechalpin
• The Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
• The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Em Hammond @Neurowild_, Elaine McGreevy, Emily Price (Lee)
• Divergent Perspectives

Marie Halpin has over 11 years of experience working as a SLT. She has a wealth of expertise working with children and young people in health, education and specialist services. Her areas of clinical expertise include Autism and Stammering, and with a particular interest in neurodivergent-affirming support. Her background includes a number of specialist SLT roles in the UK,  which lead to being trained in a range of related therapies, including LevelUp Energy Meters, Attention Autism, Intensive Interaction, TalkingMats, SCERTS, Hanen More Than Words and TalkAbility, Makaton, Lámh etc. This role included working within an integrated neurodevelopmental autism diagnostic team, delivering therapy within mainstream schools and autism classes/special schools, as well as delivering trainings to families, school staff and other professionals. She also worked as a specialist at the Michael Palin Centre for many years. This involved specialist consultations and clinical work with children, young people and their families. She is trained in a wide range of therapies for people who stammer, including Palin PCI, Family Communication Skills Therapy, The Lidcocmbe Programme, The Camperdown Program, CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy etc. Marie regularly presents training on the intersectionality of autism and stammering and has co-authored research on autism and stammering, as well as having contributed to other related publications. She developed and continues to deliver the training ‘Stammering Plus’ which runs at the MPC since May 2019, and she has presented on this at international levels, including at the Oxford Dysfluency Conference 2021. In recent years, Marie has been working in Ireland, leading on national training for teachers related to SLCN and provision of sustained in-school support to build capacity of education staff in supporting all students (implementing universal design for learning). She continues to work in Ireland in&nbsp

Dr. Laura Wilson, Associate Professor at The University of Tulsa, and her former graduate student and collaborator, Gabrielle Cozart, M.S., CCC-SLP, join host, Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to discuss their recent study published in Perspectives:  'Strategies for Teachers to Support Children Who Stutter: Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists.'

Laura and Gabby walk us through their motivation for documenting ways teachers can help support children who stutter in school from the perspectives of SLPs. They share their perspectives of various suggestions, go deeper into the nuance and individualized nature of supporting students who stutter, and share important clinical insights and suggestions for teachers in a comprehensive and thoughtful way.  Above all, they emphasize how teachers can support the communicative competence, confidence, and comfort for students who stutter in a way that meets students where they are. While at the same time also empowering  school-based SLPs and teachers to grow their knowledge and expertise in stuttering to best support their students.  A very timely back-to-school episode that would be beneficial for teachers, school-based SLPs, parents, and beyond!

Article discussed from Perspectives, February 2022:
Strategies for Teachers to Support Children Who Stutter: Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists

Resources mentioned:

• Stuttering Foundation's Teacher Page
• FRIENDS: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter
• Teacher page on FRIENDS

Contact Information Discussed:

• Email Ellen through 'Ask the Stuttering Foundation' AskStutteringFoundation@stutteringhelp.org
• Contact Sara with any comments or suggestions: smacintyre@stutteringhelp.org

Dr. Laura Wilson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at The University of Tulsa. She teaches a graduate course in stuttering, has established a local chapter of a support group for children who stutter, and is a co-founder of OAKS- the Oklahoma Affiliates for the Knowledge of Stuttering- which is  a special interest group for professionals in the state who work with people who stutter. She enjoys learning with and from people who stutter, and has been fortunate to work with fantastic colleagues and students in speech-language pathology who are interested in stuttering. 

Gabby Cozart, M.S., CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in Arkansas. She has worked in school-based and pediatric outpatient therapy settings. Her interests include stuttering, executive functioning, and literacy.