Unmasking Social

43: Breaking Down Apraxia: The Power of Research, Treatment, and Voice with Nicole Kolenda

Nicole Kolenda (Lead SLP DTTC Treatment Research and Adjunct Professor) joins us for a powerful conversation exploring the world of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), from groundbreaking research and evidence-based treatment approaches to the deeper impact communication has on every aspect of our life. Throughout the episode, Nicole shares how her passion for apraxia evolved over more than 24 years in the field and offers an inside look at the innovative work happening at the NYU Motor Speech Lab. We discuss the importance of structured research protocols, motor-based assessment, and evidence-based intervention, including the Dynamic Tactile Temporal Cueing (DTTC) approach developed by Dr. Edith Strand. Nicole also breaks down how clinicians can differentiate apraxia from other speech disorders using tools like DEMS and ProCAD, while explaining the critical connection between speech motor planning and principles of motor learning.   The episode closes with an inspiring discussion about Nicole’s podcast, Voice for Possibilities, and the power of storytelling and advocacy, while empowering women through communication. To follow Nicole Kolenda and her work: Nicole Kolenda - Voice for Possibility | Nicole Kolenda [https://nicolekolenda.com/] People | NYU Motor Speech Lab [https://wp.nyu.edu/grigoslab/?page_id=15] Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 [https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1] YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@socialunmasking/podcasts]

42: From Uganda to Unmasking Social with Enachu "Frederick" Edmos

Dive into the powerful story of  Enachu "Frederick" Edmos, a true changemaker from Lira City, Uganda. From childhood struggles, orphanhood, and witnessing the suffering of children with autism and disabilities  in the refugee campe in Northern Uganda, he’s on a mission to revolutionize education and societal perceptions. This episode sparks a call for action, ecause every child deserves a space to learn, grow, and excel to their full potential. In this episode we take a mote broader look at: * The birth of Uganda’s first inclusive school for children with autism and vulnerabilities * Challenges in mindset change and overcoming cultural myths about disabilities * How poverty and food scarcity impact care and access to health services for children with disabilities To follow Frederick's ongoing project: https://www.purefuganda.org/ Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 [https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1] YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@socialunmasking/podcasts]

41: Literacy, Executive Functioning, and Neurodivergence - An Honest Conversation with Jenn Volpe, SLP

Tune in for an emotional, eye-opening journey with two passionate  (and funny) professionals breaking down the complexities of literacy, executive functioning, and what it truly means to support neurodivergent learners. This episode is raw, real, and packed with insights you need to hear. If you're tired of surface-level advice, this conversation with Jennifer Volpe, a speech and language pathologist who owns Speak, Learn and Play (formerly Manner of Speaking) in Park, Slope Brooklyn  is what you have been waiting for, In this episode: * Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from NYC public schools to private practice, revealing how her experiences shaped her understanding of literacy and executive functioning. * Investigating how social, emotional, and neurobiological factors intersect with literacy struggles. * Why phonics and systematic instruction are mandatory, and the challenges they pose when they are missing. * The role of executive functions like working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility in reading and comprehension. * The dangers of broad diagnoses and overpathologizing, and the impact of system shrtcomings. * Practical strategies to support reading for kids and teens, including text structure, visualizations, and question-first approaches. * The power of peer support, emotional regulation, and real-life skills for lifelong success. * A call to action for trauma-informed, and neuro-ffirming education. To connect with Jenn: https://www.speaklearnandplay.com Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 [https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1] YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@socialunmasking/podcasts]

40: Gifted Isn’t Easy: Mark Talaga on Talent, Pressure & Potential

In this episode of Unmasking Social, I speak with Mark Talaga about his journey from professional gaming to counseling gifted and neurodivergent youth. We explore asynchronous development, emotional intensity, and why giftedness is about far more than intelligence alone; often the struggles are invisible. Mark shares why authentic connection matters more than behavior correction, the risks of labels, and how family dynamics is integral to building confidence and identity. We also discuss helping gifted teens move beyond fear of success or failure to build lives grounded in purpose and self-acceptance. You can follow Mark Talaga and learn more through Center for Identity Potential, where he serves as owner/director and provides counseling, coaching, and support for gifted, asynchronous, and complex individuals and families. https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/ Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 [https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1] YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@socialunmasking/podcasts]

39: Speech Time Fun: What Adolescents Need With Hallie Sherman

In this episode of Unmasking Social, I sit down with Hallie Sherman, founder of Speech Time Fun, to talk about what happens when speech and language therapy truly meets teens and tweens where they are. Hallie shares why so many middle and high school students disengage from therapy, and how honoring their interests, voice, and goals can completely change the experience. We explore how making therapy fun is directly related to building connection, establishing relevance, and supporting motivation. Hallie discusses practical ways SLPs can build buy-in, create age-respectful sessions, and let students help guide what meaningful progress looks like for them. Hallie also shares her inspiring journey from school-based clinician to full-time entrepreneur, creating resources and professional development for SLPs nationwide after recognizing a major gap in materials for adolescents. This conversation is packed with insight for therapists, educators, and anyone supporting older neurodivergent and neurotypical students. You can follow Hallie on SLP Elevate Membership [https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/slp-elevate-aug] and on Instagram at Hallie Sherman 💜 speech 💜 SLP (@speechtimefun) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun/]. You can by her book: The Secondary SLP Roadmap: Motivating Students to Crush their Speech and Language Goals: Sherman, Hallie: 9781394301713: Amazon.com: Books [https://www.amazon.com/Secondary-SLP-Roadmap-Motivating-Students/dp/1394301715]. Follow Unmasking Social at:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1 [https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1] YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@socialunmasking/podcasts]