Back-2-School Conference: Recharge and Renew

Marisha earned her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington. She has worked as a school-based SLP and shares therapy ideas and resources on her blog (SLP Now). Marisha also developed a membership for SLPs that includes digital tools and resources to streamline evidence-based therapy.

Lissa Power-deFur is professor emeritus at Longwood University, where she served as SLP program director, department chair, and interim dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services. She has previously worked at the Virginia Department of Education, Radford University, and various clinical settings. She has been an active volunteer for the professions, serving on committees and boards of her state association and ASHA, including service on the ASHA Board of Ethics and Board of Directors. She has taught ethics at the graduate level and publishes and presents on various topics, including ethics, professional issues, special education requirements, speech sound, and language disorders.

Adina Soclof, a certified Speech Pathologist and Parent Educator, teaches parents and professionals the art of effective communication at home and in school. She offers strategies that support character development, confidence, and resilience in children of all ages and abilities. Adina’s professional development workshops guide teachers and other professionals to create safe spaces where children learn and grow. Her live and online parenting classes give moms and dads the language and strategies to create a nurturing and structured home environment. Find her blog at www.ParentingSimply.com. Adina received her BA in History at Queens College and her MS in Communication Sciences at Hunter College.

Lauren Gutierrez, LCSW-S, is a board-approved supervisor living in San Antonio, Texas, and currently working in the public school system as a school based social worker. She graduated with her Bachelor's and Master's from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. In addition to being a school social worker, Lauren has created a YouTube channel dedicated to social work. Her channel, Social Work Scrapbook allows viewers a glimpse into the field that she loves. With compassion and empathy, she has guided countless social workers in all phases of their career as an influencer, mentor, and clinical supervisor. She is loved and supported by her loving husband of 14 years and two sons.

Dr. Naomi Rodgers is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa. She researches social and emotional aspects of stuttering across the lifespan, with a special focus on understanding the change process for adolescents who stutter. She is inspired by her personal experiences as a person who stutters as well as her professional experiences as an SLP and stuttering support group leader.

Stephanie Michele Sweigart is the leading expert on mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. She is certified as a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation and as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Stephanie Michele is a presenter for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s national convention, 2023. She is the founder of a woman-owned Non-Public Agency, Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc. since 2013. Stephanie Michele is the author and creator of the popular course, “ShiftMakers: 1.0” and “The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician.” She is also a speaker and YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on numerous podcasts including “Keys for SLPs” and “Speech Science Podcast” where she shares her passion and thought leadership on professional holistic practices. She believes in the mission and is a supporting member for The Center for NonViolent Communication. Stephanie’s unwavering dedication to empowering individuals to use clear and compassionate communication underscores her mission to make a profound impact in the world of special education.