During 2025, I traveled from the heartland to the West coast and met (and re-connected with!) some amazing people along the way. Last stop: Houston! Here are some of my new forever friends that I met in Houston…..🎈🎈🎈

From past colleagues who joined me in Plano, to the dedicated team at Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital in Houston who learned along with me for 7 days, to the dynamic team in Lexington, to the inpatient/outpatient team at Miller Children’s in Long Beach,  to the Walnut Creek CA Rehab leader and her rehab team who made me feel welcome for 7 days of teaching, to the amazing team at Nationwide Children’s, one of the top US children’s hospitals and one of the largest rehab teams in the country 🌷🌷🌷

From all coasts and around the world (Canada, Dubai, Spain, Japan, Australia, and the UK), over 600 therapists joined me to share our common passion for neonatal/pediatric feeding and swallowing. So many remarked about the gift of being in the same room, networking and enjoying higher-level conversations with each other and the group. From deep dives across multiple components of assessment and intervention, to practical solutions and case problem-solving, to considering the impact of the current research on our practice and, most reinforcing, navigating the practice challenges each of us faces daily. We each left feeling renewed knowing we are all in this together. And lifelong learners 🧠🧠🧠

I am looking forward to my final year of teaching in 2026. What a journey it has been. So many blessings along the way 💟💟💟

Sign up for my blog on my website to receive a notification when my 2026 Seminar schedule is posted. It will take me to the heartland and the Western US.

I hope to learn along with you in 2026~🌺🌺🌺

Catherine

Some of my favorite comments over the year: 

“Catherine is a wealth if knowledge, kind and respectful to participants. I loved the plethora of research articles I now have ready to share with staff. The videos, sample documentation notes, resources provided, the real-world application of learned material and, most of all,  her  guiding us through critical thinking, was all invaluable.” Brianna, SLP

“Very positive learning experience! A lot of areas discussed within a two-day span but in an organized and well-presented way. Catherine has a lot of knowledge AND knows how to teach it!”  Kelsey, OTR

“Loved the case studies and open discussion that was welcomed. It allowed for collaboration and critical thinking. Considered a variety of areas to make a well-rounded clinician in feeding/swallowing. Provided guidance with evaluating how whole systems impact feeding/swallowing function. Celine, SLP

“ Catherine is a phenomenal instructor with a clam demeanor, and a great speaking cadence that allows for questions and interaction. Such a wonderful combination of clinical experience, clear critical thinking and thoughtful feedback.” Heather, OTR

“As an  adult SLP transitioning to peds dysphagia, I have gained so much knowledge about the Pedi world. I am ready to apply my newly learned skills and become more hands on with the pediatric population.” Trayonna, SLP

“I have been waiting for an advanced course where we could all interact and learn from each other. I finally found it. I might even come again next year and participate with a different group. Such great problem-solving about so many different types of pediatric patients. Thank you! Veronica, SLP

 “Thanks for being such a spark to help me keep learning! I learned more in two hours than I did in four days at a different conference. Thanks too for your willingness to both objectively discuss and answer questions about things with which you both agree with and disagree.” Emma, SLP

 “I came away with so many strategies and a better understanding of what to look for when working with a child. Really helped me look at the whole picture”. Priscilla, OTR

 “Your course is a huge bang for my buck! Honestly invaluable. Your real-life experiences helped apply the research and knowledge you shared. And for referencing so many other excellent professionals working in the field. Really filled in the blanks for me”. Kerry, SLP

“Even for someone like me who doesn’t do VFSS, I learned so much about the biomechanics of the pediatric swallow that now can inform my treatment”. Leana, SLP