Engage with instructors who are highly experienced with complex neonatal and pediatric patients…

Catherine Shaker MS/CCC-SLP, BCS-S is a Neonatal/Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with over 47 years’ experience with neonates, medically fragile infants, and children through school age with complex needs across the continuum of pediatric settings. An ASHA Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, Ms. Shaker has worked full-time in large Level III and IV NICUs for almost 40 years, most recently at Advent Health for Children in Orlando. She has published several manuscripts on NICU intervention and co-authored The Early Feeding Skills Assessment Tool with Dr. Suzanne Thoyre, PhD RN. Ms. Shaker received the Pioneer Award from NANT (The National Association of Neonatal Therapists) and is a recognized leader in both NICU practice and supporting EI clinicians following NICU graduates, as well as in pediatric dysphagia. She is certified in NDT (Neuro Developmental Treatment) and Pediatric FEES. Ms. Shaker is an invited lecturer internationally and nationally for therapists, nurses, physicians and families. Attendees at her conferences come from across the globe, including: Spain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Canada, Greece, Japan and from coast to coast in the US. She is known for her passion for lifelong learning, critical thinking and the evidence-base, and building attendees’ confidence and competence for real-life problem-solving.

Theresa Gager MS/CCC-SLP has 39 years’ experience as a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, with children from infancy through school age with complex swallowing, feeding, oral-motor and respiratory problems. She is NDT trained and has provided services or complex infants and children in the schools, outpatient, home health, EI and the NICU. Teaches and consults. Down to earth, a sought-after problem-solver across the age span.