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Fix SLP: Speech-Language Pathology Advocacy, Accountability & Change

Dr. Jeanette Benigas | Speech-Language Pathology Advocate

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Fix SLP is the podcast leading the fight for speech-language pathology advocacy and clinician autonomy. We expose gatekeeping, dismantle CCC requirements, and challenge outdated systems—from Medicaid policies to employer mandates. Each episode gives SLPs the tools to create real change. Subscribe now and follow @fix.slp on Instagram and TikTok to be part of the movement transforming our profession. Hosted by Jeanette Benigas, PhD, SLP
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Mentorship is supposed to shape confident, competent SLPs, but too often, it leaves them overwhelmed, underprepared, and unsupported. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Lynsie Erickson-Facca, MS/SLP, of The Speech Pack, to unpack the mentorship crisis in our field, from outdated supervisors to broken systems, and what ethical, empower…
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New SLPs are burning out—and it’s not their fault. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP talks with Nikki Rosner, MA/SLP and Hylan Noble, MS/SLP from The Mentorship Collective about the growing mentorship crisis in speech-language pathology. Together, they unpack why so many new grads feel overwhelmed, unsupported, and unprepared in their firs…
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Are staffing agencies and investor-backed companies pocketing the profits while you do the work? In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP sit down with Elise Mitchell, MS/SLP, founder of The Therapist Support Network, to expose how contracting puts the power—and the paycheck—back in your hands. Whether you're in schools…
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Ready to finally understand what you’re really getting paid—and what’s being kept from you in SLP job listings? In this jaw-dropping episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP sit down with Dr. Meredith Harold, SLP, founder of The Informed SLP and Informed Jobs, to expose the hidden red flags in speech-language pathology job posti…
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ASHA’s fingerprints are all over a sneaky new Texas bill—and the receipts are here. This episode exposes how ASHA is quietly pushing policies that keep SLPs trapped in their CCC web, fueling fear and gatekeeping in the profession. Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, break down Texas SB 905, revealing the hidden clause that inflate…
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Change doesn’t come by asking nicely—it comes by saying NO when it matters most. In this episode, we’re taking a hard look at boundaries, advocacy, and why protecting yourself is non-negotiable. Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, listen to real-world stories from clinicians who stood their ground against unsafe workplaces, unethi…
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SLPAs are everywhere, but are states ready for them? From total chaos to silent overreach, this episode examines the regulatory mess that’s leaving clinicians confused and patients at risk. Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, question the shocking inconsistencies in SLPA and SLP aide requirements across the U.S.—from untrained…
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What would you build if ASHA disappeared tomorrow? This week, we're rewriting the rules of our profession—from the dues to leadership to culture—with bold, unapologetic ideas for what a better SLP organization could look like. We're talking transparent budgets, free CEUs, mental health access, and an end to credential gatekeeping. Dr. Jeanette Beni…
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Your boss says taking sick leave is patient abandonment? Let’s talk about what’s actually legal — and what’s pure manipulation. This episode might just be the most important one you hear all year. In this fiery and deeply personal episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, expose the truth about patient abandonment—what it is, w…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, welcomes Candice Harrell, a North Carolina-based SLP and grassroots advocate, to chat about one of the most confusing—and potentially transformative—developments in the field: the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Together, they unravel what the Compact is, what it isn’t, and why it matte…
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How do outdated myths continue to hold SLPs back? From false claims about state licensing boards to misleading job postings and the ASHA NOMs fiasco, it’s time to set the record straight. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, take on the repeated misinformation that keeps circulating in the field—and why they refuse…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, discusses the challenges and myths of the hustle culture in the field of speech-language pathology. She reflects on her own burnout and the need for SLPs to reassess their priorities and workloads. Dr. Benigas criticizes ASHA’s role in perpetuating overwork and emphasizes that SLPs’ value is not solely determined by crede…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Dr. Tim Stockdale, SLPD, review ASHA’s Call for Peer Review of Proposed Changes to ASHA’s Speech-Language Pathology Certification Standards and explain what these revisions could mean for the field's future. They critically examine proposed changes such as removing undergraduate coursework, addi…
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In this episode, host Dr. Jeanette Benigas is joined by Australian speech pathologist Niall Taylor for a powerful discussion that draws striking parallels between the musical production Wicked and the current state of the speech-language pathology profession. Together, they unpack the themes of control, self-liberation, and the fight against restri…
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Are you working extra hours off the clock? Feeling the squeeze from unrealistic productivity quotas? You’re not alone—and it’s time to fight back. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, uncover the legal battle that shook the rehab industry. Loy v. Rehab Synergies was a landmark case where clinicians fought back agai…
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In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis talk with "Polly" (not her real name), a seasoned speech-language pathologist working in a skilled nursing facility who bravely shares her experiences with unethical workplace practices. Polly sheds light on the troubling realities many clinicians face daily, from excessive productivity demand…
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In this episode, special guest Ruchi Kapila, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, to share their powerful mental health journey, openly discussing life with ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. They emphasize the transformative importance of self-care, finding joy in one's work, and leaning on community support. Beyond personal reflections, thi…
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In this episode of the Fix SLP podcast, Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, are joined by Jessica, a parent and advocate, to discuss Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and its impact on autistic individuals. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of GLP, the challenges families face in accessing meaningful support, and…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and cohost Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, are joined by Mikayla Treynor, MA/SLP, to discuss the vital work being done by Fix SLP’s state teams, from addressing Medicaid CCC requirements to educating legislators on the impact of outdated policies. The team emphasizes the importance of persistence, collaboration, and education in driving…
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As 2024 comes to a close, join Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MA/SLP, as they celebrate Fix SLP’s remarkable achievements and share their vision for an empowering 2025. From significant Medicaid credentialing changes to progress in eliminating barriers like the CCC requirement, they reflect on the year’s milestones and discuss their …
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, examine the financial landscape of speech-language pathology, highlighting ASHA's $65 million in cash reserves and $71 million in investments. They critique ASHA's spending priorities, including minimal investment in lobbying, and question how these funds could better …
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In this episode, Colleen Ashford, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, to share her first-time experience at the ASHA convention. She takes us inside the ASHA leadership Q&A at this year’s convention, where only a small handful of attendees showed up out of 13,000. From overhearing conversations about extravagant dinners to realizing how discon…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, dig into ASHA’s revenue streams, breaking down key categories such as member dues, convention profits, and special interest groups while highlighting the ongoing lack of financial transparency. A powerful minivan meltdown story illustrates the importance of knowing you…
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In this episode of Fix SLP, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, discusses the hot topic of ASHA's finances, joined by Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP. The trio unpacks key insights from ASHA's 2023 Form 990, discussing eyebrow-raising numbers like the $1.3 million catering bill and the hefty salaries of executives. They also explore the…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, tackle common myths in speech-language pathology, focusing on the necessity of the CCC. They debunk the misconception that the CCC is required to bill Medicare, emphasizing that Medicare policy is federal and does not vary by state. They clarify that reinstating the CCC involves only a fee, a pa…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, share their reactions the morning after receiving the ASHA Board's decision not to amend Section 3.2 of their bylaws, despite significant support for the 2% bylaws petition, including 50,000 followers and nearly 2 million Instagram views in the last 90 days. The board cited the need to establish…
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In this special Thanksgiving episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, discuss the latest updates from the Fix SLP movement, including a marathon trip to Delaware to advocate for fair licensure practices. They also discuss the importance of showing up for state boards, the ongoing fight against restrictive CCC requirements, and…
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In this urgent and eye-opening episode of the Fix SLP Podcast, Dr. Jeanette Benigas welcomes guests Jamie (Instagram: @straightupslp) and Lacey, two passionate advocates, and providers in New York’s Early Intervention (EI) system. Together, they expose critical failures in the state’s newly launched EI Hub platform—a case management and billing sys…
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In this episode, co-hosts Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, continue the discussion on the impact of ASHA's membership and certification costs, examining alternative paths for SLPs and exploring ways clinicians can take ownership of their professional journey. They focus on key challenges within the field, such as certification,…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, announced that ASHA has responded to Fix SLP’s petition to amend its bylaws, noting a delay in the response despite the petition being received before the last board meeting. They shared Fix SLP's next steps and highlighted the challenges SLPs face with ASHA’s membership fees, emphasizing the need for…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Brooke Richardson, MS, SLP, break down the complexities of continuing education requirements in speech-language pathology, focusing on the costs, challenges, and the need for broader professional development choices with fewer restrictions for clinicians. Brooke, an ASHA CE provider, shares her insights into the rising fina…
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In this bonus episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas introduces Darla Torkelsen, the owner of Speech Therapy PD, to discuss an exciting new resource for SLPs. The duo talks about the new free CE Tracker, a tool designed to track professional development hours (PHDs) and continuing education units (CEUs), simplifying record-keeping for SLPs. Darla explains h…
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In this episode of the Fix SLP podcast, host Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP dives into an insightful conversation with Lindsey Hokel, MS/SLP from Rock the R Speech. They discuss the complexities of navigating professional development in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, focusing on the challenges of providing quality continuing education while avo…
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In this episode of the Fix SLP podcast, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, dive deep into the world of continuing education with special guest Dr. Meredith Harold, SLP, from The Informed SLP. They discuss the complexities behind ASHA-approved CEUs, the challenges small businesses face in the PDH/CEU landscape, and new resources f…
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Dr. Ianessa Humbert, a renowned swallowologist, shares her journey from academia to founding Swallowing Wellness, a Maryland-based clinic focused on swallowing disorders. Despite facing an ethics complaint from ASHA and needing to retake the Praxis, she successfully navigated the Maryland licensing process without reinstating her CCC. Dr. Humbert e…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, discuss the recent petition submitted to ASHA, which aims to push for financial transparency and fair pricing of the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC). They share behind-the-scenes challenges in gathering thousands of signatures and highlight the growing impact of Fix SLP across the U.S. They a…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, welcome Zane Rankin, MS/SLP, and Sierra Creason for an inspiring episode. Zane shares his groundbreaking journey as the FIRST SLP in Arkansas credentialed for billing without the CCC. Despite facing medical retirement and discovering his CCC was unceremoniously stripped by ASHA, Zane found a way back …
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP Fix SLP's content coordinator, about the information she uncovered while looking at ASHA's financial reports and the questions she started to have about ASHA's land, office building, and rentals. ASHA's lack of financial transparency has left clinicians speculating where the money goes and w…
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Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, hosts to learn more about Dr. Jeanette Benigas. Jeanette shares her experiences as an SLP and a parent, highlighting the challenges of balancing work and personal life. For the first time on air, she also shares about her current employment. She emphasizes the importance of support systems and prioritizing personal well-being…
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SLP advocates from Arkansas, North Carolina, Michigan, and Nebraska join host Dr. Jeanette Benigas. They all advocate for removing the CCC and ASHA verbiage from their states' billing requirements for full professional autonomy. They face challenges with Medicaid billing and regulatory issues and lead teams to address these through legislative chan…
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Hosts Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, welcome Tiffany Moniz. MA/SLP, cofounder of the FB group, USA Based OT, PT, & SLP Therapists United for Change to discuss the pressing ethical challenges that clinicians often face in corporate settings, such as the burdens of prior authorization, the importance of clinical autonomy, and the eth…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas welcomes Dr. AC Goldberg to discuss his nonprofit, CREDIT Institute, which aims to advance healthcare and higher education equity. They explore their differing views on maintaining the CCC and engaging with ASHA, highlighting ASHA's mixed impact on marginalized professionals. AC acknowledges ASHA's role in advocating for transg…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Lacy Helms, MA, CCC/SLP, President of the Colorado Speech Language and Hearing Association (CSHA), about CSHA's initiatives, including advocating at the state Capitol and providing resources for state clinicians to stay informed and engaged. They discuss the impact of CSHA's advocacy efforts on Medicaid policies and …
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and cohost Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, share updates on advocacy efforts in Michigan, Nebraska, Colorado, and more. They acknowledge the positive aspects of ASHA advocacy but also critique its transparency regarding revenue from the CCC vs. actual membership dues. This candid discussion underscores the urgency of reform within profe…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas spends time with Jordan LeVan, chatting about his story as a person with childhood apraxia of speech, his experiences with speech therapy, and his efforts to make sure every child is heard and accepted. He is a fierce advocate as the author of multiple children's books, an IEP advocate, founder, and president of the 501c3, The …
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The Singing SLP, Kevin Simmons, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas to share his journey from a graduate student to using his musical talents to make learning and therapy more engaging for his clients. He talks about his role as a sensory barber, transforming haircut experiences for children with sensory sensitivities. Kevin and Jeanette unravel the…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and guest host Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, talk with Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP from Tiny Voice Therapy who shares her journey integrating hippotherapy into her practice near Chicago. She's also raising awareness about SLP struggles, recently sharing her story and the story of many Fearless Fixers with her local NPR station (read the…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, discuss critical issues in the SLP community. They review systemic challenges, citing Elizabeth Nielsen MA/SLP's NPR story, and critique ASHA's influence on licensure. They advocate for grassroots policy influence and discuss how inflation affects SLP salaries and operations. Personal anecdotes about …
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Guest host Preston Lewis, MS/SLP joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas to discuss the power of state-level advocacy, the importance of engaging with rehab companies, and the evolving role of SLPs in addressing diverse patient needs. With insights into state membership association dynamics and a special update about impactful initiatives in Michigan, this epis…
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Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Shelby Midboe, MS, CCC/SLP, past president of the Montana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA), about Montana's specific challenges including the shortage of SLPs. They discuss the legislative advocacy the association takes on, and their efforts to increase connection throughout the Montana SLP and AuD communit…
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