First Bite #158 – August 10, 2021

Childhood ACE’s and The SLP

(.1 ASHA and AOTA CEUs) For more info, click here.

Course Description

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Megan Branham, LMSW, VP of Strategy for North, who has led initiatives at the state and federal level that have improved the lives of children and families, secured justice for vulnerable populations, and opened doors to community, state and federal programs for previously underserved populations. Today, Megan discusses how an “ACE”, (adverse childhood experience), can have long-term negative impacts on a child’s ability to engage in the language and culture of learning, as well as successfully engaging in their social world. Megan educates and inspires listeners as to signs and symptoms of “ACEs” and then shares how a Speech-Language Pathologist can assist the little one and their caregivers in identifying and utilizing community support to navigate the complex terrain towards healing. There will be tears and laughter in this hour dedicated to acing pediatric aces!

Objective

By the end of this PodCourse, participants will be able to identify and describe:

  • Fundamentals of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES).
  • Signs and symptoms of trauma and how it could manifest in our patients and/or their caregivers.
  • 3 community resources or support strategies to assist our patients and/or their caregivers navigating ACEs.

Co-Presenter

Megan Branham, LMSW, VP of Strategy for North

With more than 15 years of experience implementing programs in a nonprofit setting and advocating for policy change at the state and federal level, Megan Branham, LMSW, VP of Strategy for North, has a passion for advancing initiatives built around data-driven outcomes, research informed policy and effective strategy to create justice and well-being for all. She has led initiatives at the state and federal level that have improved the lives of children and families, secured justice for vulnerable populations and opened doors to community, state and federal programs for previously underserved populations. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Megan holds a Masters in Social Work and is a graduate of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Leadership for State Based Advocates. Leading North’s Columbia, SC office, Megan works closely with North clients to manage strategic communications efforts, develop comprehensive digital marketing and social media branding, advance advocacy priorities and build collaborative partnerships with like-minded allies.