ASHA Learning Pass

Live broadcast (one-time viewing only): Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1:00–3:00 p.m. Eastern time

Last chance to sign up: September 18, 2025, Noon, Eastern time

Can't participate in the live broadcast? Check out the on-demand version, available through the ASHA Learning Pass subscription or as an a la carte purchase.

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Description:

SLPs in health care settings navigate the complex balance of providing quality care in the context of real-world constraints. This course will provide practical guidance on partnering with administrators to create change with confidence and clarity. In this conversational course, SLPs and their directors will share examples and insights from their unique perspectives for building and maintaining collaborative relationships and driving positive change.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Identify changeable factors that influence clinical autonomy within your organization 
• Describe operational and regulatory factors that inform administrative priorities and decision-making 
• Use a collaborative, structured approach to present clinical concerns or suggest changes in ways that support patient outcomes and organizational priorities

Contents

• Introduction (5 mins)
• Challenges clinicians face and a discussion of which are we able to advocate for real change (40 mins)
• Explanation from administration on why decisions are made certain ways (20 mins)
• Discussion of what would help from an administrative perspective to have presented from the clinician (20 mins)
• Review actionable steps SLPs can take to prepare and present their suggestions (30 mins)
• Closing remarks/Resource Review (5 mins)

Presenter Information

Bethany Alt, COTA/L, CSRS, is a Regional Manager with Flagship Rehabilitation, where she has proudly served for nearly 20 years. A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by background, she holds clinical specialties in lymphedema management, stroke rehabilitation, and dementia care. She began her career with Flagship as a treating clinician and steadily advanced through leadership roles including Director of Rehabilitation and Compliance Officer. In her current role, she oversees therapy services across 15 senior living communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, supporting teams in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Based in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, she is married with three children and is passionate about mentoring clinicians and fostering excellence in geriatric rehabilitation.

Disclosures:

• Financial compensation from ASHA for this course

Abigail Culbertson, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist, specializing in adult and geriatric care within skilled nursing and long-term care settings. Her experience focuses on providing evaluation and treatment for individuals with swallowing disorders, cognitive-communication impairments, and speech-language challenges related to stroke, dementia, and other neurologic conditions. With a strong focus on person-centered care, Abigail is committed to preserving dignity and quality of life for the aging populations. She enjoys and encourages working closely with interdisciplinary team members to develop functional and achievable treatment plans that align with patients’ goals and family needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, soaking up the sun at the beach, and trying new recipes.

Disclosures:

• Financial compensation from ASHA for this course

Cherie M. French, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and neurological rehabilitation specialist with over 35 years of experience in speech-language pathology and a 30-year commitment to the Lee Health System in Fort Myers, Florida. Cherie has built a career defined by compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering dedication to her patients. Her work spans multiple health care settings, where she has become a trusted expert in treating adults with neurological conditions. Cherie specializes in the evaluation and treatment of aphasia, dysphagia, motor speech disorders, voice impairments, and cognitive-linguistic challenges. Her approach is enriched by advanced certifications, including SPEAK OUT! for Parkinson’s voice therapy, MBSImp for swallowing assessment, and FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) training. While her primary focus is adult care, Cherie has also extended her expertise to pediatric patients, particularly those recovering from concussions in outpatient settings. Outside the clinic, Cherie is a proud wife to John and mother to Wyatt, a spirited 16-year-old. She finds joy in the rhythm of alternative 80s music, the thrill of college football Saturdays, and the balance of pilates and paddleboarding. Her life reflects the same energy and resilience she brings to her work—grounded, passionate, and always moving forward.

Disclosures:

• Salary from Lee Health
• Financial compensation from ASHA for this course

Amy Kirchner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and licensed SPEAK OUT! provider with 23 years of clinical and 25 years of leadership experience. She is known for her patient-centered care, high standards, and solution-focused collaboration. Amy helps families navigate care while preserving skilled need and medical necessity, offering practical solutions when resources are limited—all grounded in a strong commitment to clinical integrity. She partners with SLPs across facilities to promote consistency and best practices while advancing clinical skills. Her team introduced FEES in outpatient care and expanded services for patients with obstructive sleep apnea in collaboration with Lee Health physicians. She also coordinated group REST (Robust Esophageal Screening Test) training to drive diagnostic precision and system-wide improvements. Before joining Lee Health, Amy implemented the National Dysphagia Diet hospital-wide and led a yearlong, multidisciplinary fall risk initiative. She also served on the Master Clinician Advisory Board for over a decade at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, now part of Northwestern Medicine. Amy thrives on lifelong learning, often asking, “Why not?” She’s a proud wife, mom of four (ages 13–27), fur mama to Roxy, and will test for her second Dan black belt in taekwondo in October 2025.

Disclosures:

• Salary from Lee Health
• Financial compensation from ASHA for this course

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

To earn continuing education credit, you must complete and submit the learning assessment within 5 days of watching the live webinar, or September 20, 2030, whichever comes first.

Program History and CE Information

Live webinar: September 18, 2025
1:00–3:00 p.m. Eastern time

On-demand webinar: September 20, 2025–September 20, 2030