In today’s episode, Beth is joined by Erica, an LSVT BIG certified occupational therapist, and Jessica, the mother of Wesley, to discuss Wesley’s experience with LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD as a young child with Down syndrome.

Together, they share perspectives on introducing LSVT programs to young children, adapting therapy to make it meaningful and engaging, and the importance of collaboration between clinicians, children, and families. They also discuss Wesley’s experience over two summers of treatment and the progress he made in his movement and communication.

This episode is ideal for OTs, PTs, SLPs, and parents curious about intensive, amplitude‑focused therapy in pediatrics and how to make “BIG” and “LOUD” gains that carry over into everyday life.

Show Notes

Special Guests: Jessica Czajka-Glisch and Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this episode we sit down with speech-language pathologist Amy Chrest to explore her unique perspective as both a clinician and a person living with young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD). Diagnosed nine years ago, Amy shares how her professional knowledge shaped, and sometimes complicated, her experience as a patient navigating changes in communication, swallowing, cognition, and identity. From sitting on the other side of the evaluation table to deciding when to share her diagnosis with patients, Amy offers candid reflections on the challenges and insights that come with living in both worlds.

Amy also discusses her advocacy work as a Research Advocate and Policy Advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation, as well as her collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. She explains why sharing personal stories is essential to building community, influencing research and policy, and breaking stigma. This thoughtful conversation offers valuable lessons for clinicians, people living with Parkinson's, and anyone interested in the human side of healthcare.

Special Guest: Amy Chrest, MA, CCC-SLP

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Social Media Handles:

Instagram: @AmyStrongAF

Facebook: @amy.hutchins.chrest

Research Opportunities:

Parkinson’s Foundation, PD GENEration: https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration

Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com.

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Join us for a conversation with Dr. Suzana Simoes, physical therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Services at Florida PACE Centers, as we explore the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and its role in helping older adults live safely and independently in their communities.

Dr. Simoes shares an overview of the PACE model, including who qualifies, the services it provides, and how interdisciplinary teams work together to support participants' health, function, and quality of life. She also discusses the role of rehabilitation within PACE, the opportunities and challenges of delivering therapy in this setting, and how evidence-based programs such as LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD are integrated within their care model to support mobility, communication, and overall function.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a person living with Parkinson's or another neurological condition, or a family member exploring care options for an older loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into a growing model of community-based care.

Show Notes:

Special Guest: Suzana Simoes, PT, DPT

PACE Websites Mentioned in This Episode:

National PACE Association

Florida PACE Centers

Broward Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios

https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians