In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Cheryl Pelletier ,M.S., CCC-SLP to discuss the essential infrastructure of a successful career in feeding therapy: mentorship, community, and the courage to evolve.
Many clinicians feel like they are on an island when navigating complex pediatric swallowing and feeding cases. Hallie and Cheryl pull back the curtain on why “gatekeeping” in the profession hinders patient care and how transitioning from a solo mindset to a collaborative one transforms clinical outcomes. They explore how the right tools—combined with structured mentorship—can turn clinical anxiety into confident, life-changing intervention.
This episode dives deep into the reality that clinical excellence isn’t just about what you know; it’s about who you learn with. From navigating the “imposter” feelings of a new specialty to leveraging innovative tools for safer feeding, Hallie and Cheryl provide a roadmap for clinicians ready to elevate their professional standing and improve their patients’ quality of life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why mentorship is a constant necessity, not just a “beginner phase”
How to overcome the obstacles and “gatekeeping” that stall professional growth
The role of specialized certification in building clinical reasoning and authority
Why sharing knowledge across disciplines (SLPs and OTs) is the key to reducing waitlists
How innovative feeding tools can facilitate safer, more effective therapy sessions
Why building on a child’s strengths is more effective than focusing on deficits
How to measure success through improved quality of life for the whole family
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your clinical decisions and start leading with confidence, Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds is your next step.
Join me for this free 3-day training, where I’ll show you how to screen feeding cases clearly, confidently, and with intention — so you know exactly what to do next.
Join the free 3-day Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds training
RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVE
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Episode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™
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Ep 337: Unlocking Pediatric Feeding: Expert Strategies with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™
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Connect with Cheryl Pelletier HERE