In this interview episode, Abigail Kemp shares her honest journey through her Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) and into the world of pediatric feeding therapy. Like many new clinicians, Abigail quickly realized that academic knowledge alone wasn’t enough—especially when faced with the complexity of real-life feeding cases.
She opens up about the challenges of navigating unclear expectations, limited mentorship, and the pressure to perform early in her career. Through these experiences, Abigail discovered the power of self-advocacy, continuous learning, and finding the right support system to grow as a clinician.
This episode offers a grounded and relatable perspective for therapists who feel overwhelmed or unsure—reminding you that confidence isn’t about knowing everything, but about learning how to think, adapt, and take action.
About the Guest: Abigail Kemp
Abigail Kemp, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who began her clinical career in 2024, gaining experience across pediatric clinics, preschool and daycare settings, elementary schools, as well as adult outpatient and acute care.
While she had strong academic exposure—particularly in dysphagia—her early clinical experience in pediatric feeding therapy presented unexpected challenges. During her CFY, Abigail was faced with feeding cases that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, often without the level of mentorship and guidance she needed.
Abigail continues to expand her expertise in feeding therapy and hopes to further specialize in the field. She encourages new clinicians to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and trust that growth takes time—but is always worth the journey.
Key Topics & Takeaways
The Reality of CFY Challenges:
Why many new clinicians feel unprepared—and how real growth happens after graduation.
The Power of Mentorship & Community:
How the right environment can accelerate your confidence and clinical development.
Building Confidence in Feeding Therapy:
Why confidence comes from action, not perfection.
Self-Advocacy in Clinical Practice:
How speaking up and seeking support can transform your career trajectory.
Individualized Feeding Therapy:
Why no two clients are the same—and treatment must reflect that.
Soundbites
“I realized how little I knew about feeding.”
“Treatment strategies must be individualized.”
“Support and mentorship are crucial in our field.”
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Abigail Kemp
01:43 – Early Career and the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)
03:39 – Navigating Expectations in a New Pediatric Clinic
05:39 – Challenges of Remote Mentorship and the First 4 Months
06:56 – Finding a New Setting & The Power of Self-Advocacy
08:21 – Facing the First Pediatric Feeding Client (approximate transition based on the flow of setting change)
10:58 – Discovering “Feed The Peds” and Pediatric Feeding Courses
17:16 – Balancing Practice in School and Clinic Settings
21:38 – Navigating Ethical Dilemmas and Professional Integrity
25:20 – Practical Application: Using Clinical Knowledge at Home
47:24 – Final Advice for New Clinicians & Closing Remarks
If you’re feeling unsure where to start in pediatric feeding, Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds is the perfect 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 what to do next.
Join the free 3-day Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds training
WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
- Why Two Therapists Get Different Feeding Outcomes (And How to Fix It)
- When Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Pediatric Feeding Therapy (and What to Do Next)
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