Tackling Traumatic Brain Injuries With Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel

Jennifer Branchini is a speech-language pathologist and the Founder of District Speech & Language Therapy. District Speech is a team of certified and licensed speech-language pathologists servicing all ages in diagnosing and treating communication disorders and physical impairments. Jennifer honed her expertise in craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate while interning with the Shands Hospital craniofacial team while studying at the University of Florida. She also participated in a speech therapy camp in Ukraine, where she evaluated and treated children with speech impairments.

Ama Teasdel is an educational consultant and curriculum designer. She's a former middle school inclusion specialist at Two Rivers Public Charter School, which is part of a network of high-performing schools in the Washington, D.C. area. As an educator and analytical leader, Ama has coached teams of teachers, designed and facilitated professional development sessions, and served as a mentor teacher. She is also a thought leader in special education who has presented at national conferences.

In this episode…

The effects of traumatic brain injuries, and even COVID, can require therapy — which can often be a complicated and comprehensive process.

According to Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel of District Speech & Language Therapy, the impact of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-related cognitive issues is often multifaceted, and the strategies for addressing them can pose challenges. Jennifer and Ama discuss the diverse range of effects resulting from TBIs, from physical impairments like swallowing difficulties to cognitive deficits such as memory loss and confusion. This sheds light on the importance of early intervention and comprehensive therapy approaches, emphasizing the need to address speech and other brain functions through occupational and physical therapy. Challenges within the education system, particularly regarding the provision of paid services for children with unmet needs in public schools, highlight the complexities faced by families and educators.

In this episode of EspecIallY "SpeciAl" SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel are interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 about the effects of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-induced cognitive issues. Jennifer and Ama emphasize the importance of awareness, education, and access to resources for individuals and families navigating these challenges. They also underscore the significance of ongoing research and support systems, noting the challenges faced by public schools in facilitating recovery.