Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, a speech-language pathologist with Midlands Therapy Services in Columbia, SC, and adjunct professor with the University of South Carolina, is the acclaimed host of “First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional” a weekly Speech Therapy Podcast that addresses “all thangs” Pediatric Speech Therapy which is presented by Speechtherapypd.com. Recently, Michelle authored “Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders.” She is an accomplished lecturer; traveling across the nation delivering courses on best practices for evaluation and treatment of the medically complex infant, toddler, and child with respect to their pediatric oropharyngeal dysphagia, pediatric feeding disorder, as well as language acquisition within the framework of Early Intervention. She volunteers with Feeding Matters and Dysphagia Outreach Project, has served as the Treasurer for the Council of State Association Presidents, is a Past President of the South Carolina Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, and a 2017 graduate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Leadership Development Program, and a 2020 recipient of the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Champion from Feeding Matters, a 2021 recipient of the Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Outstanding Clinical Achievement from the South Carolina Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, a 2021 recipient of the State Clinical Achievement Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Foundation, and eight-time recipient of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s ACE Award for continuing education.
