Guest: Elizabeth (Biz) Freund, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://app.speechtherapypd.com/courses/exploratory-process-art

In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, we explore how exploratory process art can support meaningful communication and flexible play for Gestalt language processors (GLPs).

Host Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, interviews Elizabeth Freund, CCC-SLP, about how she uses process art in therapy to create child-directed, choice-driven experiences that prioritize expression over outcomes. Unlike traditional crafts, process art is not about a finished product. Instead, it invites exploration, autonomy, and creativity, even when the process feels messy or nonlinear.

Elizabeth shares how clinicians can shift their mindset, learn to observe patterns and symbolism in a child’s creations, and use these moments to support expressive communication and deeper engagement. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective for SLPs looking to embrace flexibility, follow the child’s lead, and recognize communication opportunities in unexpected places.

About the Guest: Biz Freund, CCC-SLP, is a late-identified AuDhd speech pathologist working in home health in the Phoenix area. She has been working with GLPs and AAC users for the past 10 years in both clinic and home settings. Biz uses exploratory process art with her clients as a modality to facilitate creative, accessible, curiosity-led play and language development.

Guest: Janine Benner, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, ASCS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/data-collection-methods

In this episode, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Janine Benner, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, ASCS, to tackle a practical challenge: how do you collect meaningful data and write goals that truly reflect how gestalt language processors communicate? This conversation highlights strategies that preserve connection, minimize disruption, and support clear clinical decision making. You will hear why even brief documentation moments can interrupt the flow of a GLP session and learn alternatives that protect both rapport and accountability. The discussion includes rethinking existing goals, developing goal frameworks that move beyond accuracy-based metrics, using rubrics with intention, recognizing early gains through a prelinguistic lens, and designing simple data tools that parents and educators can use with confidence.

About the Guest: Janine Benner is a speech-language pathologist with 33 years of experience, including 26 years in pediatric settings. She is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language, credentialed by the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (ABCLL), with a focus on autism and early intervention and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). Before returning to working in public schools, Janine was an assistant professor at the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda University. She developed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses, including an SLPD course on neurodiversity; supervised graduate students in autism and early intervention clinics; mentored student research; and developed and implemented service-learning programs in China and Mexico. Janine utilizes strength-based, evidence-based, neurodiverse affirming approaches to evaluate and support young children with autism and complex language disorders. Beyond her clinical practice, Janine provides continuing education courses, professional development, parent education, and consultation and training for international programs. Janine is dedicated to mentoring, service, and teaching, and enjoys traveling.

Guest: Amy Zembriski, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/executive-functioning-glp

In this episode, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with Amy Zembriski, MS, CCC-SLP, for an engaging conversation about the role of executive function in supporting Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs). Amy explains how perception, attention, and nonverbal working memory influence a child’s ability to access and use language effectively. By learning how to identify signs of perceptual challenges, you’ll gain a better understanding of how these often-overlooked factors may contribute to what presents as receptive language delays or behavioral concerns. You’ll leave with practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to strengthen perception and attention—key areas that go far beyond “just modeling” and are especially important for GLPs who seem “stuck” in their language development.

About the Guest: Amy Zembriski, MBA, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist with a diverse clinical background spanning acute care, skilled nursing facilities, schools, early intervention, and private practice. She has also served as an adjunct professor, supervising graduate students during their diagnostic clinical practicum. Amy is the owner of *Speech Therapy Connections* in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where she specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and gestalt language processing. She provides expert support to families with autistic children, guided by a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices. Her passion lies in educating and empowering both professionals and families, fostering inclusive communication strategies that honor each child’s unique voice and developmental path.