Mary is the former Senior Clinical Specialist in the VitalStim Division for Chattanooga Group supporting and educating physician groups, administrators and SLPs on Dysphagia management and the implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Dysphagia therapy. This role also included active work with research, education, and new product development. Mary is one of a select few Certified VitalStim Instructors. She has taught over 300 courses in dysphagia and MBS interpretation. She previously worked at Baptist Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation in the Inpatient, Outpatient and Pediatric departments. Mary was instrumental in developing the Dysphagia program in the outpatient department and the speech department of the Pediatric Rehab. She serves as a knowledgeable resource in Dysphagia to therapists around the country.
Financial Disclosure: Mary receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of her live courses and royalties for the purchase of her recorded courses.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Mary uses VitalStim Therapy in her clinical practice.
The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
This course is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area)
CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)
"Slightly advanced for introductory level but thorough"
- West Chester, PA / Jan 2020
"Very informative!"
- Houston, TX / Nov 2019
"Good rationale for esophageal sweep for Radiologists"
- HUNTSVILLE, AL / Nov 2019
"Great presentation. I have gained a better understanding of the esophageal phase of dysphagia and my role as an SLP. "
- Jackson , NJ / Jul 2019
"Every SLP should know this information and unfortunately most DO NOT. The importance of knowing our role and referring to GI is such an important component of what we do. There are many patients out there being treated by SLP's who just don't know any better. It appears to be dysphagia because they don't have all the knowledge they need to understand that the underlying esophageal issues must be treated first. This course is very valuable!"
- College Station, TX / Jun 2019
"Great intro/summary of the esophageal phase of the swallow"
- Littleton, CO / May 2019
"Great info with appropriate balance of information. Love the practical clinical application. "
- Sheridan, MT / Dec 2018
"I had a specific patient in mind when I registered for this course and am please to say that I will better be able to help her tomorrow. Thank you very much."
- Dallas, TX / Aug 2018
"Helpful information. "
- Salt Lake City, UT / Jan 2018
"This was a really good refresher course for dysphagia. Our community has a significant esophageal dysphagia issue due to the coulter of the city. Our ENT and GI team rely on us frequently to help with "treating" these patients. This course has helped motivate me to try and build a better working relationship with the GIs (its already good with most of our ENTs) to see if we can do a better job of evaluating and providing recommendations and to work more towards treating the underlying problems. The "over coming the problem" will be a challenge with most of the patients wanting that magic pill over addressing the underlying diet issues."
- Ellis, KS / Nov 2017
"I feel much more informed with regards to esophageal disorders and their effect on swallow function."
- Miami, FL / May 2017
"I learned a lot!"
- Muncie, IN / Dec 2013
"Thank you"
- Boca Raton, FL / Dec 2013
"Great course! Great information!"
- Tampa, FL / Nov 2013
"Great course, Thank you"
- Murfreesboro, TN / Nov 2013