In episode 139, Michelle Gage and Breana Donnelly celebrate Speech and Hearing Month with a special live episode focused on the impact of speech-language pathologists, the many paths within the profession, and the exciting opportunities available to both experienced clinicians and new grads. Michelle shares her personal career journey through public schools, early intervention, travel therapy, and teletherapy, while answering common questions about clinical fellowships, mentorship, summer work, and finding the right fit.
Later in the episode, Jill Pantle joins the conversation to introduce AMN Healthcare’s Alumni Ambassador program, which connects experienced clinicians with students and upcoming graduates. This episode is a helpful listen for SLPs who want career encouragement, practical advice, and a clearer view of what is possible in the field.
Chapters
00:00 – Celebrating Speech and Hearing Month and Kicking Off the Live Episode
03:38 – Michelle’s SLP Journey Through Schools, Early Intervention, Travel, and Teletherapy
06:07 – Why Teletherapy Works and What Michelle Learned During the Pandemic
09:07 – Career Possibilities for New Grads and the Diversity of Speech Pathology
12:34 – Favorite Podcast Episodes, Niche Topics, and Upcoming Guests
18:35 – Listener Q and A: Summer Work, CF Advice, and Choosing the Right Job
24:27 – How Recruiters and the AMN Passport App Can Support Your Job Search
29:17 – What New Grads Should Look for in a Clinical Fellowship
31:39 – Jill Shares the Mission Behind the Alumni Ambassador Program
36:09 – Common Misunderstandings About Travel Therapy for New Grads
46:32 – Featured SLP Job Opportunities Across the Country
57:16 – A Closing Message to Celebrate SLPs Everywhere
Key Concepts Discussed:
- Speech-Language-Hearing Month: A reminder of the meaningful role SLPs play in helping people communicate, connect, and build stronger relationships with the world around them.
- Career Flexibility in Speech Pathology: Michelle’s story highlights how an SLP career can grow across settings, including public schools, early intervention, travel contracts, and teletherapy.
- Finding the Right Job Fit: Whether you are considering a CF, a school role, or a contract position, choosing a setting that matches your goals, schedule, and support needs matters.
- Alumni Ambassador Program: AMN Healthcare’s program helps connect students and upcoming grads with experienced clinicians who can share insight, encouragement, and guidance.
- Recruiter Support and Job Search Tools: Recruiters and the AMN Passport app can help SLPs explore jobs, narrow options, and build a career path with more confidence.
Guest Bio:
Jill Pantle, Director of the University Program for Allied and Alumni Ambassadors at AMN Healthcare, joined the episode to discuss the Alumni Ambassador program and how it supports students and new graduates entering the field. A former recruiter, Jill brings years of experience helping clinicians explore career opportunities, build meaningful connections, and feel supported as they move into the next stage of their professional journey.
Breana Donnelly is an Associate Brand Manager on the Allied Brand team at AMN Healthcare, where she focuses on creating thoughtful, engaging marketing strategies that support allied healthcare professionals throughout their career journey. She works closely on the SLP Full Disclosure podcast, helping bring meaningful conversations and resources to speech-language pathologists through storytelling, social content, and clinician-focused initiatives.
Learn more about the show: SLP Full Disclosure Podcast
Level up your career today! Connect with a recruiter!
Support for every step. Learn more about AMN Healthcare's EAP Program.
Share the opportunity and refer a friend today!
Episode Sponsor:
We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.
Discover job opportunities and manage your assignments with ease using AMN Passport. Download the AMN Passport App today!
Website
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Powered by AMN Healthcare
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.