In this episode, Dr. Michael McCormick chats with speech and language pathologist Jenan Maaz (IG: @jenan.slp):

• Bilingual, multiethnic practicing Speech-Language Pathologist with a specialty in swallowing/feeding across the lifespan and DEI
• Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
• Experience in all medical SLP settings primarily in acute care and NICU
• Certified MBSImP clinician, and a FEES provider for patients across the lifespan.
• Assistant Professor at CSU, Stanislaus

Jenan explains why culturally responsive care is essential in pediatric feeding evaluations, but also in other aspects of our care for these children. They discuss how language access, food insecurity, family feeding traditions, and provider bias can all shape evaluations and outcomes—often in ways clinicians may not immediately recognize.
From rethinking the label “noncompliant” to adapting diet recommendations around culturally familiar foods, this conversation offers practical, team-based strategies that clinicians can hopefully implement right away.
If you care for children with feeding or swallowing disorders, this episode will challenge assumptions and provide concrete steps to strengthen both safety and trust with families.

If you have a topic for a future SENTAC podcast or are interested in recording one yourself, please reach out to Mike McCormick.