Craig Mateer Podcasts

Welcome to another exciting episode of History Happens! In this episode, Miss Lesley and Mr Craig again dive into the captivating world of National History Day (NHD). Get ready to embark on a journey that uncovers what NHD projects are NOT. Join us as we discuss the critical distinctions between NHD projects and book reports, offering insights into…

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Say Yes to NMES"! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of pediatric dysphagia and the incredible impact of NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) therapy on children's feeding challenges. Joining me today is Jane Moore, a veteran pediatric occupational therapist at Beach Kids Therapy Center, …

In this episode, we dive into the art of choosing the perfect topic for your National History Day contest project. Explore the power of picking a subject that truly resonates with you – something that mirrors your interests, passions, and values. Discover the magic of finding unique angles in well-known events, bringing fresh perspectives to the fo…

National History Day Theme - Turning Points in History 🎙️ Welcome to "History Happens," the podcast that guides you through the fascinating world of the National History Day contest. Join your hosts, Craig and Lesley Mateer, as they embark on a journey to explore and conquer the 2023-2024 National History Day season. Get ready to dive into the them…

On this episode, I am joined by Nikki Howell. Nikki is an SLP currently at a small rural hospital but has worked in just about every patient setting. She talks about several of her patients - one with a more traditional dysphagia challenge and a unique one caused by oral aparaxia. In both, she talks about the benefit of VitalStim treatment in getti…

Congratulations - You are heading to Nationals! Now what?? Listen as we talk about how to get the most out of your trip to the National History Day National contest. Located on the University of Maryland's campus, this week-long event is a treasure not to be missed. We have had the pleasure of attending 6 times with our children, we want to help yo…

You had a great project! You spent a ton of time on it throughout the year. You loved your topic. But, now it's over! Maybe because you made it all the way to Nationals, but the competition is over. Or maybe, you didn't advance at an earlier level. Whichever the case, it hurts. We've been there too. The grief is real! Please join us on this episode…

On this episode, I am joined by Jessica Barron. Jessica is an SLP at a Level IV (4) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Jessica has used NMES extensively on the kiddos in her unit since getting trained several years ago. She estimates that 80% of the patients could benefit from NMES use for their swallowing and eating challenges. Jessica talks abo…

Let's talk about NHD, National History Day. Hear about the upcoming Florida History Day competition. Learn about "History Happens" and how we want to help you compete in the NHD competition - and it doesn't matter if you know a little or a lot about National History Day. https://historyhappens.org askhistoryhappens@gmail.com…

On this episode I’m joined by Janice Osborne Dowdy, MS/CCC-SLP, CBIS - an SLP with NeuroRestorative/Sevita in Ashland, Kentucky. We discuss a stroke patient of hers who was not progressing with traditional therapy. He was a practicing attorney who now had a trach, peg tube, and was drowning on his own secretions. Hear how adding VitalStim therapy f…

Kimberly Gomez is an SLP and Rehab Director for a SNF/LTC facility in Amarillo, Texas. Kimberly discusses the success she had with her VERY FIRST VitalStim patient. A retired chef who had months of traditional therapy but could still not initiate a swallow. With both he and his wife dealing with serious depression and even saying he would rather di…

On this episode I’m joined by Lubna Nabulsi an SLP with FutureCare in Baltimore Maryland. We initially talk about a success she had with one of her stroke patients, but I am soon drawn to her story about a young man with muscular dystrophy. At 16, he is institutionalized and told he would would never eat again. However, when he was 21, Lubna helps …

On This episode I talk to Lesley Mateer, owner of CIAO SEMINARS and the owner of the VitalStim/Dines training program. She talks about how she almost went to jail and why that has crystalized her mission ever since. Listen as she talks about ethics and NMES for dysphagia and why protecting her fellow therapists is such a critical part of everything…

Tina Mastrangelo - an SLP at an Encompass Health inpatient facility talks about one of her early patients. A gentlemen who just wants to have a "little bit" with his golfing buddies has been told he would never eat again. But for Tina, his treatment with VitalStim therapy becomes her inspiration to say to future patients - “I don’t care what you ha…

Yorick Wijting is the author of the VitalStim and Beyond: DINES Specialty Certificate Course. Yorick has taught all around the world in multiple languages. Yorick is the perfect person to discuss the success of NMES in the treatment of dysphagia as well as its past, present, and future.By Craig Mateer / Yorick Wijting

Today I talk to John Kelly MPT. John is one of the VitalStim/DINES course instructors. We discuss a range of NMES topics including the PT instuctor role in the VitalStim DINES course. We also discuss several courses that John has developed for the SLPs (using typically PT techniques and practices) to help them treat their dysphagia patients - inclu…

Stacey Brill talks about her success treating dysphagia in her Head and Neck Cancer Patients using NMES.By Craig Mateer / Stacey Brill