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Episode #241: The Importance of Open Communication with Cindy Watson and Abby Snavely

Cindy Watson, celebrating 30 years as an SLP and making her third appearance on the podcast, returns with BCBA Ashley Snavely to share how their clinic blends multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care.

“We were missing something,” Cindy reflects. Already offering PT, OT, and Speech, their team recognized therapists needed tools to address challenging behaviors. Adding ABA was the evidence-based solution. In this episode, Cindy and Ashley discuss the early stages of collaboration—how large group trainings, comprehensive education, and the creation of the BILT (Behavior Intervention Leadership Team) empowered therapists to problem-solve before BCBAs step in. They also dive into AAC in a collaborative setting, emphasizing curiosity, data-driven decisions, and open communication as key to success.

Together, they show how a “we want to learn from you” mindset builds trust, resolves disagreements, and ultimately leads to what matters most—meaningful progress for every learner.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Cindy Watson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology / Audiology from the University of Arkansas (1994) and a Master’s of Education Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma (1995). After graduating Cindy dove into pediatrics while serving as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Thurman G. Smith Elementary in Springdale, Arkansas. At the time the school served as a local epicenter for children with hearing loss. There her proficiency with signing exact English soared. She is a past Parent Adviser for the Arkansas School for the Deaf (2002-2008). Cindy later served at the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative before opening her own practice, Watson Speech and Hearing Specialists, Inc. Providing even more extensive services to children and families, Cindy’s company eventually became Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. Cindy is Co-Founder of Children’s Therapy TEAM. She considers helping kids communicate to be one of her greatest passions in life. One of her many roles at Children’s Therapy TEAM is offering family support and ensuring that each family has an excellent experience. Cindy Watson’s international work with TEAMworks was featured in the Arkansas Speech Language Hearing Association publication, Sounds Expressions, Serving Around the Globe with Cindy Watson. Cindy works diligently to sustain TEAM’s philanthropic outreach in Northwest Arkansas and internationally through her dedicated volunteerism with the TEAMworks non-for-profit. In the Fall of 2020, a teaching position was posted in the Communication Disorders department. With her passion for Communication Disorders and love of the Razorbacks, she pursued the possibility of serving at the university level. In the Spring of 2021, Cindy began teaching at the University of Arkansas. It seemed to be a perfect fit for her desire to mentor others and share her excitement for the field. She continues to teach Language Development and Language Disorders. She is currently serving as the Vice President of Speech Pathology for the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association. With her husband Ray by her side, Cindy has been a vanguard for pediatric speech language pathology treatment in Northwest Arkansas for 27 years. Cindy draws from her life experiences as a mother of two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Mary Claire in her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Abby Snavely joined TEAM in 2020 and serves as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Clinic Director at the Children’s ABA TEAM Clinic. She was drawn to Children’s TEAM after she saw the tremendous impact of TEAM’s community involvement as well as the positive clinic environment.

Abby obtained a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis Practice from the Florida Institute of Technology as well as a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Arkansas. Through her education and experiences, she now serves as a mentor at TEAM for her fellow colleagues. Abby enjoys watching the children grow into their personalities and helping families achieve a higher quality of life. She has always loved working with children and notes that children keep her on her toes. She appreciates giving children opportunities to learn through play. When not working, Abby enjoys spending time biking, baking and visiting the beach with her husband and daughter.

What’s Inside:

  • Integrating ABA into a multidisciplinary clinic.
  • How to collaborate with ACC
  • Handling disagreements across providers.
  • Fostering open communication and learning among therapists and providers.

Mentioned In This Episode

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