The Science of Collaboration: Moving from Independent Practice to Integrated Care Models

Course Number: ABIO2607

When: Recorded playback is available between April 8, 2026 – April 8, 2031.

Where: Available under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: In this course, we explore the role of collaboration in speech-language pathology and why so many clinicians experience isolation in practice. Participants examine factors that contribute to siloed care and perfectionism, and learn how collaborative approaches can support both client outcomes and clinician sustainability. Practical strategies are provided to help clinicians move toward more integrated, team-based care.

Who This Course Is Good For:

• ASHA members, CCC holders, and licensed SLPs who want to move beyond isolated or siloed practice.
• Clinicians interested in strengthening collaboration with other professionals, caregivers, and teams.
• SLPs navigating perfectionism, independence, or feeling like they have to “do it all” on their own.
• Clinicians seeking more sustainable, team-based approaches that support both client outcomes and career longevity.
• Graduate clinicians who want to enter the field with a collaborative, connected approach to care.

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

• Professionals not currently practicing or planning to practice in speech-language pathology or related clinical fields.
• Individuals looking for a course focused solely on clinical techniques or disorder-specific interventions.
• Clinicians who prefer fully independent work and are not interested in collaboration or team-based care models.

Presenters:

Nicole Umaña Dos Santos, B.A, SLP-A (SHE/HER)

Nicole Umaña Dos Santos is the Chief Operating Officer and ASHA Continuing Education Administrator (CEA) of Tassel Learning and co-host of the Speechie Side Hustle podcast. She has worked as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) since 2017 and holds a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College. Nicole is also the founder of Nicole Umaña Creative, where she supports small businesses with branding and design strategy. She is passionate about helping clinicians build aligned, sustainable careers through entrepreneurship, intentional growth, and creative expansion.

Rachael Iaquinto, M.A., CCC-SLP (SHE/HER)

Rachael Iaquinto, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Simpli Speech, where she provides services to children and adults across Southeast Michigan. She is also the co-founder of The Kids Therapy Co. and serves as a Clinical Instructor at Calvin University, supporting graduate students in their clinical training. Rachael’s areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorder, AAC, fluency, apraxia, early language development, Gestalt Language Processing, and speech sound disorders. As the sibling of an individual with autism, her lived experience informs her neurodiversity-affirming, collaborative approach to care and the way she designs services within her practice.

Disclosure Statements

Nicole Umaña Dos Santos has the following relevant relationships to disclose: serves as Chief Operating Officer of Tassel Learning and receives compensation for this role. She is also the owner of Nicole Umaña Creative.

Rachael Iaquinto has the following relevant relationships to disclose: has ownership interest in Simpli Speech LLC and The Kids Therapy Co. LLC.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

• Define interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and integrated care models as described in current healthcare research.
• Identify structural, cultural, and professional factors that contribute to isolation, perfectionism, and siloed practice in speech-language pathology.
• Describe how high-functioning collaborative teams support both improved client outcomes and sustainable, aligned career pathways.
• Apply at least three evidence-based strategies to move from independent or isolated practice toward a more integrated, collaborative model of care.

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	What Is Integrated Care and why does it matter
15 min	Why Do So Many SLPs Still Practice Independently
10 min	What Do High-Functioning Collaborative Teams Actually Do
15 min	How Can Clinicians Transition Toward Integrated Care Models?
5 min	References & Closing

Complaint Policy

To file a complaint or ask general questions about the complaint filing process, please contact our support team at info@tasseltogether.com

Refund Policy

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Requirements