Open Lines Speech and Communication PC

11/26/2025

Scientists have identified a hidden trigger behind Parkinson's disease: clusters of a protein called α-synuclein. These clusters may be the earliest detectable sign of the disease. Understanding this could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment strategies. Read more: https://bit.ly/48SF2NE

The findings mark a major advancement in our understanding of the world’s fastest-growing neurological disease

11/25/2025

Choosing a Speech Therapist? 🗣️ Ask These 10 Questions First!

Finding the right fit can make all the difference in your communication journey 💬✨

At Open Lines, we believe great therapy is personal, empowering, and built on real connection. That’s why we’ve shared 10 must-ask questions to help you choose the best speech therapist for you or your loved one — from qualifications and experience to comfort and communication style.

💡 Want to learn more? Visit our blog today! https://www.openlines.com/blog/choosing-the-right-speech-therapist-10-factors-for-finding-quality-care-in-nyc-la-or-online/

11/21/2025

🎉 Breaking news from Japan!

Last weekend, our CEO Jessica Galgano, PhD, CCC‑SLP and Global Co-Founder/CSO Lorraine Ramig, PhD, CCC‑SLP led a landmark certification workshop in Narita, Japan — training almost 100 clinicians in the evidence-based LSVT LOUD® voice-therapy method.

This intensive program empowers clinicians to help people regain confident, louder, clearer voices, especially those experiencing neurological conditions. LSVT LOUD® works by focusing on increasing amplitude of movement by increasing loudness — boosting vocal loudness, articulation, and overall communication through an intensive 4-week protocol.

The workshop was hosted by Dr. Masako Fujii‑Kurachi, PhD together with two outstanding Japanese institutions:

- International University of Health and Welfare (Narita) — a leading university dedicated to health and wellness education.

- Niigata University of Rehabilitation (Murakami) — a top rehabilitation university focused on advancing therapy and research.

We were honored to partner with these institutions as we expand access to world-class voice therapy in Japan and beyond. Thank you to all our participants for your energy, dedication, and commitment! 💪

11/19/2025

Jessica Galgano, PhD, CCC-SLP will be co-presenting a poster at the 2025 ASHA Convention in Washington, DC! ✨

The poster, “Envisioning Better Psychosocial Wellbeing in Aphasia,” represents work from the International Aphasia Psychological Care Research Network (IAPCRN). To date, there has been no consensus in the research or clinical communities regarding the terminology used to describe psychosocial wellbeing in aphasia, or how best to assess these domains.

To address this gap, the IAPCRN was established in 2023 as an international collaboration of researchers and clinicians committed to improving psychosocial wellbeing for people with aphasia worldwide.

The network includes three working groups with distinct goals. This poster highlights the work of Working Group 1, which was charged with:
1️⃣ Developing a consensus paper on mental health nomenclature in aphasia
2️⃣ Conducting a narrative review of mental health assessment studies to identify research priorities
3️⃣ Conducting a narrative review of treatment studies

This presentation focuses on the first two objectives, forming a critical foundation for more unified and effective approaches to psychosocial care.

Dr. Galgano co-authored the poster with lead author JoAnn Silkes, PhD, CCC-SLP (San Diego State University ) and collaborators Leora Cherney, PhD, CCC-SLP (Shirley Ryan Ability Lab ), Rebecca Hunting Pompon, PhD (University of Delaware ), Adam Jacks, PhD, CCC-SLP (UNC Chapel Hill ), Jacqueline Laures-Gore, PhD, CCC-SLP (Georgia State University ), Jamie Lee, PhD, CCC-SLP (University of Utah ), Jodi Morgan, MS, CCC-SLP (Brooks Aphasia Center ), and Deena Schwen Blackett, PhD, CCC-SLP (University of Central Florida .edu).

🗓️ Friday, November 21, 2025: 2-3:30 PM
📍 ASHA Convention, Washington, DC

We’re proud to help raise awareness, spark meaningful conversation, and continue advocating for individuals with aphasia and their families. 🗣️

11/19/2025

Jessica Galgano, PhD, CCC-SLP will be co-presenting a poster at the 2025 ASHA Convention in Washington, DC! ✨

The poster, “Envisioning Better Psychosocial Wellbeing in Aphasia,” represents work from the International Aphasia Psychological Care Research Network (IAPCRN). To date, there has been no consensus in the research or clinical communities regarding the terminology used to describe psychosocial wellbeing in aphasia, or how best to assess these domains.

To address this gap, the IAPCRN was established in 2023 as an international collaboration of researchers and clinicians committed to improving psychosocial wellbeing for people with aphasia worldwide.

The network includes three working groups with distinct goals. This poster highlights the work of Working Group 1, which was charged with:
1️⃣ Developing a consensus paper on mental health nomenclature in aphasia
2️⃣ Conducting a narrative review of mental health assessment studies to identify research priorities
3️⃣ Conducting a narrative review of treatment studies

This presentation focuses on the first two objectives, forming a critical foundation for more unified and effective approaches to psychosocial care.

Dr. Galgano co-authored the poster with lead author JoAnn Silkes, PhD, CCC-SLP (San Diego State University) and collaborators Leora Cherney, PhD, CCC-SLP (Shirley Ryan Ability Lab), Rebecca Hunting Pompon, PhD (University of Delaware), Adam Jacks, PhD, CCC-SLP (UNC Chapel Hill), Jacqueline Laures-Gore, PhD, CCC-SLP (Georgia State University), Jamie Lee, PhD, CCC-SLP (University of Utah), Jodi Morgan, MS, CCC-SLP (Brooks Aphasia Center), and Deena Schwen Blackett, PhD, CCC-SLP (University of Central Florida).

🗓️ Friday, November 21, 2025: 2-3:30 PM
📍 ASHA Convention, Washington, DC

We’re proud to help raise awareness, spark meaningful conversation, and continue advocating for individuals with aphasia and their families. 🗣️

11/17/2025

Scientists have found a protein called FTL1 may drive age-related decline in memory & learning — reducing it in old mice restored neural connections and performance. 🧠 Could point toward additional support and treatment options for Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ogmrzY

Synapses get a second chance as new study finds the culprit of memory loss in later life – it's a protein known as FTL1

11/14/2025

New research links 42 genetic variants to dyslexia, giving deeper insight into its biological roots. 🧬 Early diagnosis & intervention ensures faster access to better support. Read more: https://loom.ly/u9nFOZA

11/13/2025

Open Lines® founder and CEO Dr. Jessica Galgano and Dr. Lorraine Ramig, Co-Founder and CSO of LSVT® Global were honored to be guests of Dr. Masako Fujiu-Kurachi for an introductory pediatric lecture to students at the International University of Health and Welfare in Narita, Japan. They are the trailblazers of Japan!

11/12/2025

We are excited to announce that Open Lines® will be in Japan this November! 🇯🇵✨

On November 15-16, our founder and CEO Dr. Jessica Galgano and Dr. Lorraine Ramig, Co-Founder and CSO of LSVT Global, will be training clinicians at the International University of Health and Welfare, training clinicians in the gold-standard, evidence-based voice therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. 💬💪

The workshop is being jointly hosted by the International University of Health and Welfare and Niigata University of Rehabilitation, under the guidance of Masako Fujiu-Kurachi, PhD.

We are proud to share our expertise globally and to help expand access to effective speech and voice therapy for all. 🌍❤️

Learn more about LSVT LOUD® and our mission to empower communication at OpenLines.com

11/03/2025

New genetic insights into stuttering: a massive DNA study links 48 genes to fluency challenges. Science is helping us understand the biology behind stutters—and guide better support. 🧬 Read more: https://loom.ly/bQ8eTDk

10/29/2025

New research reveals 4 distinct types of autism, paving the way for more personalized support & interventions. Learn more about this breakthrough: https://bit.ly/474JY11

10/28/2025

Our Pediatric Supervising Speech-Language Pathologist, Bridget Barrett, recently spoke to parents at one of our partner schools, Corlears School , about speech and language development from birth through early childhood. She provided age-expected speech and language milestones and guidance about when to seek help if parents/caregivers have concerns about speech and language. We love collaborating with teachers, administration, parents and related service providers in a whole child approach to therapy!