Ep. 123: The Power of Music in Speech Therapy with Moriah Gilman
In this episode of SLP Full Disclosure, host Michelle sits down with Moriah Gilman, a virtual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) and graduate student. Moriah shares her inspiring journey from a background in musical theater to a career in speech pathology, highlighting the transformative role of music in therapy. She discusses her experiences as an SLPA, the challenges and rewards of pursuing an online master’s degree, and the importance of fostering connections in a virtual work environment. Moriah also unveils her vision for a theater arts program designed for children with speech disorders and provides practical advice for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to Moriah Gilman
02:16 - The Journey from Theater to Speech Pathology
06:58 - Incorporating Music in Therapy
10:08 - The Path to Becoming an SLPA
12:11 - Building Connections in a Virtual World
15:02 - The Benefits of SLPA Experience
19:08 - Misconceptions About Online Graduate Programs
20:35 - Advice for Future Graduate Students
23:46 - Vision for a Theater Arts Program for Children
26:45 - Final Thoughts and Advice
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About Moriah
Moriah Gilman is a future Speech-Language Pathologist, current artist, and Chicago native. In 2023, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Musical Theater. She is a Jim Jacobs Scholarship recipient and TEDx speaker, and is currently represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent Agency. She also holds a B.S. in Speech & Hearing Science from Arizona State University. At ASU, she oversaw quality control for Babble Boot Camp: an extensive program devoted to treating pediatric cases of Classic Galactosemia. Moriah is currently pursuing a M.S. Ed. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska Kearney. At UNK, she is a lead Graduate Research Assistant for the Language & Cognition Lab, participating in cognitive health research for aging populations. Recently, Moriah was selected to sit on the Models of Academic & Clinical Education (MACE) Topic Committee to review submissions for the 2025 ASHA Convention Program. In the future, Moriah hopes to pursue a professional career in theater/film and open a non-profit theater company for children with speech impairments. A quote she centers her career journey on is, “art changes people and people change the world.”
About Michelle
Michelle Gage, MA CCC-SLP, embarked on her journey in speech-language pathology during her undergraduate studies at the University of Mississippi, where she also worked at North Mississippi Regional Center, gaining invaluable experience in various therapy approaches. Following her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Central Florida, she has dedicated 25 years to empowering children and families in improving language skills and overall development. Currently residing in Mississippi, Michelle extends her expertise through telehealth services. Additionally, she proudly serves as the host of the SLP Full Disclosure podcast.
Outside of her professional commitments, Michelle is the proud mother of Mia, an accomplished middle school math teacher and all-around amazing human. In her leisure time, she indulges in her love for travel and cherishes moments spent with family and friends.
