Ep. 116: The Healing Power of Mindfulness with Denise Cesare
n this episode, Michelle sits down with Denise Cesare, a speech-language pathologist, author, and mindfulness advocate, to discuss her incredible journey of resilience and healing. After losing her voice due to a tragic accident, Denise shares how mindfulness became a cornerstone of her recovery and professional life. The conversation delves into the mental health challenges faced by professionals, the impact of the pandemic on children, and the creation of Denise's book, Moments in Motion with Love. This heartfelt book provides tools to help children and adults navigate stress and embrace mindfulness. Denise also highlights the emotional process of writing, the healing power of music, and the integration of yoga and mindfulness into daily routines. The episode wraps up with practical advice for new speech pathologists on avoiding burnout and prioritizing self-care.
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Denise Cesare
03:12 The Importance of Mindfulness in Speech Pathology
06:02 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Impact
09:03 The Journey of Losing and Regaining Voice
11:54 Advocacy and Empathy in Speech Pathology
15:01 The Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health
17:52 The Birth of Moments in Motion with Love
24:35 The Emotional Journey of Writing
27:41 Mindfulness and the Importance of Presence
30:37 Self-Love and Kindness in Healing
32:03 The Impact of Music on Healing
37:11 Yoga Motions with Love: Movement and Mindfulness
44:52 Advice for New Speech Pathologists
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About Denise
Denise Cesare is a published author, keynote speaker, and social-emotional learning specialist dedicated to supporting schools, organizations, and communities. With over 25 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Special Education/Social Emotional Specialist, Denise combines her expertise with personal experiences to inspire and educate. After losing her voice in 2006 due to Spasmodic Dysphonia caused by a car accident, Denise embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Her book, Moments in Motion with Love, was born during the pandemic to help children and adults cope with stress and find mindfulness in challenging times. Denise is the creator of educational programs inspired by her book, including: • Mindful Moments with Love • Yoga Motion with Love • Healing Music Workshop She is also a contributing author in the Magnificently Made Anthology (November 2023), where she shares how music became a source of healing during pivotal moments in her life. Denise’s work has been featured in outlets such as iHeart Radio, PIX 11, Bella Magazine, and Women Thrive, among others. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she now resides in Staten Island with her husband, Dan, and their son, Daniel.
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.
