Easter Seals ECI Team Leaders Attend ASAHP Summit on Healthcare Collaboration

We’re proud to share that Amanda Pepito, SLP, and Rachel Barbosa, EIS, two of our team leaders at Easter Seals ECI, were recently invited to attend the ASAHP (Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions) Summit at UT Health San Antonio. This special event brought together healthcare professionals, educators, private practice owners, and leaders from across the country to discuss ways to improve patient care through better teamwork and communication.

Amanda and Rachel were invited for their unique roles in supporting future healthcare providers. Easter Seals ECI serves as a preceptor site, where therapy students—such as future speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (Ots), and physical therapists (PTs)—complete their practicums. Many of these students also choose to begin their professional careers with us. Amanda and Rachel shared their insights on what new graduates need to succeed, how we can support them, and what skills are essential for delivering quality care to children and families.

At the summit, participants sat in groups with like-minded professionals to explore how the healthcare field can work more closely together. Topics included the core competencies of Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC): Values and Ethics, Roles and Responsibilities, Communication, and Teams and Teamwork. Amanda and Rachel also shared how collaboration with other healthcare providers outside the scope of ECI practice—respiratory therapists, for example—help improve services and outcomes for the families we serve.

By attending the ASAHP Summit, Amanda and Rachel brought valuable ideas and energy back to our team. Their experience highlights the importance of communication and collaboration across all areas of healthcare to ensure children and families receive the very best care in our community.