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Angela Mansolillo
MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Angela Mansolillo is a speech-language pathologist and board-certified specialist in swallowing disorders with more than 25 years of experience. She is currently a senior speech-language pathologist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she provides evaluation and treatment services for adults and children with dysphagia and is involved in program planning and development for inpatient and outpatient programming, including quality improvement initiatives, patient education, and clinical policies and protocols. In addition, she is an adjunct faculty member and provides clinical supervision at the Elms College Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Over the course of her career, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings, provided numerous regional and national presentations, and lectured at several colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts.
Ms. Mansolillo received her bachelor of arts degree in communication from Rhode Island College in 1983 and earned her master of arts in speech-language pathology in 1985 from the University of Connecticut. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a member of Special Interest Division 13, which focuses on swallowing and swallowing disorders.
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Courses with Angela Mansolillo
Browse Course CatalogBreathing and Swallowing in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Breathing and Swallowing in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Nowhere is the intersection of breathing and swallowing more important than in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This course will explore the complex interrelationships between ARDS and swallow dysfunction. It will provide clinicians with tools to identify patients with dysphagia and strategies to improve swallow function, with a goal of reducing complications and improving survival and health outcomes.
Breathing and Swallowing in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Breathing and Swallowing in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This course will explore the complex interrelationships between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and swallow dysfunction. It will provide clinicians with tools to identify patients with dysphagia and strategies to improve swallow function, with a goal of reducing complications and improving quality of life.
Breathing and Swallowing Reciprocity: Two Systems in Shared Spaces
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Breathing and Swallowing Reciprocity: Two Systems in Shared Spaces
Breathing and swallowing are physiological systems that utilize the shared spaces of the oral cavity, pharynx, and airways and are therefore interdependent. This course will provide respiratory therapists, speech pathologists, nurses, and other practitioners interested in dysphagia with an examination of breathing-swallow coordination in healthy people and in patients with disordered respiration, swallowing, or both. Clinicians will be provided with criteria for assessment of patients likely to exhibit disordered respiratory-swallow coordination, and potential interventions will be evaluated for implementation. After all, if you can't breathe, you can't swallow.
Breathing and Swallowing in Patients With COPD
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Breathing and Swallowing in Patients With COPD
This course will explore dysphagia as it manifests in COPD. It will also provide clinicians with tools to identify patients with dysphagia, with a goal of reducing complications, including pneumonia and acute exacerbations. Clinicians will also leave this course with strategies to improve swallow and respiratory dysfunction and to improve outcomes in these chronically ill patients.
Living With Dysphagia: Quality of Life in Patients and Caregivers (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Living With Dysphagia: Quality of Life in Patients and Caregivers (Recorded Webinar)
This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses.
Every day, dysphagia clinicians are asked to make decisions about what is best for our clients with swallowing impairments. But what happens when there is no best answer? We often consider swallow physiology, safety, and aspiration risk, but not always how our recommendations will impact quality of life for our clients and their caregivers. This course will provide you with tools to assess swallow-related quality of life, to conduct assessments that consider real-world impacts, and to facilitate autonomous decision-making in your clients. Sometimes only your client can decide what really is best.
Management of Dysphagia: Building Consistency Across the Continuum of Care (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Management of Dysphagia: Building Consistency Across the Continuum of Care (Recorded Webinar)
This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses.
Dysphagia clinicians are faced with a great deal of information, much of it conflicting, from a wide variety of sources and must differentiate between anecdotal information, evidence, and conventional wisdom. Our assessment process is designed to effectively identify aspiration, but not to evaluate that aspiration in the context of individual risk factors and preferences.
This course will use a case-discussion format to assist clinicians in assessment of risk to each client's respiratory status, nutrition and hydration, and quality of life. We will also discuss risks and benefits of frequently used treatment modalities, including diet modifications, exercise, and compensatory strategies, with a goal of assisting clinicians in developing effective, targeted interventions. Dysphagia clinicians working in acute, subacute, home health, and ambulatory settings will leave this course armed with the skills and knowledge to develop treatment plans that take into account individual risk factors, target specific impairments, and improve client adherence and participation.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Parkinson's Disease
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Parkinson's Disease
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of Parkinson's disease (PD). The characteristics of dysphagia in PD, including the role of dopamine in feeding and swallowing, will be reviewed. Specific considerations for assessment of patients with PD will be discussed, including breathing/swallow coordination, potential for cough, and aspiration risk factors. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to PD will be examined, with focus on respiratory training and sensory enhancements. The role of exercise and specific skill training in management of PD will be also be discussed. Participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Cervical Spine Issues
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Cervical Spine Issues
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of cervical spine disorders. The characteristics of dysphagia in patients with cervical spine disorders, including patients with osteophytes, patients with cervical bracing, and postsurgical patients, will be reviewed. Specific considerations for assessment of these patients will be discussed, including the impacts of edema, inflammation, nerve damage, and pain. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to cervical spine issues will be presented, and participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and COPD
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and COPD
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The characteristics of dysphagia in COPD will be reviewed. Specific considerations for assessment, including respiratory indicators, coordination of breathing and swallowing, and respiratory rate will be examined. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to COPD will be provided, including the role of compensatory strategies in managing respiratory demands during swallowing, and participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and CVA
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and CVA
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or stroke. The characteristics of dysphagia in stroke will be reviewed in light of stroke type and location. Specific considerations for assessment of patients with stroke will be reviewed, including the importance of swallow screening in this population. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to stroke will be provided, with a focus on exercise and sensory enhancements, in addition to compensatory strategies and diet modification. Participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Dementia
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Dementia
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of dementia. The characteristics of dysphagia in patients with dementia will be reviewed in light of dementia type and stage. Specific considerations for assessment of these patients will be discussed, including cognitive and behavioral impacts on swallow function. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to patients with dementia will be provided, including strategies for management of care-resistant behaviors. Participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and End-of-Life Patients
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and End-of-Life Patients
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of end-of-life care. The characteristics of dysphagia in patients at end of life will be reviewed, and specific considerations for assessment of the unique needs of actively dying patients will be discussed. The role of tube feeding at end of life will be examined. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to end-of-life care will be provided, including oral care and comfort, strategies for nutritional support, and alternatives to non-oral feeding. Participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Head and Neck Cancer
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Head and Neck Cancer
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of head and neck cancer. The characteristics of dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer will be reviewed in the settings of chemotherapy, radiation, and combined therapies. Specific considerations for assessment of these patients will be discussed, including impacts of pain, mucosal injury, and disuse atrophy. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to head and neck cancer issues will be examined, with a focus on the importance of exercise, and participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Neuromuscular Disease
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Essentials: Dysphagia and Neuromuscular Disease
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a disease unto itself. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of a wide variety of medical diagnoses. The underlying diagnosis is a critical factor to consider when developing a treatment approach. Dysphagia clinicians must guard against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and instead develop an understanding of the causative factors and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders in each disease process.
This course will discuss dysphagia in the setting of neuromuscular disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multisystem atrophy, Huntington's disease, and myasthenia gravis. The characteristics of dysphagia in patients with neuromuscular disease will be reviewed as they manifest themselves in each specific disease. Considerations for assessment of these patients will be discussed, including respiratory functions, fatigue, and potential for cough. The evidence base for treatment strategies specific to neuromuscular disease will be examined, with a focus on fatigue management, respiratory function, and positioning. Participants will be provided with an opportunity for problem-solving through case review.
This course is appropriate for dysphagia clinicians working in medical settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Clinical Assessment of Swallowing, Part 1 - Normal Swallowing & Swallowing Screen
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Clinical Assessment of Swallowing, Part 1 - Normal Swallowing & Swallowing Screen
In order to assess swallowing and identify swallowing disorders accurately, clinicians must have an appreciation of normal swallowing and must be adept at gathering pertinent medical history. This course will assist clinicians in identification of normal swallow variability and recognition of the impact of aging on swallow function. Evidence to support swallow screening will be reviewed and various screening tools described. Strategies for interpreting information from the medical record, including Chest X ray results, laboratory results, and indicators of respiratory function will be provided.
Clinical Assessment of Swallowing, Part 2 - The Oral Mechanism & Laryngeal Function
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Clinical Assessment of Swallowing, Part 2 - The Oral Mechanism & Laryngeal Function
Clinical assessment of swallowing is the foundation on which appropriate dysphagia treatment plans are built. This course will provide clinicians with up to date approaches for the completion of a clinical swallow evaluation. Components of the evaluation, including cognitive assessment, examination of the oral mechanism and oral hygiene, swallow trials, and identification of appropriate compensations will be explored. Strategies for management of care-resistant behaviors, which can interfere with assessment, will be provided. A review of esophageal disorders will be provided, and the impact of esophageal disorders on pharyngeal swallow function will be discussed.
Clinical Assessment of Swallowing, Part 3 - Putting it All Together
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Clinical Assessment of Swallowing, Part 3 - Putting it All Together
Once the clinical swallow evaluation has been completed, a clinician is sometimes left with a number of questions to answer regarding how to best manage an individual's dysphagia. Commonly recommended strategies include diet modifications, non-oral feeding, exercise, and compensations. The individual's underlying medical issues often complicate the path forward, and the "safest" option is not always clear. This course will assist the clinician in making post-evaluation recommendations through discussion of the risks and benefits of specific interventions, including the use of thickened liquids and non-oral feeding. A review of the evidence to assist clinicians in determining if their patient is in need of instrumental assessment, or is a candidate for exercise or compensations will be provided. Decision-making at end of life will also be discussed.
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Oct 10, 2024
Aging in Place: The Clinician’s Role
Presented by Angela Mansolillo
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Nov 1, 2022
Living with Dysphagia: Quality of Life in Patients and Caregivers
Presented by Angela Mansolillo
No Recording Available
Apr 9, 2021
Management of Dysphagia: Building Consistency Across the Continuum of Care
Presented by Angela Mansolillo
No Recording Available
Aug 27, 2019
Dysphagia and the Older Adult: Exercise in Swallow Rehabilitation – Live 2019 Update
Presented by Angela Mansolillo
No Recording Available
Oct 29, 2016
Dysphagia in the Older Adult: Challenges and Interventions
Presented by Angela Mansolillo
No Recording Available