About

Welcome to Dysphagia Cafe

Dysphagia Café began in 2013 when speech-language pathologist Jonathan Waller attended the Dysphagia Research Society conference in Seattle, Washington. Surrounded by the latest global research and leading thinkers in the field, he felt both inspired and aware of how much there was to learn. During a quiet break at a café in Pike Place Market, he found himself sketching ideas on a napkin and wrote the words Dysphagia Café. His goal was simple. He wanted to share evidence-based insights in a way that was easily accessible and motivating for clinicians who cared for patients with swallowing disorders.

Jonathan launched the website soon after. His first articles captured reflections from clinical practice, but he quickly recognized the value of bringing expert voices to the forefront. He began inviting respected clinicians and researchers to contribute short, high-quality educational pieces. This shift helped shape the platform into a trusted source for practical and research-informed content.

Today, Dysphagia Café is a global education platform and professional community for clinicians specializing in dysphagia. Featuring original contributions from leading experts, it supports clinical growth, collaboration, and deeper learning for professionals across all settings who serve both pediatric and adult populations.

Jonathan has been a practicing speech-language patholigist focusing on dysphagia for 15+ years. He also co-founded and is co-host of the podcast Humanity Rx, a podcast which explores the human side of healthcare through powerful stories and honest conversations.

Jonathan M. Waller, MA, CCC-SLP
Founder and CEO

What Clinicians Around The World Are Saying

Relevant, affordable, high quality learning opportunities are rare. Dysphagia Cafe fills this gap.

Heather Whitesel

MA, CCC-SLP

I really enjoy the Dysphagia Symposium and all the webinars offered. It is a great way to continue learning both in person and online.

Denise Dougherty

MA, CCC-SLP

Dysphagia Cafe is such a valuable resource. Their seminars do a great job of providing real-world guidance based in the literature to inform the advancement of our collective practice. I've incorporated so many tidbits from their conferences that have kept my practice evolving as a seasoned clinician.

Kara B.

MA, CCC-SLP, CBIST

I love that they’re easily accessible CEUs on a variety of topics.

Melissa C.

MA, CCC-SLP

Thank you to the organizers for providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing. The webinar was to the point, insightful and will serve as a bedrock for further learning.

Medha Hedge

MA, CCC-SLP

From Australia. Have watched so many Dysphagia Cafe webinars and always get so much out of them. Thank you. I really appreciate that you send through the recording, so I can watch when I have time.

Chyon Booth

BSc, MSpPath, CPSP

The fact that I get to increase my understanding of the lived experience as well as different countries’ altering guidelines and service delivery models helps me to increase my perspective and applied therapy into everyday care.

Caroline L.

CPSP

I like the inclusion of international practice patterns. And esophageal dysphagia - often practice patterns in that realm are at the mercy of your rad MD competence/comfort rather than the actual SLP competence/comfort

Lisa K.

MS CCC SLP BCSS

I really enjoyed webinars where the presenters had hands on experience and up to date information. The presenters were also professional , respectful and never made the audience of SLPs feel intimidated to ask questions.

Jasmine M.

CCC-SLP