School of Speech

Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP

Every Monday morning, host Carolyn Dolby sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice.

This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for each episode by completing the accompanying course at www.speechtherapypd.com

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20 episodes
Updated July 13

Episodes20

Newest first

REWIND - Envision Optimizing Assessment with Laura Gottlieb and Amy Culligan
*****Originally Aired: June 3, 2026***** Guests: Amy Culligan, MA, CCC-SLP & Laura Gottlieb, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Full Title: Envision Optimizing Assessment and Dismissal for Students in Public Schools The episode takes an in-depth look at the three prongs of eligibility, including documenting educational impact and determining the need for specially designed instruction and related services. Amy and Laura also address common challenges clinicians face when considering dismissal, including parent concerns, team disagreements, and difficult IEP conversations. Listeners will gain research-informed strategies for making confident, student-centered decisions while strengthening collaboration with educational teams and families. About the Guests: Amy Culligan, MA, CCC-SLP, is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of experience in school settings. She has worked with diverse populations and a range of programs. In addition to providing direct therapy, Amy was the Lead SLP for Long Beach Unified for seven years. Laura Gottlieb, MA, CCC-SLP, is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist with over 27 years of experience working in school settings. Laura has spent a number of years providing assessment support to school districts with their diverse assessment needs.
July 13 · 1 hr 3 min
REWIND - Providing Effective Intervention with Sherry Sancibrian
*****Originally Aired: October 21, 2025***** Guest: Sherry Sancibrian, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, FASHA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Full Episode Title: Myths, Memes, and EBP: Providing Effective Intervention In this episode of School of Speech, they unpack the common myths, memes, and misconceptions that can influence clinical decisions and discuss how to bridge the research-to-practice gap in meaningful ways. You'll learn how to think critically about intervention practices, adjust treatment variables such as dose and frequency for optimal outcomes, and apply research-based strategies to guide therapy planning and target selection. About the Guest: Sherry Sancibrian, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, F-ASHA, is a Grover E Murray Professor and Executive Associate Dean at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where she teaches pediatric language disorders and counseling courses. She is an ASHA Fellow and holds Board Certification from the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders.
July 6 · 1 hr 7 min
A Side Career for School-Based SLPs with Adrienne Singletary
Listeners will gain insight into the growing demand for corporate speech therapy services, learn how foundational clinical skills transfer to workplace environments, and explore practical considerations for building a side career while maintaining a school-based position. Guest: Adrienne Singletary, MS, SLP, PESL Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Adrienne Singletary, MS, SLP, PESL joins Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP to discuss an emerging career pathway for school-based speech-language pathologists: corporate speech therapy. In this episode, Adrienne shares how SLPs can apply their communication expertise beyond the school setting to support adult professionals in areas such as executive communication, accent modification, workplace communication, and professional presence. About the Guest: Adrienne Singletary, MS, SLP, PESL, is a Corporate Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Transcendent Accents, LLC, where she helps professionals elevate their communication, refine their speech, and strengthen their executive presence. With over 16 years of experience in traditional speech-language pathology and the past 9 years dedicated to corporate speech therapy, Adrienne brings a unique and highly sought-after perspective to the field. She holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Howard University and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University, as well as business certifications from Harvard University and Cornell University.
June 22 · 1 hr 3 min
A Metalinguistic Approach for School-Based Therapy with Lynne Telesca
This episode offers school-based SLPs practical insight into supporting both language and literacy within written language intervention. Guest: Lynne Telesca, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of School of Speech, Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Lynne Telesca, PhD, CCC-SLP, to discuss how a metalinguistic approach to writing can be used during school-based language therapy sessions. Throughout their conversation, they provide an overview of the purpose of this approach, its basic elements, and how it can be incorporated into therapy to support language and literacy through written language. You will learn about the foundational components of a metalinguistic approach and how written language activities can be used as a multimodal way to target communication skills in school-based therapy. Dr. Telesca also shares steps for implementing this approach during language therapy sessions across educational settings. About the Guest: Dr. Lynne Telesca, PhD. CCC-SLP, is an associate professor of Communication Disorders at the State University of New York at New Paltz. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in language and literacy over the past eight years. Dr. Telesca is passionate about keeping current and presenting on evidence-based practices that will make a difference in speech-language pathologists’ therapeutic decision-making and practice. Show Notes: Implementing a Metalinguistic Approach to Secondary School Writing Article
June 15 · 1 hr 6 min
Envision Optimizing Assessment and Dismissal for Students in Public Schools
Listeners will gain research-informed strategies for making confident, student-centered decisions while strengthening collaboration with educational teams and families. Guests: Amy Culligan, MA, CCC-SLP & Laura Gottlieb, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube The episode takes an in-depth look at the three prongs of eligibility, including documenting educational impact and determining the need for specially designed instruction and related services. Amy and Laura also address common challenges clinicians face when considering dismissal, including parent concerns, team disagreements, and difficult IEP conversations. About the Guests: Amy Culligan, MA, CCC-SLP, is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of experience in school settings. She has worked with diverse populations and a range of programs. In addition to providing direct therapy, Amy was the Lead SLP for Long Beach Unified for seven years. Laura Gottlieb, MA, CCC-SLP, is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist with over 27 years of experience working in school settings. Laura has spent a number of years providing assessment support to school districts with their diverse assessment needs. In an effort to return students to their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and reduce services, Laura is currently working for the Long Beach Unified School District, where she conducts evaluations of students who are ready to exit.
June 8 · 1 hr 2 min
What's an Error Anyway? Reframing Persistent Speech Patterns
What counts as a “speech error,” and who gets to decide? Guests: Dr. Philip Combiths, PhD, CCC-SLP; Dr. Naomi Rodgers, PhD, CCC-SLP; Dr. Rick Arenas, PhD; Dr. Carlos Irizarry Pérez, PhD, CCC-SLP; Jessica Nico, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, ASD-CS & Matt Phillips, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube The guests share what led them to question traditional, deficit-based labels and how their collaboration developed through shared interests in neurodiversity and lived experience. Drawing from ongoing interviews with adults with PSPs, they bring forward perspectives that are often missing from clinical decision-making and challenge long-held assumptions about what needs to change and why. About the Guests: Dr. Naomi Rodgers, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor at the University Iowa. Her interdisciplinary, trauma-informed program of research centers on the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of stuttering experiences and therapy. Dr. Rick Arenas, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of New Mexico. His primary area of research is developmental stuttering. In his early career he focused on the neurobiological mechanisms involved in the variability of stuttering across contexts. Jessica Nico, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, ASD-CS, is a New York and New Mexico–licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist with a decade of experience serving children and their families in clinic, school-, and home-based settings. Dr. Philip Combiths, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa and Director of the Clinical Linguistics and Disparities Lab. Dr. Carlos Irizarry Pérez, PhD, CCC-SLP (he/his), is an Assistant Professor in the University of New Mexico’s Speech and Hearing Sciences Department. He received his PhD in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. Matt Phillips, MA, CCC-SLP, is a person who stutters, a speech therapist, and a PhD student at Michigan State University. He is passionate about helping kids, teens, and adults who stutter become more confident and joyful communicators, which he does through his work at the Sisskin Stuttering Center using an Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) framework.
May 25 · 1 hr 2 min
Making Confident Caseload Decisions with Julia Yi
When is it appropriate to continue services, and when is it time to dismiss? Guest: Julia Yi, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of School of Speech: Continue or Dismiss: Making Confident Caseload Decisions, Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Julia Yi, PhD, CCC-SLP, to tackle one of the most complex questions school-based SLPs face. Together, they unpack what ASHA and IDEA actually say about eligibility and dismissal, moving beyond surface-level guidance to examine how these decisions play out in real school settings. The conversation also explores the nationwide shift away from the speech or language impairment category as students get older, and what that means for caseloads, service delivery, and student support. About the Guest: Dr. Julia Yi is an Assistant Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions’ Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in Boston, MA. She teaches courses in the MS SLP program on developmental language and literacy, evidence-based practice, and teaching English learners. Her research broadly focuses on adolescent language and literacy.
May 18 · 1 hr 4 min
Demystifying Developmental Language Disorder - Part 2 with Wendy & Diane
Through a practical, school-based lens, this discussion helps you connect the DLD framework to real-world clinical practice so you can better identify needs, set meaningful goals, and support students as those demands grow more complex. Guest: Wendy Morgan MS, CCC-SLP & Diane Ogiela PHD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of School of Speech, Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Diane Ogiela, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Wendy Morgan, MS, CCC-SLP, to continue the conversation on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a common yet often under-identified condition that impacts spoken language, literacy, and academic success across the lifespan. Building on Part 1, this episode focuses on how the profile of children with DLD evolves over time and what that means for your clinical decision-making. You’ll explore how language demands shift as children move through school and how to adjust your assessment and intervention to better support social communication, classroom participation, and academic outcomes. Show Notes: ASHA Letter
May 11 · 1 hr 2 min
Demystifying Developmental Language Disorder - Part 1 with Wendy & Diane
You will come away with a clearer understanding of how to identify DLD, advocate for appropriate supports, and integrate this framework into your clinical decision-making to better serve students in your care. Guests: Wendy Morgan, MS, CCC-SLP & Diane Ogiela, PHD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Developmental Language Disorder, or DLD, affects far more students than many clinicians realize, yet it often goes unidentified or misunderstood in school settings. In this episode, we break down what DLD is, why the terminology matters, and how it impacts spoken language, literacy, and academic success across the school years and beyond. Host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Diane Ogiela, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Wendy Morgan, MS, CCC-SLP for a practical, school-based look at how DLD fits within existing educational frameworks. Together, they unpack how this diagnostic label aligns with eligibility criteria, service delivery, and compliance requirements in real-world settings. Show Notes: How We Fail Children with Developmental Language Disorder
April 20 · 1 hr 2 min
Rethinking Service Delivery in Schools with Janine Benner & Abbie Keibler
If you're feeling stretched thin by a growing caseload, this episode offers a clearer framework for understanding workload and practical ideas you can start using right away. Guests: Janine Benner, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, ASDCS & Abbie Keibler, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube From Caseload to Workload: Rethinking Service Delivery in Schools. Over the course of the conversation, they explore the difference between caseload- and workload-based service delivery and why a simple student count rarely reflects the full scope of what school SLPs actually do. From evaluations and documentation to collaboration and compliance, these responsibilities highlight the many that often go unseen in traditional caseload models. About the Guests: Janine Benner is a speech-language pathologist with 33 years of experience, including 26 years in pediatric settings. She is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language, credentialed by the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (ABCLL), with a focus on autism and early intervention and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). Abbie Keibler is in her 19th year as a speech-language pathologist at Mississippi Bend AEA in Bettendorf, Iowa. She serves the preschool and elementary population. Abbie is the department lead for 57 SLPs and is the co-State Speech Lead for the Iowa AEA System. Abbie is an adjunct instructor at St Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and has a special interest in comprehensive literacy for complex communicators and AAC. Show Notes: Speech Therapy PD On-Demand course referred to inside the episode
April 13 · 1 hr 3 min
Advancing Autonomy as School-Based SLPs with Barbara Moore
You’ll gain insight into the leadership mindset and practical strategies that help shift clinicians from feeling reactive to practicing with greater purpose and influence, while better supporting the students they serve. Guest: Barbara Moore, EDD, CCC-SLP, BCS-SL Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Dr. Barbara Moore, EdD, CCC-SLP, BCS-SL, to explore how school-based SLPs can intentionally strengthen their professional autonomy. Together, they examine the systemic pressures that shape school-based practice, the program-level decisions that influence how services are delivered, and practical ways clinicians can take a more active role in shaping their work. About the Guest: Barbara Moore, EdD, CCC-SLP, BCS-SL, is the Owner and Clinical Director of Speech Pathology Associates in Irvine, California. She has practiced speech-language pathology for over 35 years. Dr. Moore earned her master’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles, and completed a clinical fellowship in cleft palate and craniofacial disorders at Duke University Medical Center.
April 6 · 1 hr 1 min
Data without the Drama: Streamline Systems with Michele Rothstein
Spend less time managing data and more time focusing on therapy with systematic tweaks and digital tools. Guest: Michele Rothstein MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Michele Rothstein, MA, CCC-SLP, on this episode of School of Speech to unpack how school-based SLPs can simplify data collection and IEP progress monitoring without sacrificing accuracy or compliance.This conversation clarifies the often-blurred line between therapy charting and true data collection probes, highlights common documentation pitfalls, and walks clinicians through streamlined systems that make data easier to collect, organize, and interpret. Michele shares practical ways to tighten workflows, reduce paperwork fatigue, and build routines that support consistent, meaningful progress monitoring. About the Guest: Michele Rothstein is a school-based Speech Pathologist working full-time in an elementary school for students K-6 while running SLP Madness. She serves as a consultant and coach for school-based SLPs, helping them meet the ever-growing demands of their caseloads while meeting the needs of their students. Michele strives to provide high-quality treatment, grounded in the strong connections she has with her students and their families.
March 23 · 1 hr 5 min
Beyond 80% Accuracy: Writing Goals That Make Sense with Rebecca Moore
Move beyond "80% accuracy"—write therapy goals that show what kids can actually do with their words in everyday life. Guest: Rebecca Moore, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube The phrase "beyond 80% accuracy" is one that many clinicians recognize and rely on when writing therapy goals. It is familiar, measurable, and widely accepted. But percentages alone do not always capture what truly matters in a child’s functional communication growth. In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Rebecca Moore, MS, CCC-SLP, for a practical conversation about moving beyond default accuracy statements toward goals that are clearer, more meaningful, and more clinically useful. About the Guest: Rebecca Moore is a speech-language pathologist with 16 years of clinical experience. She earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and her Master’s degree from Kansas State University. Over the course of her career, she has lived and worked in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Ohio, primarily serving pediatric populations. She currently resides in Ohio, where she practices in an outpatient pediatric clinic specializing in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and autism therapy, with a particular focus on children under six years of age.
March 16 · 1 hr 1 min
Research-Practice Partnerships in Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology with Tim DeLuca/Nerissa Hall/Julia Serra
Guests: Tim DeLuca, PHD, CCC-SLP/Nerissa Hall PHD, CCC-SLP/Julia Serra MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/research-practice-partnerships In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Tim DeLuca, PhD, CCC-SLP; Nerissa Hall, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-AAC; and Julia Serra, MS, CCC-SLP for a timely conversation about how research-practice partnerships can strengthen speech-language pathology and close the gap between evidence and everyday clinical decision-making. Together, they explore what research-practice partnerships are, why they matter, and how collaboration between clinicians and researchers can lead to more relevant research questions, stronger implementation of evidence-based practices, and better outcomes for students. You will hear practical examples of existing research-practice partnership models, along with real-world insights into how these collaborations are formed, maintained, and sustained over time. The discussion highlights the mutual benefits for clinicians, researchers, and the broader speech-language pathology community, while offering clear guidance for SLPs who are interested in becoming involved in partnerships that align with their caseload priorities and service delivery needs. This course provides a practical roadmap for engaging in meaningful collaboration that supports clinically relevant research and fosters the use of research-informed interventions in everyday practice. About the Guests: Tim DeLuca, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and director of the Community Engaged Language and Literacy (CELL) Lab. His research examines best practices for improving language and literacy outcomes for children in schools, particularly those with developmental language disorder, dyslexia, and/or complex communication needs. His research is informed by over a decade of clinical practice as both a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist, continued mentorship and instruction of undergraduate and graduate students, and multiple clinician-researcher partnerships. His work focuses on harnessing implementation science and fostering interprofessional practice to enhance written and spoken language outcomes for children in schools. By bridging the gap between research and practice, the CELL Lab strives to unlock new strategies and tools that can significantly improve children's communication skills and overall quality of life. Nerissa Hall, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-AAC, is a speech-language pathologist, AAC specialist, and co-Director of the Speech Language and Literacy Center with Tate Behavioral, where she works across disciplines—including behavior analysis, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education—to support students with complex access, learning, and communication needs. She is passionate about implementation and the interplay among learners, their communication partners, and their environments to maximize outcomes for learners and their partners. She collaborates with university partners, including UMass, agencies, and innovators, to bridge research and practice. Her work focuses on AAC intervention, assessment, consultation, and coaching, as well as tele-AAC, applied technology, and systems-level implementation of evidence-based practices. Dr. Hall is a national and international presenter and co-editor of foundational texts, with a strong emphasis on translating research into sustainable, real-world school practice. Julia Serra, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and supervising clinician at Tate Learning Center, where she works closely with SLPs, BCBAs, OTs, PTs, special educators, and related service providers to support students with complex communication, learning, and behavioral needs and their teams. Her work focuses on AAC, language, and literacy assessment, intervention, and consultation, and she is heavily invested in helping interdisciplinary teams apply evidence-based practices with fidelity, flexibility, and sustainability. Julia brings a grounded, clinician-informed perspective on what it takes to make research work in classrooms, programs, and systems.
March 9 · 1 hr 2 min
Leveraging Supervision and Evaluation to Succeed with Jacqueline Brown
Guest: Jacqueline Brown, ED.D., CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/leveraging-supervision In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Jacqueline Brown, EdD, CCC-SLP, for a practical conversation about how special education law shapes speech-language pathology services in school settings and how supervision and evaluation can be leveraged for success. This course examines how the goals of supervision and evaluation go beyond compliance and can be used to support effective service delivery, meaningful professional growth, and improved outcomes for students. Jacqueline breaks down how legal and administrative frameworks influence SLP roles, responsibilities, and expectations in schools. Participants will learn practical strategies to advocate for continuing education, protected time, and appropriate resources, while positioning themselves as collaborative allies within multidisciplinary teams. The session also highlights how strong partnerships with supervisors and evaluators can support accountability, confidence, and long-term career sustainability. About the Guest: Jacqueline (Turcios) Brown, EdD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of New Haven. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist with broad clinical experience across pediatric and adult populations, including work in public schools and at Yale New Haven Health in neurological and pediatric outpatient clinics, acute care, and rehabilitation. Dr. Brown earned her Doctor of Education from Southern Connecticut State University, where her research examined speech-language pathologists’ experiences with Connecticut’s educator evaluation system. She continues to expand this line of inquiry nationally, focusing on the professional experiences of school-based SLPs. Her work focuses on how clinicians can find fulfillment in their roles and sustain motivation throughout their careers.
February 23 · 1 hr 2 min
Vocabulary & Translanguaging Strategies for Multilingual Learners with Alisha B. Gandhi
Guest: Alisha B. Gandhi, MA, MS, CCC-SLP/TSSLD-BE Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/vocabulary-translanguaging-strategies Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in supporting vocabulary development for multilingual learners, and that work goes far beyond teaching isolated words. In this School of Speech episode, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Alisha B. Gandhi, MA, MS, CCC-SLP/TSSLD-BE, to explore how evidence-based vocabulary instruction can be strengthened through pedagogical translanguaging in classroom and therapy settings. Alisha breaks down what translanguaging really looks like in practice and how it can be intentionally applied to vocabulary instruction for young multilingual learners. Rather than separating languages, this approach leverages a student’s full linguistic repertoire to support deeper understanding, stronger word learning, and meaningful language growth. The conversation focuses on practical, collaborative strategies SLPs can use alongside classroom teachers to create explicit, robust vocabulary instruction that supports both language and academic success. Listeners will walk away with concrete ways to apply translanguaging principles within evidence-based intervention frameworks and better advocate for multilingual learners in educational settings. About the Guest: Alisha B. Gandhi, MA, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Bilingual Extension Track at New York University. She earned her MS degree in Speech and Language Pathology with a focus in Bilingual/Bicultural from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also holds an MA in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy and is currently a doctoral student in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program at NYU. Alisha previously worked as a bilingual speech-language pathologist for the New York City Public Schools, NYS Early Intervention, and in the private sector, providing culturally and linguistically responsive diagnostic and therapeutic services for children and adolescents, including multilingual learners, with a wide variety of speech and language disorders and emotional, physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.
February 16 · 57 min
Multilingual Evaluations: Elevate Your Assessments Using Converging Evidence with Emily Sweet
Guest: Emily Sweet, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/multilingual-evaluations In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Emily Sweet, MS, CCC-SLP, to tackle one of the most complex and high-stakes areas of school-based practice: evaluating multilingual children with accuracy and confidence. Designed for both bilingual and monolingual SLPs, this conversation introduces the converging evidence framework proposed by Castilla-Earls et al. (2020) and explains how multiple sources of data work together to support sound clinical decision-making. Rather than relying on a single test score, Carolyn and Emily walk through how to build a comprehensive evaluation protocol that reflects real-world language use. Topics include ethnographic interviewing, language sampling, nonword repetition tasks, and dynamic assessment, with clear explanations of how each contributes unique and meaningful information. The episode also addresses ethical and effective approaches for monolingual SLPs who are assessing bilingual or English learner students when a bilingual clinician is not available. By the end of the episode, listeners will leave with concrete tools, resources, and strategies they can immediately apply to strengthen multilingual evaluations and confidently distinguish language difference from language disorder. About the Guest: Emily is a bilingual SLP and a clinical associate professor at the Institute for Speech-Language Pathology at Widener University. She earned her MS in Speech Language Pathology with a bilingual extension from Teachers College, Columbia University, and worked for 15 years, first as a hospital-based SLP and then as a school-based SLP. Emily currently specializes in clinical education and issues related to culturally responsive care in pediatric and adult populations.
February 9 · 1 hr
Successful Speech Therapy in the High School Setting with Robert McKinney
Guest: Robert McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/successful-speech-therapy This first episode of the season of School of Speech focuses on what it really takes to make speech therapy effective and meaningful in the high school setting, where priorities shift and students are preparing for life beyond graduation. Host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with Robert McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP, for an honest, practical conversation about the evolving role of the SLP in secondary schools. Together, they talk through how speech therapy can support academic access, social communication, and increasing independence for teens and young adults. The discussion centers on the real communication challenges high school students face and how SLPs can design services that fit busy schedules, complex team dynamics, and future-focused goals. Carolyn and Robert also highlight the importance of collaboration, sharing approachable strategies for working with educators, families, and related professionals to support students’ post-secondary transitions. Grounded in real school environments, this episode offers realistic ideas SLPs can use to strengthen their impact in high school settings while keeping student needs, dignity, and long-term outcomes front and center. About the Guest: Robert (Bob) McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP, is the author of *Here’s How to Do Accent Modification* (Plural Publishing, 2019). He holds master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders, International Relations, and Education. Bob speaks six languages, has lived in six countries, and has worked with clients from over eighty nations. Prior to becoming a speech-language pathologist, he spent 26 years in ESL instruction, including serving as a teacher trainer at UC San Diego’s English Language Institute. He currently serves as the lead SLP at the Sweetwater Union High School District, working primarily with bilingual students. At San Diego State University, Bob teaches phonetics and supervises graduate students in the Accent and Communication Training Program. He is Chair-Elect of the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA) and Co-President of the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN).
January 26 · 1 hr 1 min
REWIND - Top 5 Tips for Excelling in Your School-Based CFY with Julie Barber-Bristol
*****Originally Aired: January 22, 2025***** Guest: Julie Barber-Bristol MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/top-5-tips-for-excelling-in-your-school-based-cfy In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby and guest Julie Barber-Bristol share essential insights for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) entering their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) in a school setting. Drawing from their extensive experience, they provide practical strategies to navigate assessments, therapy planning, and professional growth. Julie emphasizes the importance of mastering evaluations, organizing data effectively, and leveraging literacy-based therapy to maximize student engagement and goal attainment. They also discuss the significance of collaboration between CFs and supervisors, creating an environment that fosters learning and confidence. Listeners will gain valuable tips on balancing workload, embracing continuous learning, and using organization techniques to stay efficient in a fast-paced school environment. The episode underscores the role of mentorship and open communication in shaping a successful CF experience while encouraging both CFs and supervisors to adopt a mindset of flexibility, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Key Questions: - How can CFs effectively manage assessments, data collection, and therapy planning to streamline their workflow? - What strategies can supervisors implement to support and mentor CFs while fostering their clinical independence? - Why is organization essential for school-based SLPs, and what tools can help CFs stay on top of their responsibilities? About the Guest: Julie L. Barber-Bristol, MS, CCC-SLP, is a highly experienced speech-language pathologist with a career spanning more than two decades. She holds licenses in New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas, respectively, and specializes in school-based therapy. Julie integrates children’s literature to enhance speech and language development. Currently based in Cypress, Texas, she works in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. She previously worked at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania, offering therapy across various educational settings. In New York, she worked in private practice, delivering services to clients in diverse settings including homes, preschools, schools, private facilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
January 19 · 1 hr 6 min
REWIND - Morphology-Based Approaches with Ginger G. Collins
*****Originally Aired: June 26, 2024***** Guest: Ginger G. Collins, PHD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/morphologybased-approaches-to-improving-vocabulary-knowledge In this episode, Dr. Collins will explain how school-based SLPs can collaborate with classroom teachers to strengthen students’ literacy skills. The strategies discussed were developed for upper elementary and secondary students, and examples will be provided for various curricular content areas. All of these strategies emphasize morphological knowledge and positively impact spelling, decoding, and vocabulary knowledge. About the Guest: Ginger G. Collins, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a professor and program director at the University of Montana. Her teaching and research focus on literacy interventions with morphology at the core. Dr. Collins also conducts research and teaches about postsecondary transition planning and stuttering. She is a founding member of Structured Word Inquiry Research Vanguard (SWIRV). Structured Word Inquiry is a method of investigating the spelling of words through examination of their morphological composition, etymology, and grapheme-phoneme correspondences.
January 12 · 1 hr 5 min

School of Speech

REWIND - Envision Optimizing Assessment with Laura Gottlieb and Amy Culligan

REWIND - Providing Effective Intervention with Sherry Sancibrian

A Side Career for School-Based SLPs with Adrienne Singletary

A Metalinguistic Approach for School-Based Therapy with Lynne Telesca

Envision Optimizing Assessment and Dismissal for Students in Public Schools

What's an Error Anyway? Reframing Persistent Speech Patterns

Making Confident Caseload Decisions with Julia Yi

Demystifying Developmental Language Disorder - Part 2 with Wendy & Diane

Demystifying Developmental Language Disorder - Part 1 with Wendy & Diane

Rethinking Service Delivery in Schools with Janine Benner & Abbie Keibler

Advancing Autonomy as School-Based SLPs with Barbara Moore

Data without the Drama: Streamline Systems with Michele Rothstein

Beyond 80% Accuracy: Writing Goals That Make Sense with Rebecca Moore

Research-Practice Partnerships in Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology with Tim DeLuca/Nerissa Hall/Julia Serra

Leveraging Supervision and Evaluation to Succeed with Jacqueline Brown

Vocabulary & Translanguaging Strategies for Multilingual Learners with Alisha B. Gandhi

Multilingual Evaluations: Elevate Your Assessments Using Converging Evidence with Emily Sweet

Successful Speech Therapy in the High School Setting with Robert McKinney

REWIND - Top 5 Tips for Excelling in Your School-Based CFY with Julie Barber-Bristol

REWIND - Morphology-Based Approaches with Ginger G. Collins