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SLP Coffee Talk

Hallie Sherman

A speech and language podcast to motivate and inspire school-based SLPs. Get the tips, strategies, and low-prep therapy ideas you need to confidently walk into your therapy room and plan with ease. Learn and hear stories from an SLP in the trenches just like you!

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English

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#344
Monday · 34 min
Do Not Fear The Vocalic R
Feeling stuck when it comes to that pesky vocalic R? In this episode, Hallie sits down with Karen Krogg of The Pedi Speechie, a school-based SLP with a serious R obsession, to talk through everything from tongue shape to carryover. Karen breaks down her hand gesture analogies, favorite tools, and how she keeps kids motivated through the long haul of R therapy. Bullet Points to Discuss: Determining when R work is warranted for older students in schools Retroflex R vs. bunched R, and how to tell the difference Hand gesture analogies and tools like the typodont and Sketchfab Making practice fun without turning it into straight drilling Carryover strategies that actually get used at home Advice for SLPs and CFs new to treating vocalic R Here’s what we learned: Progress often comes down to problem-solving, not repetition — no single method works for every student The quicker a student masters R in isolation, the more predictable the rest of therapy tends to go A baseline screener at the start of the year makes progress easier to track Patience is part of the clinical skill set — R therapy can take well over a year New SLPs don’t need to have it all figured out — CEU courses and online resources help fill the gaps Learn more about Karen Krogg: Website: https://thepedispeechie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepedispeechie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepedispeechie_slp Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-pedi-speechie YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thepedispeechie4227 Speech Therapy Tools Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Freebie: https://thepedispeechie.com/speech-therapy-tools Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#343
August 31 · 36 min
How to Collect Data Without Stopping Therapy
Feeling like data collection is eating up all your therapy time? In this episode, Hallie sits down with Michele Rothstein of SLP Madness, a 26-year elementary school-based SLP, to talk all about how to make data collection clean, efficient, and legally defensible. Michele shares her 3:1 treatment-to-probe ratio, how she handles Medicaid billing without sacrificing real therapy time, and why she believes data is her favorite four-letter word. Bullet Points to Discuss: The difference between therapy charting and true data collection Why testing your students every session isn't the same as teaching them Using a 3:1 ratio: three weeks of treatment, one week of progress monitoring How to report Medicaid billing data on non-probe weeks Building and organizing probes so they're ready for IEP season Handling inherited IEP goals you don't agree with or understand Here’s what we learned: Data collection and therapy charting are not the same thing Consistent stimuli each time you probe is what makes data legally defensible An IEP is a blueprint, not a complete list of everything you're targeting Honesty about inherited goals builds trust with families and teams Starting small with one student or goal is the key to sticking with a new system Learn more about Michele Rothstein: Website: https://www.slpmadness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slp.madness/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rothstein-slpmadness Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/slp-madness How to Collect Data Without Stopping Therapy Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Freebie: https://www.slpmadness.com/shop/p/freespeechtherapydescribingprobe https://www.slpmadness.com/iep-goal-bank Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#342
August 24 · 23 min
What Is Stutter-Affirming Care?
Struggling with how to support a student who stutters without falling into the “fix it” trap? In this episode, Hallie sits down with Wendy Dietz, an SLP and clinic owner in Colorado who specializes in stuttering therapy, to chat all about what an acceptance-based approach really looks like. Wendy shares how a moving college essay first sparked her interest in stuttering, how the CARE model she learned at UT Austin completely shifted her perspective, and how she helps parents let go of all-or-nothing thinking about their child’s speech. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why fluency-focused early intervention isn’t backed by research and can cause harm Helping parents move past “fixed” vs. “held back” thinking about their child’s stuttering A student’s journey from a fluency-focused approach to self-advocacy and confidence Why observable severity often doesn’t match a student’s internal experience of stuttering What stuttering assessment looks like beyond disfluency counts Resources for SLPs building skills and confidence in this niche Here’s what we learned: The goal is confident communication, not reducing or curing stuttering A third path exists for parents beyond “fixed” or “struggling forever” A student’s own attitude toward stuttering matters as much as how it sounds Early education protects students from internalizing negative experiences later Confidence in this niche comes from community involvement, not just coursework Resources Mentioned: Stop Guessing with Stuttering Therapy – Victoria Dertouzoc: https://speechtimefun.com/334-stop-guessing-with-stuttering-therapy/ A Human Approach to Stuttering and Neurodiversity – Ana Hernandez Episode: https://speechtimefun.com/336-a-human-approach-to-stuttering-and-neurodiversity/ Learn more about Wendy Dietz: Website: https://www.lifetimespeech.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifetimestuttering/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-dietz-m-s-ccc-slp-5236561a9 Email: info@lifetimespeech.com Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#341
August 17 · 15 min
Why Word Webs Work: An Easy Vocabulary Strategy for Older Students
In this solo episode, Hallie unpacks one of her go-to therapy strategies for grades 4-12: word webs. She covers why this simple visual tool does so much heavy lifting in mixed therapy groups, how it hits multiple goals at once, and why it beats another boring vocabulary worksheet every time. If you've been looking for a way to teach vocabulary that actually sticks (and doesn't require a Pinterest-worthy setup), this episode is for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: What word webs are and how they help students connect meaning to a word instead of just memorizing a definition Why word webs support deeper processing and long-term carryover for vocabulary retention Which students benefit most from this visual, low-prep approach Ways to adapt word webs to feel age-appropriate for older, "too cool for therapy" students Using word webs to build emotional vocabulary beyond happy, sad, and mad How to introduce and scaffold the skill so it doesn't overwhelm students early on Here’s what we learned: Word webs give repeated, meaningful exposure to a word, which is what makes vocabulary stick. No fancy prep needed. A whiteboard or sticky notes will do. One word web can hit different goals for different students in the same group. Start small and build complexity gradually to avoid overwhelming students. Making it relevant to their world (sports, social media, career goals) is what keeps older students engaged. Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#340
August 10 · 20 min
AAC Support That Feels Less Overwhelming
Feeling unsure about AAC? You're not alone. In this episode, Hallie sits down with Cassidy, a speech therapist and owner of Around the Spectrum Therapy in Pennsylvania, to talk through what makes AAC feel so overwhelming and how to move past the "getting it right" mentality. Cassidy shares her journey from knowing next to nothing about AAC to building a robust vocabulary approach with clients from as young as 17 months, plus practical ways to coach parents and teachers who feel stuck. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why AAC feels overwhelming for so many SLPs, from tech overload to inconsistent caseload exposure The mindset shift from "perfect system" to just diving in and learning alongside the child Robust vocabulary vs. simple grids, and reframing AAC as language input, not just output How to structure sessions around a child's actual interests, including working with action words and motor-driven kids Coaching parents and professionals to focus on small, sustainable wins instead of all-or-nothing use Here’s what we learned: AAC should be treated as another tool in the therapy toolbox, not a separate, high-pressure system Starting with robust vocabulary access early, even with very young or emerging communicators, can pay off long-term Small, specific wins (one word, one moment) build more momentum than pushing for constant device use Finding genuine joy and connection with the child matters more than following a rigid AAC plan Meeting parents and teachers where they are is just as important as meeting the student where they are Learn more about Cassidy Kutchma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechwithcassidy/ Website: https://www.speechwithcassidy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthespectrumtherapy Website: https://www.aroundthespectrumtherapy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aroundthespectrumtherapy Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
August 3 · 28 min
The Role of SLPs in 5th-Year Transition Programming
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie's back with returning guest Shelby Davis, a school-based SLP at Community High School in Teaneck, NJ, and a doctoral candidate at Monmouth University. Shelby's diving into the 5th-year transition program she's helping build for students on the spectrum and others with complex learning needs — designed to bridge the gap between high school and real independence. From vocational skill-building to community partnerships, Shelby walks through how the program came together, what SLPs can offer beyond the classroom, and how any SLP can bring these strategies into their own practice, transition program or not. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why four years isn't always enough — and what a 5th-year transition program looks like in practice Moving beyond classroom goals to communication students actually need at work, in the community, and at home The skill areas worth targeting: self-advocacy, executive functioning, vocational communication, problem-solving Real-world practice — job shadowing, budgeting trips, even a visit to the post office Why repetition and hands-on practice outside the classroom matters most for autistic and other diverse learners Getting SLPs, OTs, teachers, counselors, and families all working from the same playbook The resources behind the program — Speech Time Fun, a monthly themed curriculum, and the NYT Learning Network Here’s what we learned: There's almost no existing research on 5th-year transition programs — which is part of why Shelby's building her doctoral work around it Real-world self-advocacy starts small: affirmation flashcards students can lean on when asking for help at a register or counter Admin buy-in came down to a clear proposal — mock curriculum, funding, staff certifications, not just an idea Parents said yes faster than expected — once they saw the goal was independence, not delay Bottom line for older students: treat them like people, not projects — connect to their interests first Learn more about Shelby Davis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyadavis/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#338
July 27 · 27 min
Motivation in Secondary-Age Students with Speech Sound Disorders
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with researchers Klaire Brumbaugh and Katy Cabbage, who are part of a team building a nationwide study around something secondary SLPs know all too well: the older student still working on that R who has zero interest in being in the speech room. They're developing tools to actually measure student motivation—so SLPs have real data behind decisions like when to keep kids on, when to discharge, and how to catch that window when a student is finally ready to do the work. Bullet Points to Discuss: What one SLP noticed in her high school speech room that kicked off this whole research project Why motivation is already being used as a dismissal criteria—but no one's actually measuring it What the research is finding so far—and where the big gaps still are What a nationwide study looks like and how SLPs can get involved Here’s what we learned: When a student is intrinsically motivated, progress can happen in weeks—not years. Low motivation is already being used to dismiss kids from therapy, but there's no real way to measure or track it. Parents, teachers, and students often see the same speech sound disorder in completely different ways—and that gap can affect every decision you make. The best research ideas are already happening in school speech rooms. This whole study started because one SLP spoke up at a conference. Learn more about Klaire Brumbaugh & Katy Cabbage: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cablab_wsu/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#337
July 20 · 21 min
Keeping Clients Engaged Between Sessions
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Alyssa Antcliff—SLP and founder of IndiAide—about what's actually happening with your clients between sessions, and how technology can finally give you the full picture. Alyssa shares how her frustration with paper handouts and vague "it went fine" updates led her to build a between-session therapy management platform, and why remote therapeutic monitoring might be the reimbursement pathway you didn't know existed. If you've ever wished you had more data to work with before your clients walked back through the door, this one's for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why paper-based home materials keep falling through the cracks How a pre-COVID teletherapy client reshaped Alyssa's thinking on carryover What remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) is Which clients benefit most from between-session support How IndiAide works, from clinician dashboard to family-facing tools Who qualifies for RTM reimbursement—and how to pitch it to your supervisor Here’s what we learned: The gap between sessions is where progress gets lost—or made. Paper handouts don't fail because families don't care—they fail because there's no follow-through built in. RTM is a reimbursement pathway that's actually growing—and SLPs are largely missing out on it. IndiAide lets families mark activities complete, rate difficulty, and send photos or videos—so you're not flying blind at the next session. More data between sessions means better decisions when they're back in the room. Learn more about Alyssa Antcliff: Website: https://www.indiaide.com/home Website: https://www.indiaide.com/blog/rtm-for-slps-webinar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiaide_rtm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/IndiAide-61582771767836/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-antcliff/ RTM Guide: https://info.indiaide.com/rtm-guide Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#336
July 13 · 33 min
A Human Approach to Stuttering and Neurodiversity
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Ana Hernandez—SLP and founder of Adult Stuttering—about why she ditched fluency therapy and never looked back. Ana breaks down the adaptation effect, why you can’t sit in the middle ground, and what it actually looks like to run an affirming stuttering session from start to finish. If stuttering has always felt like uncharted territory, this one’s your map. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why the middle ground between fluency and acceptance is hurting your students The adaptation effect and why fluency strategies fail in real life Using the five stages of behavioral change to meet students where they are Ditching “bumpy speech” and reframing how we talk about stuttering Starting sessions with a positive speaking moment Here’s what we learned: You can’t tell a kid their stutter is okay and drill fluency strategies in the same session. Fluency strategies don’t fail because the student didn’t try hard enough—they’re just unreliable by design. Safety comes before progress. Some kids need the whole session just to feel okay being in the room. “Stutter” is not a bad word. “Bumpy speech” is out. If you’re shifting away from fluency therapy, just tell your student. Kids love honesty. Learn more about Ana Hernandez: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/adult-stuttering Website: www.adultstuttering.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adultstuttering/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adultstuttering-ana/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adultstuttering Adult Stutter – Goals List: https://adultstuttering.myflodesk.com/slpgoals Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#334
July 6 · 20 min
Wondering how it all began?
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie finally tells her own story. From an undecided freshman at University of Buffalo to accidentally falling in love with speech pathology through a friend doing phonetics homework in the library, to getting peed on the morning of her one job interview in 2009 — yeah, that happened. If you’ve been listening for a while and always wondered how Speech Time Fun actually started, this one’s for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: How Hallie stumbled into speech pathology sophomore year — completely by accident Why her CF year in preschool was the push she needed to find her people The one student who forced her to rethink everything she thought she knew How a Pinterest gap in 2012 turned into Speech Time Fun, Teachers Pay Teachers, and eventually SLP Elevate The boardwalk conversation in 2023 that made it all official Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#334
June 29 · 26 min
Stop Guessing With Stuttering Therapy
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Victoria Dertouzos—SLP and founder of Speech and Stuttering Therapy of New Jersey—about why stuttering therapy looks so different than it used to, and why that’s a good thing. Victoria breaks down what a modern, neurodiversity-affirming approach to stuttering actually looks like in practice, how to assess what you’ve been missing, and what to say to students who’ve never felt heard in a therapy room. If stuttering therapy isn’t your jam, this one’s for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why fluency-chasing has let down generations of people who stutter—and what to do instead What covert stuttering is and why your assessment might be missing it How secondary behaviors develop—and why they’re not actually part of the stutter What to ask a student who stutters before anything else How to handle teachers and parents who just want it “fixed” What a neurodiversity-affirming stuttering session actually looks like Here’s what we learned: You can reduce the struggle around stuttering—but you can’t remove the stutter itself. If you’re only counting disfluencies, you’re missing the whole picture. A student who seems fine might be switching words, skipping answers, and falling behind without anyone noticing. Say “stuttering”—not “bumpy speech.” Normalizing the word helps normalize the experience. Ask the student what they think before you ask what they do. That’s where therapy actually starts. Learn more about Victoria Dertouzos: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stutteringtherapyslp/a Website: https://www.stutteringtherapynj.com Supporting Preschoolers Who Stutter: A Teacher's Guide: https://sstnj.myflodesk.com/fssfj7n1d8 Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#333
June 22 · 39 min
Trauma-Informed Practice: Why It Matters for Every SLP
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Mary Woodward—speech-language therapist, justice and mental health specialist, and university lecturer based in Sydney—about why trauma-informed care belongs in every SLP’s toolkit, no matter where you practice. Mary shares what trauma actually means clinically, how it shows up in communication and behavior, and the core principles that can shift your sessions from unintentionally harmful to genuinely healing. This one’s for every SLP who’s ever wondered why a student shuts down, says “I don’t know,” or gets labeled non-compliant. Bullet Points to Discuss: What trauma actually means clinically—and why it’s relevant to every SLP regardless of setting How trauma affects communication and what it might look like in your sessions Why labels like “non-compliant” and “unmotivated” are worth a second look How SLPs can accidentally cause harm—and the simple shifts that help What trauma-informed practice actually looks like inside a therapy room Here’s what we learned: Trauma-informed practice is good practice—for every student, every session. If a student doesn’t feel safe, learning isn’t happening. “I don’t know,” shutting down, and avoidance are nervous system responses, not attitude problems. Even small choices—where to sit, what order to do tasks—can restore a sense of control. The therapeutic relationship accounts for more of your outcomes than the tools you use. Resources: Strategies for Working With Students Who've Experienced Trauma: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/strategies-for-working-with-students-whove-experienced-trauma/full/ Insights Into Connecting With Students Experiencing Trauma: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.SCM.25112020.42/full/ A Pandemic's Pain: The Need for Trauma-Informed Services for Children: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1.26102021.38/full/ Bruce Perry: https://www.bdperry.com Trauma-Informed Speech-Language Pathology: Application of Universal Precaution: https://journals.lww.com/topicsinlanguagedisorders/abstract/2025/01000/trauma_informed_speech_language_pathology_.2.aspx Learn more about Mary Woodward: LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/woodwardmary Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#331
June 15 · 25 min
Rethinking “Following Directions” Goals in Speech Therapy
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Emily Byers Chaney—pediatric SLP, private practice owner, and neurodiversity affirming advocate—about why following directions goals might not be telling you what you think they are. Emily shares how working alongside Jessie Ginsburg shifted her entire clinical lens, what’s really happening when a child doesn’t follow a direction, and how to build therapy that’s meaningful, motivating, and actually carries over. This one’s for every SLP who’s ever wondered if there’s a better way to work on receptive language. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why following directions tasks often measure compliance—not comprehension What neurodiversity affirming therapy looks like compared to compliance-based approaches How dysregulation, executive functioning, and sensory needs can all interfere with following a direction What PDA profile is and how demands affect those students differently Why adult-directed tasks are less effective—and what to do instead Here’s what we learned: Comprehension ≠ compliance. A child can understand and still not follow through. Connection first. Safety and relationship aren’t a detour—they’re the work. Go beyond the assessment. Play-based observation reveals what standardized testing misses. Watch for overcompliance. Too much compliance-focused therapy can erode autonomy and self-advocacy. One small shift. You don’t have to overhaul everything—just start somewhere. Learn more about Emily Byers Chaney: Website: https://www.ndaffirmingslp.com Website: https://www.boundlessspeech.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndaffirming.slp/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#332
June 8 · 26 min
Hallie chats with Sarah Bishop about being a generalist SLP
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Sarah Bishop—14-year school-based SLP, California Speech-Hearing Association president, and union rep—about why being a generalist is actually your biggest flex. Sarah shares her winding path to the field (spoiler: it starts with an art history degree and museum tours), why school-based SLPs need to stop apologizing for knowing a little of everything, and how to keep growing without losing your mind. This one’s for every SLP who’s ever felt like everyone else has a specialty except them. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why the generalist label gets a bad rap—and why it shouldn’t How to figure out what continuing education you actually need What a PLC is and how to start one even if your district doesn’t have one The mindset shift that makes it easier to grow without burning out How school-based SLPs define their expertise differently than private practice Here’s what we learned: Own the generalist title. Any kid walks through your door, you know where to start. That’s not nothing—that’s everything. You will get things wrong. So will every SLP who’s been in the field for 14 years. Let it go and keep moving. Connection is the intervention. Showing up, caring, and actually paying attention to a kid? That’s already therapeutic. Find your people. You don’t need a huge community. Start with one SLP buddy or one district PLC meeting. Know your role. Private practice treats the disability. You remove barriers to education. That’s a different—and equally valid—job. Learn more about Sarah Bishop: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawahfwend Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#330
June 1 · 16 min
What If I Have No Idea What I’m Doing?!" Real Talk for CFs & New Grad SLPs Entering the Schools
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie gets honest with new grads and CFs who are quietly wondering if they’re already behind. She talks through what imposter syndrome actually looks and feels like in those early weeks — the brain-blank first session, the late-night Google spiral — and why all of it is completely normal. If you’re a new SLP asking “what if I can’t do this?”, this one was made for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: Why imposter syndrome hits hardest when no one’s watching Four things that will actually get you through those early sessions Shrink the moment — just pick one thing to target One activity, stretched across every group and goal you’ve got Narrate your thinking out loud — that’s the therapy Expect the clunky sessions — even the veterans have them Hallie’s recipe for a speech lesson that works no matter what Here’s what we learned: Feeling clueless doesn’t mean you’re underprepared. It means you’re new. Language is hard because it overlaps with everything — slow progress is still progress. Adaptability is the skill that will carry you further than any material or lesson plan ever will. The confident SLP you’re trying to be right now is built through exactly these messy, uncertain moments. You don’t have to do this alone — and there’s no rule that says you have to. Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#329
May 25 · 15 min
New SLP Survival Kit: What You ACTUALLY Need (and What to Skip) Your First Year in Schools
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie breaks down the realistic SLP toolkit that no grad program actually prepares you for. She walks through what new grads really need before stepping into their CF year — from skipping the summer shopping spree to treating week one like a recon mission. If you’re a brand new SLP wondering where to even begin, this one’s for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: Don’t buy everything this summer — wait until you know your caseload Treat your first week like a detective mission, not a performance Ask your colleagues everything — they are your lifeline Keep therapy simple — one activity can serve multiple groups and goals Build systems over perfection — predictable routines beat elaborate lesson plans Give yourself permission to be new Here’s what we learned: Done is better than perfect — especially when you don’t even know what perfect looks like yet. Your colleagues have been where you are and most of them are happy to help. Adaptability is the one skill that will save your sanity more than any material ever will. Simple routines protect your students just as much as they protect you. Being new doesn’t make you an imposter. It makes you human. Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 🎓✨ Grab your free spot at CF Bootcamp 2026 here! https://www.speechtimefun.com/cfbootcamp2026 🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here! https://www.speechretreat.com Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#328
May 18 · 30 min
Starting the AAC Conversation with Caregivers
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Daj Mitchell—school-based SLP, online educator, and Illinois State University graduate—about getting everyone on board with AAC. With over six years of experience serving pediatric and adult clients across settings, Daj breaks down her buy-in stair step framework and explains why many SLPs accidentally skip to the last step. She shares practical strategies for coaching parents and staff, building real collaboration, and improving carryover beyond the therapy room. They also explore Daj’s work in AI, AAC, and neurodiversity-affirming care, along with how she supports fellow clinicians through education and social media. This one’s for any SLP who’s ever handed a family a home program and never heard about it again. Bullet Points to Discuss: What the AAC buy-in stair step framework actually looks like How adult learning theory applies to parent and stakeholder coaching Why video modeling works better than handouts for skeptical caregivers How to use Google Forms, scheduled emails, and templates to manage AAC collaboration without eating your lunch What an AAC profile spreadsheet is and why Daj swears by it How to extend the same coaching framework to teachers, paras, and admin Here’s what we learned: Buy-in has three parts. Acceptance, willingness to support, and active participation are not the same thing—and most caregivers are only at step one. Don’t skip ahead. Handing over a home program before a caregiver is ready guarantees the device stays on the refrigerator. Adults need a reason. Connect AAC to something that already matters in their life and they’ll move faster. Start with one win. Find the routine they actually care about and build from there. Set it and forget it. Once your emails and forms are built, your collaboration system basically runs itself. Learn more about Daj Mitchell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
#327
May 11 · 18 min
5 Signs Your Speech Goals Aren’t Clicking (And How to Get Middle & High Schoolers to Actually Care)
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles the real reason your middle and high school students check out the moment you explain the session goal — and it’s not the goal itself. She walks through five signs your explanation isn’t clicking and how to flip each one so students actually get it. If your students would rather do anything but be in your session, this one’s for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: Sign #1: Your goal explanation is landing like broccoli — relevant to school, irrelevant to them Sign #2: Your worksheets disappear after session and connect to nothing real Sign #3: You’re drilling a skill your student thinks they already have Sign #4: Your reading passages feel like homework 2.0 with zero payoff Sign #5: You’re collecting data the whole session instead of actually teaching Here’s what we learned: Don’t lead with school. Lead with what they already care about — gaming, streaming, social media. Relevance doesn’t require new materials. A 30-second framing conversation changes everything. Students aren’t resistant to learning. They’re resistant to pointless practice. Data without teaching is just numbers. Slow down, teach first, collect at the end. Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
May 4 · 28 min
Play-Based Therapy Fun
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman chats with Bradi O’Rourke, owner of Braxy Speech Therapy, all about the magic of play-based, child-led therapy. Bradi breaks down how ditching rigid, drill-heavy sessions and leaning into connection, creativity, and a little bit of mess can lead to more meaningful communication. She shares how meeting kids where they are, following their lead, and making therapy feel natural (and actually fun!) can create real progress that carries over beyond the session. If you’re ready to loosen up your sessions and make therapy feel more engaging for both you and your students, this episode is for you. Bullet Points to Discuss: -What play-based, child-led therapy actually looks like beyond just “playing games” -Why connection over compliance leads to more meaningful communication -How to naturally target speech and language goals within play -The mindset shift from therapist-led sessions to following the child’s lead -How to handle parents who expect more structured, drill-based therapy -Why functional goals matter—and how to rethink them in real-life contexts -How involving parents during sessions can boost carryover at home Here’s what we learned: If it’s not functional in play, it’s probably not a functional goal. Kids learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and in control of their environment. You don’t need a perfect plan—your skills as an SLP will show up naturally in play. Connection and engagement will always beat rigid structure and drills. Educating parents is key—once they understand the “why,” they’re more likely to trust the process. Progress doesn’t always look structured—but it is happening. Learn more about Bradi O’Rourke: Instagram: @braxy_speech_therapy Website: www.braxyspeechtherapy.com Product downloads on my website: www.braxyspeechtherapy.com/category/all-products Email Address bradi@braxyspeechtherapy.com Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
April 27 · 24 min
Remembering Your Why for Grad Students & Beyond
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Cary—school SLP, private practice clinician, and creator of the SLP Grad Student Instagram page—about finding your why and holding onto it when things get hard. Cary gets honest about the rejection letters, Praxis failures, and imposter syndrome she pushed through on her way to the field, and shares what the CF year really feels like when you're suddenly on your own. This one's for any SLP questioning whether they belong here. Bullet Points to Discuss: How a career aptitude test and a sister's nudge pointed Cary toward speech pathology What the transition from grad student to CF actually feels like Why failure in the Praxis isn't talked about—and why it should be How Cary survived grad school time management What imposter syndrome looks like five years in—and how she pushes through it Why she chose her specific field and what community means to her Here’s what we learned: Rejection is redirection. Failing the Praxis shows you exactly where your gaps are—use it. Overstudying isn't productive. Nine to three, then put it down. If you don't know something, say so. People appreciate honesty over an answer that doesn't make sense. Imposter syndrome doesn't expire after your CF. Five years in, it still shows up. Push through anyway. Give yourself grace. A kid walking into your session and smiling counts as a win. Learn more about Cary Mercado: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slpgradstudent/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/ 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup 📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

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