SLP Coffee Talk

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I reveal the secrets to creating a safe and supportive environment for older speech students, offering actionable strategies and insights. Learn how to boost engagement, confidence and learning outcomes by addressing common mistakes like overemphasizing correctness and neglecting personalization. Discover practical techniques for fostering a community-centric sp...

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we chat with Elise Mitchell, the founder of the Therapy Support Network, who shares her journey from burnout to thriving as an independent contractor. Elise, who graduated from Missouri State University in 2013 with an M.S. CCC-SLP, initially spent six years working for virtual staffing companies. She took on various roles, including an SLP, school salesperson,...

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we are joined by Stephanie Sweigart from Golden State of Mind, a renowned expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices within the realm of special education. Stephanie brings her wealth of experience as a certified Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation and a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist. As a featured presenter at the 2023 American Speech-Language-He...

In this episode, we are joined by Melanie Y. Evans (M.S. CCC-SLP, she/her/ella), a Spanish-bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist dedicated to bridging gaps in speech-language pathology, education, and society. As the thought leader and CEO of Pediatric Speech Sister, Melanie equips SLPs with cultural competency tools through her online network. She fosters inclusivity by hosting live int...

Hey, there SLPs! In this episode, we have Brianna Guild – a private practice Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario, Canada, providing virtual speech therapy focusing on literacy, language, and articulation. She created SLP Literacy Corner, sharing literacy resources and ideas for busy educators. Join us as Brianna discusses creating effective writing goals, utilizing graphic organizers, and seaml...

In this episode of the SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie shares her journey from being a resource-hoarding speech-language pathologist (SLP) to becoming an organized and efficient professional. Ever felt overwhelmed by clutter and endless planning? Well, Hallie offers actionable strategies to streamline your approach and make your sessions more focused and productive, whether you’re managing large caseloads...

In this super fun episode of the SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sat down with Kendra T. Hallison, a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), who owns Speechology Communication Services PLLC in Charlotte, NC. With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in school and care facility settings, early intervention, and efficient work strategies. Her interests include mindfulness, healthy boundaries,...

Hey, there SLPs! In this episode, we delve into the world of executive functioning with expert Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP. With over 25 years of experience treating executive dysfunction, she is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the programs and strategies she has developed with her Co-Director Kristen Jacobsen. Their 360 Thinking Executive Function...

Hey, there SLPs! In this episode, we talk with Robert (Bob) McKinney, a seasoned school-based speech-language pathologist with almost two decades of experience in secondary education. In this episode, Bob talks about how he went from being an ESL teacher all over the world to becoming a well-known SLP in one of the biggest all-secondary school districts in the nation! His distinct experience and d...

In this episode of the SLP Coffee Talk, we’ll dive into the world of practical and relevant professional development for all you amazing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) out there!  Get ready to hear all about the awesome perks of attending the virtual Speech Retreat conference —think fresh strategies, new skills, and tons of practical ideas to jazz up your work with students. We’ll also talk a...

In this episode, we’ll talk about my personal journey and the valuable lessons I learned when I first started working with older speech students. From understanding the pivotal role of language comprehension in reading success to the game-changing power of building genuine rapport,  join me as I share my secrets to successfully working with older speech students and revolutionizing your approach w...

Matt Eicheldinger has been teaching middle school language arts for the past fifteen years where he’s become known for his storytelling method of teaching. Hey there, SLPs! Get ready to be swept away by the tale of a middle school teacher turned New York Times bestselling author, Matt Eicheldinger! Matt shared his journey from the chalkboard to the book charts with his middle grade novel, "Ma...

Hi, fellow SLPs! In today’s episode, Hallie welcomes Mel Abraham, a CPA by education, entrepreneur, financial expert/advisor to businesses and individuals and an author of an upcoming book titled Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder for You Than You Did for It. Together, we explore strategies for financial wellness and wealth building tailored specifically for Speech L...

Hey there, fellow SLPs! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Sarah, an SLP and AAC enthusiast, to demystify the world of augmentative and alternative communication, showing it’s not about the tech but about empowering connections. We delve into selecting AAC systems, involving families and integrating devices into the classroom all while maintaining a focus on the child’s auto...

Hey there, SLPs! Today, we're going to delve deep into the realm of therapy goals and standardized testing now. Standardized testing is a necessary component of the process, let's face it, but that doesn't mean our treatment objectives have to follow their lead. We're going to reveal how to use those test results to inform relevant, doable objectives. Let's face it, meanin...

Hallie talks about how to use Blooket in your speech therapy sessions. Hey there, SLPs! Get ready for a jolt of inspiration in this episode of SLP Coffee Talk. Join Hallie as she spills the beans on her all-time favorite free tool for speech therapy - Blooket! Discover how this interactive platform can turn learning into a game and keep your older students engaged and motivated. From customizable...

Effective reading instruction strategies for older students with Sara of Stellar Teacher Company Hi, fellow SLPs! In today’s episode, Hallie features Sara Marye, an accomplished educator, the CEO of The Stellar Teacher Company, and the creator/host of the Stellar Teacher Podcast. Together, we delve into advanced reading instruction strategies while exploring the science of reading and its applicat...

Hi, fellow SLPs! In today’s episode, Hallie explores the benefits of role-playing in speech therapy to enhance vocational communication skills. Discover the practical strategies for SLPs to create realistic role-playing scenarios that prepare students for the workforce by developing language skills essential for professional success. Tailored for speech-language pathologists working with older stu...

Why connecting with middle and high school students increases motivation and participation? Hey there, fellow SLPs! In this episode, Hallie chats with speech-language pathologists Matt and Margarita to share their innovative strategies for engaging teen learners. Hear about innovative ways to weave student interests into therapy sessions, from comic books to current tech articles, and how personal...

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman shares a powerful tool for improving therapy practices: Tar Heel Reader. Get ready to unlock a world of free, accessible books that will enhance literacy, comprehension, articulation, expressive language, and social skills. Learn how to make learning fun, increase vocabulary, and captivate your kids with custom stories. You won't want to miss...

In the latest episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman serves up a steamy brew of fresh ideas to rejuvenate your speech-language therapy sessions.  Saying goodbye to the yawns and hello to sessions that are as enjoyable as they are educational. Hallie provides practical examples of how to adapt popular board games to meet various speech and language goals. From "Twisted Scrabble" to &q...

Do you find AAC overwhelming? You aren’t alone!  No need to worry though, because in this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Cici Fritts and Candace Hayden. They are experts in all things technology and AAC for our speech students and they are here to help you understand how to best help your students with their communication through AAC.  Topics covered in this episode include: How Cici...

Do you struggle sometimes talking to parents and navigating the whole IEP process with parents? If so, you are going to love today’s guest on SLP Coffee Talk! I sat down with Wendy Taylor to talk all about how you can better help parents when it comes to IEPs.  Topics covered in this episode include: The biggest challenges parents face in the IEP process How to present information to parents so th...

Are you familiar with trauma-informed care?  In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Rachel Archambault, the PTSD SLP, to talk all about trauma-informed care for our speech students. You don’t have to be a trauma detective to support your students who have experienced trauma, you just have to offer them a safe space, and Rachel is telling us exactly how to do it.  Topics covered in thi...

Let’s talk about one of my favorite tools to use in my speech room- videos!  Videos are motivating, require zero prep, and can easily adapt to any goal. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I’m sharing how you can use this versatile resource to target vocabulary goals.  Topics covered in this episode include: My favorite videos and resources to work on vocabulary with speech students How to use the...