SLP Coffee Talk

Latest Episodes:

You’re Not a Data Robot: Collect Less, Teach More, and Still Show Progress Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is serving up some real talk about data collection—and it might just change the way you run your sessions. If you've ever felt more like a clipboard than a clinician, or wondered why your students seem disengaged halfway through therapy, this one's your permission slip to breathe. Hallie breaks down why constant data collection can actually block progress, how to collect better data (not just more of it), and why teaching always needs to come before testing. She's sharing practical strategies for mixed groups, explaining why one quality data point is enough, and reminding us all that connection matters more than tally marks.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why constant data collection turns therapy into testing instead of teaching.
The power of anecdotal data over endless tally marks and percentages.
How to break down annual goals into smaller, achievable milestones.
Teaching first, data second: a framework for more effective sessions.
Managing data collection in mixed groups with limited time.

Here’s what we learned:

Students don't grow from being measured—they grow from being supported.
One quality data point per session is still meaningful data.
Anecdotal notes tell the story that numbers alone can't capture.
You don't need to target the annual goal every single session—pit stops and detours are part of the journey.
Connection over data collection leads to real, meaningful progress and student engagement.

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

Having Fun and Remembering Your Why Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Hallie chats with Maddie Burrington about having fun in your work and remembering your “why”!

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Maddie Burrington—an elementary school SLP in Dallas and social media creator—about making speech the coolest club in school, setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and remembering your why. Maddie shares her journey from private practice burnout to falling in love with elementary schools, how she creates themed sessions that have kids begging for their turn, and why leaving work at work changed everything. You'll also hear about gratitude journaling, hobbies outside of speech, and building community through relatable content. Whether you're a new CF or a veteran SLP, this conversation is packed with practical tips, real talk, and reminders that you can't pour from an empty cup.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Maddie's SLP journey—from grad school through her CF year
Making the leap from private practice to elementary schools
Jumping into SLP social media and building community
Setting boundaries, work-life balance, and hobbies that keep you sane
Remembering your why and using gratitude journaling to avoid burnout

Here’s what we learned:

Themed sessions keep kids engaged—they're working on goals without even realizing it.
Setting boundaries early prevents burnout—leave your laptop at work, there are no speech emergencies.
Making speech fun creates buy-in—kids should feel like they're in an exclusive cool club.
Gratitude journaling helps you reflect and grow—both personally and professionally.
Finding community matters—sharing relatable content connects SLPs who understand what you're going through.

Learn more about Maddie Burrington:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmaddieslp/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@missmaddieslp

Hoo.be: https://hoo.be/missmaddie

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

Language & Literacy Connection and more! Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Hallie chats with Tamara Anderson about language and literacy connection and more!

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Tamara Anderson—a speech-language pathologist, education specialist, and passionate literacy advocate—about the powerful connection between language and literacy in our therapy rooms. Tamara shares her journey into literacy specialization, breaks down the difference between what we do as SLPs versus what teachers do, and offers practical tips for assessments, engaging reluctant readers, and supporting multilingual learners. You'll also learn how to make literacy therapy fun with books, games, and culturally responsive practices that honor the whole child. Whether you're wondering if you're "doing it right" with literacy or looking for fresh ideas to bring into your sessions, this conversation is full of insight, real talk, and reminders that connection always comes before data collection.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

The SLP's unique role in literacy
Assessment tools and DIY informal probes you can create today
Making literacy fun for students who hate books
Multicultural considerations and ethical assessment practices
Building holistic services that see the whole child

Here’s what we learned:

SLPs use a therapeutic language lens—targeting morphology, semantics, and syntax, not curriculum standards.
Create your own informal probes for vocabulary, directions, inferences, and verbal reasoning.
Engagement is everything—use themed books, games, and enthusiasm to hook reluctant readers.
Ethical assessment requires case histories and bilingual resources for multilingual learners.
Connection over data collection—know your students as whole people, not just IEP goals.

Learn more about Tamara Anderson:

Website: http://buildingsuccessfullives.com

Website: http://andersonmulticulturalbooks.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingsuccessfullives/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSLSpeechLanguage

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKUwYkbSnH987kX5qxmBkrQ

Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/presenters/tamara-anderson

Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/tamara-anderson

Freebie: WH Questions: The Three Snow Bears

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

Case of the SLP Sunday Scaries Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling something we’ve ALL felt—the Sunday Scaries. You know that pit in your stomach when the weekend winds down and suddenly you’re spiraling about therapy plans, data collection, that one impossible group, and your inbox? Hallie shares the story of Jay, an SLP Elevate member who has every material she could ever need at her fingertips but still messaged saying, “I have everything, why do I still get the Sunday scaries?” If you’ve ever felt this way (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), this episode is your reminder that feeling anxious doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you care. Hallie’s breaking down why the scaries show up, how to give yourself permission to keep it simple, and why your students don’t need you to be perfect on Monday morning—they just need you to show up with a smile and be present.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why the Sunday scaries mean you give a damn (and maybe had too much cold brew).
The magic formula: log in, pick ONE thing, print it, and close the laptop.
The key ingredients to successful sessions: compassion, understanding, creativity, and adaptability.
Why using one resource across your whole caseload isn’t lazy—it’s smart and saves your sanity.

Here’s what we learned:

The Sunday Scaries are normal—even with all the best resources.
Just pick something and let that be enough—because it IS enough.
Your students feel it too, so use that shared Monday struggle to build connection.
You don’t have to be 100% to do a good job—presence beats perfection every time.
Leave Sundays for YOU and protect your weekends like your sanity depends on it.

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

Winter Screen Time That Works: Using Videos for Speech Goals Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Hallie chats about using videos for speech goals.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is warming up the speech room with one of her favorite low-prep tools: winter-themed YouTube videos. If you’re looking for ways to engage older students with activities that are motivating, free, and take the reading piece out of the equation, this one’s for you. She’s sharing five specific video recommendations—from the science of shivering to a heartwarming fiction story—that make targeting main idea, inferencing, and vocabulary feel like a breeze. Hallie also shares how to maximize one video across your entire caseload with five practical tips for managing mixed groups, because who has time to prep a million different things? It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and building a speech room culture where students feel successful and safe taking risks.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Five winter video picks to keep therapy seasonally fun.
Addressing main idea, summarizing, and W-H questions through visual storytelling.
Utilizing tier 2 words and target sounds found directly in the videos.
Five tips to differentiate one activity for a variety of goals.
Using routines and comfort contracts to encourage student risk-taking.
Avoiding burnout by planning one high-quality activity for your whole caseload.

Here’s what we learned:

Engagement beats boredom—themed activities keep students motivated and excited to participate.
One video can do it all—differentiate on the fly to meet the needs of every student in a mixed group.
Strategic pausing is key—don't be afraid to stop or rewatch to check for understanding.
Peer learning is valuable—students benefit from hearing each other work on different skills.
Efficiency prevents burnout—relying on free, short videos lets you focus on your students instead of endless prep.

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

Let's Chat Working With High Schoolers Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Hallie and Tricia Detig chat about high school speech therapy.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Tricia Detig — creator of Thoughtful Talk and a high school SLP working with resource and life skills students. Tricia shares her journey from middle school to high school, getting real about the differences. She talks about building rapport with older students, ditching lectures for hands-on activities, and making therapy meaningful through real-world experiences like running a coffee cart and back-to-back drawing challenges. Plus, she dives into push-in services, student buy-in, and why working with secondary students is a "hidden gem." If you're in the high school world or thinking about it, this one's packed with practical tips and real talk.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

The vibe shift from middle to high school (and cracking that "too cool" shell)
Building rapport and getting buy-in with older students
Push-in vs. pull-out—how it's decided
Why hands-on beats lectures (coffee carts > worksheets)
Bringing job readiness into everyday therapy
Getting students involved in their own IEP meetings
Why secondary is a "hidden gem" worth exploring

Here’s what we learned:

High schoolers aren't hard—they just need you to meet them where they are.
Hands-on beats worksheets every time (especially for carryover).
Functional skills like coffee carts teach more than homework help ever will.
Progress looks different with older students—focus on life skills, not just data.
Students in their IEP meetings changes everything (even if they just listen).
Secondary isn't scary—it's a hidden gem once you adjust.
Ask questions and lean on your team—secondary SLPs stay forever for a reason.

Learn more about Tricia Detig:

Website: https://www.thoughtfultalk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtful.talk/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thoughtfultalk.llc

Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thoughtful-talk-llc-formerly-detig-dialect

Speech Therapy Goal Bank for Middle School [grades 6-8]

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

Making AAC More Accessible for Communication Partners Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Hallie chats with Malka Arnstein about making AAC more accessible for communication partners.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Malka Arnstein — SLP, private practice owner, and AAC specialist on a mission to make AAC less intimidating and way more accessible. Malka gets real about the judgment that can creep into AAC work, why reframing it as just another communication tool changes everything, and how modeling for adults (not just kids) is where the magic happens. She talks about working with dysregulated students, pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out, and why showing up with fun and connection beats perfect data every time. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by AAC or like you're just winging it, this episode is packed with practical tips and plenty of "just do it and you'll be great" vibes.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why AAC is just a communication tool — and reframing it that way makes all the difference
How to make AAC accessible for SLPs, teachers, paras, and parents (not just users)
The power of modeling for adults, not just kids — show, don't tell
What it looks like to work with dysregulated students and build trust from a distance
Why pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out changes everything
How to ditch the data obsession for a minute and focus on fun and connection
What "modeling without expectations" actually means in practice

Here’s what we learned:

AAC isn't scary—it's just a tool, and reframing it that way changes everything.
Accessibility isn't just for users; teachers, paras, and parents need it to be usable too.
Model for the adults, not just the kids—show them how it's done in real time.
Push into classrooms instead of pulling out—let the team see AAC in action.
With dysregulated students, start from a distance and let trust build slowly.
Ditch the data sheets for a minute—fun and connection come first.
If it's not joyful, take a step back and adjust your approach.

Learn more about Malka Arnstein:

Website: http://www.speakingaac.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingaac/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/973643611365308

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speaking-AAC/61568405591784/

Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/speakingaac-llc

AAC Information Card

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

CFs and Supervisors - You are Going To Need To Hear This! Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Hylan Noble Landthorn and Nikki Rosner Jacobs, the powerhouse duo behind The Mentorship Collective! With over 24 years of combined experience as speech and language pathologists, they’re on a mission to support and empower the next generation of SLPs.

As the founders of WordsMyWay, a play-based, child-led speech therapy practice, Hylan and Nikki believe in connection, creativity, and personalized care. After years of mentoring clinicians through fellowships and daily practice, they saw the need for deeper support—and that’s how The Mentorship Collective was born.

In this episode, they share how they’re redefining mentorship to help new SLPs grow with confidence, professionalism, and purpose—so they don’t just survive their fellowships, but truly thrive.
Bullet Points to Discuss

The gap between grad school and real-world CF work
Why mentorship matters beyond supervision
Building clinical confidence and critical thinking
Preventing burnout in early-career SLPs
Mindset shifts for CFs and supervisors

Here’s what we learned:

Grad school teaches theory, but CFs need help translating it into flexible, real-time decision-making
Supervision ≠ mentorship; CFs need space for questions, reflection, and growth
Confidence grows through guided problem-solving, not having all the answers
Strong mentorship reduces stress, overwhelm, and early burnout
An open, growth-oriented mindset helps CFs learn faster and thrive long-term

Learn more about The Mentorship Collective:
Website

https://www.mentorshipcollective.com/

Social Media Links

Facebook

Instagram

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

New Year, New Vibes: Rebooting Speech After the Break Without Losing Your Mind Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles the chaos of returning to work in January. If you're feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation, this one's for you. She's dishing out practical strategies for easing back into therapy mode, getting your students re-engaged (even when they'd rather be literally anywhere else), and turning that New Year energy into actual buy-in. Hallie also shares how one simple activity can hit multiple goals across your entire caseload—because who has time to prep five different things? It's all about working smarter, not harder, and remembering that relationships matter just as much as data.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Starting light: connection before data collection
Quick check-ins and warmup games for the first week back
Getting student buy-in through goal-setting conversations
New Year's themed activities across all goal areas
One activity, multiple goals: the SLP magic formula
Why student voice and choice matter
The secret sauce: creativity, adaptability, and compassion

Here’s what we learned:

Stretching before the sprint—ease into the first week instead of going full throttle.
Your students are coming back just as tired and unmotivated as you are (totally normal!).
Asking "what would make speech more useful or fun for you?" is a game changer.
One activity can work for your entire caseload when you know how to adapt it.
Show students their voice matters, and they'll actually want to show up.
You don't need to be perfect—just present, creative, and compassionate.

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

Reflecting on 2025 Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie wraps up 2025 by reflecting on an incredible year — from presenting at conferences across the country to becoming a New York City approved vendor, publishing the Secondary SLP Roadmap, and meeting thousands of SLPs along the way. She celebrates the impact of SLP Elevate, the success of three Speech Retreat conferences, the launch of a merch store, and all the ways she's been able to support SLPs working with older students. Most importantly, Hallie takes a moment to celebrate you — the SLPs who show up every day for their students. If you're looking for a feel-good year-end recap full of gratitude, excitement, and a couple of truly terrible dad jokes, this episode is your perfect holiday listen.

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

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