SLP Coffee Talk

Latest Episodes:

Beyond the Myth: Socioeconomic Status and Language Development Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kylie Helm — school SLP, private practice owner, and PhD student who’s doing the research we all desperately need. Kylie shares how growing up low-SES herself and then working in a Title I school opened her eyes to the massive disconnect between what grad school teaches us and what these kids actually need. She gets real about the dangerous assumptions SLPs make (spoiler: poverty ≠ language disorder), why standardized vocabulary tests are basically useless for this population, and how syntax is actually the diagnostic hero we’ve been ignoring. If you’ve ever felt pressured to qualify a student just because they’re from a low-income family or wondered how to write a report that says “they bombed the test but don’t need services,” this conversation is packed with research-backed truth bombs and practical ways to do better.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

The myth that every low-SES kid has “bad language” and automatically needs services
Why we need to stop using vocabulary scores as our diagnostic smoking gun
Language samples and test-teach-retest: where the real answers actually live
How to tell teachers the difference between functional communication gaps and academic language concerns
When low vocabulary + low syntax = actual red flag vs. just environmental difference

Here’s what we learned:

Stop assuming multilingual + immigrant + low-SES + busy parents = needs speech therapy.
Syntax is ability-based, vocabulary is environment-based—that changes everything about diagnosis.
Dynamic assessment (test-teach-retest) shows learning ability, not just current knowledge.
Strong syntax + weak vocabulary? Probably environmental. Weak syntax + weak vocabulary? Now we’re concerned.
Teachers need to step outside their comfort zone too—it’s not all on us to adapt.

Learn more about Kylie Helm:

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

Study: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2024_PERSP-23-00299

Developing Cross-Cultural Competence

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

Helping Families Navigate the IFSP to IEP Transition at 3 Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Colleen Ashford of Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C. about navigating transition process from an IFSP to IEP.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Colleen Ashford — bilingual SLP, private practice owner, and the special education advocate we all need. Colleen shares how she went from planning to be a school SLP forever to accidentally falling in love with advocacy work when families kept asking her IEP questions she couldn’t half-answer. She gets real about taking a special education law course on Saturdays, why we need to stop treating parent rights like secret information, and how she now runs her own practice doing both speech therapy and advocacy. If you’ve ever felt stuck answering parent questions or wondered how to actually support families navigating the IEP maze, this conversation is packed with real talk and “yes, you can totally do this” energy.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why families in private practice were totally lost about basic IEP stuff
The difference between school speech services and what happens in clinics
Why SLPs need to stop being scared of “getting in trouble” for educating parents
Parent education vs. parent advocacy—and when it becomes a whole new service
When to hand families a community resource list (and how to build one that actually helps)

Here’s what we learned:

You’ll never get in trouble for objectively explaining educational rights to families.
IEP meetings are collaborative—not presentations parents just stamp “yes” on.
Early intervention families need extra support understanding what happens at age three.
Translation services aren’t optional—parents have the right to understand in their native language.
Building a resource list takes time, but tackle it during cancellations and it’s golden.
Parent education is valuable, billable work—don’t downplay what you know.

Learn more about Colleen Ashford:

Website: www.ashfordspeechandadvocacy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadvocate.slp

Unfiltered IEPs: Apple | Spotify

Right to Translation Freebie: https://theadvocateslp.myflodesk.com/kp4nh8184r

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

Helping Parents Navigate IEP Meetings Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Luba about how to help parents navigate IEP meetings.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Luba — SLP, bilingual private practice founder, and the brain behind Kidology and The Confident IEP Parent. They dive into the real challenges parents face when navigating IEPs, why so many feel lost (and sometimes overwhelmed), and how Luba helps families show up to meetings with confidence instead of confusion. Along the way, she shares her journey from aspiring broadcast journalist to running a thriving clinic, plus tips for SLPs thinking about private practice or looking to grow their own niche. If you’ve ever wished you could hand parents a “how-to” guide for IEPs, or you’re curious about juggling business, therapy, and advocacy, this episode is full of practical advice, inspiration, and plenty of real talk moments you won’t want to miss.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Luba’s journey from broadcast journalism to running a bilingual private practice
Why parents often feel totally lost in the IEP process—and how she guides them step by step
The story behind The Confident IEP Parent and how it helps families show up to meetings with confidence
Tips for SLPs on working with parents, starting a practice, and growing your niche without losing your sanity

Here’s what we learned:

Parents need clear, simple explanations to feel confident in IEP meetings (no jargon, promise!)
You can start a private practice with just a few clients—no fancy clinic required
Growing your practice means evolving with your clients and building trust over time
There are so many ways to make an impact as an SLP—therapy, advocacy, content creation, coaching, and more

Learn more about Luba Patlakh-Kaplun:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh

Website

Kidology Inc.: https://kidologyinc.com
The Confident IEP Parent: https://confidentiepparents.com

Instagram

@kidologyinc: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyinc
@kidologyqueen: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyqueen
@theconfidenteipparent: https://www.instagram.com/theconfidentiepparent
@kidologyplayspacesouthampton: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyplayspacesouthampton
@thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthlabpodcast

TikTok

@kidologyinc: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidologyinc
@thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrowthlabpodcast

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

Private Practice and YouTube Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Hallie and Bria Gibson chat about running a private practice and YouTube channel.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Bria — SLP, private practice owner, and the creative mind behind Speech Up TV. Bria shares how she stumbled into the profession, rediscovered her passion while working with high schoolers, and eventually made the leap to a fully virtual practice after becoming a new mom. She walks us through the behind the scenes of Speech Up TV, from green screens to editing marathons to creating custom videos for her clients — and why YouTube has become such a powerful tool for language learning. If you’re curious about private practice, virtual therapy, or carving out your own path as an SLP, this episode is packed with honesty, inspiration, and plenty of “you can totally do this” moments.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

How switching from elementary to high school brought back her love for speech
Why Facebook mom groups were the key to growing her private practice
The role representation played in connecting with families
What the transition from mobile therapy to virtual sessions actually looked like
How Speech Up TV started—and how her husband became the behind-the-scenes tech wizard
Ways SLPs can use her YouTube videos during sessions or for home practice
Ideas for avoiding burnout by exploring different settings or roles

Here’s what we learned:

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong field—sometimes it’s the wrong setting.
You don’t need a clinic to start a private practice; start with your community.
Virtual therapy can work surprisingly well when you already have strong rapport.
YouTube can extend your reach far beyond your caseload (hello, Australia!).
Custom, language-focused videos can support both kids and caregivers.
There are so many ways to be an SLP—therapy, advocacy, content creation, coaching, and more.

Learn more about Bria Gibson:

Website: www.myspeechup.com

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

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@speechuptv

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

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

Navigating PDA and Selective Mutism Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Libby Hill, a consultant speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience, about the fascinating connection between pathological demand avoidance (PDA) and selective mutism. Libby shares why students with PDA aren’t just being “naughty,” how their brilliant yet challenging language profiles can fool us into expecting too much, and why creating the right environment is everything. You’ll learn practical strategies like the “projects on pause folder” and why traditional therapy goals need to flip the script to focus on what the team needs to do, not what the student needs to fix. Whether you’re hearing about PDA for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode reminds us that sometimes the best therapy plan is building rapport and following the student’s lead.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

How a rain-soaked TV appearance opened the door to specializing in PDA
Key differences between PDA and autism with extreme demand avoidance
The connection between pathological demand avoidance and selective mutism
Why environment and relationship-building matter more than direct goals
Practical strategies like the “projects on pause folder” and flexible choices
How to support students without triggering demand avoidance

Here’s what we learned:

PDA and selective mutism? They’re more connected than you think.
Getting the environment right beats direct intervention every time.
Flexibility and choice look different for every student.
Try the “projects on pause folder” - it removes pressure and sparks curiosity.
Build rapport without an agenda, and watch progress happen.
The right diagnosis matters - wrong strategies can do more harm than good.

Learn more about Libby Hill:

Website: www.smalltalk-ltd.co.uk

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

Let’s Talk Small Talk Podcast: https://letstalksmalltalk.transistor.fm

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

Secondary SLP Unite Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats about the Secondary SLP Movement!

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in baby clipart while trying to make speech therapy work for middle and high schoolers, this episode is your life raft. Hallie is here to spark The Secondary SLP Movement — empowering SLPs to take back their time, make therapy functional, and show the world that speech therapy doesn’t stop after elementary school. 🙌💬

From planning in 10 minutes flat to using real-world materials that actually engage teens, Hallie spills her best tips for keeping therapy fun, relevant, and stress-free. Get ready to laugh, nod along, and feel seen — because this episode proves that therapy for older students can be just as exciting (and way less exhausting)! 💡🔥

Bullet Points to Discuss

Real-World Therapy Magic
Game-changing method for prepping effective sessions
Build a go-to therapy toolkit
How tracking small victories keeps you inspired and recharged.

Here’s what we learned:

Redefining what it means to be a secondary SLP in today’s schools.
Using real-life, functional materials to engage older students.
Cutting planning time without sacrificing impact.
Reusing and recycling frameworks for stress-free therapy.
Building rapport and boosting buy-in with relevance and respect.
Celebrating small wins and sharing them with the SLP community.

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 Secondary SLP Roadmap is HERE! Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Hallie's book The Secondary SLP Roadmap is finally here! Listen as Hallie chats about her new book!

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie celebrates the launch of her brand new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, a guide designed to help SLPs working with grades 4–12 feel confident, equipped, and inspired. She shares the story behind why she wrote it, what makes it different from anything else out there, and how it’s packed with practical strategies, reflection prompts, and ready-to-use resources. If you’ve ever felt lost working with older students or wished for a clear plan to make therapy more meaningful (and fun), this episode is your invitation to grab your mug and your roadmap—because change starts here.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why Hallie created The Secondary SLP Roadmap for grades 4–12 SLPs.
What sets this book apart from other secondary resources.
How it helps you build trust and make therapy meaningful.
The exclusive bonuses waiting when you grab your copy.

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

Working with a Parent Advocate Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC from Destiny Huff Consulting about working with a parent advocate and the role of the SLP.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Dr. Destiny Huff—a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD therapist, trauma specialist, and special education advocate—about how SLPs can approach the IEP process with more empathy and collaboration. Dr. Destiny shares her journey from parent to advocate, common fears families bring into meetings, and how SLPs can communicate with compassion while standing firm in their expertise. You’ll also learn practical tips for writing neuroaffirming IEP goals and supporting students without losing sight of their individuality. Whether you’re new to advocacy or want to feel more confident at the IEP table, this conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and reminders that teamwork truly makes the difference.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Dr. Destiny’s journey from parent to special education advocate
How to approach IEP meetings with empathy and collaboration
The SLP’s role in advocacy and teamwork at the IEP table
Writing neuroaffirming goals that honor student individuality
Communicating confidently in tough meetings

Here’s what we learned:

Advocacy starts with empathy and understanding the parent perspective.
SLPs and OTs are key allies in creating meaningful, student-centered IEPs.
Neuroaffirming goals focus on support, not “fixing” differences.
Collaboration—not confrontation—leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Every IEP meeting is a chance to advocate with compassion and confidence.

Learn more about Dr. Destiny Duff:

Website: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/

Instagram (@theaffirmingvillagepodcast): https://www.instagram.com/theaffirmingvillagepodcast/

Instagram (@destinyhuff_iep_advocate): https://www.instagram.com/destinyhuff_iep_advocate/

Destiny Duff Consulting – Teachers Pay Teachers

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

BONUS: Why Building Rapport Is Everything in Secondary Speech Therapy Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats about the importance of building rapport with older speech students.

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie shares the moment that completely changed how she approached working with older students—when one small connection turned reluctant teens into willing participants. She dives into how that experience inspired Chapter 7 of her new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and why building rapport isn’t extra—it’s everything. If you’ve ever wondered how to get buy-in from your students or make therapy a space they actually look forward to, this one’s for you.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

What rapport really means—and why it matters most.
The story that changed how Hallie connects with students.
How trust turns reluctant learners into willing participants.
Simple ways to build rapport while still hitting goals.
A peek into Chapter 7 of The Secondary SLP Roadmap.

Here’s what we learned:

Connection comes before correction—rapport is the real starting point.
Trust makes students more willing to try, fail, and try again.
Small moments of authenticity build big buy-in.
You can build relationships and meet goals—it’s not either/or.
When students feel safe, real progress follows.

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

BONUS: Helping Students and Teachers Understand What We Actually Do Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats about how to help students and teachers understand our role as SLPs.

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie shares the moment that completely changed how she saw her role as a secondary SLP—when one simple question, “Why am I here?” sparked a major aha. She dives into how uncovering the why behind language struggles inspired Chapter 2 of her new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and reshaped her approach to therapy. If you’ve ever wondered how to explain your impact or define your value as an SLP, this one’s for you.

Bullet Points to Discuss: