SLP Coffee Talk

Latest Episodes:

How to Manage a Large Caseload Without Working Nights Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

We have all been there and it feels impossible. Hallie talks about how to manage a large caseload.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is diving into a topic that every school-based SLP with a mile-long caseload needs—how to manage it all without burning the midnight oil. ☕📚 If you’ve ever lugged a backpack full of IEPs home (only to ignore it out of pure exhaustion), this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice your evenings—or your sanity—to be a great SLP.

From simplifying prep with flexible resources to setting boundaries that actually stick, Hallie shares her tried-and-true strategies that let you leave work at work. Whether you’re sipping reheated coffee between sessions or catching this episode on your commute, get ready to feel seen, supported, and equipped with real-life tools that work. ✨

Save this one—it’s your caseload survival guide in podcast form!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Using one resource to target multiple goals across groups

-Time-saving hacks with no-prep + tech-friendly tools

-Goal banks and templates that shave hours off IEP writing

Smarter progress monitoring without the stress

-Boundary setting that helps you love your job and your life

Key Talking Points:

Why working smarter (not harder) is the secret to thriving with 65+ students
How one article, game, or video can hit multiple IEP goals
The magic of no-prep, print-and-go resources (and why they’re not “lazy”)
Leveraging goal banks + digital data tools for faster IEPs and reports
Creating routines that honor your contract hours (and your peace of mind)
Why protecting your time doesn’t make you a “bad SLP”—it makes you a sustainable one

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

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

Three C's of a Successful Clinical Fellowship Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Hallie talks with The CF SLP Elizabeth Pozen about how to have a successful clinical fellowship.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with CF superstar Elizabeth Pozen about the real-life ups and downs of that first year out of grad school. From navigating interviews and finding the right mentor, to building rapport with students and getting creative without breaking the bank, Elizabeth shares her “Three C’s” for a successful CF and reminds us that falling isn’t failing—it’s just learning one way. Whether you’re stepping into your CF or cheering on someone who is, this conversation is packed with encouragement, practical tips, and the reminder that being yourself is more than enough.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

From grad school and NSSLHA leadership to completing her CF, Elizabeth shares her journey.
Three C's of a Successful CF
- Clinical Supervision: How to Find a Good Mentor
- Collaboration: What to Know About Additional Duties
- Creativity: Your Clinical Skills and the things that make you unique

Here’s what we learned:

Your work matters, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Impact isn’t always measurable—but it’s still real.
Safe, trusting spaces help students thrive.
You’re doing more than just meeting goals—you’re changing lives.
Remembering your “why” keeps you grounded and motivated.

Learn more about Elizabeth Pozen:

Website: https://substack.com/@thecfslp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empslp24/

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

Free Resource: Building a Rapport with your clients – available on Substack!

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

Why SLP Self-Care is a Movement Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Hallie & fellow SLP Kimberly Kean discuss the importance of self-care for SLPs

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the inspiring Kim from Speech Dreamers to talk all things SELF-CARE. 🧘‍♀️✨ From setting healthy boundaries to resisting the urge to be the “yes” person at work, this episode is your permission slip to start choosing YOU. 💖 Whether you're hiding in a closet between IEPs or sipping coffee in your car post-session, this episode will make you laugh, cry (maybe), and rethink how you’re treating yourself as an SLP. Bookmark this one—it’s your burnout prevention plan in podcast form!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

- prioritizing yourself serves everyone
- stress reduction activities as non negotiables

Key Talking Points:

The silent epidemic: why so many SLPs tear up when asked, “What do you do for yourself?”
How “polite no’s” and redirecting requests can change your work life.
Saying goodbye to bringing evals home (and no, the world won’t end).
Using visual task management to balance red-yellow-green priorities.
Creating routines that support rest before burnout hits.
Why CFs and veteran SLPs alike need to draw a line between “helpful” and “taken advantage of.”

Learn more about Kimberly Kean:
Social Media Links

www.speechdreamers.com

https://www.instagram.com/speechdreamers

Freebies/Offers:

https://speechdreamers.myflodesk.com/challenge

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

Your Work Matters Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s keeping it real with a heart-to-heart just for you—no therapy hacks, no guest experts, just a reminder that what you do matters. If you’ve ever felt like a goldfish in a foggy little bag, overwhelmed by paperwork and wondering if anyone even notices, this one’s for you. Hallie’s sharing what she wishes someone told her back in that windowless therapy closet—and why showing up for your students, even on the hard days, is more than enough.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Many SLPs feel burnt out and question if their work truly matters.
Your impact often shows up in small moments, not just in data.
Creating a safe, supportive space helps students build confidence.
School-based SLPs face real challenges, from heavy caseloads to limited resources.
Reconnecting with your “why” can reignite your purpose and presence.

Here’s what we learned:

Your work matters, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Impact isn’t always measurable—but it’s still real.
Safe, trusting spaces help students thrive.
You’re doing more than just meeting goals—you’re changing lives.
Remembering your “why” keeps you grounded and motivated.

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

Narrative Language Sampling - What is it and how can I use it? Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Jacquilyn Arias—pediatric SLP and co-founder of Habla Cadabra SLP—about how narrative language sampling (NLS) can make your assessments faster, more meaningful, and way more aligned with real classroom demands. Jacquilyn breaks down why NLS is a must-have tool for busy school SLPs, how it works across languages and cultures, and which free resources (like MAIN, ENNI, and SLAM) she swears by. Plus, she shares how new-ish, objective measures like Percent Grammatical Utterances (PGU) can help you confidently distinguish between a language difference and a disorder—no fancy software required. Whether you’re brand new to NLS or just looking to level up your evals, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, efficient, and ready to try it out.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Narrative language samples save you time—they’re way more efficient when you’ve got a structured plan
They’re super aligned with what students are doing in school and give you rich info on their grammar, vocab, and storytelling
You can use them across languages and cultures—tools like MAIN and SLAM are built for that
Newer measures like PGU are fast, easy to score, and actually help you spot a real language disorder—no fancy software needed

Here’s what we learned:

NLS saves time and gives richer data than conversational samples
It’s aligned with academic standards and shows real classroom impact
Tools like MAIN, ENNI, and SLAM are free, easy to use, and multilingual
Great for bilingual evals—helps tell difference vs. disorder
PGU is a quick, reliable measure—no special software needed
AI tools make transcribing faster and easier than ever
Even short samples can give strong, goal-driving insights
Start small—confidence comes with trying it out

Learn more about Jacquilyn Arias:

Website: www.hablacadabraslp.com

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

Freebies: https://www.hablacadabraslp.com/blog-english

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

Tips for Working with Students with Visual Impairments Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kassy Maloney—Orientation and Mobility Specialist and founder of the Society of Exceptional Educators—to talk about what SLPs really need to know when working with students who have visual impairments. Kassy shares practical, real-world tips for adapting your lessons (even if you don’t have braille or fancy tools), why collaboration with TVIs and O&Ms is a game-changer, and how small changes—like saying your name when entering a room—can make a big difference. If supporting students with visual impairments has ever felt intimidating, this convo will leave you feeling more equipped, more connected, and ready to jump in—no braille training required.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Just got a student with a visual impairment on your caseload? Here’s what to know before you start stressing.
Easy ways to adapt your lessons and keep students engaged—no Braille expertise needed.
Common faux pas when working with visually impaired students (we’ve all been there!)—plus what to do instead.

Here’s what we learned:

Reach out to the TVI and O&M specialist early—they can give you quick tips that save tons of guesswork.
Always say your name when entering or leaving—it’s a small habit that builds connection and clarity.
Use real objects to bring concepts to life—it’s faster, easier, and more effective than trying to reinvent your whole lesson.
Skip hand-over-hand guidance—offer your arm and talk them through it instead.
Build in more wait time than you think they need—it’s not hesitation, it’s processing.
Check for background knowledge—they might be missing basic concepts most kids learn through sight.
Don’t guess on tactile tools—talk to the TVI to make sure your adaptations match their learning style.
No need to avoid words like “see” or “look”—natural language is fine.
You don’t need to learn braille—just focus on clear input, creative supports, and collaboration.

Learn more about Kassy Maloney:

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
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

SLPs' roles in Early Writing Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this practical episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Dr. Danika Pfeiffer—preschool SLP, assistant professor, and early literacy researcher—about how we can support early writing in young kids, especially those with developmental language disorder (DLD). From understanding why name writing is more about memory than letters, to how SLPs can build in writing practice without adding to their workload, Danika breaks it all down. You’ll hear simple ideas, ways to team up with teachers and OTs, and why even small moments of print awareness can go a long way. If you’ve ever wondered if writing is in your scope, this convo will leave you feeling inspired and ready to dive in—one crayon at a time.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why early writing starts earlier than you think—even in preschool
The difference between name writing and letter writing
How writing challenges show up in kids with developmental language disorder (DLD)
Simple ways to embed writing practice into your existing sessions
What SLPs can look for during evaluations—no fancy tools needed
Building print awareness without overhauling your therapy
Partnering with teachers and OTs around early writing support
The SLP’s role in preventing future writing difficulties
Making early writing doable (and meaningful) for busy SLPs

Here’s what we learned:

Name writing is visual recall—not true letter-sound knowledge.
Letter writing is harder and needs explicit, repeated support.
Kids with DLD follow typical writing development but at a slower pace.
Easy, everyday strategies (like sign-in sheets or labeled items) can build writing skills.
Print awareness fits naturally into speech sessions—no overhaul needed.
Informal assessments (paper + crayon!) are enough to track early writing.
Collaborate with teachers and OTs to target both language and motor skills.
Early writing support helps prevent bigger literacy challenges later

Learn more about Dr. Danika Pfeiffer:

Website: www.danikapfeiffer.com

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danika-pfeiffer

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/danikapfeiffer.bsky.social

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/444VIuWOxBzZ8fI2hqGyFj

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

Why Bilingual SLPs Need Specialized Support (And How to Find It) Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

What happens when one bilingual SLP decides she’s tired of feeling alone? She builds a whole movement! In this feel-good episode, Hallie sits down with Sara Gonzalez—a certified Spanish-English SLP in New York and the powerhouse behind the B.E.A.M. SLP Program aka Bilingual Empowerment through Allied Mentorship 💥

Sara shares her journey from grad school confusion to co-founding a nationwide mentorship community for bilingual SLPs. If you've ever thought, “Am I bilingual enough?” or felt like the only one navigating the unique challenges of dual-language service… this episode will wrap you in the warmest “you’re not alone” hug. Expect real talk and inspiring moments.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a CF still finding your voice, or just curious about what it’s like to be a bilingual SLP—this one’s for you. ❤️

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Mentorship Program for bilingual SLPs

1. Purpose of the program

2. Why the program was created

Here’s what we learned:

Why bilingual SLPs often feel alone—and what to do about it
Sara’s journey from grad school to founding the B.E.A.M. mentorship program
What B.E.A.M. is (and how YOU can get involved!)
Unique challenges bilingual SLPs face: accents, microaggressions, and more
The importance of cultural and linguistic awareness in evaluations
Why mentorship changes everything for new bilingual clinicians
How a small idea during COVID turned into a powerful national support system
The role of community in professional growth (hello, Instagram friends and Clubhouse rooms!)

Learn more about Sara Gonzalez:
Instagram:@abilingualslp, @thebeamslpprogram

Website: https://abilingualslp.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

Preparing Students for Life After High School: The Critical Role of SLPs in Transition Planning Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Hallie and guest Nathalie Lebrun chat about preparing students for life after high school.

In this honest and energizing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Nathalie Lebrun—SLP, speaker, co-host of LeadSpeak Podcast and the voice behind LifeSpeak—about working with transition-age students. Nathalie shares how she went from post-acute rehab dreams to leading a massive school-based SLP team, and how she discovered the often-overlooked role SLPs can play in helping students ages 18–22 build real-world communication skills. From Uber training to poker lessons to letting go of perfect data, Nathalie keeps it real about what it means to be a communication coach, not just a therapist. If you’ve ever felt stuck with your older caseload or unsure how to prep students for life beyond school, this conversation will leave you inspired—and ready to rethink your approach.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Nathalie’s unexpected path to becoming an SLP and transition expert
What “transition services” really look like in public school settings
The SLP’s evolving role as a communication coach beyond the therapy room
Functional therapy ideas that connect directly to real-life independence
Why transition planning should start way earlier than we think

Here’s what we learned:

SLPs are essential in supporting students beyond academics
Real-world communication skills should be a therapy focus, especially for older students
Functional progress > perfect data collection—especially in transition work
Collaboration and creativity are key to meaningful outcomes
Start thinking transition early—even in elementary school

Learn more about Nathalie Lebrun:

Email: nathalie.lebrun@lifespeakllc.org

Website: www.lifespeakllc.org

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

Podcast: https://www.lifespeakllc.org/leadspeak-podcast

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

New SLP? Tips from a Grad Student Turned CF on Job Applications, Confidence, and What to Expect Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta about her Clinical Fellowship journey.

In this real and refreshing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta—a brand-new grad turned CF and the face behind @itsnotjustspeech. Anoli shares what it was like coming into the field from a non-CSD background, how she found a CF that blends early intervention and private practice, and why she didn’t rush into work right after graduation. From job interviews to imposter syndrome to figuring out what questions to ask (and when to ask them), she’s keeping it honest about life after grad school. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just trying to catch your breath, this convo is here to remind you—you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

How Anoli landed a CF that mixes early intervention and private practice
Why she applied everywhere and asked all the questions (even the awkward ones)
What she looked for in a supervisor—and what made her say “nope” to certain jobs
Taking the Praxis early and how that helped during interviews
Why she gave herself time to just chill after graduation (and why you should too)

Here’s what we learned:

It’s totally fine to still feel unsure—you’re not supposed to have it all figured out
Ask about support, mentorship, and pay—don’t be afraid to speak up
The right job will feel right—trust your gut in interviews
You don’t need to be in a rush—take a breath before jumping into your CF
You made it through grad school for a reason—you’re ready, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet

Learn more about Anoli Mehta:

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

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

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