SLP Coffee Talk

Latest Episodes:

You Are Not Alone SLPAs Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Alice Williams about SLPAs

In this uplifting and insightful episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the inspiring Alice Williams—an SLPA, entrepreneur, and trailblazer for support personnel in the field of speech therapy. From discovering the profession while working retail to founding The SLPA Network, Alice shares her incredible journey of resilience, growth, and leadership. She opens up about working across multiple settings, mentoring fellow SLPAs, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Alice dives into the challenges she’s overcome and the community she’s building to empower others to thrive—whether they stay SLPAs or not. If you’ve ever felt isolated or unsure as a support professional, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that your voice matters.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

How Alice stumbled into the world of speech and found her calling as an SLPA
What it really looks like to work as an SLPA across different settings
The major differences between SLPs and SLPAs—and why both are essential
Why Alice started the SLPA Network to give others the support she didn’t have
How mentorship, collaboration, and community make all the difference
The story behind launching the very first SLPA Summit
Encouraging SLPAs to dream big, think outside the box, and own their expertise

Here’s what we learned:

SLPAs provide vital, hands-on therapy under SLP supervision—and bring unique value to care teams.
There’s a major lack of support and mentorship for SLPAs, which inspired Alice to build the SLPA Network.
Building a business or pursuing entrepreneurship as an SLPA is possible—and needed in the field.
Many SLPAs feel isolated; having a community where they can be seen, supported, and uplifted is transformative.
The upcoming SLPA Summit is the first of its kind—centered on dreaming big and giving support personnel space to grow.

Learn more about Alice Williams:

Email: speechwithmsalice@gmail.com

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

Website: www.speechwithmsalice.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.slpa.network

The SLPA Network: www.theslpanetwork.net

5 Confidence Shifts Every Professional Needs

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

What New SLPs Should Do Before Their CF Year: Avoid My Biggest Mistake with Therapy Materials Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats about one of the BIG mistakes she made during her CF Year that cost her money and sanity.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s getting real about a common mistake she made during her CF year—one that cost her time, money, and way too much trunk space! If you’re heading into your CF, just landed your first job, or even changing settings, this one’s for you. Hallie shares what she wishes she did instead of stress-shopping every toy and game in sight—and how you can better prepare (hint: it’s not about buying more stuff). From planning smarter to finding support, she’s breaking down how to walk into your CF with clarity, confidence, and a whole lot less clutter!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Hallie’s CF year mistake: over-buying materials she never used
Why being “ready” doesn’t mean having all the things
What truly helped her succeed that year (spoiler: it wasn’t toys)
Smarter ways to prepare for your CF year or first job

Here’s what we learned:

Invest in support and strategy, not shelves full of stuff
You don’t need new materials for every session—reuse creatively
Focus on learning planning, goal-writing, and flexibility
Building community and mentorship matters more than your therapy cart

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

Considering Teletherapy? How to Make Teletherapy Work Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Ellie Richter about teletherapy and how to make it work for you
What do you get when you mix a surprise preemie, a fearless career pivot, and a whole lot of neon stickers? You get Ellie Richter, the powerhouse SLP behind The Essential Teletherapist—and she’s here to spill all the virtual tea.

In this feel-good (and laugh-out-loud honest) convo, Hallie Sherman chats with Ellie about ditching the traditional grind, setting boundaries like a pro, and building a thriving teletherapy practice that serves both kids and clinicians. If you’ve ever questioned if teletherapy can be fun, effective, and sustainable—this episode’s your permission slip to go all in.

Bullet points to discuss:

How a health scare led Ellie to launch her virtual practice
Why teletherapy is essential for underserved schools
Group therapy tips: two’s a win, five’s a disaster
Ellie’s must-have tools for articulation and engagement
Fun ways to boost student buy-in (hint: stickers + choice!)
Setting boundaries with schools like a boss
Why teletherapy isn’t plan B—it’s the future of SLP work

In this episode, you'll hear:

How a personal health scare pushed Ellie to build a flexible, virtual private practice
Why underserved districts need teletherapy—and how SLPs can make a real impact
The secrets to successful group teletherapy (spoiler: two’s company, five’s a hot mess
What tools Ellie swears by for articulation therapy and student engagement
Creative ways to build connection, confidence, and buy-in from students
How Ellie empowers students by letting them choose their themes—and why it matters
Tips for advocating with school contracts and setting non-negotiable boundaries
Why teletherapy isn’t a backup plan—it’s a bold career move

Learn more about Ellie Richter:
Website: www.theessentialteletherapist.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566987832697

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ps9xDECWXs6nlekB73hys?si=803a140cc3194911

Other Links

Teletherapy Activity Resource List for All Ages:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGS0H4daok/9jBynHljFFarIKpj6qQmcw/edit?utm_content=DAGS0H4daok&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

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

Executive Function in Action: Coaching Teens Beyond the IEP Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Hallie and Dr. Jessica Walker discuss executive function

In this insightful and empowering episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jessica Walker—an SLP with a PhD, a brain injury researcher turned school-based clinician, and a fierce advocate for adolescent support. From her unique path through higher education to the hallways of middle and high schools, Dr. Walker brings a fresh and essential perspective on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and the critical role SLPs play in supporting teens. She shares how she built her role from scratch, became a trusted member of school-based teams, and uses creative, collaborative strategies (hello, DBT and study hall social groups!) to support neurodivergent and neurotypical students alike. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your therapy more impactful, relevant, and emotionally supportive for older students, this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

How executive skills show up in everyday social interactions
The role of emotional regulation in navigating relationships
Why struggling in one area often means challenges in another
Practical tools and approaches to support all three skill domains together
Stories from the field: what integrated coaching can look like in real life
The overlap between communication, cognition, and social-emotional development
How SLPs are uniquely equipped to coach skills that support long-term success
What makes coaching different from therapy—and when it’s the right fit
How SLPs can think beyond the IEP to support teens in everyday life

Here’s what we learned:

SLPs are key players in executive function and SEL.
Start with self-awareness—everything builds from there.
Real-life moments > worksheets every time.
Resistance is normal; trust takes time.
Collaboration fuels carryover and confidence.
Keep showing up—your impact grows.

Learn more about Dr. Jessica Walker:

Email: cognitive.connections.coaching@gmail.com

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

JWalker Communication: https://www.jwalkercommunication.com/

Cognitive Connections Coaching: https://www.cognitive-connections-coaching.com/

Free Digital Downloads – Cognitive Connections Coaching

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

Let's Talk About CF Experience May 26, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with MaKayla Elrod about her CF experience and answers questions every CF is asking!

In this inspiring episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with MaKayla Elrod, a passionate pediatric SLP who shares her powerful journey from Tennessee to Miami—and from being told she'd never make it, to thriving in early intervention and private practice. From tackling imposter syndrome to navigating a cross-country move after marriage, MaKayla opens up about her CF year in PreK, her love for parent education, and what she wishes every new SLP knew about managing behaviors, work-life balance, and trusting the process.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

CF Experience
Balancing school / work / home
Working in a variety of settings
Moving across the country
Open to talking anything! :)

Here’s what we learned:

Overcoming grad school rejection and proving doubters wrong
The benefits of working with a contract company during the CF year
Imposter syndrome and adjusting to working without constant supervision
Learning behavior management skills in a preschool special ed setting
The shift from data obsession to focusing on connection with students
Tips for time management and building a sustainable work-life balance
The impact of moving cities after marriage and adapting to Miami
Mentorship and support systems during the CF year
Exploring various settings: schools, private practice, and adult care
The truth about what materials to buy (and what to skip!) before starting

Learn more about MaKayla Elrod:

Instagram: @missmakayla.slp

TikTok: @makayla_elrod

TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/miss-makayla-the-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

Top 10 Questions CFs Ask (Answered!) – Your First Year in the Schools Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming May 19, 2025

Show notes

Hallie answers the biggest questions CFs have about the first year.

Hey hey, SLP fam! Whether you're stepping into your CF year or just landed your first gig in the schools, this episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your new best friend. Hallie’s got your back with the top 10 questions every new SLP secretly wants to ask—from “What should I even do on my first week?” to “Am I totally faking it?” Spoiler: You're not. Tune in for tips, laughs, and the kind of real talk you wish grad school gave you. No fluff, just Hallie being your go-to SLP cheerleader with practical answers, scheduling sanity, and confidence boosters. 💪☕

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Flexibility is key

-Prioritize tough-to-schedule

-Use flexible themes

-Start with simple routines

-Relationships matter

-Take initiative and ask questions

-Protect your time

Here’s what we learned:

Every day looks different. Flexibility is key in a school-based SLP’s routine.
Smart scheduling saves sanity. Prioritize tough-to-schedule students first.
Mixed groups aren’t a nightmare. Use flexible themes to target multiple goals at once.
You don’t need a giant therapy bag. Start with simple routines and icebreakers.
Be present, approachable, and proactive with school staff.
CF supervision varies. Be prepared to take initiative and ask questions.
Batch work, take breaks, and say no when needed.
You’re making a difference. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

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

End of Year Ideas For Older Speech Students May 12, 2025

Show notes

Hallie shares ideas or end of the year activities for older speech students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s dishing out easy, breezy end-of-year activities that are big on fun and light on prep! If you’re counting down the days to summer (but still want to sneak in some speech and language goals), you’re in the right place. From reflection games to summer-themed silliness, Hallie shares creative ways to keep your students engaged, talking, and making progress—even when everyone’s brains are halfway to vacation mode. Let’s wrap up the year with style, smiles, and zero stress!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Quick reflection activities that secretly target speech goals
Turning interviews into fun conversations and confidence boosters
Bingo boards that review goals and bring the summer vibes
A roll-the-dice game that’s part therapy, part party
Summer social scenarios for real-world practice with a sunny twist
How to spice things up with Bamboozle (without spending a dime)
Letter-writing that’s reflective and ridiculously fun to mail

Here’s what we learned:

End-of-year doesn’t mean end of progress—reflection keeps goals alive
Activities can be effective without being fancy or time-consuming
Playful formats like games and interviews keep students motivated
Personalized tasks like letter writing boost buy-in and self-expression
Keeping therapy light and fun helps everyone finish strong

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

Children’s Language & Literacy Using Children’s Books May 05, 2025

Show notes

Hallie chats with Julie Barber-Bristol about using children's books to target language and literacy.

In this fun and heartwarming episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re hanging out with the fabulous Julie L. Barber-Bristol, M.S., CCC-SLP—a children’s literature-loving SLP with 20+ years of experience and a passion for making speech therapy magical. From New York to Pennsylvania to Texas, Julie’s done it all—private practice, schools, hospitals, even nursing homes. Now rocking it in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, she shares how she takes just one picture book and spins it into a month-long adventure full of language goals, classroom collabs and sensory fun! If you love kid lit, creative therapy ideas, and real talk from a seasoned SLP, you’re in for a treat!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Why children’s books are her go-to therapy tool
How one book becomes a month-long therapy adventure
Bringing therapy to life with props, movement, and multi-sensory fun
Collaborating with teachers, paras, parents, and even librarians
Mixing literacy with social-pragmatic and emotional learning

Here’s what we learned:

One great book can fuel weeks of creative, effective therapy.
Books are packed with visuals, vocab, and built-in engagement.
Collaboration = magic. Don’t go it alone!
You don’t need fancy materials—just creativity and a good story.
Social thinking and emotion skills pair perfectly with literacy.
When therapy is fun, students (and staff!) want to be part of it.
The speech room isn’t the only place great therapy happens—get out there!

Learn more about Julie Barber-Bristol:

Website: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=A-Comprehensive-Analysis-of-Using-Childrens-Books-in-Speech-

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieb2slp/

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

Making Word Segmentation Work for Older Students Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Hallie discusses teaching vocabulary and how to make word segmentation work for older students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles the often-overlooked skill of word segmentation. She discusses the challenges of teaching segmentation to older students and provides five no-prep, age-appropriate activities that connect to their interests. Whether you're an SLP looking to enhance your therapy sessions or seeking fresh ideas to motivate your students, this episode is packed with practical strategies and fun approaches to make word segmentation relevant and engaging!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Importance of word segmentation in phonological awareness.
Challenges of teaching segmentation to older students.
Red flags indicating a student may need segmentation support.
Five engaging, no-prep activities for teaching word segmentation.

Here’s what we learned:

Word segmentation is essential for decoding, spelling, and vocabulary comprehension.
SLPs are equipped to teach segmentation as part of their scope of practice.
Quick, relevant practice can be integrated into existing therapy sessions without extensive prep.
Engaging activities can be tailored to students' interests and real-world contexts.
Movement and competition can enhance memory and engagement in learning.

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

Redefining Social Skills Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Hallie and Gabby Pyzza of Pyzza Speech Therapy chat about Social skills instruction focusing on connection, not correction.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie welcomes Gabby Pyzza, a passionate SLP specializing in social skills for older students. Gabby shares her inspiring journey from feeling overwhelmed in her first job to developing a comprehensive blueprint for teaching conversation skills. She offers practical strategies for engaging students, including the use of conversation starters and visual aids, while emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine connections. Whether you're looking to enhance your social skills sessions or seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with valuable insights and heartwarming success stories!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Importance of teaching conversation skills for connection.
Shift towards neurodiversity-affirming social skills practices.
Allowing students to engage in diverse conversation topics.
Social skills' impact on students' lives beyond the classroom.
Tips for visualizing conversations to improve understanding.

Here’s what we learned:

Social skills instruction can lead to profound changes in students' social interactions.
Building genuine connections is essential for effective communication.
Visual aids may improve understanding and retention of skills.
Respecting student preferences while promoting engagement is crucial.

Learn more about Gabby Pyzza:

Website: https://www.pyzzaspeechtherapy.com/

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

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

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