Tales of a SLP Graduate Student

Hallie's and graduate student Madison Meyer chat about the journey to becoming an SLP.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with grad student Madison Meyer—aka @speechiewannabe—about what life in SLP school is really like. From juggling classes, clinic, and her side gig as a teletherapy SLPA, to figuring out time management and surviving group projects, Madison shares the ups, downs, and everything in between. She opens up about the stress of grad school applications, the relief of finding her people in her cohort, and why taking a true day off each week helped her stay balanced. Whether you’re applying, just starting, or guiding grad students yourself, this conversation is packed with encouragement, practical tips, and real talk to keep you motivated and moving forward.Bullet Points to Discuss: Madison’s journey from undergrad to starting her path as an SLP What grad school courses and qualifications actually look like in practice The challenges, wins, and lessons learned during her first year of grad school How working as a teletherapy SLPA gave her extra experience and confidenceHere’s what we learned: Free tools make planning faster and easier. Time blocking helps you stay ahead of the chaos. Taking one full day off keeps you sane. Your cohort is your built-in support system. Grad school flies by—celebrate the little wins.Learn more about Madison Meyer: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechiewannabe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speechiewannabe 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-signupSubscribe 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

Hallie chats with Paige O'Dwyer from Talk First Words about parent coaching for early intervention.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Canadian SLP Paige from Talk First Words about why parent coaching is the missing link in early intervention. From the challenges of long waitlists and small-town access, to showing parents how everyday routines like mealtime, bath time, and car rides can become language-rich opportunities, Paige shares practical strategies that make a big impact without overhauling the day. Whether you’re a brand-new grad learning how to involve parents or a seasoned SLP looking for fresh ideas, this conversation is packed with encouragement, real talk, and strategies you can bring to your next session. Grab your coffee and let’s dive in!Bullet Points to Discuss: Parent coaching as the missing link in early intervention—and why weekly therapy isn’t enough.Turning everyday routines into language-rich moments without adding stress.Ditching the “say it” approach and using “model, pause, wait” instead.Building parent confidence by celebrating small wins and non-verbal milestones.How SLP referrals fuel Paige’s TALK program and where to direct families for support.Here’s what we learned: Coaching parents empowers them to turn everyday life into therapy. Small tweaks often lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Removing pressure creates more natural opportunities for speech. Confidence grows when parents see progress in tiny steps. Collaboration among SLPs ensures families get the right support.Learn more about Paige O’Dwyer: Website: http://www.talkfirstwords.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkfirstwords/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkfirstwords/Freebies/Offers: https://www.talkfirstwords.com/home#freebies 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-signupSubscribe 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

Hallie and Desi Peña of Panorama Speech chat about multilingualism: how to approach multilingual evaluations and therapy strategies.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Desi Peña, a Spanish-bilingual speech-language pathologist, about the real-world challenges of evaluating and supporting multilingual learners. From gathering parent input and working with interpreters to looking beyond standardized scores and trying out dynamic assessment, Desi shares practical strategies you can use right away. You’ll walk away with tips to feel more confident in your evaluations, ideas for advocating with administrators, and the reminder that every child deserves to be seen for their strengths—not just a number.Bullet Points to Discuss: Multilingual evaluations and the essential information to collect.Considerations when using standardized tests with multilingual learners.Dynamic assessment and how it can guide clinical decision-making.The role of interpreters during evaluations and therapy.Strategies for supporting multilingual learners in therapy sessions.Collaboration with ESL teachers and classroom staff.Here’s what we learned: Parent input is one of the most valuable tools in a multilingual evaluation.Standardized test scores don’t always show the full picture.Dynamic assessment can reveal a student’s true learning potential.Building strong relationships with interpreters makes the process smoother.Collaboration with teachers leads to better support for students.Every multilingual learner deserves to be seen for their strengths, not just a score.Learn more about Desi Peña: Website: www.panoramaspeech.com Instagram: @d.bilingualslp: https://www.instagram.com/d.bilingualslp @panoramaspeech: https://www.instagram.com/panoramaspeech @boldslpcollective: https://www.instagram.com/theboldslpcollective The Bold SLP Podcast: https://theboldslp.wixsite.com/theboldslpcollective Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/d-bilingual-slp Free Resource: https://panoramaspeech.myflodesk.com/startherefreebie 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-signupSubscribe 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

Hallie chat with Amanda Pluchino from Tablespoon Talk Speech and Feeding Therapy about who is feeding therapy for, how to get started, and how to feel confident.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with feeding therapist and mentor Amanda Pluchino about the world of pediatric feeding therapy—something many SLPs didn’t get enough of in grad school! Amanda shares how she uses a holistic and responsive approach to help families move past picky eating and mealtime struggles, why feeding is rarely “just behavioral,” and the importance of teamwork when tackling tough cases. Whether you’re curious about feeding, supporting families who feel stuck, or just want to see another side of our scope, this conversation is packed with encouragement, practical tips, and the reminder that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.Bullet Points to Discuss: What feeding therapy is, who it’s for, and when it’s appropriate/not appropriateHow to get started in feeding therapy and build confidenceProfessional growth through courses, books, networking, and mentoringYou’re not alone: the power of a multidisciplinary teamBelieve in yourself: self-care, priorities, and work/life balanceHere’s what we learned: Feeding therapy is about finding the root cause, not just picky eating.Build confidence with solid courses and resources.Lean on mentorship, networking, and your team — you’re not alone.A multidisciplinary approach makes all the difference.Trust yourself and make room for self-care.Learn more about Amanda Pluchino: Website: www.tablespoontalk.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/tablespoontalk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tablespoontalk Freebie: Feeding Confidence ToolkitLearn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signupSubscribe 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

Hallie chats with Nanette Cote about apraxia teletherapy and caregiver educationReady to rethink everything you know about teletherapy? 🎯 Join Hallie as she chats with Nanette Cote, M.S., CCC-SLP—a licensed speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of experience specializing in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Fresh from presenting at the 2025 National Apraxia Conference, Nanette is on a mission to break the stigma that speech therapy must happen in person. She's flipping the script on virtual speech therapy, showing how teletherapy—when paired with research-based methods like DTTC, Kaufman, and PROMPT-informed strategies—can be equally (if not more!) effective. If you've ever wondered whether teletherapy can truly deliver results, this passionate advocate for accessible care is about to change your mind completely!Bullet Points to Discuss:Committed to erasing the stigma that speech therapy must happen in person—teletherapy can be just as effective when supported by research and caregiver involvementEmphasizes the benefits of teletherapy: increased accessibility, family-centered support, and flexible, home-based learning opportunitiesCurrently developing a series of courses for caregivers of children birth to age 10, focused on understanding speech and language development and when to seek supportCourses are designed to empower parents with developmental knowledge, practical strategies, and clear guidance on how to support communication at homeGoal is to bridge the gap between professional therapy and everyday parenting routinesEncourage SLPs to share these courses with families as supplemental tools to enhance progress and support between sessionsKey message: caregivers don’t need to wait for a diagnosis or formal referral to begin supporting their child—knowledge is the first step to actionKey Talking Points:Breaking the stigma that speech therapy must be in person—teletherapy can be equally effective with research and caregiver support.Highlights teletherapy benefits: accessibility, family-centered care, and flexible home-based learning.Creating courses for caregivers of kids birth–10 on speech and language development and when to seek help.Courses give parents knowledge, strategies, and guidance to support communication at home.Aims to bridge the gap between professional therapy and daily parenting routines.Urges SLPs to share courses with families as tools to boost progress between sessions.Key message: caregivers don’t need a diagnosis to start—knowledge is the first step.Social Media Linkshttps://lessonsinspeech.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lessonsinspeech/https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinspeechhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nanettecote/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-signupSubscribe 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

Hallie chats with Angelina Loia about vocational initiatives for students with special needs and complex needs and the use of AAC in collaborative platforms.This week on the pod, we’re joined by Angelina Loia, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD — a NYC-based SLP with 20+ years of experience in District 75! 🌟 From AAC to behavior support, Angelina shares how she helps students with complex communication needs find their voice. Plus, as a Certified Canva Educator, she brings creativity to the classroom by designing adapted materials and accessible systems that actually work. 💬✨Get ready for an inspiring conversation about inclusion, collaboration, and the power of communication tools in action!Bullet Points to Discuss:Building Vocational Initiatives in Special Education: How to design and implement meaningful, school-based vocational programs (like Snack Shop and BJ’s field trips) that build job readiness and communication opportunities for students with complex needs.Collaborative Therapy in Vocational Contexts: Practical strategies for teaming up with occupational therapists, paraprofessionals, and other providers to embed fine motor, executive functioning, and communication goals into shared activities.Using Get Ready–Do–Done to Structure Tasks: How this visual framework supports AAC users in understanding routines, staying organized, and knowing when a task is complete — making vocational tasks more predictable and successful.Real-World Readiness: Soft Skills & Hard Skills: Teaching not just job tasks, but essential soft skills like turn-taking, requesting help, problem-solving, and responsibility — all within meaningful school routines.Making AAC Functional & Flexible: Tips for integrating AAC into daily tasks using tools like CoughDrop, customizing boards for job-specific vocabulary, and modeling communication in real-time.Creating a Culture of Shared Ownership: Encouraging buy-in from school staff by designing collaborative planning systems in Google Docs, visual templates in Canva, and clear routines that support teamwork.Key Talking Points:Build meaningful school-based vocational programs that foster job readiness and communication.Team up with OTs, paras, and providers to embed goals into shared activities.Use the Get Ready–Do–Done framework to make vocational tasks clear and predictable.Teach both hard skills and soft skills like problem-solving and responsibility.Make AAC functional with customized boards, real-time modeling, and flexible tools.Create a culture of teamwork with shared planning systems and visual support.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-signupSubscribe 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

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 writingSmarter progress monitoring without the stress-Boundary setting that helps you love your job and your lifeKey Talking Points:Why working smarter (not harder) is the secret to thriving with 65+ studentsHow one article, game, or video can hit multiple IEP goalsThe magic of no-prep, print-and-go resources (and why they’re not “lazy”)Leveraging goal banks + digital data tools for faster IEPs and reportsCreating 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 oneLearn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signupSubscribe 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

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 CFClinical Supervision: How to Find a Good MentorCollaboration: What to Know About Additional DutiesCreativity: Your Clinical Skills and the things that make you uniqueHere’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-signupSubscribe 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

Hallie & fellow SLP Kimberly Kean discuss the importance of self-care for SLPsThis 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 negotiablesKey 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 Linkswww.speechdreamers.comhttps://www.instagram.com/speechdreamersFreebies/Offers:https://speechdreamers.myflodesk.com/challengeLearn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signupSubscribe 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

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-signupSubscribe 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