Why SLP Self-Care is a Movement

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

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 planThey’re super aligned with what students are doing in school and give you rich info on their grammar, vocab, and storytellingYou can use them across languages and cultures—tools like MAIN and SLAM are built for thatNewer measures like PGU are fast, easy to score, and actually help you spot a real language disorder—no fancy software neededHere’s what we learned: NLS saves time and gives richer data than conversational samplesIt’s aligned with academic standards and shows real classroom impactTools like MAIN, ENNI, and SLAM are free, easy to use, and multilingualGreat for bilingual evals—helps tell difference vs. disorderPGU is a quick, reliable measure—no special software neededAI tools make transcribing faster and easier than everEven short samples can give strong, goal-driving insightsStart small—confidence comes with trying it outLearn 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-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 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: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassandra-maloney-6b815844 Website: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exceptionaleducators Instagram: https://instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us Facebook: https://facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us 5 Key Strategies to Every Educator Needs to Support Students with Visual Impairments (Quick PDF Guide)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/secondarysecretsSubscribe 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 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 preschoolThe difference between name writing and letter writingHow writing challenges show up in kids with developmental language disorder (DLD)Simple ways to embed writing practice into your existing sessionsWhat SLPs can look for during evaluations—no fancy tools neededBuilding print awareness without overhauling your therapyPartnering with teachers and OTs around early writing supportThe SLP’s role in preventing future writing difficultiesMaking early writing doable (and meaningful) for busy SLPsHere’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 laterLearn 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-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

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 SLPs1. Purpose of the program2. Why the program was createdHere’s what we learned: Why bilingual SLPs often feel alone—and what to do about itSara’s journey from grad school to founding the B.E.A.M. mentorship programWhat B.E.A.M. is (and how YOU can get involved!)Unique challenges bilingual SLPs face: accents, microaggressions, and moreThe importance of cultural and linguistic awareness in evaluationsWhy mentorship changes everything for new bilingual cliniciansHow a small idea during COVID turned into a powerful national support systemThe role of community in professional growth (hello, Instagram friends and Clubhouse rooms!)Learn more about Sara Gonzalez:Instagram:@abilingualslp, @thebeamslpprogramWebsite: 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-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 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 expertWhat “transition services” really look like in public school settingsThe SLP’s evolving role as a communication coach beyond the therapy roomFunctional therapy ideas that connect directly to real-life independenceWhy transition planning should start way earlier than we thinkHere’s what we learned: SLPs are essential in supporting students beyond academicsReal-world communication skills should be a therapy focus, especially for older studentsFunctional progress > perfect data collection—especially in transition workCollaboration and creativity are key to meaningful outcomesStart thinking transition early—even in elementary schoolLearn more about Nathalie Lebrun: Email: [email protected] Website: www.lifespeakllc.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalielebrun/Podcast: https://www.lifespeakllc.org/leadspeak-podcastLearn 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