SLP Coffee Talk

 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 ab...

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 questi...

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 sc...

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, wo...

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...

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 st...

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 g...

 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: 

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...

Got a student who clams up the second they walk into school—but you know they’ve got a ton to say? This episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your go-to guide for helping students with selective mutism find their voice (and maybe even belt out some Taylor Swift at lunch 🎤)

We’re hanging out with Emily Laracy, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP, school-based SLP, SM expert, board member of the Selective Mutism Association, and total rockstar when it comes to helping our quietest kids shine. She’s sharing her tried-and-true strategies for getting students ta...

Listen as Hallie talks about striking a balance between content and skills in speech therapy.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling the age-old debate—should we focus on teaching classroom content or the underlying skills our students need? Hallie dives into the sweet spot of blending content learning with skill building, ensuring your students not only grasp their classroom material but also develop the skills to tackle new challenges. With strategies and relatable examples, you’ll leave equipped to create engaging sessions that resonate with your students. Tune in and discover how to empower your...

Hallie discusses strategies for utilizing YouTube for social language skills.

Are you tired of students shrugging and asking, "Why am I here?" Let’s change that! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we dive into the magic of YouTube and how it can transform social skills therapy. From Big Bang Theory clips to Pixar shorts, discover how to make sessions more engaging, relatable, and effective—without spending hours planning. Get ready for a curated list of must-watch videos, practical tips, and a joke to keep things light. ☕📺

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Why...

So, your session was a flop. That's ok. Hallie discusses how to diagnose a failed speech session and next steps.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is diving into a crucial topic—why some speech sessions just don’t click and what you can do about it! If you’ve ever planned what seemed like the perfect activity, only to have your students disengaged, frustrated, or just not making progress, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the key reasons why lessons might fall flat and gives you strategies to turn things around. From setting the ri...

Hallie talks about how to create a "safe zone" in speech therapy. Create a safe zone not just in your space, but by building confidence through comfort and growth.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling how to make your speech therapy space a safe and inviting environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to participate. If you've ever had students walk into your room with crossed arms, eye rolls, or just plain resistance, this episode is for you. Hallie shares simple yet powerful strategies to rebrand speech therapy, build trust, and create a...

Hallie discusses using standardized tests as a starting point to create functional and impactful speech and language goals for your students.

Grab your coffee and settle in, SLPs! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re diving into why standardized tests are just the starting point—not the whole solution—for crafting meaningful, functional, and academically relevant goals for your older speech students. We’ll talk about avoiding common pitfalls, incorporating informal assessments, and getting real-world insights from teachers. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to take your evaluations to the next level and set your s...

Hallie chats with Tara Rhoehl about teletherapy and keeping students engaged.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Tara Rhoehl, an SLP and telepractice expert with over 14 years of experience working with international clients. Tara shares her journey from practicing teletherapy long before it became mainstream, specializing in executive functioning and social cognition. She dives into creative ways to keep students engaged online, from virtual game tables to mentoring programs, and offers practical tips for making teletherapy effective and stress-free. Whether you're new to telepractice or looking to level up your sessions, this episode...

Hallie chats with Amy Peterson about note-taking interventions with older students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Dr. Amy Peterson, an SLP, researcher, and advocate for adolescent language intervention. With a master's degree from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate from Utah State University, Amy has extensive experience working in schools and now leads the ALIAS Lab at the University of Wyoming, focusing on adolescent language, interventions, and implementation science. She shares insights on Sketch and Speak—a powerful note-taking and oral practice strategy designed to help older students grasp and re...

Hallie discusses how to teach chunking for note-taking.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into a game-changing strategy for improving note-taking and comprehension—chunking! If your students struggle to retain information, feel overwhelmed by long passages, or have trouble organizing their thoughts, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the science behind chunking, explains why it works, and shares simple, practical ways to teach it in speech therapy. From modeling and guided practice to real-life success stories, you’ll walk away with easy-to-implement strategies that will help your students boost their confidence and carry over...

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kim Jenkins, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the owner of Empowering Speech Services. Kim specializes in supporting Autistic and neurodivergent children through neurodiversity-affirming practices, helping them develop meaningful communication skills. With a passion for literacy, grammar, and vocabulary, she shares her approach to building strengths-based learning experiences that empower children to thrive.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

* How to help neurodivergent children acquire literacy skills

* The importance of sensory regulation: It is the foundation for learning

...

Hallie chats with Jennifer Tillock about speech therapy with older students in teletherapy and in-person settings

Ready to kickstart your school year with enthusiasm and insight? Join Hallie Sherman on this episode of SLP Coffee Talk as she sits down with Jennifer Tillock, a dedicated teletherapist with a wealth of experience working with older students. In this conversation, Jennifer shares her journey from traditional therapy to teletherapy, offering valuable insights on how to keep literacy-based learning exciting and engaging. Packed with practical tips and inspiring stories, this episode is perfect for teletherapists, SLPs, and anyone looking to...

Hallie chats about motivating the unmotivated student. She shares tips for engaging reluctant teens.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles a common challenge for SLPs working with older students—engaging reluctant teens in speech therapy. Drawing from her experience, she breaks down practical, compassionate strategies to turn crossed arms and silence into connection and growth. From building rapport and respecting boundaries to incorporating students’ interests and empowering them with choice, Hallie shares creative, low-prep ideas that make therapy fun and relevant. Tune in for tips that will transform resistance into enthusiasm, helping students stay motivated and...

Hallie chats with guest Britney Morrish about the intersection of DLD and Dyslexia, and the Quadrant Model for differential diagnosis.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Britney Morrish, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and founder of the Language and Literacy Clinic of Manitoba. Britney is passionate about using evidence-based practices to promote effective communication and literacy skills while advocating for equitable educational practices. Together, they explore literacy-based therapy for students with developmental language disorders (DLD) and dyslexia. Packed with actionable tips, this episode covers connecting therapy goals to the curriculum, understanding the overlap...

Hallie talks with SLP Elevate member Bridget Karp about empowering middle school students and using SLP Elevate resources.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Bridget Karp, a passionate and experienced speech-language pathologist specializing in middle school therapy. Bridget has six years of expertise across various settings, including public and private schools and early intervention. She combines her knowledge with dedication in helping her students develop confidence and autonomy. 

Bridget talks about how tools like SLP Elevate have streamlined her planning process, making sessions both fun and effective. She shares tips in k...

Hallie discusses New Year's themed activities for therapy.

Happy New Year, SLPs! 🥳 It's time to shake off the holiday haze and dive into a brand-new year with fresh ideas and big dreams for your therapy sessions. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie brings the ultimate guide to planning engaging, New Year's-themed activities that will have your students saying, "This is why I come to speech!"

Discover quick, no-prep exercises, free resources like a fun YouTube video (hint: think New Year’s Eve tradition!), a summarizing card game, and a versatile digital comprehension activity for i...

Hallie reflects on 2024.

SLPs, can you believe it? 2024 is in the rearview, and Hallie is kicking off the new year with an episode full of reflection, celebration, and a glimpse into what’s next for Speech Time Fun!

She highlights the triumphs of 2024, shares favorite moments, and showcases how her resources continue to inspire creativity in therapy. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025—new resources, fresh therapy ideas, and more ways to save time while delivering impactful sessions.

Tune in to celebrate the past and embrace the possibilities ahead with S...

 After Speech Retreat, Hallie chats with SLP Elevate member and Speech Retreat attendee Elsha Young about reigniting the spark as an SLP.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Elsha Young, a Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Elevate member and Speech Retreat attendee to chat about reigniting that spark as an SLP. With 25 years of experience supporting communication across all stages of life, Elsha specializes in language, literacy, and assisting individuals with complex neuro-related communication challenges. From early intervention to private practice, schools, and hospitals, she’s now providing hybrid therapy services in Alaska, enjoying the...

Bridging the Gap: How SLPs Can Empower Teachers to Support Students with Speech and Language Needs

In this another energizing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into actionable strategies for collaborating with classroom teachers to better support your older speech students (grades 4–12). From recommending simple accommodations to fostering generalization of skills beyond the therapy room, this episode is your go-to guide for making classrooms more accessible and boosting student success. 💡 Ready to make an impact? Let’s do this, SLPs!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Why Accommodations Matter

-Top Ac...

Hallie and Brittney Adler discuss creating language goals for following directions.

Grab your coffee and get cozy for an exciting episode of SLP Coffee Talk! This week, Hallie chats with the amazing Brittney Adler—a neurodiversity-affirming SLP who’s all about celebrating the unique ways neurodivergent kids communicate. Brittney works her magic with AAC, gestalt language processing, and sensory-based strategies to help kids with high support needs shine.

Together, Hallie and Brittney unpack the age-old “following directions” goals, shake up compliance-based practices, and share fun, practical ways to teach self-advocacy and independence. It’s an episo...

Building relationships, human-centered approach to teaching, unorthodox teaching methods, unapologetic authenticity, having fun and experiencing joy as an educator

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie welcomes educator and author Dwayne Reed to discuss the importance of building meaningful connections with students. Dwayne shares his unique journey into education, starting with his viral music video, Welcome to the 4th Grade, and highlights the transformative impact of being authentic in the classroom. He offers practical strategies for relationship-building, emphasizing the importance of meeting students where they are and treating them as individuals. Discover how Dwayne’s philosophy, ou...

Hallie talks about helping high school students transition into the workforce and how it relates to speech therapy.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into supporting high school speech and language students as they transition from school to the workforce. As SLPs, we play a vital role in preparing our students for real-world communication demands—from interviewing skills and professional etiquette to problem-solving and self-advocacy. Hallie shares actionable strategies to integrate job-readiness skills into therapy sessions, making learning relevant and impactful. Tune in to discover role-playing activities, helpful resources, and tools to empower your st...

Hallie discusses giving your students a say in what they do in speech therapy.

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman explores the importance of giving older speech students a SAY in their sessions. Sharing personal insights and strategies from her career, Hallie explains how empowering students can lead to a more engaging and motivating learning environment. From offering flexible seating and allowing students to choose their learning tools to discussing individualized goals, she provides practical tips that make a real difference. Tune in to learn how small changes can foster student collaboration and trust...

Hallie discusses why you should get rid of the prize bin and how to motivate your students.

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman discusses her shift from using reward systems to fostering intrinsic motivation among her students. She shares early experiences with gumball machines and speech dollars, which led to unintended issues like competition and even stealing. Realizing the limitations of extrinsic rewards, Hallie emphasizes the value of helping students find personal meaning in speech sessions. She offers practical strategies for connecting lessons to students’ lives, encouraging SLPs to focus on rapport-building over traditional pr...

Hallie is joined by Ashley Cubberly and Eddie Brown from Brown Cub Speech to discuss how to navigate conversations in stuttering therapy.

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie interviews Ashley and Eddie from Brown Cub Speech, a dynamic speech-language pathology team focused on stuttering therapy. Ashley, a pediatric SLP based in Kentucky, discusses her journey in working with children who stutter and her efforts in leading support groups and providing professional education. Eddie, a PhD candidate in speech pathology at the University of Tennessee, shares his unique perspective as both a clinician and a person...

Hallie and her guest Alexia Bassin discuss AAC and high school students

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Alexia Bassin, a seasoned speech-language pathologist with 15 years of experience in the NYC Public Schools! With a passion for empowering fellow SLPs, Alexia shares her journey working in special education and her expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). From her role as an assistive technology evaluator to creating 'AAC Corner,' a series of bite-sized videos to help SLPs master AAC, Alexia’s dedication shines through. Tune in for practical tips, collaboration advice, and real-world strategies that...

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Dr. Angelyn Franks, an experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP) and recent clinical doctorate graduate, joins Hallie Sherman to discuss overcoming burnout in the SLP profession. With 14 years in the field, Dr. Angelyn has made it her mission to help SLPs prevent burnout and achieve a sustainable work-life balance. Dr. Angelyn also shares her personal journey, including her own experience with burnout and how adopting mindfulness helped her regain her passion for the field. She introduces “The Thrive Method,” her coaching framework designed to move SLPs from survival mode to thriving in their careers. Dive...

Hallie is joined by Mindy Hudon & Rachelle Mauer from Achieve Speech & Language Services, LLC. They are changing the way SLPs service speech sound disorders in the schools.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman welcomes Mindy Hudon and Rachelle Mauer, co-owners of Achieve Speech and Language Services and the creators of Snappy Speech. This research-based speech sound intervention program is designed to help school-based SLPs work more efficiently by reducing high caseloads, allowing them to focus on what matters most — working at the top of their license. With over 30 years of combined school-based experience, Mindy an...

In this episode, Hallie shares creative and fun strategies to engage older students (grades 4-12) in articulation therapy. These students have been through years of speech therapy, and it's time to shake things up! From podcast creation to role-playing games, Hallie breaks down five easy-to-implement activities that will keep students motivated and make articulation practice exciting again. Tune in to discover how to make speech therapy both relevant and enjoyable!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

Here’s what we learned:

Meet Michelle, Risa, and Stephanie—the dynamic trio behind NYC Speechies! These passionate SLPs saw a gap in the market for middle and high school speech and language resources on TPT and decided to fill it. What started as a plan to create enough materials for just one school year has grown into an impressive collection of over 400 resources by 2024. NYC Speechies love nothing more than connecting with fellow SLPs and educators, helping them navigate the world of speech and language for older students. They've expanded their reach even further with workshops and their coaching business, Speechies Connect, where th...

Get ready for another exciting brew of SLP Coffee Talk! This week, Hallie sits down with Marsha Pinto, a proud introverted SLP, who’s here to prove that being a quiet professional is nothing short of a superpower. Marsha, a speech therapist with the San Jose Unified School District in Northern California, primarily works with autistic students, as well as those with selective mutism and apraxia. She’s a familiar face on local news stations, where she shares her expertise on pediatric speech and language development, and she’s also a seasoned conference speaker, advocating for introverted students. As the fo...

Hallie talks about one of her favorite topics: The Scarborough Reading Rope and SLPs. We aren't reading teachers but language is the foundation for reading.

In this exciting episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we dive into the magic of helping older students become strong readers. Hallie breaks down how SLPs can use the Scarborough Reading Rope to untangle language comprehension and decoding challenges. Get ready for practical tips on boosting background knowledge, expanding vocabulary, and decoding tricky grammar—plus, a touch of Hallie's signature humor to keep it fun!

Bullet Points to Di...