Podcasts about slp

A brand new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan is coming, and the rules are stricter than anything borrowers have dealt with before. We break down what we know about the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): who qualifies, how payments are calculated, and the deadlines you may need to beat before older plans like Pay As You Earn (PAYE) close their doors. If you have federal loans and want to make the right move during this transition window, this is where to start.Key moments:(03:57) Checking your loan types and RAP eligibility(06:38) How RAP payments are calculated(10:44) Unpaid interest subsidy and other RAP features(18:26) RAP's 30-year forgiveness and how it impacts PSLFResource mentioned: Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) CalculatorLike the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the newsletterJoin SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member communityFeeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planningDo you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!Mentioned in this episode:The SLP YouTube ChannelIf you're more of a visual learner or you like seeing charts, breakdowns, and exploring other topics, check out https://youtube.com/studentloanplannerFree Student Loan newsletterIf you are not already getting our weekly newsletter every Thursday, you are missing out. We break down studio loan news, updates, money tips, all in one helpful newsletter. Sign up for free at https://studentloanplanner.com/newsletter

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Emily Byers Chaney—pediatric SLP, private practice owner, and neurodiversity affirming advocate—about why following directions goals might not be telling you what you think they are. Emily shares how working alongside Jessie Ginsburg shifted her entire clinical lens, what's really happening when a child doesn't follow a direction, and how to build therapy that's meaningful, motivating, and actually carries over. This one's for every SLP who's ever wondered if there's a better way to work on receptive language.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why following directions tasks often measure compliance—not comprehensionWhat neurodiversity affirming therapy looks like compared to compliance-based approachesHow dysregulation, executive functioning, and sensory needs can all interfere with following a directionWhat PDA profile is and how demands affect those students differentlyWhy adult-directed tasks are less effective—and what to do insteadHere's what we learned: Comprehension ≠ compliance. A child can understand and still not follow through.Connection first. Safety and relationship aren't a detour—they're the work.Go beyond the assessment. Play-based observation reveals what standardized testing misses.Watch for overcompliance. Too much compliance-focused therapy can erode autonomy and self-advocacy.One small shift. You don't have to overhaul everything—just start somewhere.Learn more about Emily Byers Chaney: Website: https://www.ndaffirmingslp.com Website: https://www.boundlessspeech.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndaffirming.slp/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

As pediatric therapists, we know that our time with a child is only one small piece of the puzzle. Real, lasting progress happens when parents and caregivers feel confident carrying strategies into everyday family life. Yet, navigating parent communication can sometimes feel like its own clinical challenge.In this episode, Hallie sits down with Johanna Stadtmauer, MS, CCC-SLP, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, feeding therapist, and owner of Ready Stadt Speech. Johanna shares her passion for family-centered care, breaking down how clinicians can intentionally weave counseling skills and active listening into their daily practice to meet parents exactly where they are.They explore how Johanna uses innovative practice models like caregiver classes to build a supportive local community, and dive into how private practice owners can leverage social media and AI tools responsibly without losing the human connection that defines excellent therapy. Whether you're looking to deepen your rapport with families or want actionable insights on clinical entrepreneurship, this interview offers a refreshing, holistic roadmap.About the Guest: Johanna Stadtmauer, MS, CCC-SLPJohanna Stadtmauer is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, feeding therapist, and the owner of Ready Stadt Speech, serving families in Northern Bergen County, New Jersey. Specializing in the early stages of speech, language, feeding, and literacy development, Johanna is also an SLP consultant and advisor. As both a clinician and a mother to three young children, she brings a uniquely relatable perspective to child development, helping parents feel genuinely empowered rather than overwhelmed.Key Topics & TakeawaysCounseling Skills in Action: Moving past rigid clinical updates and incorporating active listening to facilitate goal-focused, empathetic conversations with caregivers.Building Community Beyond the Table: How designing and promoting local caregiver classes transforms isolated parenting struggles into shared community experiences.Responsible Tech Integration: Navigating the role of AI in modern practice—using tools like Glint to support administrative tasks or visual creation while fully preserving human judgment and clinical intuition.Grounding in Your "Why": Why keeping your core mission at the forefront is the ultimate guide for sustainable private practice growth and marketing alignment.The Multidisciplinary Approach: Empowering families by fostering a holistic care team that treats the whole child.Soundbites"Be transparent with families about what to expect. True collaboration starts with setting clear, honest expectations.""AI can support but it can never replace human connection. Our empathy and clinical intuition are irreplaceable.""Know your 'why' to guide your practice and growth. When things get complex, your core mission is your compass."Timestamps02:18 The Importance of Communication in Therapy 05:25 Navigating Challenges in Therapy 11:11 Building Community Through Caregiver Classes 14:38 Marketing and Positioning in Private Practice 19:09 The Absolute Importance of Human Connection 22:42 Navigating AI in Therapy Responsibly 27:44 Understanding Your Why 31:32 Building a Holistic Care Team 33:58 Empowering Families in Therapy 37:48 The Journey of an SLP EntrepreneurLinks & ResourcesVisit Johanna's Website: readystatsspeech.comFollow Johanna on Instagram: @ReadyStadtSpeechWORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEpisode 371: When You Screen a Child and Think 'Now What?'Episode 372: From Guessing to Growth: How a Clear Framework Transformed My PracticeSTAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICEJoin the conversation: Get behind-the-scenes insights, clinical pearls, and real conversations over on Substack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been doing this long enough to say that it's kind of a big deal to hear a song that stops you dead in your tracks. A song so urgent, fresh and timely that you remember where you were and what you were doing when you first heard it. Well, Reckoning by the Havana-by-way-of-Nashville based Sweet Lizzy Project is such a song. In this episode, SLP singer/songwriter Lisset Diaz makes her annual appearance to discuss how this powerhouse of a song came together—and so much more. Reckoning is a blistering take on Lisset's native Cuba; it is a raw, honest song that takes no prisoners. Musically it hits hard—loud, crunching guitars barely hold Lisset's soaring vocals. Lyrically it hits even harder; it is a direct hit against the existing Cuban regime and all those who think they know what truly ills the country. This is also my first interview with Lisset since the passing of legendary Mavericks' frontman Raul Malo, who discovered the band in Havana nearly 10 years ago and brought them to the States. This episode is as emotional, honest and direct as any I've ever done…perhaps more so than any other. So strap yourself in and hold on as Lisset Diaz joins me again.

If you're an SLP who's wondering how you can effectively address complex skills relating to both language and executive functioning in the school systems… The primary challenge is that BOTH language and executive functioning are incredibly complicated. Even just focusing on one or the other can be overwhelming. Layer on the challenges with the way related service providers are expected to provide interventions in the schools, and it seems impossible. Unfortunately, that challenge has resulted in debates on whether executive functioning is more important than language and vice versa, which isn't useful. You don't have to decide which is more important. They both are. We need to find a way to address them both. I help clinicians do that with a concept I call “cycling”. What I do is teach clinicians a set of core treatment techniques that fit within a set of foundational areas that support language and executive functioning.That's why in this episode, I share how to target both language and executive functioning in direct intervention with enough depth that you get results. In this episode, I reveal:✅ When it's appropriate to think of language intervention in terms of working up a hierarchy of skills, and when it doesn't.✅ Why using treatment cycles is more effective than trying to pin down a “scope and sequence” for language and cognitive intervention.✅ How to use intervention cycles to build a language therapy system, and eventually move on to layering in more robust executive functioning support. ✅ Why layering other service delivery models outside of direct intervention is essential for generalization, and how to make sure support is happening outside your sessions. Additional resources mentioned in this episode:Free Training: Three Shifts to Turning Your Clinical Expertise Into a Scalable Language Therapy System Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languageWhy language therapy works better in cycles than in a linear sequence Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/why-language-therapy-works-better-in-cycles-than-in-a-linear-sequence/You think you need a language therapy hierarchy. That's why your system never feels stable. Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/you-think-you-need-a-language-therapy-hierarchy-thats-why-your-system-never-feels-stable/How to target both language and executive functioning in therapy with enough depth to get resultsLink here: https://drkarenspeech.com/how-to-target-both-language-and-executive-functioning-in-therapy-with-enough-depth-to-get-results/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this Self Love Podcast Quicky, Kim explores what it truly means to live a soulful life in a world that often glorifies busyness and constant productivity. She shares her perspective that soulfulness is not about spirituality or achieving more, but about being fully present in the moments that make up our lives. Whether it’s… Continue reading SLP 587: Self Love Quicky – What Does Being Soulful Really Mean? The post SLP 587: Self Love Quicky – What Does Being Soulful Really Mean? appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Since the One Big Beautiful Bill, the final student loan regulations have started landing, and we're seeing the real-world fallout in consultations every single day. We bring you what that looks like from the front lines: the latest ATF update on IDR backlogs, PSLF buyback wait times, and forgiveness eligibility checks, plus a few other things worth watching. We also cover the consolidation trap new grads need to avoid, Parent PLUS loans showing up on files where they don't belong, and what the July 1 deadline really means if you're still stuck on SAVE.Key moments:(01:52) Why the ATF lawsuit updates matter for IDR and PSLF backlogs(04:06) How forgiveness timing could trigger bigger tax bills in 2027(08:36) 88,000 pending PSLF buyback applicants, duplicate applications, and delays(12:14) Parent PLUS loan confusion: When your file shows loans you never took out(20:10) Why new grads should think hard before consolidating, and how it can lock you into a 30-year planLike the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the newsletterJoin SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member communityFeeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planningDo you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!Mentioned in this episode:Want more? Check out our other podcastStarting to think beyond your student loans? Check out our other show, Financially Free Era. It's about what comes next, investing, building wealth, and designing a life you actually want. Find "Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth" in your podcast app.Tips I Can't Share PubliclyGetting our free newsletter? Upgrade your experience and discover student loan loopholes so good, they might get repealed if I talk about them publicly. Find out my very best thought leadership that I really just can't be open about anymore, unfortunately. If you want to get our very best tips, not just the ones that I can share for free. Go to studentloanplanner.com/insider to get a special discount for your year membership.

AAC can feel overwhelming for clinicians, but it does not have to stay that way.I'm joined by Valerie Zimmerman from Mindcolor Autism to talk about what happens when BCBAs and SLPs come together to better support autistic learners who use AAC. Valerie shares how her team has prioritized AAC training across their organization, even though many clinicians receive little to no formal instruction in this area. We dig into the real questions providers are asking, from ethical considerations around programming devices to understanding the role of collaboration in helping students communicate more effectively.One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how Mindcolor Autism created a clinical consultation model that gives staff ongoing support when they encounter challenging cases or communication questions. I love seeing organizations build systems that help clinicians feel less alone and more confident in their work.We also talk about the importance of practical, immediately applicable training. Whether you are a BCBA, SLP, RBT, or parent, this conversation highlights how much growth can happen when teams learn together and stay curious about communication. AAC is not just about devices, it is about giving students meaningful ways to connect with the world around them.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why AAC training is essential for both BCBAs and SLPsCommon misconceptions about supporting students who use AACHow Mindcolor Autism built a clinical consultation support modelPractical ways teams can collaborate around communication goalsMentioned In This Episode:Mindcolor Autism AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs All About AAC Bundle Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

In this episode of the Willpower Podcast, recorded live at the Growth Code Conference, Will sits down with Sarah Bootcheck, Account Manager and Speech Language Pathologist at Raintree, to talk about one of the most important shifts happening in rehab right now: artificial intelligence transforming the way therapy practices operate from the inside out.Sarah brings a rare perspective to this conversation. She is both a clinician who has worked in the trenches of pediatric speech therapy and a technology professional who now helps practice owners understand and leverage the tools that can change the trajectory of their business. That combination makes her one of the most credible voices in this space.Together, Will and Sarah break down exactly how Raintree, one of the most experienced EMR platforms in the therapy space, made a bold decision to evolve or risk becoming irrelevant. After hearing directly from their largest clients that change was non-negotiable, Raintree acquired Yumi, an AI company that had already developed one of the first AI scribes built specifically for physical therapists. That acquisition became the foundation for ten new products and enhancements rolled out across 2025.In this episode you will learn:ScribeIQ and AI documentation in rehabNoteIQ clinical insights and patient progress trackingSchedulerIQ and the future of front office automationAI versus AI in medical billing and RCMWhy therapists are the most underprotected professionals in healthcareHow virtual assistants and AI work together to protect revenueThe 29% effective revenue loss hitting every outpatient practiceSubscribe to the Willpower Podcast for weekly conversations with OT, PT, and SLP owners sharing what is working right now.Connect with Sarah Bootcheck on LinkedInLearn more about Raintree EMR at https://www.raintreeinc.com/ Learn more about Virtual Rockstar at virtualrockstar.comSend us Fan MailVirtual Rockstars specialize in helping support or replace all non-clinical roles.Learn how a Virtual Rockstar can help scale your physical therapy practice.Subscribe here to our completely free Stress-Free PT Newsletter for your weekly dose of joy. 

Episode 138 When One Plus One Equals Three: A Conversation with National Aphasia Synergy               In this episode you will discover: 1.  People with aphasia hold the map. At NAS, people with aphasia don't just have a seat at the table — they built the table. Real peer leadership changes everything about how an organization thinks and acts. 2.  Recovery is about more than speech. The isolation and psychological distress that follow aphasia are just as real as the communication challenges — and just as deserving of attention and support. 3.  Peer-befriending is life participation in action. When people with aphasia support one another through shared experience, that's not a supplement to good care — it is good care. 4.  Sinergia: one plus one equals three. When survivors and professionals work as true equals, something greater emerges than either could create alone. June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, and around here, that means it's time for one of my favorite podcast traditions. For the past few years running, we've spent this month in conversation with people who know aphasia from the inside — those living it every day. Today is no exception, and this one is a conversation I've genuinely been looking forward to.   Welcome to the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. I'm Katie Strong from Central Michigan University, where I lead the Strong Story Lab, and I'm a member of the Aphasia Access Podcast Working Group. Aphasia Access is dedicated to transforming services and environments so people with aphasia can participate more fully in life — and today's guests are living proof of exactly what that looks like.         Today I'm speaking with two leaders from National Aphasia Synergy — known as NAS — a peer-led nonprofit founded in 2021 by people with aphasia, for people with aphasia. NAS was built on the belief that those living with aphasia are best positioned to support others on the same journey. Through peer-befriending, technology empowerment, and community building, NAS works to end the isolation that so often follows a stroke — connecting people across the country through a shared sense of what they call Sinergia: the idea that when survivors and professionals work as true equals, one plus one equals three.   Today's conversation feels especially meaningful to me. I've had the privilege of seeing Trish and Amy in action at conferences like Aphasia Access and ASHA — learning from their presentations and watching their advocacy make ripples far beyond those conference walls. As someone who researches friendship and aphasia, I've followed the peer befriending movement closely — it began in the UK, and when I heard that NAS was bringing it to the United States, led by a peer organization, I thought: this is what life participation actually looks like.   Before we get into the conversation, let me tell you a bit more about our guests.   Trish Hambridge is the President and Founder of National Aphasia Synergy. Trish has lived with aphasia since her stroke in 2008, and that experience is the foundation of everything she has built. A former project manager for AppleCare, Trish has become not only a powerful advocate but a published researcher — partnering with research teams to influence the questions being asked and the evidence being built in our field. Her co-authored work spans game-based rehabilitation design, posttraumatic growth in aphasia, and the measurement of motivation and psychological needs in aphasia rehabilitation — all published in leading journals including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. She has spoken at conferences including the Aphasia Access Leadership Summit, Aphasia Access Chautauqua and ASHA, serves on the Disability Advisory Committee in Dunedin, Florida, and is a member of Voices of Hope for Aphasia. Her vision brought NAS to life, and her leadership — in the clinic, in the research literature, and in the community — continues to shape it.   Amy Walters is the Vice President of National Aphasia Synergy. Amy has lived with aphasia since her stroke in 2018 — a stroke that, in a striking twist of fate, occurred while she was attending a neurosurgical conference. A Harvard graduate with a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins, Amy spent 30 years as a senior leader in the medical device industry before her stroke, and she has channeled that same expertise and drive into aphasia advocacy. She has presented at neurosurgical conferences to raise awareness, participates in aphasia groups across the country, and brings a remarkable combination of professional knowledge and lived experience to everything NAS does.   So — let's get into the conversation.   Katie Strong: Trish and Amy, welcome. I'm so excited to have you both here today and learn about what's going on in National Aphasia Synergy.   Trish Hambridge: Thank you for the chance to meet.   Amy Walters: We are so pleased to be here with the Aphasia Access Community. Katie Strong: Well, we're delighted that you are sharing your time and expertise with us. I wanted to get started by asking about National Aphasia Synergy. How was it created? Just wondering if you could share the origin story of the organization and how that concept of synergy or working together defines your mission. Trish Hambridge: Long time ago, I had a stroke, major stroke. But I was the same person then as I am now. I remember sitting on the hospital patio in San Jose and Karen, my good friend from college and speech therapist was there, and she was teaching everyone about aphasia. My friends and family were so patient. I remember my Dad talking to me and say, "You are stubborn." and I said, "Thank you!" Because that choice – being subborn - changed everything and gave me the chance to get my identity back. Katie Strong: So, Trish, just to verify, you're saying your stubbornness got you where you are right now. Trish Hambridge: Yes, but yes! Katie Strong: Love it. Trish Hambridge: Sorry to say, I have issues! But going back to the beginning, I had only had five words. Even my 'yes' and 'no' were flipped. Traditional homework is not my cup of tea. Shhh! Quiet, I'm lazy! I needed a better strategy, and I found it with P2Go. It's so much more than an app. It is the tool that gave me my voice back. Katie Strong: I love that, so if I'm understanding correctly, traditional homework is not for you, and that you really needed something that was technology based, which goes back to your expertise in your life, career to be able to really help you communicate, and it was the P2Go. Trish Hambridge: Yeah, yeah, is small, is so, is easy, my opinion. Katie Strong: Well, that's what we're here for today, is your opinion. Trish Hambridge: In 2016, a move to Dunedin, Florida changed everything. I joined Voices of Hope and finally found my community. Then the pandemic hit. But it couldn't stop our connection. We moved to Zoom. I want to be honest, though: some of my friends didn't make it through that storm. Their pain is part of this journey. We build this community in their honor. Katie Strong: Oh, that's really touching, you know. It is. It's hard, so many friends don't stay in our lives for many reasons, but aphasia can really be a challenge for friends sticking around. Trish Hambridge: Yeah, and the technology is not my cup of tea. Katie Strong: Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you for sharing that. Trish Hambridge: In 2021, I stepped up. I moved from a 'Lead Pathfinder' to the Founder of National Aphasia Synergy. I reached out to Debbie Yones, the big cheese of Voices of Hope. She and the Board Director gave me wise advice to help me grow. I didn't do it alone. My sister and my sister-in-law helped me think through the logistics. They helped me build the support for the nonprofit. Because of them, my vision became a reality. Katie Strong: So, your consultation with those important people to your life really helped National Aphasia Synergy become a reality. Trish Hambridge: Yeah. Finally, I asked Amy to join the mission. She became part of the organization. Now, we are moving forward together. Katie Strong: Thanks, Trish. I love that. Amy Walters: Thanks, Trish. Nine years ago, I had my stroke at the neurosurgical conference. Ironic, right? Yeah, the conference was in Colorado Springs. I was in a medically induced coma for 10 days and diagnosed with Global Aphasia. Then I was airlifted to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where I had a craniotomy and cranioplasty. On the flight I remembered thinking, "Am I in a simulator? What's happening to me?"   Katie Strong: Wow! That sounds surreal! Amy Walters: My career was in clinical affairs for a medical neurosurgical device company, so I am professionally and personally familiar with neuroplasticity. I know how crucial neuroplasticity is to our physical, mental, and emotional recovery. National Aphasia Synergy was born from a deep need for collaborative survivor-led company. Katie Strong: The advocacy you're doing is really amazing, and I'm so excited for our listeners to be able to hear more about it. Amy Walters: Thank you. When we look at the aphasia community today, we see massive gaps. Most organizations are built for us, but they aren't led by us. The 'medical way' focuses only on the speech deficit, but it leaves a gaping hole in mental health, identity, and social connection. The research is heartbreaking: 40% to 60% of stroke survivors with aphasia experience chronic depression, and in early recovery, a staggering 93% experience high levels of psychological distress. This isn't just about the survivor—46% of our family members also face depression. Our mission is to bridge those gaps. We aren't just here to 'fix' speech; we are here to empower the whole person. We call it Sinergia—the Greek word for Synergy. It means we don't work in silos. We don't have 'experts' on one side and 'patients' on the other. We have a partnership where 1 plus 1 equals 3.   Katie Strong: I love it!   Amy Walters: We are moving away from the isolated patient model and toward a Sinergia where survivors and professionals work as equals to reclaim our lives. We are here to educate and empower our peers to use technology to reclaim their voices. But more importantly, we are here to promote peer-befriending. We reach out to those who are new to this path or struggling to find their way, because no one should walk this road alone. Katie Strong: I know, Amy, I just am so excited. I've been watching this peer befriending happen over in the UK, or reading about it, and hearing about it, and I was just so delighted when I heard that National Aphasia Synergy was taking this up and helping us to, to have a really solid connection. I think one of the things that breaks my heart the most is when I meet someone who has aphasia, who's been living with aphasia for a really long time, and they've never met anyone else who had aphasia. Amy Walters: Heartbreaking. Katie Strong: It really is. It really is. Amy Walters: Our goal is to develop a national community that encourages optimism. We believe a positive outlook isn't just a 'nice feeling'—it is a strategy for recovery. Katie Strong: Heck, yes! Amy Walters: At NAS, we don't just look for what's lost; we build on the strengths that remain. There were gaps in the Aphasia Community. Trish Hambridge: Speech Therapists and care partners are vital to recovery. They have good intentions, but the 'medical way' is often the wrong way. Katie Strong: Yeah, yeah, it's not quite the right way. Trish Hambridge: Many researchers only survey the Speech Therapists and the partners. But what about me? What about us? What am I, chopped liver? Think about the last time someone completely iced us out. It hurts, right? It honestly chips away at our sense of self, leaving us clueless as to where we actually fit in. Katie Strong: Yeah, so Trish, just to recap this for the listeners, you're saying when somebody ices you out, you're asking the listeners to reflect on how that really feels, Trish Hambridge: Yeah, I email [a researcher], and have offered [to be a part of their team] but they are like "Oh no, but sorry." Katie Strong: I hear, I hear you. Yeah and I think what you're bringing up - and you and Amy are bringing up such a great point that as the aphasia research community has not always included people with aphasia. Or they're only including people with mild aphasia versus more severe types of aphasia, so I love that you're calling this out and shining light on it. It's, it's time. Trish Hambridge Here's what the research tells us. Therapists and partners see the journey from the outside. But those of us living it? We know the honest truth. Katie Strong: Yeah, yeah, so as the clinicians, the therapists, and the care partners see that journey from the outside, and you all are living it for sure. Trish Hambridge: It is the 'Chicken and the Egg' problem: Does the partner change first? Or does the people with aphasia change? The answer is: The Environment. We must change the environment to find true recovery. We need to move from being 'patients' to being Lead Pathfinders. Katie Strong: Yes, so I love it. You're, you're flipping the script there and reclaiming your identity, or renegotiating it from that patient role to being a lead pathfinder. I love that terminology. Thank you. Thank you. One of you said this earlier that organizations are for people with aphasia, but National Aphasia Synergy is led by people with aphasia. Why is this distinction critical for the community to understand, and how does it change the way an organization is run? Amy Walters: Right, Katie. In the past, organizations were built for us, like a charity. But National Aphasia Synergy is different. We are led by people with aphasia. We are moving from 'being helped' to leading. This is more than an organization. It is a revolution of identity. At National Aphasia Synergy, we are flipping the script on leadership. Our Board makes decisions with one clear priority: putting voices with aphasia at the forefront. That means leaders like Trish, Bruce, and me are the ones making the big calls. We collaborate with wonderful professionals, like Kait, our SLP, Helen, our Financial and Secretarial support and Will Evans, our Volunteer Consultant. They are essential to our success. They ensure our communication is accessible and our business stays strong. I always think of our board meetings being like a United Nations meeting with "international representatives" (i.e., China, France, Japan, etc.) each of us is coming to the table with a different lived experience, different aphasia types, etc. We work together to "translate" and work through our differing communication styles. But make no mistake: The people with aphasia are the primary drivers of the vision. The professionals provide the tools, but we hold the maps.   Katie Strong: Such a great analogy. I love it and it also sounds like your work is fun too.   Amy Walters: Driving you crazy, but you mean you mean you mean, yeah. Hold the phone!   Katie Strong: Oh, that's great. I love it. Well, what does National Aphasia Synergy offer that others should know about? Trish Hambridge: Look at what we have built together: First, our Peer Befriending Program. A team of four SLPs and four people with aphasia worked as equals to create our training. Today, we have 15 volunteer Allies trained and ready to support the community. Katie Strong: I love it. So, 15 people with aphasia, volunteer Allies, have been trained as peer befrienders to go out and connect with other people who newly have aphasia. Trish Hambridge: Right, but anything like… Katie Strong: Or rather, anybody who has aphasia that they're wanting to connect with. Trish Hambridge: Come! Come! But we meet on Zoom.    Katie Strong: On Zoom, right? Yeah, absolutely. This is all virtual, which is amazing, you know, because you get a good reach, a really, a really great reach. What else is going on? Amy Walters: Second, our Aphasia & Mental Health Video. We have four excellent SLPs sharing the research, stats, resources and the power of neuroplasticity. And we also surveyed 10 people with aphasia to capture the honest truth of our emotional journeys and provide 10 essential tips for recovery. Trish Hambridge: I always start with a roadmap. But originally, we were filming something completely different. But three weeks before the shoot, I went to Debbie and asked: 'What do you think?' She said, 'There are enough basic videos out there... why doesn't NAS focus on Mental Health?' Katie Strong: Yeah, okay. So, you were doing all this planning, and then three weeks before the shoot, you went and talked to Debbie and said, "What do you think?" And she said, "There's already enough videos out there on basic aphasia, but not on mental health. I love it! Trish Hambridge: Yeah and so I agree!!! We agreed right away. We made a right turn...  And changed the plan on the fly! I ran a preview for my friends at Voices of Hope. They loved it, but they asked the killer question: 'Where is the actual resource? Where do we go for help?' Katie Strong: Trish, you are speaking to my heart here, and I know I'm one of those "outsider perspectives" as a clinician. But we just don't have great resources for mental health. It's really challenging. So, I love that your friends at Voices of Hope called you out on that. What happened after that? Amy Walters: That was the lightbulb moment, right? Trish Hambridge: Yeah, a video wasn't enough—we needed a map. So, we built the Aphasia and Mental Health Resources paper. The researchers and I had some serious back-and-forth debate, but that's how you get a solid plan. We ended up with something really cool: real tools for real people. Katie Strong: Love, love it! Trish Hambridge: Third, our Adaptive Growth Culture paper. This provides a brand-new map for recovery that the whole world can use to look past the 'broken parts.' Katie Strong: Yeah, Trish, I've heard you speak on this. That talk you gave it, ASHA. I'm going to say listeners, particularly clinicians, you should check this out, because we need to get our clients with aphasia, our lead pathfinders with aphasia to be able to  think in this sort of way, so yeah, Trish Hambridge: But like I have like the speech therapist and the caregiver, and people with aphasia -  it like, look right -- is the good plan. Katie Strong: Love it, fantastic, Amy Walters: Kait and I shared five powerful aphasia stories on video to show our diversity, our strength, our inhumanity, frankly. All of this lives on our National Synergy website. These aren't just projects, they are the proof that when people with aphasia lead, we create world that actually works for us. Katie Strong: Oh, this is fantastic. And we'll have links to your website in the show notes, but you can certainly Google National Aphasia Synergy, and the website pops right up. I've been exploring it for a little bit, but I was looking at it again this morning, and there's just such great, great stuff on there. So please go and check it out. Well, I'm curious, Amy and Trish, what's on the horizon for National Aphasia Synergy, and how can our listeners, whether they're Aphasia Access members or people living with aphasia get involved or support your work. Amy Walters: We are so proud of what we have built, but we are just getting started. This is our Call to Action. Trish Hambridge: We want the world to get excited about Mental Health!  Katie Strong: And I think get excited about your Adaptive Growth Culture too. Trish Hambridge: Yeah! We recently presented a poster at the Chautauqua virtual conference, and the feedback from Aphasia Access members was powerful. The keynote speaker, Dr. Nina Simmons-Mackie, spoke about moving from 'managing a condition' to 'owning a life.' That is exactly what we do! We focus on the strengths, the emotions, and the identity that the old medical model ignores. Katie Strong: Yeah, so okay. So, Trish, you, you were, I think you presented you National Aphasia Synergy presented a poster at the Chautauqua, the Aphasia Access Chautauqua recently. Trish Hambridge: First time presenting a poster! Katie Strong: I love it, I love it. Yep, and the feedback that you got from the Chautauqua attendees was spectacular, right? And that's when, and, and, and Dr. Simmons-Mackie or Nina Simmons Mackey took that idea and we wove it into her keynote at the end, right, and talked about how it's important for us to support people and people with aphasia and care partners move from managing a condition to owning a life. I mean, that that's powerful stuff. I love it! Trish Hambridge: I'm so honored. Katie Strong: Well, you are out there making an impact. Amy Walters: Thank you. We are building something historic, and we want you to be part of it. Here is how you can join the revolution: Trish Hambridge: To the speech therapists and researchers, Help us build our evidence base. We want the test that adapted growth culture map to prove how it improves mental health and builds confidence. Don't just watch from the sidelines—come test this with us! Soon, I'm taking the Adaptive Growth Culture to the global stage. I'll be at the International Aphasia  Rehabilitation Conference in Athens. Katie Strong: You'll be at the International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference, or IARC, in… Trish Hambridge: Athens!! I am presenting our Adaptive Growth Culture Poster to the top minds in the field. Katie Strong: Fantastic. Trish Hambridge: We have built the roadmap. Now, the researchers will provide the data-driven proof. It is time to see the Adaptive Growth Culture in action. We are moving from lived experience to clinical evidence. Katie Strong: I love it, moving from lived experience to clinical evidence. Amy Walters: That's right, that's right, Trish. If you run a community group, a local program, or a support network, we want to connect with you. Help us build this referral network so that no one is left behind in isolation. We aren't just looking for 'places to go' to pass the time. We are looking for places where we can belong and grow. We are looking for communities that see our potential, not just our deficits. To my peers with Aphasia: Your voice is our power. Share your story or send us a shout-out with your favorite tips and tricks. We also need Buddies for our Peer Befriending program. Help us show the world that we are truly 'owning our lives.' To the Volunteers: We are looking for passionate people to join our Board of Directors. We specifically need one more person with aphasia, as well as SLPs, care partners, and friends. The only requirement? You must believe in the Adaptive Growth Culture. Whether you have the tools or you hold the map, there is a seat at the table for you. Visit us and let's grow together! Katie Strong: Amazing. I hope that our listeners will take you up on the offers that you just laid out there, and that they'll also go out there and share with others that they need to hook everybody up with National Aphasia Synergy. It's a great organization. I enjoyed learning about it more today. And Amy and Trish, I so appreciate you both being here with us and sharing your stories and the amazing work that's going on in National Aphasia Synergy. Trish Hambridge: Thank you. Aphasia Access is fantastic! Katie Strong: I'm glad that you're enjoying Aphasia Access, too. It's a great network, and it's great that we're having lots of communities continue to grow and blossom to support people living successfully with aphasia.   Amy Walters: Hear, Hear! Katie Strong: Thanks. You too. Amy Walters: Thank you. Katie Strong: Have fun in Greece. Trish Hambridge: Yay! Amy Walters: Jealous! Katie Strong: Me too, me too. Amy Walters: Bye, bye. Trish Hambridge: See you. Bye.   On behalf of Aphasia Access, thank you for listening. For references and resources mentioned in today's show, please see our show notes, available on our website at www.aphasiaaccess.org. There you can also become a member of our organization, browse our growing library of materials, and find out about the Aphasia Access Academy. If you have an idea for a future podcast episode, email us at info@aphasiaaccess.org. For Aphasia Access Conversations, here at Central Michigan University in the Strong Story Lab, I'm Katie Strong.     Resources   Below is a list of links to the National Aphasia Synergy (NAS) resources and other organizations as discussed:  NAS Website:  https://nationalaphasiasynergy.org NAS email:  info@nationalaphasiasynergy.org   NAS Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/WeRSynergy (to keep up with what's going on at NAS and for inspirational, adaptive growth mindset content) NAS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalaphasiasynergy1410 (to watch our Aphasia Stories series, learn about resources, and tune into our quarterly video newsletter, "The Synergy Turf" to hear real people with aphasia) NAS Adaptive Growth Culture paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VIq0juI4FTPKqF0Cev8qZAI5I5po5ouO/view?usp=share_link NAS "You Have Options!" Paper:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PBgvb1mDrjnFASaK_dpGL2gnZND_CjaU/view?usp=share_link NAS Aphasia & Mental Health video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GThkxrKbQTI NAS Aphasia & Mental Health Resource paper:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pXbFLtZJ8KZ9Pxpg3HVZHBEd_D7BnsED/view?usp=share_link NAS Aphasia Stories video series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk1GJP6QGrPDOapMhQlmAUBHfVb5-Mnfi&si=BIuoNmeu-TM-ab65NAS  Peer Befriending: To get involved with NAS Peer Befriending, contact  info@nationalaphasiasynergy.org o Flyer:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dCETc1pZck59mw6OgaEjZGnXWOcdSlCh/view?usp=sharing o Video:  https://youtu.be/0RNvCeh0BKM   Referenced resources and organizations: Proloquo2Go AAC App mentioned (what Trish uses):  https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go Voices of Hope for Aphasia: https://www.vohaphasia.org/    

Ley de IA en SLP: ¿protección o censura a periodistas?, ¿Por qué es financieramente inviable derogar la Ley del ISSSTE de 2007?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Sarah Bishop—14-year school-based SLP, California Speech-Hearing Association president, and union rep—about why being a generalist is actually your biggest flex. Sarah shares her winding path to the field (spoiler: it starts with an art history degree and museum tours), why school-based SLPs need to stop apologizing for knowing a little of everything, and how to keep growing without losing your mind. This one's for every SLP who's ever felt like everyone else has a specialty except them.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why the generalist label gets a bad rap—and why it shouldn'tHow to figure out what continuing education you actually needWhat a PLC is and how to start one even if your district doesn't have oneThe mindset shift that makes it easier to grow without burning outHow school-based SLPs define their expertise differently than private practiceHere's what we learned: Own the generalist title. Any kid walks through your door, you know where to start. That's not nothing—that's everything.You will get things wrong. So will every SLP who's been in the field for 14 years. Let it go and keep moving.Connection is the intervention. Showing up, caring, and actually paying attention to a kid? That's already therapeutic.Find your people. You don't need a huge community. Start with one SLP buddy or one district PLC meeting.Know your role. Private practice treats the disability. You remove barriers to education. That's a different—and equally valid—job.Learn more about Sarah Bishop: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawahfwend Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

En este programa les tenemos preparados temas muy interesantes ¡No se lo pierdan! Transmitir partidos del Mundial: ¡Cuidado, multas millonarias a la vista! Periodistas de SLP denuncian persecución tras aplicación de la Ley IA. Indignación en CDMX: El 'chiste' de Cravioto ante el caos. Roxana Guzmán: La desgarradora lucha de una madre por encontrar a su hija. Esto y más aquí con LUIS CÁRDENAS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Self Love Podcast, Kim chats with Emily Mills and Cyndi O'Meara about the upcoming Soulful Long Lunch and the powerful role that connection, community, and food play in creating wellbeing. Emily shares her passion for bringing people together through meaningful experiences that nourish both body and soul, while Cyndi reflects… Continue reading SLP 586: Connection, Community and Soulful Long Lunches with Emily Mills and Cyndi O'Meara The post SLP 586: Connection, Community and Soulful Long Lunches with Emily Mills and Cyndi O'Meara appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

En entrevista con Pamela Cerdeira, para MVS Noticias, Anahí Torres, periodista independiente potosina y dueña de los medios digitales www.enprimerasanluis.mx y Potosilandia, mencionó el tema de por qué liberan a periodistas de SLP encarceladas bajo efectos de la ‘Ley Serrano’, que castiga el uso indebido de la inteligencia artificial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if apostles were given emeritus status at 70 years of age? This was the question apostle Hugh B. Brown proposed to the Quorum of the Twelve as President David O. McKay descended into senility. Would the Quorum go for it? After all, Hugh would be the first to go! In this episode, Matt Harris talks about how a power vacuum caused chaos in the First Presidency. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SLP-211.mp3

En entrevista para MVS Noticias con Luis Cárdenas, Héctor Serrano, diputado del PVEM en SLP y Anahí Torres, periodista y Carlos Domínguez, director de Nación 14, hablaron sobre una carpeta de investigación por probable delito contra la dignidad mediante uso de IA, registra Fiscalía en SLP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

End-of-Year Reflect & Recap: The 3 Questions Every SLP Needs to Ask Right Now Whether you're a seasoned SLP or fresh out of grad school, the most powerful professional development you'll do this summer won't come from a CEU course. It's this. In this episode, Kelly walks you through her end-of-year Google Doc ritual: three simple but mighty questions that help you close out the school year with intention and walk into fall with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you'll learn:

In this week's quicky of The Self Love Podcast, Kim explores the powerful connection between sunlight, energy and overall wellbeing. Challenging the common fear of sun exposure, she shares how natural light supports vitamin D production, circadian rhythm regulation, vitality, and immune health when approached with balance and respect. Drawing on personal experiences, expert insights,… Continue reading SLP 585: Self Love Quicky – The Power of the Sun The post SLP 585: Self Love Quicky – The Power of the Sun appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Musical speech therapy techniques for the non-musical SLP.Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeTake the FREE Pediatric Feeding Courses for ASHA CEUs (through June 30, 2026)Want to incorporate music into your speech therapy sessions but don't know where to start? Michelle and Corinne share easy-to-use resources to help non-musical SLPs confidently incorporate music into sessions, along with evidence-based tools for clinicians looking to deepen their knowledge of music-based language intervention.About the Guest: Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a musical speech-language pathologist based in Baltimore, Maryland, and the founder of *Messy Happy Music Lab*, a private practice specializing in neurodivergent language acquisition, musical language therapy, Gestalt Processing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).Show Notes:Contact Corinne:IG: @crescendo.communicationcrescendocommunication.comGestalt Get-Together podcastLove Money: Support Marian House in BaltimoreJoin the National Foundation of Swallowing DisordersRun the Virtual Dash For Dysphagia June 6-13, 2026Dysphagia Research Society

Grad PLUS loans are going away, and the phase-out is going to create one of the strangest stretches in the history of student loan financing. If you're enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program, about to start one, or know someone who is, the new borrowing limits taking effect July 1, 2026, will reshape how you pay for school and how you'll repay later. Learn about the new borrowing caps, the orphaned group of borrowers caught in between, why taking a leave of absence could cost you everything, and what the coming wave of private lending chaos means for your wallet.Key moments:(01:44) Why taking a leave of absence could lock some students out of crucial loans(06:19) When high-cost programs only stay open to the wealthy(07:39) Why private loans won't fill every funding gap(14:23) How shrinking loan money could reshape (or close) schoolsLike the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the newsletterJoin SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member communityFeeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planningDo you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!Mentioned in this episode:Tips I Can't Share PubliclyGetting our free newsletter? Upgrade your experience and discover student loan loopholes so good, they might get repealed if I talk about them publicly. Find out my very best thought leadership that I really just can't be open about anymore, unfortunately. If you want to get our very best tips, not just the ones that I can share for free. Go to studentloanplanner.com/insider to get a special discount for your year membership.

Have you ever looked at an AAC device and thought, “Where do I even start?” I've been there too, and I know how overwhelming it can feel.For years, I supported students using AAC while secretly feeling unsure of myself behind the scenes. I could teach communication strategies all day long, but when it came to navigating new systems and vocabulary sets, I remember leaving work feeling defeated and questioning whether I was truly helping my students. That experience completely changed the way I approach AAC today.I'm sharing the story behind our brand-new course, AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs, and why I created it for professionals who want practical, real-world support with AAC instead of more theory that never translates into therapy sessions. This course brings together incredible AAC experts to talk about assessment, motor planning, collaboration, bilingual learners, switch access, parent support, and so much more.My goal is simple. I want you to feel confident supporting every AAC user on your caseload. Whether you're brand new to AAC or you've been in the field for years, I want you to walk away with strategies you can actually use right away.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why motor planning matters more than you thinkAAC assessment tips and funding guidanceCollaboration strategies for SLPs and BCBAsReal case studies and practical AAC problem-solvingMentioned In This Episode:AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie gets honest with new grads and CFs who are quietly wondering if they're already behind. She talks through what imposter syndrome actually looks and feels like in those early weeks — the brain-blank first session, the late-night Google spiral — and why all of it is completely normal. If you're a new SLP asking “what if I can't do this?”, this one was made for you.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why imposter syndrome hits hardest when no one's watchingFour things that will actually get you through those early sessionsShrink the moment — just pick one thing to targetOne activity, stretched across every group and goal you've gotNarrate your thinking out loud — that's the therapyExpect the clunky sessions — even the veterans have themHallie's recipe for a speech lesson that works no matter whatHere's what we learned: Feeling clueless doesn't mean you're underprepared. It means you're new.Language is hard because it overlaps with everything — slow progress is still progress.Adaptability is the skill that will carry you further than any material or lesson plan ever will.The confident SLP you're trying to be right now is built through exactly these messy, uncertain moments.You don't have to do this alone — and there's no rule that says you have to.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

In this episode of the Self Love Podcast, Kim sits down with nutritionist and founder of Wellbelly Health Clinic, Elyse Comerford, for a deeply inspiring conversation on holistic health, gut healing, motherhood, and self-love. Elyse shares her powerful journey of becoming a single mother while completing her nutrition studies and building a thriving wellness business… Continue reading SLP 584: Healing From the Inside Out with Elyse Comerford The post SLP 584: Healing From the Inside Out with Elyse Comerford appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Are you winging it when it comes to picking consonant clusters? If you're spending more time hunting for the right targets than actually running therapy, this episode is your reset button. In today's episode, we're diving deep into selecting consonant clusters. We're breaking down how to select targets strategically, sequence them with intention, and finally see the carryover you've been waiting for. Whether you're a seasoned SLP or new to building your clinical confidence, you'll walk away with a clearer framework and a fresh perspective on why some clients plateau and exactly how to get them moving again. In this episode, we cover: 1) Why random target selection is quietly sabotaging your data 2) The developmental and phonological principles that should be driving your cluster choices 3) How to align targets with your client's unique error patterns for faster progress 4) What the research actually says about cluster intervention sequences Ready to stop searching and start treating? Join the SIS Membership and get done-for-you consonant cluster targets you can put to use today. No more building from scratch, no more second-guessing, just clinically sound, ready-to-use materials designed specifically for SLPs and SLPAs. Join now at kellyvess.com/sis Don't delay and have a summer of reorganizing the brain today.

In this heartfelt Quicky of the Self Love podcast, Kim invites women to honour every phase and season of womanhood. From the innocence of the little girl to the curiosity of the maiden, the depth of the mother and the wisdom of the wise woman. This episode explores the sacredness of ageing and challenges the… Continue reading SLP 583: Self Love Quicky – Honouring Every Stage of Womanhood The post SLP 583: Self Love Quicky – Honouring Every Stage of Womanhood appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

The new federal student loan regulations are about to throw a wrench into grad and professional borrowers' repayment options, and we're tackling some of the most pressing questions borrowers are calling in with. We break down why one loan disbursed after July 2026 can flip somebody from a clear forgiveness path to being stuck in a repayment plan that costs you double (or more). You'll also learn strategies for handling PSLF account issues, navigating income certification if your income drops, and the mental health toll all these changes might take. Key moments:(01:23) Why a single loan disbursed after July can potentially double your total repayment(08:54) Using pay stubs vs. tax returns to certify IDR plan income(15:26) Mental health, financial hopelessness, and why no student loan situation is truly unrecoverable(24:21) Calculating physician debt-to-income ratio for PSLF as a resident vs. attending(28:53) Why federal loan caps will trigger chaos in grad school funding and may force program closures or major tuition shiftsLike the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the newsletterJoin SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member communityFeeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planningDo you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!Mentioned in this episode:Tips I Can't Share PubliclyGetting our free newsletter? Upgrade your experience and discover student loan loopholes so good, they might get repealed if I talk about them publicly. Find out my very best thought leadership that I really just can't be open about anymore, unfortunately. If you want to get our very best tips, not just the ones that I can share for free. Go to studentloanplanner.com/insider to get a special discount for your year membership. Want more? Check out our other podcastStarting to think beyond your student loans? Check out our other show, Financially Free Era. It's about what comes next, investing, building wealth, and designing a life you actually want. Find "Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth" in your podcast app.

If you've ever been working and thought “I should be with my kids,” then been with your kids and thought “I should be working,” you're not alone. This episode came straight out of a coaching call with a private-practice SLP and homeschool mom who was living that exact tug-of-war at the pool on a workday—guilty the whole time. And here's the shift: this isn't really a time management problem. It's identity, self-worth, values, and the way your brain turns every choice into a loaded decision.What You'll LearnWhy “the perfect calendar” doesn't solve guilt if the mind drama is still running A reframe that helps work and motherhood stop feeling like competing priorities The sneaky belief underneath the guilt loop: loving work means loving your kids less A broader definition of self-care (including meaningful work, creativity, and purpose) Why flexibility can create decision fatigue—and how to make choices without spiraling Three questions to help you fully choose and stop reopening the debate every 15 minutesIf This ResonatesIf this hit home, I'd love to support you. This is exactly the kind of work I do with my coaching clients—untangling guilt, decision fatigue, and the constant “should” loop so you can actually feel present in your life. Book a free consult and we'll talk through what's happening and what would make it feel lighter.Resources & Links

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie breaks down the realistic SLP toolkit that no grad program actually prepares you for. She walks through what new grads really need before stepping into their CF year — from skipping the summer shopping spree to treating week one like a recon mission. If you're a brand new SLP wondering where to even begin, this one's for you.Bullet Points to Discuss: Don't buy everything this summer — wait until you know your caseloadTreat your first week like a detective mission, not a performanceAsk your colleagues everything — they are your lifelineKeep therapy simple — one activity can serve multiple groups and goalsBuild systems over perfection — predictable routines beat elaborate lesson plansGive yourself permission to be newHere's what we learned: Done is better than perfect — especially when you don't even know what perfect looks like yet.Your colleagues have been where you are and most of them are happy to help.Adaptability is the one skill that will save your sanity more than any material ever will.Simple routines protect your students just as much as they protect you.Being new doesn't make you an imposter. It makes you human.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

What do Latter-day Saints mean when they say temples are sacred? Intrepid reporter Stephen Carter braves three tours of the Lindon Temple to find out. (Hint: It's definitely not the symbolism.) https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SLP-210.mp3

In this deeply heartfelt and honest conversation, Kim is joined by one of her dearest lifelong friends, Jo Plummer. From their early days navigating life as young partners within New Zealand cricket circles to raising families, building careers and supporting one another through every stage of womanhood, this episode is a beautiful reflection on friendship,… Continue reading SLP 582: Wise Woman Energy with Jo Plummer The post SLP 582: Wise Woman Energy with Jo Plummer appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Making the leap from a school-based setting into a specialized pediatric feeding niche is an incredible professional transformation. But what happens when that career pivot collides with your own deeply personal parenting journey?In this episode, Hallie sits down with Aerica Walsh, M.S., CCC-SLP, CPFT™, an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist, pediatric feeding therapist, and the founder of Thrive Therapy Solutions. Aerica opens up about her unique path into the world of pediatric feeding—a journey that took a profoundly meaningful turn when her daughter was born with tongue and lip ties that impacted their early breastfeeding dynamic, followed by her son being born with Down syndrome and diagnostic feeding challenges.They dive into the common medical misconceptions surrounding low tone and special needs, the reality of balancing deep grief with profound gratitude as a parent, and the heavy advocacy needed in hospital and NICU settings. This conversation is an invaluable mix of raw personal storytelling, actionable clinical advice, and a beautiful reminder of why compassionate, holistic, family-centered care always trumps generic medical protocols.Key Topics & TakeawaysThe Leap From Schools to Feeding: How Aerica navigated the transition from a traditional school-based SLP caseload into the highly specialized world of feeding therapy.A Diagnosis in the Middle of Training: Aerica shares the emotional and clinical impact of receiving her child's Down syndrome diagnosis while completing her specialized CPFT™ program.The "Low Tone" Misconception: A close look at why low muscle tone is so frequently misunderstood in children with Down syndrome, and how to look past a label to find functional solutions.The Power of Pre-Feeding Skills: Practical strategies for supporting vital pre-feeding motor skills long before a child with special needs ever takes their first bite of solids.Advocacy & "The Mama Gut": Why clinical reasoning and motherly intuition should always come before generic medical timelines in hospital and NICU environments.Building Thrive Therapy Solutions: The challenges, rewards, and exact mindset shifts required to successfully launch your own specialized private practice while parenting children with additional needs.Soundbites"Low tone is often misunderstood in Down syndrome" "Trust your mama gut over medical protocols" "Find your niche and dive deep into it"Timestamps00:00 – Intro Clip00:20 – Welcome to the Untethered Podcast00:57 – Meet Aerica Walsh, M.S., CCC-SLP, CPFT™02:10 – How Motherhood Led Aerica Into Feeding Therapy04:35 – Pregnancy Expectations vs Reality07:15 – Parenting a Child With Additional Needs10:25 – NICU Experience & Early Feeding Challenges13:40 – The Overwhelming Amount of Parenting Advice15:00 – Identifying Feeding & Development Concerns18:20 – Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding & Early Intervention21:45 – Navigating Medical Professionals & Parent Advocacy25:00 – Hospital Experiences & Emotional Impact28:15 – Why Standardized Feeding Support Matters30:00 – Gaps in Pediatric & Feeding Education34:10 – Supporting Families Beyond Clinical Care37:50 – The Emotional Side of Motherhood & Therapy40:00 – Learning to Trust Your Parent Instincts43:25 – Helping Parents Feel Seen & Supported46:40 – Balancing Family Life & Professional Growth50:00 – Building a Career in Feeding Therapy52:30 – Advice for Clinicians Entering Feeding Therapy55:00 – Investing in Education & Mentorship57:00 – Final Thoughts & OutroLinks & ResourcesConnect with Aerica: Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithaerica/WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEP 343: Inside a Mission-Driven Pediatric Feeding PracticeEpisode 361: Why Two Therapists Get Different Feeding Outcomes (And How to Fix ItSTAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICEJoin the conversation: Get behind-the-scenes insights, clinical pearls, and real conversations over on Substack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ISSSTE amplía capacidad hospitalaria en MéxicoExalcalde de SLP detenido en operativo de seguridadSelección del Congo tendrá aislamiento rumbo al MundialMás información en nuestro Podcast#grc

You're welcome. Because today, we're digging into something I bet you're seeing on your back porch right now, and nobody is talking about it. Asthma and speech sound disorders. If you have a child on your caseload with significant asthma, this episode is the one you need tomorrow. Roll up your sleeves with me. We're going to get our hands really, really dirty, and we're going to talk about where the research stops and where the practitioner begins. Because this is where you have to have skin in the game. This is where it matters that you know your little professors closely, that you study what's happening under your own magnifying glass. Here's what we cover: What the research tells us. A Northwestern-led study of 337,285 children found that asthma, hay fever, and food allergy are significantly associated with speech disorders, and the more severe the disease, the greater the risk (Strom & Silverberg, 2016, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology). A 2006 population-based study of 7,389 eight-year-old children identified asthma as one of the factors associated with voice disorders (Carding et al., 2006, Journal of Voice). So we know there is a connection. And that is where the research stops. What I'm seeing on my back porch. This is where things get gnarly. The children with significant asthma are breaking the rules of speech development. They're stopping fricatives, they're fronting velars, they're voicing voiceless sounds, and they're deleting the /h/. Looks like phonological processes, right? Except phonological processes happen across positions of words. What I'm seeing with these kiddos is 0% accuracy in the initial position of words and 100% accuracy in the medial and final positions. That is not linguistic. Do you dare disturb the universe? Yes, you do. That's physiology. Why this is happening. My hypothesis, and this is practitioner experience, not research on large populations, is that these children have insufficient subglottal air pressure. Continuant sounds need continuous airflow from the respiratory system. After the vowel gets going, the vocal folds are doing the work and producing those sounds becomes easy. But in the initial position of words, when you're starting cold, you don't have that help. So fricatives stop, velars front, voiceless sounds get voiced, and the /h/ gets deleted. What the child is telling you. Mouth breathing at rest. Chin jutting. Head forward to get more air in. Tense neck and visible effort while speaking, like they're yelling at conversational volume. Fluctuating accuracy that tracks with allergy season and asthma flare-ups. The clear boogers come out and suddenly the phonological processes you thought were suppressed come right back. That is not a child regressing. That is a child without the respiratory support to do the work in initial position. What to do differently (DSD). You've been doing best practice. You're doing the complexity approach, you're doing DTTC, you're doing multimodal cueing, you're holding the 80% challenge point. And you're still at 0% in initial position. So we're going to do something different. We're going to capitalize on what the child can do. They can produce these sounds after a vowel, so we anchor with a vowel. We say "a sun, a sun." Or we use the end of one word to start the next, "yes sun, yes sun." And then over time, we stretch the pause longer and longer until that target is sitting in the initial position of the word on its own. That is how we DSD. This is one to take notes on. And if you have one of these kiddos on your back porch right now, shoot me an email. This is exactly the kind of clinical pattern I want to research next.

In this weeks quicky of the Self Love Podcast, Kim discusses the importance of personal evolution and growth as a fundamental aspect of self love. She emphasises that true self love involves the courage to understand oneself deeply and the willingness to evolve beyond old patterns and beliefs. Kim explains that growth is a natural… Continue reading SLP 581: Self Love Quicky – The Greatest Love Story is the one with YOU The post SLP 581: Self Love Quicky – The Greatest Love Story is the one with YOU appeared first on The Wellness Couch.

Everyone's wondering whether AI is coming for their job (or wallet), so it's fair to ask how close AI tools are to replacing a real human student loan advisor or even your future career. We get into why some professions may weather the AI storm better than others, what the superstar effect means for your career (and your loans), and how upcoming policy changes like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will shake up borrowing limits, the decision between federal versus private loans, and long-term strategy.We also share where human advice will always matter, and what all this means for you if you're managing loans, borrowing for school, or about to choose a degree.Key moments:(03:43) Comparing new AI models for real-life financial analysis(05:20) The “superstar effect” and how AI will widen the gap between top and average earners(09:54) Why real human expertise still matters most for high-stakes student loan decisions(12:45) Upcoming federal loan limits, Parent PLUS problems, and the likely chaos from the One Big Beautiful Bill ActLike the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the newsletterJoin SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member communityFeeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planningDo you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!Mentioned in this episode:Free Student Loan newsletterIf you are not already getting our weekly newsletter every Thursday, you are missing out. We break down studio loan news, updates, money tips, all in one helpful newsletter. Sign up for free at https://studentloanplanner.com/newsletterThe SLP YouTube ChannelIf you're more of a visual learner or you like seeing charts, breakdowns, and exploring other topics, check out https://youtube.com/studentloanplanner

What really helps speech sound practice stick once kids leave the therapy room?I'm joined by Shail Silver, founder of SpeechLP and parent to a child receiving speech therapy services, for a thoughtful conversation about carryover, motivation, and how technology can support meaningful speech sound practice at home. As a school-based SLP, this topic is especially important to me because we know progress doesn't just happen during therapy sessions. The real growth comes from consistent practice in everyday environments.Shail shares how his family's experience inspired the creation of SpeechLP, an AI-powered app designed to make articulation practice more engaging and less stressful for both parents and clinicians. We talk about the challenge of getting enough repetitions for true generalization, why carryover can be so difficult for students, and how gamified practice can help keep learners motivated. I also loved hearing how practicing SLPs are actively helping shape the platform so it stays practical and clinically relevant.There's so much potential in tools that support families, reduce clinician workload, and help students build confidence with communication in a fun and functional way.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why carryover matters so much for speech sound progressHow SpeechLP uses AI to support articulation practiceWays clinicians can use technology to support home practiceThe importance of making speech practice motivating for kidsMentioned In This Episode:SpeechLPParagraphAIEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Daj Mitchell—school-based SLP, online educator, and Illinois State University graduate—about getting everyone on board with AAC. With over six years of experience serving pediatric and adult clients across settings, Daj breaks down her buy-in stair step framework and explains why many SLPs accidentally skip to the last step. She shares practical strategies for coaching parents and staff, building real collaboration, and improving carryover beyond the therapy room. They also explore Daj's work in AI, AAC, and neurodiversity-affirming care, along with how she supports fellow clinicians through education and social media. This one's for any SLP who's ever handed a family a home program and never heard about it again.Bullet Points to Discuss: What the AAC buy-in stair step framework actually looks likeHow adult learning theory applies to parent and stakeholder coachingWhy video modeling works better than handouts for skeptical caregiversHow to use Google Forms, scheduled emails, and templates to manage AAC collaboration without eating your lunchWhat an AAC profile spreadsheet is and why Daj swears by itHow to extend the same coaching framework to teachers, paras, and adminHere's what we learned: Buy-in has three parts. Acceptance, willingness to support, and active participation are not the same thing—and most caregivers are only at step one.Don't skip ahead. Handing over a home program before a caregiver is ready guarantees the device stays on the refrigerator.Adults need a reason. Connect AAC to something that already matters in their life and they'll move faster.Start with one win. Find the routine they actually care about and build from there.Set it and forget it. Once your emails and forms are built, your collaboration system basically runs itself.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Learn more about Daj Mitchell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourslpdaj/ Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

There's a surreal moment that happens when you stop being an SLP grad student and suddenly become the Clinical Fellow walking into the room. On this episode of the All About Kids Podcast, Speech Language Pathologists Mallory Kanterman and Kate Grande pull back the curtain on what their Clinical Fellowship at All About Kids actually looked like.   From communicating with their supervisors to managing caseloads to panic-filled “What am I doing?” moments, Kate and Mallory don't hold back on painting the full picture of their CF year. We get into navigating the chaos of the school environment, awkward parent phone calls, parking nightmares, and those breakthrough moments where therapy finally clicks and everything feels worth it.   Mallory and Kate share how mentorship, flexibility, and learning to think on the fly shaped their confidence during their CF year at All About Kids. Alongside the obstacles and the pressure of first-time responsibility, they racked up plenty of wins that made them stop and think, “Okay… I actually can do this.”    Guest bios: Mallory Kanterman is a speech language pathologist completing her Clinical Fellowship at All About Kids in elementary school settings. Kate Grande is a speech language pathologist completing her Clinical Fellowship at All About Kids, specializing in Early Intervention and CPSE services.   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-about-kids-podcast/id1522359220 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3I6qWwwdeJnlJg8Mx94He9?si=A7ieoF8yQJeqi_JnS6tXrg&dl_branch=1 Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1522359220/all-about-kids-podcast Website: https://aakcares.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aakcares Twitter: https://twitter.com/aakcares LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/all-about-kids Substack: https://aakcares.substack.com/  

Lindy Myers, MS, CCC-SLP, pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP) and Clinical Lead at Coral Care, discusses the first few weeks of newborn life and how SLPs, occupational, and physical therapists can help families as they adjust to their new normal, including … Continue reading →

Hey Friends~  Many parents think reading begins with letters, flashcards, and sounding out words. But the foundation for reading actually begins much earlier—through listening, sound play, hearing sound patterns, understanding language, building vocabulary, and everyday conversation. So whether you have a toddler and want to give them the strongest start possible… or you have an older child who struggles with reading and you've wondered, “What are we missing?” …this episode is going to shed light on important skills that might need to be fortified. Today, I'm joined by speech language pathologist, Sarah James as she unpacks the building blocks that support reading success and explains what the research actually shows makes the biggest impacts on a child's ability to learn to read. You'll begin to understand how speech and language skills are deeply connected to literacy, and why some struggles may actually begin long before a child ever sits down with a book.   This conversation will likely cause you to see reading through a whole new lens. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Sarah James is an accomplished Speech Language Pathologist, SLP, seminar leader, keynote speaker and consultant. She is experienced working in urban, suburban and rural public schools as both the SLP and as a consultant for school districts around the country where she has offered speech-language pathologists practical and effective strategies for therapy. She served as president of MNSHA, her state's speech-language hearing association and was awarded the Honors of the Association.  Sarah's area of specialty is the relationship between speech language skills, literacy and academic development. She has wide-ranging experience helping SLPs to make connections between speech language-literacy skills and classroom expectations, curriculum targets and state standards.  CONTACT THE GUEST:   sarahjamesconsulting@gmail.com   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 256 Melanie Jeffrey: What If Phonics Made Speech Easier? 248 Dr. Emily Levy: Effectively Teach Reading with Orton Gillingham & Multi-Sensory Techniques 238 Dr. Bibi Pirayesh: How an Educational Therapist Helps Kids with Learning Differences Succeed  230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help     WE'VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

ASHA launched a new consumer-facing website, and SLPs immediately started digging. In this episode, Jeanette Benigas, PhD/SLP, and Stephanie Feero, MS/SLP, unpack the newly rebranded Communication Health Support Association (CHSA), its connection to ASHA, and the financial and organizational questions surrounding the rollout.The conversation explores CHSA's 70-year history, ASHA's evolving mission statements and strategic objectives, tax filings, membership positioning, ProFind listings, and the ongoing debate surrounding the CCC. Jeanette and Stephanie also examine public IRS Form 990 data, nonprofit structures, affiliate language, and the broader implications for clinicians and the future of the profession.This episode discusses publicly available documents, organizational timelines, and the growing questions many SLPs are now asking after discovering a consumer-facing association that has existed for decades with little public awareness, all mixed with a little sass and a few tin foil hat theories from Jeanette.✨ Grateful to Chomper Champs for bringing so much positivity and fun to the pediatric SLP space. Follow the link to order the

You opened your caseload. Another Spanish-speaking kiddo. You don't speak Spanish. There's no translator. No bilingual SLP down the hall. Now what? You don't freeze. You don't refer out. You don't waste a single therapy minute. You use the 5-step Good Enough Practice plan, built on the complexity approach research, to drive real, generalizable gains in both languages, even when you're only treating in one. In this follow-up to Episode 215 (assessment), we roll up our sleeves and walk through exactly what to do Monday morning.

What happens when forgiven student debt becomes taxable income again? That's the “tax bomb” we're breaking down this week — why it's coming back, who could get caught by surprise and what you can actually do about it (even if Congress keeps punting the ball down the road). We'll get into 20- and 25-year forgiveness for private-sector folks, insolvency exclusions and why the whole mess falls hardest on servicers and borrowers. We also talk about the real-world impact of recent rule changes, state-level quirks and my predictions for what might (and might not) change after 2026.Key moments:(00:42) Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) stays tax-free(02:59) Who needs to worry about the tax bomb(13:12) Using insolvency exclusions to lower (or wipe out) your student loan tax bill(16:15) Why we expect Congress to make student loan forgiveness permanently tax-free in the futureLike the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the newsletterJoin SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member communityFeeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planningDo you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!Mentioned in this episode:Want more? Check out our other podcastStarting to think beyond your student loans? Check out our other show, Financially Free Era. It's about what comes next, investing, building wealth, and designing a life you actually want. Find "Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth" in your podcast app.Tips I Can't Share PubliclyGetting our free newsletter? Upgrade your experience and discover student loan loopholes so good, they might get repealed if I talk about them publicly. Find out my very best thought leadership that I really just can't be open about anymore, unfortunately. If you want to get our very best tips, not just the ones that I can share for free. Go to studentloanplanner.com/insider to get a special discount for your year membership.

Sometimes collaboration feels seamless, and other times it leaves you questioning everything.That contrast came up in such a real way as I talked with Jenny Argueta, and it's something so many of us have experienced but don't always say out loud. She shared how working with one collaborative SLP felt energizing, while another interaction left her feeling small and shut out. That moment stuck with her and ultimately shaped her decision to become dually certified so she could be part of the solution.We unpack the tension that can exist between SLPs and BCBAs and how those challenges often stem from past experiences, misunderstandings, or lack of exposure to each other's work. I always come back to the importance of listening. When we take the time to understand someone's perspective instead of reacting, we open the door to better collaboration.We also talk about AAC and the gaps in training that so many providers face. Jenny shares honestly about how overwhelming AAC can feel, even as an SLP, and why ongoing learning is so important. At the end of the day, our goal is the same. We want to support meaningful communication and real progress for our students.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Real examples of collaboration going well and breaking downWhere SLP and BCBA tensions come fromPractical ways to build trust and shared understandingWhy AAC training is essential for all providersMentioned In This Episode:Mirific LLCEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

On today's episode, Dr. Yassmeen Abdel-Aty shares how collaboration with SLPs transformed her practice, turning her multidisciplinary clinic at USF into a powerhouse of comprehensive voice, swallowing, and airway care. Discover the benefits of integrating SLPs into every phase of diagnosis and treatment, from initial assessments to post-op therapy. Dr. Abdel-Aty reveals practical tips for building trust and flow in your clinic, emphasizing the power of real-time multidisciplinary discussions.Whether you're an SLP, a seasoned laryngologist, or just starting out, this episode offers strategies for transforming your clinic into a collaborative environment that enhances patient care and satisfaction.

What if you could build a private practice that evolves with you through rebranding, new niches, and even public speaking? Today's guest is back for her third appearance on the show, and every time she comes on, her practice looks completely different in the best way possible.I'm so excited to reintroduce you to Vanessa Alcala, a first-generation college graduate, bilingual speech-language pathologist, and founder of TheraVolve Wellness Co., a private practice serving children and adults across Tampa Bay through clinic, in-home, school, and telehealth services.Once told by a guidance counselor she wasn't "college material," Vanessa went on to launch her private practice the day she graduated in 2019 — LLC and all. But between a global pandemic, two high-risk pregnancies, and losing her grandmother, she realized the traditional track wasn't the vibe for her.So she built her own path.Switching from adult-focused care to bilingual pediatrics. Rebranding from Vital Therapies to the deeply meaningful TheraVolve Wellness Co. Growing from a solo clinician to a team with a beautiful clinic in Carrollwood. And most recently? Turning public speaking into a high-impact, high-income marketing tool earning her "Best of the Best SLP" recognition from the Tampa Bay Times in 2025.Vanessa Alcala is a bilingual SLP, healthcare entrepreneur, public speaker, and mentor. A former dementia caregiver, she's co-host of Sip & Social, the first multi-state networking event of its kind for SLPs and women in healthcare and creator of "Impact to Income," a course helping healthcare professionals transition from clinical work to speaking opportunities and diversified income streams. She's also co-founder of The Concierge Marketing Shop, offering customizable marketing templates designed specifically for adult and pediatric private practice owners.Outside of patient care, Vanessa is a mother of two who has navigated private practice through different seasons of life. She's passionate about helping other practice owners recognize their value and build businesses that support the life they want — not the one they're told to settle for.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How her practice has evolved in ways she never expectedThe pivots that changed everythingHow she's using public speaking to grow her practice in a way most SLPs never even considerVanessa is proof that your private practice doesn't have to look the way you first imagined it. In fact, it shouldn't. She was told she wasn't "college material." She messed up. She rebranded. She expanded into populations she never planned to serve. She built a culturally responsive bilingual practice that earned public recognition. And now? She's speaking on stages and TV, running a team, and building a business that actually lets her breathe.Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can evolve your practice—if you're willing to start before you feel ready. Want to build a private practice that gives you the freedom to pivot, grow, and even speak on stage? check out the Start Your Private Practice Program over at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Or, if you already have an existing private practice and you're ready to take it to the next level we'd love to support you inside the Next Level Private Practitioner. You can learn more at www.nextlevelprivatepractitioner.com.Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.Resources Mentioned:Follow Vanessa on Instagram: instagram.com/vanessaonthemic/ & instagram.com/theravolvewellness/Check out her website: www.theravolvewellness.comWhere We Can Connect:Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

If you've ever felt like you were "guessing" your way through a feeding session, you aren't alone. In fact, many clinicians enter the field with a passion for OT or SLP, only to realize their foundational schooling barely scratched the surface of pediatric feeding.In this episode, Hallie is joined by Courtney Lewis, MOT, OTR/L, CPST, a pediatric feeding specialist and owner of NOSH Pediatric Feeding Therapy. Courtney opens up about her "long and winding road" to feeding—a journey that began with an 8th-grade project and evolved through home health, clinics, and hospitals.They discuss the pivotal moment when Courtney realized she needed more than just general experience to truly help her families. From the "regulation lightbulb" moment that changed how she views patient behavior to the deep empathy she brings as a former "picky eater" herself, this conversation is a masterclass in why specialized training and clinical reasoning are the keys to professional confidence.About the Guest: Courtney Lewis, MOT, OTR/L, CPSTCourtney Lewis is a pediatric occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and the founder of NOSH Pediatric Feeding Therapy. With over a decade of experience across various settings, she specializes in transforming mealtime struggles into joyful family experiences using a holistic, play-based approach. Courtney is a Feed The Peds® graduate and a dedicated mentor within The Pediatric Feeding Hub™.Key Topics & TakeawaysThe Accidental Specialist: How pediatric feeding "found" Courtney and why every previous setting—from home health to hospitals—was a necessary stepping stone.The Missing Link in Education: A candid look at why most therapists feel underprepared and how to fill the gaps that grad school leaves behind.The Sensory Lived Experience: Courtney shares how her own history as a picky eater allows her to advocate for her patients with a unique, firsthand perspective.44,000 CFA Points: The story behind Courtney's "Regulation Lightbulb" and how understanding the nervous system changes everything in the clinic.The Power of "The Hub": Why having a community of mentors and peers is essential for preventing burnout and ensuring clinical excellence.Soundbites"I didn't choose feeding therapy; it chose me. Every setting I worked in was leading me here.""You go from feeling like you're guessing to actually having a clinical 'why' behind what you're doing.""When you understand the nervous system, you stop looking at the behavior and start looking at the child."Timestamps000:00 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and the "stuck" feeling in feeding therapy.02:22 – Courtney's Journey: How pediatric occupational therapy "found" her.05:47 – The Confidence Catalyst: Helping a breastfeeding infant transition to solids in 10 weeks.06:34 – The Foundational Gap: Why standard courses like SOS and Beckman sometimes leave therapists wanting more.23:40 – How Feed The Peds® provided the framework to finally "connect the dots."29:10 – Lived Experience: How being a former "picky eater" shapes Courtney's empathy as a therapist.38:20 – Mentorship: Transitioning from student to leader within The Pediatric Feeding Hub™.42:15 – Closing thoughts and where to find NOSH Pediatric Feeding Therapy.Links & ResourcesVisit Courtney's Website: noshfeeding.comFollow Courtney on Instagram: @NoshFeedingFeed The Peds®: Join the 3-Day Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds ChallengeTHE HUB: Become a part of The Pediatric Feeding Hub™WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEpisode 369: The 4 Layers of Feeding: How to Finally Know Where to StartEpisode 361: Why Two Therapists Get Different Feeding Outcomes (And How to Fix It)STAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICE

A candid look at what our student loan experts are seeing in real-time consultations. The throughline: borrowers need to pull their heads out of the sand because too many are sitting on consolidation deadlines, surprise recertifications, and PSLF misconceptions that could cost them years of credit. The conversation moves from urgent Parent PLUS deadlines to PSLF edge cases, then to disability planning and ABLE accounts — every topic drawn from patterns the team is seeing across recent consults.Key moments:(03:47) Parent PLUS borrowers must consolidate before July 1 to preserve IDR access(08:09) Servicers are pulling tax data months early — revoke IRS consent to control your recertification(22:29) Big Beautiful Bill removes IBR's hardship test, reopening PSLF for high earners(36:13) Disability creates two tracks: IDR recalculation for income drops, or Total and Permanent Disability Discharge(42:07) ABLE accounts let families save for disability expenses with tax-free growth, and 529 funds can roll inResources mentioned: StudentAid.gov - official Federal Student Aid site for IDR, consolidation, PSLF, disability discharge, and more Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the newsletterJoin SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member communityFeeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planningDo you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!Mentioned in this episode:The SLP YouTube ChannelIf you're more of a visual learner or you like seeing charts, breakdowns, and exploring other topics, check out https://youtube.com/studentloanplannerFree Student Loan newsletterIf you are not already getting our weekly newsletter every Thursday, you are missing out. We break down studio loan news, updates, money tips, all in one helpful newsletter. Sign up for free at https://studentloanplanner.com/newsletter

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman chats with Bradi O'Rourke, owner of Braxy Speech Therapy, all about the magic of play-based, child-led therapy.Bradi breaks down how ditching rigid, drill-heavy sessions and leaning into connection, creativity, and a little bit of mess can lead to more meaningful communication. She shares how meeting kids where they are, following their lead, and making therapy feel natural (and actually fun!) can create real progress that carries over beyond the session.If you're ready to loosen up your sessions and make therapy feel more engaging for both you and your students, this episode is for you.Bullet Points to Discuss:-What play-based, child-led therapy actually looks like beyond just “playing games”-Why connection over compliance leads to more meaningful communication-How to naturally target speech and language goals within play-The mindset shift from therapist-led sessions to following the child's lead-How to handle parents who expect more structured, drill-based therapy-Why functional goals matter—and how to rethink them in real-life contexts-How involving parents during sessions can boost carryover at homeHere's what we learned:If it's not functional in play, it's probably not a functional goal.Kids learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and in control of their environment.You don't need a perfect plan—your skills as an SLP will show up naturally in play.Connection and engagement will always beat rigid structure and drills.Educating parents is key—once they understand the “why,” they're more likely to trust the process.Progress doesn't always look structured—but it is happening.Learn more about Bradi O'Rourke:Instagram: @braxy_speech_therapyWebsite: www.braxyspeechtherapy.comProduct downloads on my website: www.braxyspeechtherapy.com/category/all-productsEmail Addressbradi@braxyspeechtherapy.comLearn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: