Bright Conversations

📌 Episode Summary:
In this special episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Glover Jones sits down with the founders of SLP Summit — Lisa Kathman and Sarah Bevier of SLP Toolkit and Marisha Mets of SLP Now. Together, they share how a simple idea to connect SLPs and provide accessible professional development grew into a beloved, career-sustaining event that’s been going strong for nine years. Listeners will hear the behind-the-scenes story of how the Summit began, how it’s evolved, and what continues to motivate these leaders to create meaningful, affordable, and community-centered learning experiences for SLPs worldwide.

👤 Guest Bios:
Lisa Kathman, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lisa is a school-based speech-language pathologist and co-founder of SLP Toolkit, a digital platform that helps SLPs streamline data collection, progress monitoring, and goal tracking. She’s passionate about making clinical work more efficient and empowering clinicians with practical tools that make their work more sustainable.

Sarah Bevier, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sarah is a speech-language pathologist and co-founder of SLP Toolkit. She’s known for her humor, honesty, and deep understanding of what it means to juggle real-world SLP responsibilities. Sarah believes in supporting clinicians through transparency, collaboration, and fun.

Marisha Mets, M.S., CCC-SLP
Marisha is the founder of SLP Now, a membership platform designed to help SLPs plan, organize, and deliver evidence-based therapy with confidence. She blends her experience as a school-based SLP with a systems mindset, helping professionals work smarter, not harder.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• How SLP Summit began — the conversation that sparked an event now in its ninth year

• Why accessibility and affordability matter in professional development

• How collaboration between SLP Toolkit and SLP Now built a movement

• The evolution of the Summit from small beginnings to a global PD event

• Keeping the focus on community, connection, and confidence over competition

• Favorite moments, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes memories

• What’s next for SLP Summit and how the team continues to innovate

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Describe the origin and evolution of SLP Summit and its impact on the SLP community
✅ Identify the key values that guide the event’s continued success — accessibility, collaboration, and relevance
✅ Reflect on how community-driven professional development sustains growth and engagement throughout an SLP’s career

🔗 Resources & Links:

• SLP Summit – Register for the next event and learn from expert presenters

• SLP Toolkit – Streamline data collection and goal tracking

• SLP Now – Plan and organize therapy with evidence-based tools

• Bright Ideas Media – Your home for practical, accessible professional development

📌 Episode Summary:
In this special episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Glover Jones sits down with Dr. Kelly Farquharson, professor at Florida State University and director of the Children’s Literacy and Speech Sound (CLaSS) Lab, for an in-depth discussion about speech sound disorders—and why the /r/ sound continues to challenge SLPs everywhere.

Kelly unpacks the science behind articulatory placement, motor planning, and phonetic variation while offering practical, evidence-based strategies to support real-world therapy. Listeners will gain clarity on the difference between developmental errors and disordered patterns, why early intervention matters, and how implementation science bridges research and classroom practice.

👤 Guest Bio:
Dr. Kelly Farquharson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an associate professor in the School of Communication Science and Disorders at Florida State University and director of the Children’s Literacy and Speech Sound (CLaSS) Lab. Her research focuses on improving outcomes for children with speech sound disorders and language impairments through school-based implementation science. A frequent conference presenter and educator, Kelly is also known for her popular Phonetics Friday series on social media, where she blends humor and evidence to make speech science accessible and fun for clinicians.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why /r/ is such a challenging sound to teach and master

• The science behind articulatory placement and motor planning

• Distinguishing between developmental patterns and true speech sound disorders

• Understanding dialectal variation versus disorder

• Contextualized and functional approaches to targeting speech sounds

• Why “waiting until age 8” is too late for intervention

• Using implementation science to strengthen classroom carryover and collaboration

• How SLPs can practice confidently at the top of their license

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Describe the factors that make /r/ and other speech sounds difficult to remediate
✅ Identify evidence-based strategies for contextualized, functional speech sound intervention
✅ Explain how implementation science principles can improve collaboration and carryover in schools

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Children’s Literacy and Speech Sound (CLaSS) Lab

• Speech Sound Disorders Series

• Facilitative Context Deck – Rock the R

• Coarticulation Deck – Rock the R

• Learn more about motor chaining and other strategies mentioned in this episode

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

📌 Episode Summary: Dr. Dionna Latimer Hearn joins us for a powerful conversation about African American English (AAE), its role in educational equity, and what it truly means to respect the dialect. We explore how systemic bias shows up in schools, how educators and SLPs can shift from deficit-based frameworks to affirming practices, and how to better support Black students who are also neurodivergent or have communication differences.

👤 Guest Bio: Dr. Dionna Latimer Hearn is a scholar, consultant, and founder of React Initiative, Inc. With over 20 years of experience supporting culturally and linguistically diverse learners in the U.S., Japan, and France, she is a leading voice in centering AAE in educational equity work. Through her platform Respect the Dialect, Dr. Hearn empowers educators and speech-language pathologists to shift mindsets, dismantle bias, and adopt culturally and linguistically affirming practices.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• What African American English (AAE) actually is—a rule-governed, consistent, and legitimate dialect

• How systemic bias and deficit thinking impact AAE-speaking students

• The difference between linguistic difference and disorder

• Why traditional assessments often fail AAE speakers—and what to use instead

• How to advocate for linguistic justice in schools and therapy spaces

• The intersection of race, language, and disability in educational systems

• How to support and affirm students through culturally sustaining instruction and assessment

• Dr. Hearn’s “Respect the Dialect” movement and how you can get involved

  
  

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Define African American English (AAE) and describe its linguistic features as a rule-governed dialect
✅ Recognize the impact of deficit thinking on AAE-speaking students
✅ Identify culturally sustaining assessment practices that reduce bias
✅ Apply principles of linguistic justice to your therapeutic and educational decisions
✅ Understand how race, language, and disability interact through an intersectional lens.

🔗 Learn more at: https://respectthedialect.org
📩 Follow Dr. Hearn: @respectthedialect

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

📌 Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, Shontaye and Sarah sit down with Alice Williams — a nationally recognized Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), entrepreneur, and founder of The SLPA Network. With over seven years in the field, Alice shares how she turned professional gaps into a thriving community for support personnel including SLPAs, COTAs, PTAs, and RBTs.

She challenges the “just an assistant” myth, opens up about her own leadership journey, and explains how visibility, mentorship, and collaboration can empower support professionals to lead and thrive — regardless of their title.

👤 Guest Bio: Alice Williams is an SLPA, mentor, and founder of The SLPA Network, a professional community supporting speech-language pathology assistants and related support personnel. Her work centers on dismantling stereotypes, building equity in professional development, and empowering others to lead with confidence. Through coaching, community-building, and advocacy, Alice helps others step into their leadership potential and make an impact in their field.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why being “just an assistant” is a harmful myth — and how to rewrite the narrative

• The story behind The SLPA Network and how it empowers support professionals

• How to lead from any role, without needing a title or formal position

• Speaking up, showing your work, and advocating for yourself and your profession

• The value of mentorship and how to both give and receive support

• Common challenges support personnel face in schools, clinics, and beyond

• Strategies to ensure equity in access to professional development and growth opportunities

📚 Learning Objectives:By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ List strategies for increasing visibility and leadership opportunities as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
✅ Describe the mission and purpose of The SLPA Network and how it supports professional growth
✅ Apply advocacy and mentorship principles to enhance equity and collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

📌 Episode Summary:In this episode of Bright Conversations, hosts Shontaye Glover Jones and Sarah Bevier sit down with attorney Krystal Ash of K Altman Law to continue a powerful conversation that began at the July 2025 SLP Summit. Krystal’s course on advocacy and special education law drew overwhelming feedback from participants who wanted even more time to dive into the complexities of how legal frameworks impact the daily work of SLPs. Together, they unpack the realities of serving students within the special education system, answer common questions from clinicians, and share practical strategies for navigating challenging situations—while keeping the student at the center.

👤 Guest Bio:Krystal Ash is an attorney with K Altman Law, where she focuses on special education, K-12 and higher education student defense, and civil rights. She regularly provides training and webinars for educators and clinicians, equipping them with the knowledge to understand and apply legal frameworks in ways that protect student rights and foster collaboration. Through her work, Krystal empowers SLPs, families, and school teams to navigate complex situations with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The legal backbone of special education services and how laws like IDEA shape practice
• Why advocacy is a core responsibility of SLPs—not just a “nice to have”
• Approaching IEP meetings with clarity, confidence, and student-centered focus
• Honoring parent rights while balancing school responsibilities
• What to do when disagreements over eligibility, services, or placement arise
• Proactive steps to take before disputes escalate to mediation or due process
• Practical strategies for collaboration and trust-building with parents and teams

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Describe how IDEA and related laws impact special education services and supports
✅ Explain the role of advocacy as part of the SLP scope of practice
✅ Identify strategies for navigating disagreements with parents and school teams
✅ Apply proactive approaches to prevent disputes from escalating
✅ Enter IEP meetings with tools for clear communication and effective advocacy

🔗 Resources & Links:

• K Altman Law Website – webinar registration via the homepage banner
• K Altman Law Blog – articles covering SPED, student defense, and civil rights
• Previous Webinars & YouTube Channel
• Follow K Altman Law: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with Sam Walker—SLP, content creator, and mentor to graduate students and early-career clinicians—to talk about navigating the early years of our profession. Together, they explore how to find confidence when you're placed in an unfamiliar setting, how to handle being called “the expert” before you feel like one, and how to embrace growth without expecting perfection. Sam’s humor, honesty, and practical insights remind listeners that everyone starts somewhere—and that self-compassion is just as essential as clinical skill.

👤 Guest Bio:
Sam Walker, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, digital creator, and advocate for new and future SLPs. Known for her relatable posts, helpful resources, and honest perspective on the realities of the profession, Sam helps early-career clinicians build confidence and find community. Through her online platforms and merchandise brand, she brings humor, heart, and practical wisdom to the SLP experience.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Adjusting to new or unexpected clinical settings

• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a new SLP

• What to do when others see you as “the expert” before you feel ready

• Building confidence through mentorship and reflection

• Finding your voice and boundaries early in your career

• The importance of community and shared experience among SLPs

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Identify common challenges new SLPs face when entering the workforce
✅ Describe strategies to build self-confidence and manage imposter syndrome
✅ Apply reflective practices to navigate professional growth and uncertainty
✅ Recognize the importance of mentorship and collaboration in early career success

🔗 Connect with Sam Walker:
Instagram: @speakingofsamantics and @slptestprep
Websites: slptestprep.com and speakingofsamantics.com

📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with speech sound expert Lindsay Hockel, founder of Rock the R. Together they unpack the challenges of treating the notoriously tricky /r/ sound and explore practical, evidence-based strategies that help students make measurable progress. From biofeedback tools to student self-rating, Lindsay shares her favorite approaches for making therapy engaging, effective, and empowering for both clinicians and students.

👤 Guest Bio:
Lindsay Hockel, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Rock the R, a platform dedicated to helping SLPs feel more confident in treating the /r/ sound. With years of clinical experience and a passion for speech sound disorders, Lindsay equips clinicians with tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that simplify treatment while keeping students motivated and involved in their own progress.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why the /r/ sound is so difficult to treat and common misconceptions

• Using biofeedback tools and motor learning principles for more effective therapy

• Strategies for tackling vocalic /r/ and coarticulation challenges

• Teaching students self-rating and metacognition to boost buy-in and progress

• Mindset shifts that help SLPs stay curious, flexible, and student-centered

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Explain why the /r/ sound presents unique challenges in therapy
✅ Apply principles of biofeedback and motor learning in practice
✅ Scaffold and shape vocalic /r/ productions effectively
✅ Incorporate self-rating and metacognitive strategies with students
✅ Adopt a flexible, student-centered mindset for /r/ therapy success

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Rock the R on Instagram

• Rock the R YouTube Tutorials

• Elicitation Course – Rock the R University

• R Assessment Tool

• BITS Lab – staRt | Instagram

• Speech Production Lab – Syracuse

• Clinical Biofeedback Lab – MSU

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Jones sits down with Marni Kammersell, a neurodivergent researcher, consultant, and advocate who helps families build neuroaffirming learning environments.

Drawing from her doctoral research and lived experience, Marni shares how autonomy-supportive practices foster resilience, growth, and well-being for children and families. Together, they explore the unique challenges and strengths of families raising neurodivergent children, with a special focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), unschooling/self-directed education, and low-demand approaches to support authentic learning. Listeners will walk away with practical, strengths-based strategies and a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive, affirming, and supportive spaces for children and families.

👤 Guest Bio:
Marni Kammersell is a neurodivergent researcher, consultant, and advocate dedicated to supporting families and educators in creating environments where neurodivergent children can thrive. Through her work, Marni integrates lived experience with research to highlight the importance of autonomy, family resilience, and inclusive approaches to education and therapy. She is passionate about helping professionals partner with families to better understand and support children with complex needs, including those with PDA, giftedness, and multiple neurodivergent profiles.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Marni’s journey from homeschooling parent to researcher and consultant
• What it means to create neuroaffirming learning environments
• Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and why low-demand approaches matter
• Supporting parents navigating the challenges of school systems and IEP processes
• The role of autonomy and resilience in thriving beyond traditional education models
• Giftedness and neurodivergence: unique barriers and opportunities
• What SLPs and educators should know about partnering with parents of PDA children

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Define “neuroaffirming learning” and explain its importance
✅ Identify strategies to support families of children with PDA and other neurodivergent profiles
✅ Apply autonomy-supportive practices to foster resilience in both students and families
✅ Recognize how strengths-based approaches can transform educational and therapeutic experiences

🔗 Learn more about Marni’s work: WanderingBrightly.com
📩 Follow Bright Ideas Media: bethebrightest.com

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

SLPs Prabhu Ashwaran and Puja Goel join host Shontaye Glover Jones to discuss culturally responsive assessment strategies for students who speak South Asian languages. Learn how to honor linguistic diversity and improve outcomes through more inclusive, informed practices.

Topics include modifying standardized tests, using dynamic assessment, caregiver interviews, and addressing common barriers in school-based evaluation.

This episode satisfies ASHA’s Cultural Competence, Cultural Humility, Culturally Responsive Practice, and/or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CC/DEI) requirement.
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Resources Mentioned:

• South Asian Caucus of ASHA: https://www.sac-asha.org | [email protected]
• Dynamic Assessment (ASHA): https://www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/dynamic-assessment/
• ASHA’s Office of Multicultural Affairs: https://www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/about/
• SLAM Cards by Dr. Catherine Crowley: https://www.leadersproject.org/disability-evaluation/school-age-language-assessment-measures-slam/
• Speech and Language Development Library: https://bilinguistics.com/language/
• School Programs in Speech-Language Pathology by Dr. Jean Blosser (featuring Puja and Prabhu): https://www.amazon.com/School-Programs-Speech-Language-Pathology-Organization/dp/1635506115
• Cultural Responsiveness Case Studies (ASHA Book – authored by Puja): https://apps.asha.org/eweb/olsdynamicpage.aspx?title=exploring+cultural+responsiveness%3A+guided+scenarios+for+communication+sciences+and+disorders+(csd)+professionals&webcode=olsdetails

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Therapist and advocate Dr. Destiny Huff shares her late-diagnosed journey with autism and ADHD, as well as the duality of being neurodivergent and parenting a neurodivergent child.  Dr. Huff discusses navigating the special education system to support neurodivergent learners and the intersection of her personal and professional experience.  Finally, Dr. Huff offers insights into how educators and families can advocate and embrace neuroaffirming practices to support diverse learners.

This episode satisfies ASHA’s Cultural Competence, Cultural Humility, Culturally Responsive Practice, and/or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CC/DEI) requirement.

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Resources Mentioned:

• PDA North America

• www.destinyhuffconsulting.com

• Instagram: destinyhuff_iep_advocate

• Facebook: Destiny Huff Consulting