Hallie chats with Ellie Richter about teletherapy and how to make it work for you

What do you get when you mix a surprise preemie, a fearless career pivot, and a whole lot of neon stickers? You get Ellie Richter, the powerhouse SLP behind The Essential Teletherapist—and she’s here to spill all the virtual tea.

In this feel-good (and laugh-out-loud honest) convo, Hallie Sherman chats with Ellie about ditching the traditional grind, setting boundaries like a pro, and building a thriving teletherapy practice that serves both kids and clinicians. If you’ve ever questioned if teletherapy can be fun, effective, and sustainable—this episode’s your permission slip to go all in.

Bullet points to discuss:

• How a health scare led Ellie to launch her virtual practice
• Why teletherapy is essential for underserved schools
• Group therapy tips: two’s a win, five’s a disaster
• Ellie’s must-have tools for articulation and engagement
• Fun ways to boost student buy-in (hint: stickers + choice!)
• Setting boundaries with schools like a boss
• Why teletherapy isn’t plan B—it’s the future of SLP work
  
  
  

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How a personal health scare pushed Ellie to build a flexible, virtual private practice
• Why underserved districts need teletherapy—and how SLPs can make a real impact
• The secrets to successful group teletherapy (spoiler: two’s company, five’s a hot mess
• What tools Ellie swears by for articulation therapy and student engagement
• Creative ways to build connection, confidence, and buy-in from students 
• How Ellie empowers students by letting them choose their themes—and why it matters
• Tips for advocating with school contracts and setting non-negotiable boundaries
• Why teletherapy isn’t a backup plan—it’s a bold career move

Learn more about Ellie Richter:
Website: www.theessentialteletherapist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theessentialteletherapist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566987832697

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ps9xDECWXs6nlekB73hys?si=803a140cc3194911 

Other Links

Teletherapy Activity Resource List for All Ages:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGS0H4daok/9jBynHljFFarIKpj6qQmcw/edit?utm_content=DAGS0H4daok&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets