📌 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