In this practical episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Dr. Danika Pfeiffer—preschool SLP, assistant professor, and early literacy researcher—about how we can support early writing in young kids, especially those with developmental language disorder (DLD). From understanding why name writing is more about memory than letters, to how SLPs can build in writing practice without adding to their workload, Danika breaks it all down. You’ll hear simple ideas, ways to team up with teachers and OTs, and why even small moments of print awareness can go a long way. If you’ve ever wondered if writing is in your scope, this convo will leave you feeling inspired and ready to dive in—one crayon at a time.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Why early writing starts earlier than you think—even in preschool
• The difference between name writing and letter writing
• How writing challenges show up in kids with developmental language disorder (DLD)
• Simple ways to embed writing practice into your existing sessions
• What SLPs can look for during evaluations—no fancy tools needed
• Building print awareness without overhauling your therapy
• Partnering with teachers and OTs around early writing support
• The SLP’s role in preventing future writing difficulties
• Making early writing doable (and meaningful) for busy SLPs

Here’s what we learned: 

• Name writing is visual recall—not true letter-sound knowledge.
• Letter writing is harder and needs explicit, repeated support.
• Kids with DLD follow typical writing development but at a slower pace.
• Easy, everyday strategies (like sign-in sheets or labeled items) can build writing skills.
• Print awareness fits naturally into speech sessions—no overhaul needed.
• Informal assessments (paper + crayon!) are enough to track early writing.
• Collaborate with teachers and OTs to target both language and motor skills.
• Early writing support helps prevent bigger literacy challenges later

Learn more about Dr. Danika Pfeiffer: 

Website: www.danikapfeiffer.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danikapfeiffer.slp/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danika-pfeiffer 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/danikapfeiffer.bsky.social 

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/444VIuWOxBzZ8fI2hqGyFj 

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

What happens when one bilingual SLP decides she’s tired of feeling alone? She builds a whole movement! In this feel-good episode, Hallie sits down with Sara Gonzalez—a certified Spanish-English SLP in New York and the powerhouse behind the B.E.A.M. SLP Program aka Bilingual Empowerment through Allied Mentorship 💥

Sara shares her journey from grad school confusion to co-founding a nationwide mentorship community for bilingual SLPs. If you've ever thought, “Am I bilingual enough?” or felt like the only one navigating the unique challenges of dual-language service… this episode will wrap you in the warmest “you’re not alone” hug. Expect real talk and inspiring moments.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a CF still finding your voice, or just curious about what it’s like to be a bilingual SLP—this one’s for you. ❤️

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

Mentorship Program for bilingual SLPs

1. Purpose of the program

2. Why the program was created

Here’s what we learned: 

• Why bilingual SLPs often feel alone—and what to do about it
• Sara’s journey from grad school to founding the B.E.A.M. mentorship program
• What B.E.A.M. is (and how YOU can get involved!)
• Unique challenges bilingual SLPs face: accents, microaggressions, and more
• The importance of cultural and linguistic awareness in evaluations
• Why mentorship changes everything for new bilingual clinicians
• How a small idea during COVID turned into a powerful national support system
• The role of community in professional growth (hello, Instagram friends and Clubhouse rooms!)

Learn more about Sara Gonzalez:
Instagram:@abilingualslp, @thebeamslpprogram

Website: https://abilingualslp.com/

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

 Hallie and guest Nathalie Lebrun chat about preparing students for life after high school.

In this honest and energizing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Nathalie Lebrun—SLP, speaker, co-host of LeadSpeak Podcast and the voice behind LifeSpeak—about working with transition-age students. Nathalie shares how she went from post-acute rehab dreams to leading a massive school-based SLP team, and how she discovered the often-overlooked role SLPs can play in helping students ages 18–22 build real-world communication skills. From Uber training to poker lessons to letting go of perfect data, Nathalie keeps it real about what it means to be a communication coach, not just a therapist. If you’ve ever felt stuck with your older caseload or unsure how to prep students for life beyond school, this conversation will leave you inspired—and ready to rethink your approach.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Nathalie’s unexpected path to becoming an SLP and transition expert
• What “transition services” really look like in public school settings
• The SLP’s evolving role as a communication coach beyond the therapy room
• Functional therapy ideas that connect directly to real-life independence
• Why transition planning should start way earlier than we think

Here’s what we learned: 

• SLPs are essential in supporting students beyond academics
• Real-world communication skills should be a therapy focus, especially for older students
• Functional progress > perfect data collection—especially in transition work
• Collaboration and creativity are key to meaningful outcomes
• Start thinking transition early—even in elementary school

Learn more about Nathalie Lebrun: 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: www.lifespeakllc.org 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalielebrun/

Podcast: https://www.lifespeakllc.org/leadspeak-podcast

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

Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta about her Clinical Fellowship journey.

In this real and refreshing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta—a brand-new grad turned CF and the face behind @itsnotjustspeech. Anoli shares what it was like coming into the field from a non-CSD background, how she found a CF that blends early intervention and private practice, and why she didn’t rush into work right after graduation. From job interviews to imposter syndrome to figuring out what questions to ask (and when to ask them), she’s keeping it honest about life after grad school. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just trying to catch your breath, this convo is here to remind you—you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• How Anoli landed a CF that mixes early intervention and private practice
• Why she applied everywhere and asked all the questions (even the awkward ones)
• What she looked for in a supervisor—and what made her say “nope” to certain jobs
• Taking the Praxis early and how that helped during interviews
• Why she gave herself time to just chill after graduation (and why you should too)

Here’s what we learned: 

• It’s totally fine to still feel unsure—you’re not supposed to have it all figured out
• Ask about support, mentorship, and pay—don’t be afraid to speak up
• The right job will feel right—trust your gut in interviews
• You don’t need to be in a rush—take a breath before jumping into your CF
• You made it through grad school for a reason—you’re ready, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet

Learn more about Anoli Mehta: 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnotjustspeech 

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

 Hallie chats with Alice Williams about SLPAs

In this uplifting and insightful episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the inspiring Alice Williams—an SLPA, entrepreneur, and trailblazer for support personnel in the field of speech therapy. From discovering the profession while working retail to founding The SLPA Network, Alice shares her incredible journey of resilience, growth, and leadership. She opens up about working across multiple settings, mentoring fellow SLPAs, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Alice dives into the challenges she’s overcome and the community she’s building to empower others to thrive—whether they stay SLPAs or not. If you’ve ever felt isolated or unsure as a support professional, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that your voice matters.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• How Alice stumbled into the world of speech and found her calling as an SLPA
• What it really looks like to work as an SLPA across different settings
• The major differences between SLPs and SLPAs—and why both are essential
• Why Alice started the SLPA Network to give others the support she didn’t have
• How mentorship, collaboration, and community make all the difference
• The story behind launching the very first SLPA Summit
• Encouraging SLPAs to dream big, think outside the box, and own their expertise

Here’s what we learned: 

• SLPAs provide vital, hands-on therapy under SLP supervision—and bring unique value to care teams.
• There’s a major lack of support and mentorship for SLPAs, which inspired Alice to build the SLPA Network.
• Building a business or pursuing entrepreneurship as an SLPA is possible—and needed in the field.
• Many SLPAs feel isolated; having a community where they can be seen, supported, and uplifted is transformative.
• The upcoming SLPA Summit is the first of its kind—centered on dreaming big and giving support personnel space to grow.

Learn more about Alice Williams: 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speechwithmsalice

Website: www.speechwithmsalice.com 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.slpa.network 

The SLPA Network: www.theslpanetwork.net 

5 Confidence Shifts Every Professional Needs

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

 Hallie chats about one of the BIG mistakes she made during her CF Year that cost her money and sanity.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s getting real about a common mistake she made during her CF year—one that cost her time, money, and way too much trunk space! If you’re heading into your CF, just landed your first job, or even changing settings, this one’s for you. Hallie shares what she wishes she did instead of stress-shopping every toy and game in sight—and how you can better prepare (hint: it’s not about buying more stuff). From planning smarter to finding support, she’s breaking down how to walk into your CF with clarity, confidence, and a whole lot less clutter!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Hallie’s CF year mistake: over-buying materials she never used
• Why being “ready” doesn’t mean having all the things
• What truly helped her succeed that year (spoiler: it wasn’t toys)
• Smarter ways to prepare for your CF year or first job

Here’s what we learned: 

• Invest in support and strategy, not shelves full of stuff
• You don’t need new materials for every session—reuse creatively
• Focus on learning planning, goal-writing, and flexibility
• Building community and mentorship matters more than your therapy cart

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

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

Hallie and Dr. Jessica Walker discuss executive function

In this insightful and empowering episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jessica Walker—an SLP with a PhD, a brain injury researcher turned school-based clinician, and a fierce advocate for adolescent support. From her unique path through higher education to the hallways of middle and high schools, Dr. Walker brings a fresh and essential perspective on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and the critical role SLPs play in supporting teens. She shares how she built her role from scratch, became a trusted member of school-based teams, and uses creative, collaborative strategies (hello, DBT and study hall social groups!) to support neurodivergent and neurotypical students alike. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your therapy more impactful, relevant, and emotionally supportive for older students, this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• How executive skills show up in everyday social interactions
• The role of emotional regulation in navigating relationships
• Why struggling in one area often means challenges in another
• Practical tools and approaches to support all three skill domains together
• Stories from the field: what integrated coaching can look like in real life
• The overlap between communication, cognition, and social-emotional development
• How SLPs are uniquely equipped to coach skills that support long-term success
• What makes coaching different from therapy—and when it’s the right fit
• How SLPs can think beyond the IEP to support teens in everyday life

Here’s what we learned: 

• SLPs are key players in executive function and SEL.
• Start with self-awareness—everything builds from there.
• Real-life moments > worksheets every time.
• Resistance is normal; trust takes time.
• Collaboration fuels carryover and confidence.
• Keep showing up—your impact grows.

Learn more about Dr. Jessica Walker: 

Email: [email protected]

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

JWalker Communication: https://www.jwalkercommunication.com/ 

Cognitive Connections Coaching: https://www.cognitive-connections-coaching.com/ 

Free Digital Downloads – Cognitive Connections Coaching

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

Hallie chats with MaKayla Elrod about her CF experience and answers questions every CF is asking!

In this inspiring episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with MaKayla Elrod, a passionate pediatric SLP who shares her powerful journey from Tennessee to Miami—and from being told she'd never make it, to thriving in early intervention and private practice. From tackling imposter syndrome to navigating a cross-country move after marriage, MaKayla opens up about her CF year in PreK, her love for parent education, and what she wishes every new SLP knew about managing behaviors, work-life balance, and trusting the process.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• CF Experience
• Balancing school / work / home
• Working in a variety of settings
• Moving across the country
• Open to talking anything! :)

Here’s what we learned:

• Overcoming grad school rejection and proving doubters wrong
• The benefits of working with a contract company during the CF year
• Imposter syndrome and adjusting to working without constant supervision
• Learning behavior management skills in a preschool special ed setting
• The shift from data obsession to focusing on connection with students
• Tips for time management and building a sustainable work-life balance
• The impact of moving cities after marriage and adapting to Miami
• Mentorship and support systems during the CF year
• Exploring various settings: schools, private practice, and adult care
• The truth about what materials to buy (and what to skip!) before starting

Learn more about MaKayla Elrod:

Instagram:  @missmakayla.slp

TikTok:  @makayla_elrod

TPT:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/miss-makayla-the-slp 

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

Hallie answers the biggest questions CFs have about the first year.

Hey hey, SLP fam! Whether you're stepping into your CF year or just landed your first gig in the schools, this episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your new best friend. Hallie’s got your back with the top 10 questions every new SLP secretly wants to ask—from “What should I even do on my first week?” to “Am I totally faking it?” Spoiler: You're not. Tune in for tips, laughs, and the kind of real talk you wish grad school gave you. No fluff, just Hallie being your go-to SLP cheerleader with practical answers, scheduling sanity, and confidence boosters. 💪☕

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Flexibility is key

-Prioritize tough-to-schedule

-Use flexible themes

-Start with simple routines 

-Relationships matter

-Take initiative and ask questions

-Protect your time

Here’s what we learned:

• Every day looks different. Flexibility is key in a school-based SLP’s routine.
• Smart scheduling saves sanity. Prioritize tough-to-schedule students first.
• Mixed groups aren’t a nightmare. Use flexible themes to target multiple goals at once.
• You don’t need a giant therapy bag. Start with simple routines and icebreakers.
• Be present, approachable, and proactive with school staff.
• CF supervision varies. Be prepared to take initiative and ask questions.
• Batch work, take breaks, and say no when needed.
• You’re making a difference. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

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