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

Hallie shares ideas or end of the year activities for older speech students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s dishing out easy, breezy end-of-year activities that are big on fun and light on prep! If you’re counting down the days to summer (but still want to sneak in some speech and language goals), you’re in the right place. From reflection games to summer-themed silliness, Hallie shares creative ways to keep your students engaged, talking, and making progress—even when everyone’s brains are halfway to vacation mode. Let’s wrap up the year with style, smiles, and zero stress!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Quick reflection activities that secretly target speech goals
• Turning interviews into fun conversations and confidence boosters
• Bingo boards that review goals and bring the summer vibes
• A roll-the-dice game that’s part therapy, part party
• Summer social scenarios for real-world practice with a sunny twist
• How to spice things up with Bamboozle (without spending a dime)
• Letter-writing that’s reflective and ridiculously fun to mail

Here’s what we learned: 

• End-of-year doesn’t mean end of progress—reflection keeps goals alive
• Activities can be effective without being fancy or time-consuming
• Playful formats like games and interviews keep students motivated
• Personalized tasks like letter writing boost buy-in and self-expression
• Keeping therapy light and fun helps everyone finish strong

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 Julie Barber-Bristol about using children's books to target language and literacy.

In this fun and heartwarming episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re hanging out with the fabulous Julie L. Barber-Bristol, M.S., CCC-SLP—a children’s literature-loving SLP with 20+ years of experience and a passion for making speech therapy magical. From New York to Pennsylvania to Texas, Julie’s done it all—private practice, schools, hospitals, even nursing homes. Now rocking it in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, she shares how she takes just one picture book and spins it into a month-long adventure full of language goals, classroom collabs and sensory fun! If you love kid lit, creative therapy ideas, and real talk from a seasoned SLP, you’re in for a treat!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Why children’s books are her go-to therapy tool
• How one book becomes a month-long therapy adventure
• Bringing therapy to life with props, movement, and multi-sensory fun
• Collaborating with teachers, paras, parents, and even librarians
• Mixing literacy with social-pragmatic and emotional learning

Here’s what we learned: 

• One great book can fuel weeks of creative, effective therapy.
• Books are packed with visuals, vocab, and built-in engagement.
• Collaboration = magic. Don’t go it alone!
• You don’t need fancy materials—just creativity and a good story.
• Social thinking and emotion skills pair perfectly with literacy.
• When therapy is fun, students (and staff!) want to be part of it.
• The speech room isn’t the only place great therapy happens—get out there!

Learn more about Julie Barber-Bristol: 

Website: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=A-Comprehensive-Analysis-of-Using-Childrens-Books-in-Speech- 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieb2slp/ 

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 discusses teaching vocabulary and how to make word segmentation work for older students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles the often-overlooked skill of word segmentation. She discusses the challenges of teaching segmentation to older students and provides five no-prep, age-appropriate activities that connect to their interests. Whether you're an SLP looking to enhance your therapy sessions or seeking fresh ideas to motivate your students, this episode is packed with practical strategies and fun approaches to make word segmentation relevant and engaging!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Importance of word segmentation in phonological awareness.
• Challenges of teaching segmentation to older students.
• Red flags indicating a student may need segmentation support.
• Five engaging, no-prep activities for teaching word segmentation.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Word segmentation is essential for decoding, spelling, and vocabulary comprehension.
• SLPs are equipped to teach segmentation as part of their scope of practice.
• Quick, relevant practice can be integrated into existing therapy sessions without extensive prep.
• Engaging activities can be tailored to students' interests and real-world contexts.
• Movement and competition can enhance memory and engagement in learning.

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 Gabby Pyzza of Pyzza Speech Therapy chat about Social skills instruction focusing on connection, not correction.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie welcomes Gabby Pyzza, a passionate SLP specializing in social skills for older students. Gabby shares her inspiring journey from feeling overwhelmed in her first job to developing a comprehensive blueprint for teaching conversation skills. She offers practical strategies for engaging students, including the use of conversation starters and visual aids, while emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine connections. Whether you're looking to enhance your social skills sessions or seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with valuable insights and heartwarming success stories!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Importance of teaching conversation skills for connection.
• Shift towards neurodiversity-affirming social skills practices.
• Allowing students to engage in diverse conversation topics.
• Social skills' impact on students' lives beyond the classroom.
• Tips for visualizing conversations to improve understanding.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Social skills instruction can lead to profound changes in students' social interactions.
• Building genuine connections is essential for effective communication.
• Visual aids may improve understanding and retention of skills.
• Respecting student preferences while promoting engagement is crucial.

Learn more about Gabby Pyzza: 

Website: https://www.pyzzaspeechtherapy.com/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pyzzaspeechtherapy 

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

Got a student who clams up the second they walk into school—but you know they’ve got a ton to say? This episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your go-to guide for helping students with selective mutism find their voice (and maybe even belt out some Taylor Swift at lunch 🎤)

We’re hanging out with Emily Laracy, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP, school-based SLP, SM expert, board member of the Selective Mutism Association, and total rockstar when it comes to helping our quietest kids shine. She’s sharing her tried-and-true strategies for getting students talking—from baby steps like yes/no responses to full-on classroom convos.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• What is SM?
• Differentiating SM from other disorders
• The role of the SLP in working with SM
• Tips for Assessment
• Tips for Treatment

Here’s what we learned:

• How to gradually build comfort using forced choice and closed-ended questions
• Why shaping behavior in small steps leads to big gains in communication
• Techniques to fade in peers and adults for broader communication
• How “survey walks” around the school create real-world practice
• Classroom strategies to reduce pressure and encourage participation
• The importance of teacher collaboration and consistent expectations

Learn more about Emily Laracy:

Book: Treating Selective Mutism
Email: [email protected]

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

Listen as Hallie talks about striking a balance between content and skills in speech therapy.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling the age-old debate—should we focus on teaching classroom content or the underlying skills our students need? Hallie dives into the sweet spot of blending content learning with skill building, ensuring your students not only grasp their classroom material but also develop the skills to tackle new challenges. With strategies and relatable examples, you’ll leave equipped to create engaging sessions that resonate with your students. Tune in and discover how to empower your students for long-term success!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• The dilemma of balancing content teaching and skill building.
• Importance of teaching both content and underlying skills.
• Common pitfalls to avoid, such as becoming a glorified tutor.
• Strategies for integrating real-world relevance into therapy sessions.
• The four ingredients for a successful speech session: understanding, creativity, adaptability, and compassion.
• Practical therapy ideas that blend content with skill development.

Here’s what we learned:

• Focus on both content and skills to empower students.
• Avoid teaching every vocabulary word; instead, teach strategies for comprehension.
• Make therapy relevant to students' real-world experiences to boost engagement.
• Use creative and adaptive strategies to connect therapy to classroom content.

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