In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Libby Hill, a consultant speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience, about the fascinating connection between pathological demand avoidance (PDA) and selective mutism. Libby shares why students with PDA aren’t just being “naughty,” how their brilliant yet challenging language profiles can fool us into expecting too much, and why creating the right environment is everything. You’ll learn practical strategies like the “projects on pause folder” and why traditional therapy goals need to flip the script to focus on what the team needs to do, not what the student needs to fix. Whether you’re hearing about PDA for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode reminds us that sometimes the best therapy plan is building rapport and following the student’s lead.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• How a rain-soaked TV appearance opened the door to specializing in PDA
• Key differences between PDA and autism with extreme demand avoidance
• The connection between pathological demand avoidance and selective mutism
• Why environment and relationship-building matter more than direct goals
• Practical strategies like the “projects on pause folder” and flexible choices
• How to support students without triggering demand avoidance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Here’s what we learned: 

• PDA and selective mutism? They’re more connected than you think.
• Getting the environment right beats direct intervention every time.
• Flexibility and choice look different for every student.
• Try the “projects on pause folder” - it removes pressure and sparks curiosity.
• Build rapport without an agenda, and watch progress happen.
• The right diagnosis matters - wrong strategies can do more harm than good.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Learn more about Libby Hill: 

Website: www.smalltalk-ltd.co.uk

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

Let’s Talk Small Talk Podcast: https://letstalksmalltalk.transistor.fm 

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

📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book

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 the Secondary SLP Movement!

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in baby clipart while trying to make speech therapy work for middle and high schoolers, this episode is your life raft. Hallie is here to spark The Secondary SLP Movement — empowering SLPs to take back their time, make therapy functional, and show the world that speech therapy doesn’t stop after elementary school. 🙌💬

From planning in 10 minutes flat to using real-world materials that actually engage teens, Hallie spills her best tips for keeping therapy fun, relevant, and stress-free. Get ready to laugh, nod along, and feel seen — because this episode proves that therapy for older students can be just as exciting (and way less exhausting)! 💡🔥

Bullet Points to Discuss

• Real-World Therapy Magic
• Game-changing method for prepping effective sessions 
• Build a go-to therapy toolkit
• How tracking small victories keeps you inspired and recharged.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Redefining what it means to be a secondary SLP in today’s schools.
• Using real-life, functional materials to engage older students.
• Cutting planning time without sacrificing impact.
• Reusing and recycling frameworks for stress-free therapy.
• Building rapport and boosting buy-in with relevance and respect.
• Celebrating small wins and sharing them with the SLP community.

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

📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 

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's book The Secondary SLP Roadmap is finally here! Listen as Hallie chats about her new book!

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie celebrates the launch of her brand new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, a guide designed to help SLPs working with grades 4–12 feel confident, equipped, and inspired. She shares the story behind why she wrote it, what makes it different from anything else out there, and how it’s packed with practical strategies, reflection prompts, and ready-to-use resources. If you’ve ever felt lost working with older students or wished for a clear plan to make therapy more meaningful (and fun), this episode is your invitation to grab your mug and your roadmap—because change starts here.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Why Hallie created The Secondary SLP Roadmap for grades 4–12 SLPs.
• What sets this book apart from other secondary resources.
• How it helps you build trust and make therapy meaningful.
• The exclusive bonuses waiting when you grab your copy.

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

📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 

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 Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC from Destiny Huff Consulting about working with a parent advocate and the role of the SLP.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Dr. Destiny Huff—a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD therapist, trauma specialist, and special education advocate—about how SLPs can approach the IEP process with more empathy and collaboration. Dr. Destiny shares her journey from parent to advocate, common fears families bring into meetings, and how SLPs can communicate with compassion while standing firm in their expertise. You’ll also learn practical tips for writing neuroaffirming IEP goals and supporting students without losing sight of their individuality. Whether you’re new to advocacy or want to feel more confident at the IEP table, this conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and reminders that teamwork truly makes the difference.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Dr. Destiny’s journey from parent to special education advocate
• How to approach IEP meetings with empathy and collaboration
• The SLP’s role in advocacy and teamwork at the IEP table
• Writing neuroaffirming goals that honor student individuality
• Communicating confidently in tough meetings

Here’s what we learned: 

• Advocacy starts with empathy and understanding the parent perspective.
• SLPs and OTs are key allies in creating meaningful, student-centered IEPs.
• Neuroaffirming goals focus on support, not “fixing” differences.
• Collaboration—not confrontation—leads to better outcomes for everyone.
• Every IEP meeting is a chance to advocate with compassion and confidence.

Learn more about Dr. Destiny Duff: 

Website: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/ 

Instagram (@theaffirmingvillagepodcast): https://www.instagram.com/theaffirmingvillagepodcast/ 

Instagram (@destinyhuff_iep_advocate): https://www.instagram.com/destinyhuff_iep_advocate/ 

Destiny Duff Consulting – Teachers Pay Teachers

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

📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book

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 the importance of building rapport with older speech students.

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie shares the moment that completely changed how she approached working with older students—when one small connection turned reluctant teens into willing participants. She dives into how that experience inspired Chapter 7 of her new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and why building rapport isn’t extra—it’s everything. If you’ve ever wondered how to get buy-in from your students or make therapy a space they actually look forward to, this one’s for you.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• What rapport really means—and why it matters most. 
• The story that changed how Hallie connects with students. 
• How trust turns reluctant learners into willing participants. 
• Simple ways to build rapport while still hitting goals. 
• A peek into Chapter 7 of The Secondary SLP Roadmap.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Connection comes before correction—rapport is the real starting point. 
• Trust makes students more willing to try, fail, and try again. 
• Small moments of authenticity build big buy-in. 
• You can build relationships and meet goals—it’s not either/or. 
• When students feel safe, real progress follows.

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

📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 

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 how to help students and teachers understand our role as SLPs.

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie shares the moment that completely changed how she saw her role as a secondary SLP—when one simple question, “Why am I here?” sparked a major aha. She dives into how uncovering the why behind language struggles inspired Chapter 2 of her new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and reshaped her approach to therapy. If you’ve ever wondered how to explain your impact or define your value as an SLP, this one’s for you.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• The question that changed how Hallie saw her role as an SLP. 
• Root cause vs. symptom—what students really need support with. 
• Why SLPs bring unique value beyond the classroom. 
• How to confidently explain your impact as a secondary SLP. 
• A sneak peek into Chapter 2 of The Secondary SLP Roadmap.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Knowing your why turns confusion into confidence. 
• You’re not just fixing sounds—you’re unlocking language. 
• Clarity about your role helps everyone see your impact. 
• Dig deeper, not wider, to make real progress. 
• You’re the expert who helps students—and teachers—connect the dots.

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

📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 

🎉☕ Celebrate with Hallie at the Virtual Launch Party! Save your spot here: https://www.speechtimefun.com/launchparty 

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

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s keeping it real with the story that changed everything—how one tough fifth grader inspired her “Quick Wins” strategy and reshaped her whole approach to therapy. If you’ve ever struggled to reach a resistant student, this one’s for you. Hallie shares how understanding, creativity, and compassion can turn frustration into progress—and why helping students feel seen and successful matters more than any worksheet ever could.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• The real story behind how “Quick Wins” was born. 
• What one tough student taught Hallie about confidence and trust. 
• Why meeting students where they are changes everything. 
• How to give students early, authentic wins in speech. 
• A peek into Hallie’s new book, Secondary SLP Roadmap.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Small wins build big confidence—for your students and for you. 
• Meeting students where they are creates trust and real progress. 
• Success starts when students feel seen, capable, and safe. 
• Every tough session is a chance to rethink, adapt, and grow. 
• Helping students believe they can is the most powerful therapy of all.

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

📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book 

🎉☕ Celebrate with Hallie at the Virtual Launch Party! Save your spot here: https://www.speechtimefun.com/launchparty 

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

Can you believe it, SLP friends? SLP Coffee Talk just hit episode 300! 🎉 In this special milestone episode, Hallie looks back on how it all began, from recording her first episodes with a simple mic to building an incredible community of SLPs who show up week after week for practical tips, laughter, and inspiration. She shares favorite moments, lessons learned, and heartfelt gratitude for the listeners who’ve made SLP Coffee Talk more than just a podcast—it’s a pep talk, a pick-me-up, and a reminder that you’ve got this, one cup of coffee at a time. Here’s to the next 300 cups—and to every SLP making a difference every single day.

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

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with tech-loving SLP and entrepreneur Mai Ling Chan to demystify one of the biggest buzzwords in our field—AI. From her early days building websites and launching innovative platforms to helping SLPs ethically integrate AI into their daily work, Mai shares how this fast-evolving tool can make our lives easier and enhance our clinical practice. Together, they break down what AI can (and can’t) do, why “hallucinations” aren’t just for sci-fi, and how to use it responsibly—without feeling left behind. Whether you’re curious about how AI can help you plan sessions, save time, or simply make dinner (yes, really!), this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and inspired to experiment with tech on your own terms.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• What AI can (and can’t) do in our field right now 
• Ethical and practical ways to use AI in therapy and planning 
• Why “AI hallucinations” happen—and how to spot them 

Here’s what we learned: 

• You don’t need to be a tech expert to start using AI effectively. 
• AI can save time and spark creativity—but still needs human oversight. 
• Ethical awareness is essential when applying AI in therapy or materials. 
• “Hallucinations” remind us to double-check information, not fear the tool. 
• Learning AI is an ongoing process—everyone’s still figuring it out. 
• A supportive community helps SLPs explore new tools with confidence.

Learn more about Mai Ling Chan: 

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

Website: https://www.mailingchan.com/ 

Website: https://www.exceptionalleadersnetwork.com/ 

AI for SLPs (FB Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/597325123447725 

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

In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Brittany Brunell, SLP and founder of Everyday Speech, all about a topic we don’t talk about enough—bullying—and how we, as SLPs, can help our students find their voice. Brittany shares how Everyday Speech grew from her own need for fun, engaging materials into a go-to platform for social skills and SEL lessons. They dig into how bullying really shows up in our sessions, why teaching self-advocacy matters, and simple ways to build confidence and teamwork with other educators. 

Grab your favorite mug and tune in—this one’s full of real talk, quick wins, and ideas you can use with your students tomorrow. And don’t forget to join Hallie and Brittany for their free live training on bullying and self-advocacy on October 21 at 1 p.m. ET. You can sign up at everydayspeech.com or DM Hallie with the word “bully” to grab the link.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• How bullying can show up in your speech sessions 
• Simple ways SLPs can help students find their voice 
• Using video modeling and visuals for quick wins 
• Building confidence through self-advocacy skills 
• Teaming up with counselors and teachers for support 
• Easy, ready-to-use strategies to try before the live training

Here’s what we learned: 

• Bullying can show up in ways we don’t always spot—but SLPs can help. 
• Visuals and video modeling make social skills click faster. 
• Teaching self-advocacy builds real confidence and connection. 
• Teamwork with teachers and counselors makes all the difference. 
• Small shifts in your sessions can create big wins for students.

Learn more about Brittany Brunell: 

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

Website: https://everydayspeech.com/ 

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EverydaySpeech 

Get Free Social Skills Materials, Every Week (Newsletter) 

Freebie: When NOT to Compromise

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