Speechie Side Up

In this episode, I am joined by Melissa Oliva, a Speech-Language Pathologist, as she shares insights into her methods for cultivating effective speech therapy practices.

Melissa discusses the importance of individualized and culturally responsive approaches, and strategies for gaining trust from teachers and parents. She highlights practical tips for balancing functional and academic goals, the benefits of effective communication, and maximizing the effectiveness of group sessions. Melissa also offers advice on building strong collaborations with educators and caregivers to enhance the success of speech therapy programs.

In this episode, we are joined by Paige O'Dwyer, a Speech-Language Pathologist and the Owner and Director of Communication Options, Inc.

Paige discusses the innovative approaches her practice takes in early childhood speech and language intervention, particularly through their Partners in Play program. This program focuses on providing a speech and language-rich, child-centered play environment for three-year-olds with severe communication needs.

Paige also shares her experience in balancing work and family life, offering insights on setting core values, maintaining flexibility, and the importance of continual growth and adaptation in the educational and therapeutic sectors.

In this episode, I am joined by Hallie Sherman, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and CEO of Speech Time Fun, Inc, as we discuss effective strategies for motivating older speech students.

In this episode, we are joined by Amruta Potdar as we dive into creating successful therapy sessions using principles of mindfulness and Montessori.

In this episode, I am joined by Sherry McMillan, author of 'My S's Are Messes.'

Sherry discusses her journey from avoiding writing about her speech sound disorders to embracing them in her acclaimed book, 'What the Seal Saw.'

Inspired by interactions with readers and Speech-Language Pathologists, she wrote a new book specifically for children with speech differences.

Sherry explains how the book uses energetic illustrations and word pictures to describe the experience of having a speech disorder.

Sherry also talks about collaborating with Speech-Language Pathologists and incorporating therapeutic elements into her story to make it a useful tool for families and professionals. She also discussed the importance of empathy, patience, and different communication methods, highlighting the significant role of support systems in treatment and daily interactions.

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In this episode, I am joined by Lauren Hermann, a former medical Speech-Language Pathologist who transitioned into a career as a freelance copywriter.

Lauren shares her journey of combining her passion for Speech Language Pathology and writing into a viable career. Facing challenges like moving to a small town and the impact of COVID-19, Lauren turned to copywriting. She describes what copywriting entails, her daily work routine, and how she gained her first clients. Lauren also highlights the similarities between the skills needed as an SLP and those required in copywriting, and discusses the pros and cons of her new career.

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This solo is all about AAC in early intervention. We review 3 tips to start using AAC in EI when you don’t have buy-in or access to high-tech systems.

This episode is also a sneak peek into the AAC Connect program. AAC Connect includes a variety of therapy materials, training, and personalized support. You can access ALL of these resources when you sign up here!

In this episode, I am joined by Stephanie Michele Sweigart, an expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education, as we explore on the importance of self-advocacy for clinicians facing high caseloads and workloads.

Stepahie, certified as a teacher of mindfulness meditation and a speech-language pathologist, shares her insights from her course 'ShiftMakers: 1.0' and her work with various national organizations.

The discussion covers the four-step nonviolent communication framework—observation, feelings, needs, and requests—and provides strategies for effective and compassionate advocacy.

Clinicians are encouraged to understand their conflict response styles and practice mindfulness to create sustainable and fulfilling professional environments.

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In this episode, I am joined by Jessie Kensey, a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist and owner of Simply Speech Therapy, as she shares her journey from being a high school English teacher to starting her own private practice. She discusses the motivations behind starting her business, the importance of building rapport with clients, and how her understanding of Gestalt Language Processing impacts her work.

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This solo episode is all about the mistakes I made with AAC in the past. We review 6 things I wish I knew starting out with AAC like determining grid size, programming, moving beyond requesting, teaching literacy, adding gestalts, and giving exploration time.

This episode is also a sneak peak into the AAC Connect program. AAC Connect includes a variety of therapy materials, training, and personalized support.

You can access ALL of these resources when you register here for AAC Connect.