Jamie Giannino is a speech-language pathologist, private practice owner, and nonprofit founder who has spent the last decade working in the gaps the system pretends don't exist. Luba sits down with Jamie to talk about building Bee Bright Therapy and the Wordwise Speech Therapy Foundation side by side, what it actually takes to become an early intervention agency in New York State, and what pushed her to dress up as the Grinch and end up on the news fighting for providers who weren't getting paid. They also get into what parents need to know about IEPs, why you should never sign one you don't agree with, and how Jamie thinks about advocacy as someone who once needed someone to fight for her too. If you've ever felt like the system wasn't listening, this one's for you.

00:00 Welcome and intro to Jamie Giannino

02:52 Inside Bee Bright Therapy and serving rural counties

06:22 Jamie's road to becoming an SLP and finding her path

14:18 Building an agency and surviving New York's payment freeze

18:48 The private client who changed everything: discovering apraxia

24:42 Why Jamie started the Wordwise Speech Therapy Foundation

26:00 Dressing as the Grinch to get the state's attention

32:53 Funding a nonprofit and the grant writing reality

37:46 How providers can better support families beyond the session

43:09 Reading the IEP line by line and fighting for what's right

What happens when a pediatric SLP gets tired of reinventing the wheel before every session and decides to build something better? Luba sits down with Stephanie Feero, MS, CCC-SLP and founder of Chomper Champs, a speech therapy companion tool born in a feeding therapy room and now shipping to SLPs across the country. They talk about why play-based therapy produces better outcomes, how Stephanie went from a single janky 3D printer to a growing subscription box business, and what it actually takes to turn a clinical idea into a real product. Stephanie also gets honest about clinician burnout, the pressure SLPs put on themselves to create custom materials, and why low-prep tools aren't a shortcut. They're just good clinical sense.

Check out Chomper Champs here: https://www.chomperchamps.com

00:00 Welcome & intro to Stephanie Feero

01:36 Stephanie's path to becoming an SLP

05:28 Building Chomper Champs from her home workshop

08:41 Why fun is the driver of progress, not a distraction

12:00 From janky prototype to version 30

19:16 Advice for SLPs with an idea but no time

26:17 Preventing clinician burnout & what's next for Chomper Champs

29:50 Where to find Stephanie & Chomper Champs

The Growth Lab is back, and Luba is marking one full year of the podcast with a solo episode that's equal parts reflection and momentum. She gets honest about what year one actually looked like behind the scenes, how the show evolved from a business-focused platform into a space built for families and providers navigating child development, and why she didn't have it all figured out when she started. She also shares what's ahead, including new episodes with a sharper focus, and the launch of her book, coming this May. If you've been here since episode one or you're just finding the show now, this is the conversation that sets the tone for everything coming next.

00:00 One year of The Growth Lab

02:08 Starting before you're ready

03:22 The pivot from business to families

05:49 The real work behind the podcast

08:16 How hosting sharpened her voice

11:52 What's next: the book launch

14:14 Thank you to the listeners

In this episode, Luba sits down with Nicole Casey, speech language pathologist, clinic owner, and the creator of the Child Led SLP community, for a conversation that is equal parts clinical insight and personal honesty. Nicole unpacks what "child led" therapy actually means, clearing up the common misconception that it equals no structure or goals, and explaining how following a child's lead leads to deeper generalization outside of sessions. The two also get into what parents really need emotionally before strategies can even land, why finding the right therapist fit matters, and how Nicole accidentally went viral on Instagram, built a 100K following, and pulled off a 15,000-person summit while running a clinic and raising two kids. It's a refreshing reminder that you can grow a business and a platform without losing the heart of why you started.

Nicole's links:

https://childled.org

https://alignedrubricframework.com

(00:01:27) Child-Led Communication Development in Speech Therapy

(00:07:49) Building a Supportive Therapy Team for Children

(00:10:18) Empowering Parents through Non-Judgmental Support

(00:24:02) Speech Therapy Community Thrives Online During Pandemic

(00:29:15) From Clinic Owner to Movement Builder

(00:35:34) Purposeful Connection Through Compassionate Entrepreneurship

(00:38:52) Building Business Success Through Compassionate Growth

Somewhere along the way, parents were made to believe that advocating for their child means being difficult, confrontational, or “that parent.” In this solo episode of The Growth Lab, speech-language pathologist and child advocate Luba Patlakh challenges that narrative and explains why advocacy is not aggression, it’s clarity. Drawing from years of experience supporting families through IEP meetings and school systems, Luba shares the mindset shifts and practical language that can completely change how these conversations unfold. From asking the right questions to regulating emotions in high-stress meetings, this episode gives parents the tools to advocate with confidence, stay steady in difficult rooms, and ensure their child’s needs are truly heard.

(00:00:46) Empowered Parental Advocacy for Child Services

(00:10:41) Power of Clarity in Effective Advocacy

In this episode of The Growth Lab, Luba Patlakh sits down with speech-language pathologist, educator, and clinic owner Jessie Ginsburg—known online as the Sensory SLP—for a candid conversation about the evolving world of speech therapy and what it really takes to support children and families well. Together they explore Jessie’s journey from starting her own clinic to building widely used sensory-focused training programs for therapists, including the course she created to help SLPs better support autistic children in virtual therapy. They discuss the power of mentorship and specialization in clinical settings, the importance of finding the right therapist–family fit, and the realities of balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and leadership in a growing field. The conversation offers both practical insight for clinicians and reassurance for parents navigating developmental concerns.

Check out Jessie:

Jessie's Website: https://www.sensoryslp.com

Jessie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensory.slp/

(00:02:07) Innovative Approach to Children's Speech Therapy

(00:09:53) Virtual Sensory Course for Autism Therapy

(00:15:05) Specialized Pediatric Speech Therapy Clinic's Approach

(00:16:40) Specialized Muscle Function Correction Therapy Training

(00:21:13) Therapeutic Success Through Strong Therapist-Client Bonds

(00:27:07) Navigating Work-Life Boundaries for Well-being

(00:44:04) Empowering Team Growth Through Delegation

(00:51:34) Autism Support Through Sensory Speech Training

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion of suicide and loss. Please take care while listening. Crisis resources are included below.

In this powerful Season 3 episode, Luba welcomes Mattie Murrey a former Speech-Language Pathologist and private practice owner of 30 years who traded speech drills for stages and story thrills. Now a keynote speaker, certified life coach, ghostwriter, and publisher, Mattie helps thought leaders turn their ideas into page-turning books.

This conversation goes deep. Mattie shares her journey from running a private practice to stepping into values-driven work, manifestation, vision boarding, and helping others find their voices. She talks about losing her husband to suicide, being shunned from her religious community, and the affirmation that got her through: "I am strong. I am me. And I am okay."

Today, her mantra is: "I am wild, beautiful, smart, and successful."

In this episode, Mattie shares:

• The moment she merged all her passions into one career (values, not just skills)
• The power of manifestation (she took a $15K vision boarding course)
• How to shift from "I'm stuck" to "This is where I'm going"
• Why limiting beliefs are handed to us and how to break them
• The 5-step process for writing a book (research, outline, write, edit, publish)
• Why everyone has a book inside them (writing is how your soul heals)
• The shift from client to author (your book isn't for you it's for the reader)
• Her affirmation practice: 30 seconds of mirror work every day
• How she talks to her 80-year-old self to get unstuck
• The "hero story": When the calling awakens, the hero within you wakes too
• Why she uses ChatGPT as "Barbara Corcoran" for business coaching

"If you're asking the question, you're ready right now. Don't wait."

Key Insights:

• Limiting beliefs: Recognize them, shift them, break them
• Vision boarding: Not a collage it's a "dare to declare"
• Manifestation works (wake up at 4am when there's more space)
• Transferable skills: Critical thinking, communication, resourcefulness
• Affirmations change lives (say your mantra daily in the mirror)
• Plateaus = end of a chapter (close it and write your brave new one)

Sensitive Content: Mattie shares her experience of losing her husband to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

This episode is for SLPs feeling stuck, entrepreneurs holding back, anyone who wants to write a book, and people navigating grief or major life transitions.

📲 Connect with Mattie Murrey: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/myownghostwriter Instagram: @myownghostwriter | @freshslp Tagline: "Friends don't let friends write bad books."

🎙️ Subscribe now!

📲 Follow us: @thegrowthlabpodcast

If you're listening to this late at night your house is quiet, your child is finally asleep, but you're on your phone wondering, "Is this normal?" this episode is for you.

Luba speaks directly to the parents Googling developmental milestones at 2AM, comparing their child to other kids, or feeling dismissed by "wait and see" advice. As a speech-language pathologist, myofunctional therapist, child developmental specialist, and mom of three, Luba knows what it's like to worry, advocate, and fight for your child when something feels off.

This episode tackles 3 questions parents Google at night:

1. Is my child behind?

• Development is patterns, not single skills
• Speech, feeding, sleep, breathing, behavior are all connected
• Why comparison steals your peace
• Why every child has a different childhood (even in the same home)

2. Why does everyone say "wait and see"?

• Why physicians say it (overloaded systems, milestones are averages)
• When waiting is appropriate vs. when it feels like abandonment
• Why you should NEVER wait if you're feeling dismissed
• The power of early intervention: "What's the worst that can happen? Your child gets ahead."

3. Why do I feel like something is off, but no one is listening?

• Parents see their children in motion not in a 30-minute snapshot
• How to advocate: Bring data, bring videos, bring your heartfelt explanation
• Subtle signs that matter: Mouth breathing, unclear speech, picky eating, poor sleep

Key Insights:

• Speech is never just speech. Behavior is often a communication issue.
• Poor sleep affects everything: learning, articulation, focus, mood.
• Oral posture and breathing affect development. Mouth breathing is NOT normal.
• Your child is not broken. When you support the body, the brain follows.

"You are not dramatic. You are not anxious. You are not imagining things. I'm here to guide you."

This episode is for parents feeling dismissed, noticing patterns, or wondering what to watch and when to act.

📲 Free Resources: Visit lubapatlakh.com for developmental checklists, language to use with providers, and early intervention guidance.

🎙️ Subscribe now!

📲 Follow us: @thegrowthlabpodcast | @kidologyqueen

In this inspiring Season 3 episode, Luba welcomes Hallie Sherman, M.S. CCC-SLP the powerhouse behind Speech Time Fun, the SLP Elevate membership, and The Speech Retreat. With 16 years of school-based experience, Hallie built one of the most recognizable platforms in the SLP community while working full-time, raising kids, and learning business from scratch.

This isn't just a "how I built my business" story. It's a raw, honest conversation about imposter syndrome, taking chances, and realizing that validation from the outside world can spark something bigger than you imagined.

Hallie's Journey:

• Started as an anonymous blogger ("Miss Speechy") worried about being "Google-able"
• Created resources out of necessity—couldn't find materials for older speech students
• Turned a hobby blog into a business in 2016 during fertility struggles
• Built a 2,000-member SLP Elevate membership, 600+ TpT resources, and The Speech Retreat
• Left her school job after 13 years to run Speech Time Fun full-time
• Now impacts thousands of SLPs and millions of students worldwide

In this episode, Hallie shares:

• Why her Amazon account is still "Miss Speechy" (and her husband's Whole Foods pickup embarrassment)
• How Pinterest and early Instagram (before the algorithm!) helped her grow
• Why she hired business coaches for Instagram, Facebook ads, and leadership
• The moment she hit 10K followers: "10,000 people are following me?! That's crazy!"
• Learning to be a leader, build systems, and train a team (not just hire for skills)
• Her 10 worst-case scenarios list before leaving her school job
• Why imposter syndrome shows up every day: "Who am I to tell people how to be an SLP?"
• Her biggest strength: quick action taking ("I'd rather it be messy and fix it later")
• Her dream: getting districts to pay for SLP Elevate so therapists don't pay out of pocket
• What grad school didn't prepare her for: mixed groups, data reality, older students

"If I sat around and waited for it to be perfect, I would have never put it out there. What's the worst that happens? It flops? I've had many ideas flop."

This episode is for school-based SLPs feeling burnt out, therapists wanting to build online businesses, educators creating content, and anyone struggling with imposter syndrome while building something big.

📲 Connect with Hallie Sherman: Website: speechtimefun.com | Instagram: @speechtimefun Podcast: SLP Coffee Talk | Membership: SLP Elevate Conference: The Speech Retreat | Book: The Secondary SLP Roadmap

🎙️ Season 3 is here subscribe now!

📲 Follow us: @thegrowthlabpodcast

In this groundbreaking Season 3 episode, Luba welcomes Erinn Askin, OT and founder of Oteim Pediatrics in California, to discuss one of the most innovative approaches in pediatric therapy today: neuroadaptive therapy using low-level lasers (photobiomodulation).

Erinn's journey is inspiring and unconventional. From nannying and wanting the "cute minivan life," to becoming an OT, to teaching anatomy and physiology, to quitting her job when her boss denied her vacation Erinn ultimately opened her own practice that now serves clients internationally and teaches clinicians worldwide.

What makes Oteim different? Lasers. Class 3B cold lasers that use different wavelengths to energize and oxygenate targeted brain areas accelerating progress in speech, OT, sensory processing, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more.

In this episode, Erinn shares:

• How she discovered laser therapy through a friend whose child's behavior transformed
• What photobiomodulation is (studied for 60+ years, declassified by the FDA)
• How low-level lasers work: ATP, mitochondria, cellular energy, brain oxygenation
• Why different wavelengths target different brain depths and areas
• How lasers can accelerate therapy progress sometimes cutting treatment time in half
• Real examples: ADHD (frontal lobe), tics , speech delays, motor issues
• Why she left her professorship and started Oteim
• Her international pop-up intensives (Northern Ireland, Scandinavia, Dubai)
• Why she created "Neuroadaptive Therapy in a Box" to teach clinicians globally
• Her advice: "Just do it. Stop looking over your shoulder."

"There's no shortage of people to help on this planet. We will never run out of children to help."

This episode is for therapists who want to innovate, parents seeking cutting-edge solutions, and entrepreneurs building global missions.

📲 Connect with Erinn Askin: Instagram: @oteimpeds | Website: https://www.oteim.com/

🎙️ Season 3 is here subscribe now!

📲 Follow us: @thegrowthlabpodcast