SLP Coffee Talk

Hallie Sherman

A speech and language podcast to motivate and inspire school-based SLPs. Get the tips, strategies, and low-prep therapy ideas you need to confidently walk into your therapy room and plan with ease. Learn and hear stories from an SLP in the trenches just like you!

  1. Case of the SLP Sunday Scaries

    2D AGO

    Case of the SLP Sunday Scaries

    In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling something we’ve ALL felt—the Sunday Scaries. You know that pit in your stomach when the weekend winds down and suddenly you’re spiraling about therapy plans, data collection, that one impossible group, and your inbox? Hallie shares the story of Jay, an SLP Elevate member who has every material she could ever need at her fingertips but still messaged saying, “I have everything, why do I still get the Sunday scaries?” If you’ve ever felt this way (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), this episode is your reminder that feeling anxious doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you care. Hallie’s breaking down why the scaries show up, how to give yourself permission to keep it simple, and why your students don’t need you to be perfect on Monday morning—they just need you to show up with a smile and be present. Bullet Points to Discuss:  Why the Sunday scaries mean you give a damn (and maybe had too much cold brew).The magic formula: log in, pick ONE thing, print it, and close the laptop.The key ingredients to successful sessions: compassion, understanding, creativity, and adaptability.Why using one resource across your whole caseload isn’t lazy—it’s smart and saves your sanity. Here’s what we learned:  The Sunday Scaries are normal—even with all the best resources.Just pick something and let that be enough—because it IS enough.Your students feel it too, so use that shared Monday struggle to build connection.You don’t have to be 100% to do a good job—presence beats perfection every time.Leave Sundays for YOU and protect your weekends like your sanity depends on it. 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

    16 min
  2. Winter Screen Time That Works: Using Videos for Speech Goals

    FEB 2

    Winter Screen Time That Works: Using Videos for Speech Goals

    Hallie chats about using videos for speech goals. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is warming up the speech room with one of her favorite low-prep tools: winter-themed YouTube videos. If you’re looking for ways to engage older students with activities that are motivating, free, and take the reading piece out of the equation, this one’s for you. She’s sharing five specific video recommendations—from the science of shivering to a heartwarming fiction story—that make targeting main idea, inferencing, and vocabulary feel like a breeze. Hallie also shares how to maximize one video across your entire caseload with five practical tips for managing mixed groups, because who has time to prep a million different things? It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and building a speech room culture where students feel successful and safe taking risks. Bullet Points to Discuss:  Five winter video picks to keep therapy seasonally fun.Why does it get cold in winter- - Mystery ScienceWhy Do We Shiver When it’s Cold? | COLOSSAL QUESTIONShttps://www.commarts.com/project/24066/lily-the-snowman The science of snowflakes - Maruša BradačDoes Being Cold Make You Sick?Addressing main idea, summarizing, and W-H questions through visual storytelling.Utilizing tier 2 words and target sounds found directly in the videos.Five tips to differentiate one activity for a variety of goals. Using routines and comfort contracts to encourage student risk-taking. Avoiding burnout by planning one high-quality activity for your whole caseload. Here’s what we learned:  Engagement beats boredom—themed activities keep students motivated and excited to participate. One video can do it all—differentiate on the fly to meet the needs of every student in a mixed group. Strategic pausing is key—don't be afraid to stop or rewatch to check for understanding. Peer learning is valuable—students benefit from hearing each other work on different skills. Efficiency prevents burnout—relying on free, short videos lets you focus on your students instead of endless prep. 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

    17 min
  3. Let's Chat Working With High Schoolers

    JAN 26

    Let's Chat Working With High Schoolers

    Hallie and Tricia Detig chat about high school speech therapy. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Tricia Detig — creator of Thoughtful Talk and a high school SLP working with resource and life skills students. Tricia shares her journey from middle school to high school, getting real about the differences. She talks about building rapport with older students, ditching lectures for hands-on activities, and making therapy meaningful through real-world experiences like running a coffee cart and back-to-back drawing challenges. Plus, she dives into push-in services, student buy-in, and why working with secondary students is a "hidden gem." If you're in the high school world or thinking about it, this one's packed with practical tips and real talk. Bullet Points to Discuss:  The vibe shift from middle to high school (and cracking that "too cool" shell) Building rapport and getting buy-in with older students Push-in vs. pull-out—how it's decided Why hands-on beats lectures (coffee carts > worksheets) Bringing job readiness into everyday therapy Getting students involved in their own IEP meetings Why secondary is a "hidden gem" worth exploring Here’s what we learned:  High schoolers aren't hard—they just need you to meet them where they are. Hands-on beats worksheets every time (especially for carryover). Functional skills like coffee carts teach more than homework help ever will. Progress looks different with older students—focus on life skills, not just data.Students in their IEP meetings changes everything (even if they just listen). Secondary isn't scary—it's a hidden gem once you adjust. Ask questions and lean on your team—secondary SLPs stay forever for a reason. Learn more about Tricia Detig:  Website: https://www.thoughtfultalk.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtful.talk/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thoughtfultalk.llc  Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thoughtful-talk-llc-formerly-detig-dialect  Speech Therapy Goal Bank for Middle School [grades 6-8] 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

    19 min
  4. Making AAC More Accessible for Communication Partners

    JAN 19

    Making AAC More Accessible for Communication Partners

    Hallie chats with Malka Arnstein about making AAC more accessible for communication partners. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Malka Arnstein — SLP, private practice owner, and AAC specialist on a mission to make AAC less intimidating and way more accessible. Malka gets real about the judgment that can creep into AAC work, why reframing it as just another communication tool changes everything, and how modeling for adults (not just kids) is where the magic happens. She talks about working with dysregulated students, pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out, and why showing up with fun and connection beats perfect data every time. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by AAC or like you're just winging it, this episode is packed with practical tips and plenty of "just do it and you'll be great" vibes. Bullet Points to Discuss:  Why AAC is just a communication tool — and reframing it that way makes all the difference How to make AAC accessible for SLPs, teachers, paras, and parents (not just users) The power of modeling for adults, not just kids — show, don't tell What it looks like to work with dysregulated students and build trust from a distance Why pushing into classrooms instead of pulling out changes everything How to ditch the data obsession for a minute and focus on fun and connection What "modeling without expectations" actually means in practice Here’s what we learned:  AAC isn't scary—it's just a tool, and reframing it that way changes everything. Accessibility isn't just for users; teachers, paras, and parents need it to be usable too. Model for the adults, not just the kids—show them how it's done in real time. Push into classrooms instead of pulling out—let the team see AAC in action. With dysregulated students, start from a distance and let trust build slowly. Ditch the data sheets for a minute—fun and connection come first. If it's not joyful, take a step back and adjust your approach. Learn more about Malka Arnstein:  Website: http://www.speakingaac.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingaac/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/973643611365308 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speaking-AAC/61568405591784/ Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/speakingaac-llc AAC Information Card 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

    25 min
  5. CFs and Supervisors - You are Going To Need To Hear This!

    JAN 12

    CFs and Supervisors - You are Going To Need To Hear This!

    Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Hylan Noble Landthorn and Nikki Rosner Jacobs, the powerhouse duo behind The Mentorship Collective! With over 24 years of combined experience as speech and language pathologists, they’re on a mission to support and empower the next generation of SLPs. As the founders of WordsMyWay, a play-based, child-led speech therapy practice, Hylan and Nikki believe in connection, creativity, and personalized care. After years of mentoring clinicians through fellowships and daily practice, they saw the need for deeper support—and that’s how The Mentorship Collective was born. In this episode, they share how they’re redefining mentorship to help new SLPs grow with confidence, professionalism, and purpose—so they don’t just survive their fellowships, but truly thrive. Bullet Points to Discuss The gap between grad school and real-world CF workWhy mentorship matters beyond supervisionBuilding clinical confidence and critical thinkingPreventing burnout in early-career SLPsMindset shifts for CFs and supervisors Here’s what we learned:  Grad school teaches theory, but CFs need help translating it into flexible, real-time decision-makingSupervision ≠ mentorship; CFs need space for questions, reflection, and growthConfidence grows through guided problem-solving, not having all the answersStrong mentorship reduces stress, overwhelm, and early burnoutAn open, growth-oriented mindset helps CFs learn faster and thrive long-term Learn more about The Mentorship Collective: Website https://www.mentorshipcollective.com/ Social Media Links Facebook Instagram 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

    26 min
  6. New Year, New Vibes: Rebooting Speech After the Break Without Losing Your Mind

    JAN 5

    New Year, New Vibes: Rebooting Speech After the Break Without Losing Your Mind

    In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles the chaos of returning to work in January. If you're feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation, this one's for you. She's dishing out practical strategies for easing back into therapy mode, getting your students re-engaged (even when they'd rather be literally anywhere else), and turning that New Year energy into actual buy-in. Hallie also shares how one simple activity can hit multiple goals across your entire caseload—because who has time to prep five different things? It's all about working smarter, not harder, and remembering that relationships matter just as much as data. Bullet Points to Discuss:  Starting light: connection before data collection Quick check-ins and warmup games for the first week back Getting student buy-in through goal-setting conversations New Year's themed activities across all goal areas One activity, multiple goals: the SLP magic formula Why student voice and choice matter The secret sauce: creativity, adaptability, and compassion Here’s what we learned:  Stretching before the sprint—ease into the first week instead of going full throttle. Your students are coming back just as tired and unmotivated as you are (totally normal!).Asking "what would make speech more useful or fun for you?" is a game changer. One activity can work for your entire caseload when you know how to adapt it. Show students their voice matters, and they'll actually want to show up. You don't need to be perfect—just present, creative, and compassionate. 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

    13 min
  7. Beyond the Myth: Socioeconomic Status and Language Development

    12/22/2025

    Beyond the Myth: Socioeconomic Status and Language Development

    In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kylie Helm — school SLP, private practice owner, and PhD student who’s doing the research we all desperately need. Kylie shares how growing up low-SES herself and then working in a Title I school opened her eyes to the massive disconnect between what grad school teaches us and what these kids actually need. She gets real about the dangerous assumptions SLPs make (spoiler: poverty ≠ language disorder), why standardized vocabulary tests are basically useless for this population, and how syntax is actually the diagnostic hero we’ve been ignoring. If you’ve ever felt pressured to qualify a student just because they’re from a low-income family or wondered how to write a report that says “they bombed the test but don’t need services,” this conversation is packed with research-backed truth bombs and practical ways to do better. Bullet Points to Discuss:  The myth that every low-SES kid has “bad language” and automatically needs servicesWhy we need to stop using vocabulary scores as our diagnostic smoking gunLanguage samples and test-teach-retest: where the real answers actually liveHow to tell teachers the difference between functional communication gaps and academic language concernsWhen low vocabulary + low syntax = actual red flag vs. just environmental difference Here’s what we learned:  Stop assuming multilingual + immigrant + low-SES + busy parents = needs speech therapy.Syntax is ability-based, vocabulary is environment-based—that changes everything about diagnosis.Dynamic assessment (test-teach-retest) shows learning ability, not just current knowledge.Strong syntax + weak vocabulary? Probably environmental. Weak syntax + weak vocabulary? Now we’re concerned.Teachers need to step outside their comfort zone too—it’s not all on us to adapt.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Learn more about Kylie Helm:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylietheslp Study: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2024_PERSP-23-00299  Developing Cross-Cultural Competence 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

    22 min
4.8
out of 5
107 Ratings

About

A speech and language podcast to motivate and inspire school-based SLPs. Get the tips, strategies, and low-prep therapy ideas you need to confidently walk into your therapy room and plan with ease. Learn and hear stories from an SLP in the trenches just like you!

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