SLP Coffee Talk

• Helping Parents Navigate IEP Meetings

  Hallie chats with Luba about how to help parents navigate IEP meetings.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Luba — SLP, bilingual private practice founder, and the brain behind Kidology and The Confident IEP Parent. They dive into the real challenges parents face when navigating IEPs, why so many feel lost (and sometimes overwhelmed), and how Luba helps families show up to meetings with confidence instead of confusion. Along the way, she shares her journey from aspiring broadcast journalist to running a thriving clinic, plus tips for SLPs thinking about private practice or looking to grow their own niche. If you’ve ever wished you could hand parents a “how-to” guide for IEPs, or you’re curious about juggling business, therapy, and advocacy, this episode is full of practical advice, inspiration, and plenty of real talk moments you won’t want to miss.Bullet Points to Discuss: Luba’s journey from broadcast journalism to running a bilingual private practiceWhy parents often feel totally lost in the IEP process—and how she guides them step by stepThe story behind The Confident IEP Parent and how it helps families show up to meetings with confidenceTips for SLPs on working with parents, starting a practice, and growing your niche without losing your sanityHere’s what we learned: Parents need clear, simple explanations to feel confident in IEP meetings (no jargon, promise!)You can start a private practice with just a few clients—no fancy clinic requiredGrowing your practice means evolving with your clients and building trust over timeThere are so many ways to make an impact as an SLP—therapy, advocacy, content creation, coaching, and moreLearn more about Luba Patlakh-Kaplun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh WebsiteKidology Inc.: https://kidologyinc.com The Confident IEP Parent: https://confidentiepparents.com Instagram@kidologyinc: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyinc @kidologyqueen: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyqueen @theconfidenteipparent: https://www.instagram.com/theconfidentiepparent @kidologyplayspacesouthampton: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyplayspacesouthampton@thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthlabpodcast TikTok@kidologyinc: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidologyinc@thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrowthlabpodcast 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! 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

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• Private Practice and YouTube

  Hallie and Bria Gibson chat about running a private practice and YouTube channel.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Bria — SLP, private practice owner, and the creative mind behind Speech Up TV. Bria shares how she stumbled into the profession, rediscovered her passion while working with high schoolers, and eventually made the leap to a fully virtual practice after becoming a new mom. She walks us through the behind the scenes of Speech Up TV, from green screens to editing marathons to creating custom videos for her clients — and why YouTube has become such a powerful tool for language learning. If you’re curious about private practice, virtual therapy, or carving out your own path as an SLP, this episode is packed with honesty, inspiration, and plenty of “you can totally do this” moments.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Bullet Points to Discuss: How switching from elementary to high school brought back her love for speechWhy Facebook mom groups were the key to growing her private practiceThe role representation played in connecting with familiesWhat the transition from mobile therapy to virtual sessions actually looked likeHow Speech Up TV started—and how her husband became the behind-the-scenes tech wizardWays SLPs can use her YouTube videos during sessions or for home practiceIdeas for avoiding burnout by exploring different settings or rolesHere’s what we learned: Burnout doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong field—sometimes it’s the wrong setting.You don’t need a clinic to start a private practice; start with your community.Virtual therapy can work surprisingly well when you already have strong rapport.YouTube can extend your reach far beyond your caseload (hello, Australia!).Custom, language-focused videos can support both kids and caregivers.There are so many ways to be an SLP—therapy, advocacy, content creation, coaching, and more.Learn more about Bria Gibson: Website: www.myspeechup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechuptv YouTube: https://youtube.com/@speechuptv  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speechuptv 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-bookSubscribe 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

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• Navigating PDA and Selective Mutism

  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 PDAKey differences between PDA and autism with extreme demand avoidanceThe connection between pathological demand avoidance and selective mutismWhy environment and relationship-building matter more than direct goalsPractical strategies like the “projects on pause folder” and flexible choicesHow 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.ukFacebook: 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-bookSubscribe 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

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• Secondary SLP Unite

  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 DiscussReal-World Therapy MagicGame-changing method for prepping effective sessions Build a go-to therapy toolkitHow 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

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• The Secondary SLP Roadmap is HERE!

  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

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