📌 Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, Shontaye and Sarah sit down with Alice Williams — a nationally recognized Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), entrepreneur, and founder of The SLPA Network. With over seven years in the field, Alice shares how she turned professional gaps into a thriving community for support personnel including SLPAs, COTAs, PTAs, and RBTs.
She challenges the “just an assistant” myth, opens up about her own leadership journey, and explains how visibility, mentorship, and collaboration can empower support professionals to lead and thrive — regardless of their title.
👤 Guest Bio: Alice Williams is an SLPA, mentor, and founder of The SLPA Network, a professional community supporting speech-language pathology assistants and related support personnel. Her work centers on dismantling stereotypes, building equity in professional development, and empowering others to lead with confidence. Through coaching, community-building, and advocacy, Alice helps others step into their leadership potential and make an impact in their field.
🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:
Why being “just an assistant” is a harmful myth — and how to rewrite the narrative
The story behind The SLPA Network and how it empowers support professionals
How to lead from any role, without needing a title or formal position
Speaking up, showing your work, and advocating for yourself and your profession
The value of mentorship and how to both give and receive support
Common challenges support personnel face in schools, clinics, and beyond
Strategies to ensure equity in access to professional development and growth opportunities
📚 Learning Objectives:By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ List strategies for increasing visibility and leadership opportunities as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
✅ Describe the mission and purpose of The SLPA Network and how it supports professional growth
✅ Apply advocacy and mentorship principles to enhance equity and collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
📌 Episode Summary:In this episode of Bright Conversations, hosts Shontaye Glover Jones and Sarah Bevier sit down with attorney Krystal Ash of K Altman Law to continue a powerful conversation that began at the July 2025 SLP Summit. Krystal’s course on advocacy and special education law drew overwhelming feedback from participants who wanted even more time to dive into the complexities of how legal frameworks impact the daily work of SLPs. Together, they unpack the realities of serving students within the special education system, answer common questions from clinicians, and share practical strategies for navigating challenging situations—while keeping the student at the center.
👤 Guest Bio:Krystal Ash is an attorney with K Altman Law, where she focuses on special education, K-12 and higher education student defense, and civil rights. She regularly provides training and webinars for educators and clinicians, equipping them with the knowledge to understand and apply legal frameworks in ways that protect student rights and foster collaboration. Through her work, Krystal empowers SLPs, families, and school teams to navigate complex situations with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:
📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Describe how IDEA and related laws impact special education services and supports
✅ Explain the role of advocacy as part of the SLP scope of practice
✅ Identify strategies for navigating disagreements with parents and school teams
✅ Apply proactive approaches to prevent disputes from escalating
✅ Enter IEP meetings with tools for clear communication and effective advocacy
🔗 Resources & Links:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with Sam Walker—SLP, content creator, and mentor to graduate students and early-career clinicians—to talk about navigating the early years of our profession. Together, they explore how to find confidence when you're placed in an unfamiliar setting, how to handle being called “the expert” before you feel like one, and how to embrace growth without expecting perfection. Sam’s humor, honesty, and practical insights remind listeners that everyone starts somewhere—and that self-compassion is just as essential as clinical skill.
👤 Guest Bio:
Sam Walker, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, digital creator, and advocate for new and future SLPs. Known for her relatable posts, helpful resources, and honest perspective on the realities of the profession, Sam helps early-career clinicians build confidence and find community. Through her online platforms and merchandise brand, she brings humor, heart, and practical wisdom to the SLP experience.
🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:
Adjusting to new or unexpected clinical settings
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a new SLP
What to do when others see you as “the expert” before you feel ready
Building confidence through mentorship and reflection
Finding your voice and boundaries early in your career
The importance of community and shared experience among SLPs
📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Identify common challenges new SLPs face when entering the workforce
✅ Describe strategies to build self-confidence and manage imposter syndrome
✅ Apply reflective practices to navigate professional growth and uncertainty
✅ Recognize the importance of mentorship and collaboration in early career success
🔗 Connect with Sam Walker:
Instagram: @samwalkerslp
Website & Shop: samwalkerslp.com
📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with speech sound expert Lindsay Hockel, founder of Rock the R. Together they unpack the challenges of treating the notoriously tricky /r/ sound and explore practical, evidence-based strategies that help students make measurable progress. From biofeedback tools to student self-rating, Lindsay shares her favorite approaches for making therapy engaging, effective, and empowering for both clinicians and students.
👤 Guest Bio:
Lindsay Hockel, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Rock the R, a platform dedicated to helping SLPs feel more confident in treating the /r/ sound. With years of clinical experience and a passion for speech sound disorders, Lindsay equips clinicians with tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that simplify treatment while keeping students motivated and involved in their own progress.
🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:
Why the /r/ sound is so difficult to treat and common misconceptions
Using biofeedback tools and motor learning principles for more effective therapy
Strategies for tackling vocalic /r/ and coarticulation challenges
Teaching students self-rating and metacognition to boost buy-in and progress
Mindset shifts that help SLPs stay curious, flexible, and student-centered
📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Explain why the /r/ sound presents unique challenges in therapy
✅ Apply principles of biofeedback and motor learning in practice
✅ Scaffold and shape vocalic /r/ productions effectively
✅ Incorporate self-rating and metacognitive strategies with students
✅ Adopt a flexible, student-centered mindset for /r/ therapy success
🔗 Resources & Links:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Jones sits down with Marni Kammersell, a neurodivergent researcher, consultant, and advocate who helps families build neuroaffirming learning environments.
Drawing from her doctoral research and lived experience, Marni shares how autonomy-supportive practices foster resilience, growth, and well-being for children and families. Together, they explore the unique challenges and strengths of families raising neurodivergent children, with a special focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), unschooling/self-directed education, and low-demand approaches to support authentic learning. Listeners will walk away with practical, strengths-based strategies and a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive, affirming, and supportive spaces for children and families.
👤 Guest Bio:
Marni Kammersell is a neurodivergent researcher, consultant, and advocate dedicated to supporting families and educators in creating environments where neurodivergent children can thrive. Through her work, Marni integrates lived experience with research to highlight the importance of autonomy, family resilience, and inclusive approaches to education and therapy. She is passionate about helping professionals partner with families to better understand and support children with complex needs, including those with PDA, giftedness, and multiple neurodivergent profiles.
🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:
📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Define “neuroaffirming learning” and explain its importance
✅ Identify strategies to support families of children with PDA and other neurodivergent profiles
✅ Apply autonomy-supportive practices to foster resilience in both students and families
✅ Recognize how strengths-based approaches can transform educational and therapeutic experiences
🔗 Learn more about Marni’s work: WanderingBrightly.com
📩 Follow Bright Ideas Media: bethebrightest.com
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
SLPs Prabhu Ashwaran and Puja Goel join host Shontaye Glover Jones to discuss culturally responsive assessment strategies for students who speak South Asian languages. Learn how to honor linguistic diversity and improve outcomes through more inclusive, informed practices.
Topics include modifying standardized tests, using dynamic assessment, caregiver interviews, and addressing common barriers in school-based evaluation.
This episode satisfies ASHA’s Cultural Competence, Cultural Humility, Culturally Responsive Practice, and/or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CC/DEI) requirement.
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Resources Mentioned:
South Asian Caucus of ASHA: https://www.sac-asha.org | southasiancaucus.asha@gmail.com
Dynamic Assessment (ASHA): https://www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/dynamic-assessment/
ASHA’s Office of Multicultural Affairs: https://www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/about/
SLAM Cards by Dr. Catherine Crowley: https://www.leadersproject.org/disability-evaluation/school-age-language-assessment-measures-slam/
Speech and Language Development Library: https://bilinguistics.com/language/
School Programs in Speech-Language Pathology by Dr. Jean Blosser (featuring Puja and Prabhu): https://www.amazon.com/School-Programs-Speech-Language-Pathology-Organization/dp/1635506115
Cultural Responsiveness Case Studies (ASHA Book – authored by Puja): https://apps.asha.org/eweb/olsdynamicpage.aspx?title=exploring+cultural+responsiveness%3A+guided+scenarios+for+communication+sciences+and+disorders+(csd)+professionals&webcode=olsdetails
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Therapist and advocate Dr. Destiny Huff shares her late-diagnosed journey with autism and ADHD, as well as the duality of being neurodivergent and parenting a neurodivergent child. Dr. Huff discusses navigating the special education system to support neurodivergent learners and the intersection of her personal and professional experience. Finally, Dr. Huff offers insights into how educators and families can advocate and embrace neuroaffirming practices to support diverse learners.
This episode satisfies ASHA’s Cultural Competence, Cultural Humility, Culturally Responsive Practice, and/or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CC/DEI) requirement.
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Resources Mentioned:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
In this insightful episode, Sarah sits down with Christian Hancock to explore a topic that is unfamiliar to many professionals in the field—Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Together, they discuss what FASD is, the challenges individuals with FASD face, and how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other professionals can provide strength-based support.
Christian shares her expertise, experiences, and practical guidance to help providers recognize and respond to FASD in a compassionate and effective way.
Learn:
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
Common misconceptions and challenges
How to recognize signs and symptoms
The importance of a strength-based approach in support
How SLPs and SPED professionals can collaborate to meet student needs
About real-life examples and actionable strategies
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Learning Resources:
Connect with Christian:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com!
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Sarah from Bright Ideas Media and SLP Toolkit is joined by Emily Laracy, a school-based speech-language pathologist who specializes in selective mutism.
This powerful and informative conversation explores what selective mutism is, how it typically develops, and most importantly, how SLPs and other professionals can provide meaningful, evidence-based support.
Emily shares insights from her real-world experience working with elementary students and walks us through practical strategies for assessment and treatment.
Whether you're an SLP, a member of the special education team, or just curious to learn more, this episode offers valuable knowledge and actionable tips.
What You'll Learn:
What selective mutism is and how it differs from other communication challenges
Common signs and contributing factors
How selective mutism develops and presents in school settings
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Connect with Emily:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
In this engaging episode of Bright Conversations, Sarah sits down with Erik Raj to discuss how Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) can use video games as a legitimate and effective therapy tool.
Erik, a well-known advocate for innovative therapy strategies, shares insights on how video games can increase engagement, improve communication, and provide meaningful interactions for clients.
Learn:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Connect with Erik:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye sits down with Dr. Kelli Uitenham, a medical Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), to discuss Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and the critical role that SLPs play in raising awareness and supporting affected individuals.
Dr. Kelli shares her journey from journalism to becoming an SLP, her experiences in telemedicine, and her dedication to educating communities through the BrainTalk Foundation. The conversation covers the differences between CTE and TBI, signs and symptoms to watch for, and the importance of interprofessional collaboration in supporting patients and families.
This episode provides a deep dive into CTE and TBI, emphasizing the crucial role of SLPs in supporting brain health and raising awareness. Whether you’re an SLP, educator, parent, or healthcare professional, you’ll find this conversation informative and empowering.
If today's episode inspired you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Join the movement to raise awareness for CTE and TBI by getting involved with BrainTalk Foundation or by attending Dr. Kelli's talks and educational sessions.
Tune in, learn more, and help raise awareness for brain health!
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com.
Connect with Dr. Kelli:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com/en/conversations.
In this conversation, Shontaye Glover-Jones is joined by pediatric speech-language pathologist Desiree Rusch to explore the deep value of human connection in therapeutic practice.
With over 20 years of experience in early intervention, schools, hospitals, and private settings, Desiree reflects on how intentional relationship-building is the key to long-lasting success in therapy.
From practical approaches to play-based therapy to navigating challenging environments with empathy, this episode is a powerful reminder that therapy is not just about techniques—it's about trust.
Topics Covered:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com/en/conversations.
Resources:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com/en/conversations.
In this insightful episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Glover Jones welcomes Polina Shkadron, a trauma-certified Speech-Language Pathologist, to explore the power of play, relationships, and brain-based strategies in supporting neurodivergent children.
Polina brings over 15 years of experience working with children with communication challenges, autism, ADHD, feeding difficulties, and more. She breaks down complex ideas in a relatable way, offering practical tools that families and educators can use right away.
What you'll learn:
What ADHD means and how it may appear in your clients and students
What dysregulation actually looks like in real-world settings—and how it differs from “misbehavior”
Why traditional behavior strategies often fall short for neurodivergent children
How play supports brain development and encourages language, emotional regulation, and executive functioning
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com/en/conversations.
Resources:
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com/en/conversations. In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Sarah sits down with two inspiring female entrepreneurs, Meredith Harold and Megan Sutton, to explore how they turned their passion into thriving businesses. They share their journeys from identifying gaps in the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) field to creating impactful solutions, all while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
This episode is packed with insightful stories, practical advice, and motivational takeaways. Whether you’re an SLP, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking to turn a passion into a thriving business, you’ll find this conversation inspiring and empowering.
If today's episode inspired you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. If you're serious about starting or growing a business, check out our BizCon courses, a virtual conference for aspiring and established entrepreneurs. Learn from industry experts, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain the tools to build a thriving business.
Tune in, get inspired, and spark your bright idea!
Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at www.bethebrightest.com/en/conversations.
Resources:
In this inaugural episode, hosts Sarah Bevier and Shontaye Glover Jones introduce Bright Conversations, a podcast created for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and the broader Special Education (SPED) community. Tune in to hear what inspired the podcast, who it's for, and what listeners can expect in future episodes.
Sarah shares the vision behind Bright Ideas Media and how this podcast aligns with their mission to support SLPs and educators with real, practical, and meaningful professional development. This is your invitation to be part of an empowering space where learning and connection thrive!
In This Episode:
Connect with Us:
Follow Bright Ideas Media on Instagram
Learn more at brightideasmedia.com
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