In this episode, Colleen (@TheAdvocate.SLP) is joined by her friends, two passionate bilingual general education teachers, Melissa and Ivania, to discuss the intersection of bilingual education and special education. Each with over a decade of classroom experience, Melissa and Ivania share their firsthand perspectives on being part of IEP teams, supporting multilingual learners with disabilities, and navigating the realities of inclusion in a bilingual setting.
This episode defines the differences between bilingual programs, the emotional and practical preparation for IEP meetings, and how improved collaboration, support, and communication really make a positive impact for all team members—especially for parents who speak languages other than English at home.
Whether you're a special educator, SLP, administrator, or classroom teacher, this conversation offers valuable insights into what true inclusion looks like—and what still needs to change.
Takeaways:
👋 How Colleen met Melissa and Ivania
💡 What inspired them to become educators
🏫 Types of bilingual programs
🧩 Inclusion in bilingual settings
📝 Preparing for IEP meetings as a Gen Ed teacher
🚫 Barriers in the system
👨👩👧 Supporting parents with limited English proficiency in the IEP process
Please rate and review the podcast, comment about what surprised you or share with a friend!
Find Colleen @theadvocate.slp on instagram!
In this episode, Colleen and Phương Liên Palafox discuss the study she co-authored on the invisible workload of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and what surprised her about the self-advocacy efforts of school based SLPs and what themes emerged within the qualitative data. Phương details what the systemic barriers SLPs face to real change within the school system and draws on her own experience as a leader within a school district to give Colleen some advice on how to advocate to administrators in a way that centers student needs.The two also discuss the importance of multicultural considerations and how critical it is to determine difference vs. disorder for multi-lingual learners during an evaluation for special education. Finally, Colleen read an excerpt from Phương's piece in the Centennial Edition of the ASHA Leader, and envisioning a future where inclusion and multilingualism are central to education in the US and the work of Speech Language Therapists is honored.
Topics:
Exploring the Invisible Workload
Multicultural Considerations in Therapy
Systemic Barriers and Advocacy
Storytelling as a Tool for Change
Envisioning a Better Future
A Future That Brings Students From Margins to Momentumhttps://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1k.30092025.slp-schools-inclusivity.40/full/
The Invisible Workload of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists Who Identify as Overwhelmed: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Phương Liên Palafox, Tobias A. Kroll, and Makinna Morganhttps://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_LSHSS-24-00098If you are not able to access the article through ASHA, please email connect@phuonglienpalafox.com
Books by Phương Liên Palafox can be found at https://bookshop.org/
Titles:
Inquire about speaking events or professional development at www.phuonglienpalafox.com
On Instagram @phuonglienpalafox
https://www.facebook.com/phuonglienpalafoxSLP
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In this episode of Unfiltered IEPs, Colleen Stern passionately discusses bilingual service delivery and the importance of cultural understanding within education and healthcare systems. She details 5 distinct places that the rights of non-English speaking parents in the IEP process are written out (freebie linked below) in IDEA, the Civil Rights Act and OCR Documentation.
She emphasizes the need for cultural responsiveness, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in speech-language pathology. The episode also touches on proposed changes to ASHA's standards, the challenges of providing translation and interpretation in schools, and the benefits of bilingualism. Colleen advocates for continuing education under the DEIA umbrella because these are the courses where cultural responsiveness and intersectionality are explained and explored.
Colleen shares her philosophy on the need to both push and pull the levers for systemic change within ASHA and the broader educational system, both inside and outside any system. The episode concludes with a discussion on futurism in education policy and the power of imagination in creating a better world for multilingual learners and students with disabilities, referencing the work of Phuong Lien Palafox published by the ASHA Leader. (Link below)
Essay by Phuong Lien Palafox published in the ASHA Leader: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1k.30092025.slp-schools-inclusivity.40/full/
First Bite Podcast with Panel on DEI and Proposed Changes to ASHA Standards: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/advocacy-and-understanding-for-ashas-proposed-changes/id1399630680?i=1000713425697
FREEBIE on Translation and Interpretation of IEPS: https://theadvocateslp.myflodesk.com/kp4nh8184r
Wheel of Power/Privilege art by Sylvia Duckworth: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFiUShhpUT/
Comment on this episode with your reactions, questions or own experiences at the IEP table!
In this episode of Unfiltered IEPs, host Colleen Stern speaks with Hallie Sherman, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, to discuss the intricacies of working with middle-grade students and developing their IEPs. They explore the importance of student empowerment, effective goal development, and the challenges faced by SLPs in advocating for their students' needs. Hallie shares her journey of creating engaging materials for older students and emphasizes the significance of building relationships to foster a positive learning environment. The conversation also touches on transition planning, the use of assistive technology, and the necessity of collaboration among educators to support students' growth and success.
About our guest: Hallie Sherman, M.S. CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist in New York. She worked in the public schools for over 15 years before she left the schools to work as the CEO full time for Speech Time Fun, Inc. At Speech Time Fun, Inc. Hallie provides materials and trainings for SLPs working with grades 4-12 to help them plan with ease and confidence. She does this through her SLP Elevate membership, her TPT resources, her podcast SLP Coffee Talk, her virtual conference she hosts 3x a year called the Speech Retreat and the other various trainings for organizations and associations.Hallie's Links:
@speechtimefunspeechtimefun.comslpelevate.cominstagram.com/speechtimefunhttps://bit.ly/SLPcoffeetalkhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZPmwth4lr5HvdntrJNu-KA
Link to the study on transition meetings: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/tran-scp/cresource/q1/p01/
Follow Colleen on instagram @theadvocate.slp
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Join Colleen, The Advocate SLP, as she sits down with Dr. Brandi Tanner Ph.D., NCSP to explore the intricacies of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Dr. Tanner shares her extensive experience and insights on the roles of school psychologists, the importance of collaboration, and the three Cs of student success. Listen to learn those three C's as well as Dr. Tanner's unfiltered opinion on when districts want to use school psychologists as "score reporters" and not to their full clinical potential!
Brandi Tanner, Ph.D., NCSP, is a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, GA. She has experienced the IEP process in many roles, including special education teacher, general education teacher, school psychologist, private psychologist, advocate, and family member. Dr. Tanner is the founder of Your IEP Source. She uses her experience and expertise to help IEP teams use clinical information to develop appropriate accommodations and intervention programs for students with disabilities. She provides resources and educational programs for parents to learn about the IEP and 504 process. She consults with schools, agencies, and professionals and provides training on effective collaboration at the IEP or 504 table.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the IEP process from multiple perspectives. The significance of pre-meetings with families to ease the IEP process. How to effectively communicate clinical information to parents. The role of school psychologists in fostering student success.
Dr. Tanner's resources for parents and advocates can be found at www.youriepsource.com
On Instagram @youriepsource
We referenced the Co-Treat Corner podcast on which Dr. Tanner was interviewed in January 2025. That episode is here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ntwbJ7TuPSzfXeKNMF40O?si=hKuAMNFXS5KwUxn9SiVUZA
Colleen is on Instagram @theadvocate.slpComment to join the unfiltered conversation or rate and review to help the pod reach more parents and professionals!
Join Colleen, the Advocate SLP, as she sits down with Jacob Johnson, a future special education teacher, to discuss his journey from music to education, his experiences teaching in China, and his insights into the world of special education from the perspective of a former para-professional (he was the elusive 1:1 supporting in general education). They discuss the challenges and triumphs of working in public education how their experience growing up in a particularly inclusive district with a strong special-education program informed their own careers.
One of the books Jacob recommended from his coursework was "Meeting Families Where They Are: Building Equity Through Advocacy with Diverse Schools and Communities (Disability, Culture, and Equity Series)" by Beth Harry (Author), Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg (Author), Alfredo J. Artiles (Series Editor)
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@theadvocate.slp
Leave us a review and we might read it on an upcoming episode! Share this podcast with a friend who sits at an IEP table and follow so you never miss an episode!
This episode is a "part 2" of Episode 8!
Colleen is joined by Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Baskin Wright for a thought-provoking conversation that spans many topics and two episodes! In this episode they discuss the nuances of ABA therapy and why the choice to participate in ABA therapy, is a multi-layered decision for Black and Brown families. They talk about how not ALL behavior is in fact, communication!
Lisa provides a human-centered perspective on PDA-persistent drive for autonomy and how it can look very differently depending if the learner shows internalizing or externalizing responses.
Dr. Huff gives valuable perspectives on what IEP teams can do differently to engage in true collaboration with outside professionals and parents of disabled learners.
The group also shares some laughs over the absurdity of complaining about buying school supplies and how this manufactured outrage pits parents against teachers who are suffering from the same systemic failures as their students. You won't want to miss this discussion!
Guest Information:
Dr. Destiny Huff: Advocate, mental health therapist, and mother of two neurodivergent children.
@destiny_iep_advocate
www.destinyhuffconsulting.com
Lisa Baskin Wright: Former teacher and parent advocate, focusing on neurodiversity-affirming practices.
@lisabaskinwright
www.lisabaskinwright.com
Follow this account to find out more about their new podcast! @theaffirmingvillagepodcast
Other educators mentioned:
Tiffany L. Hammond @fidgets.and.fries
TJ @nigh.functioning.autism
Subscribe to the podcast for more insightful discussions on neurodiversity and advocacy. Follow @theadvocate.slp on social media for updates and to join the conversation!
In this episode, Colleen is joined by Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Baskin Wright for a thought-provoking conversation that spans many topics and two episodes! In this episode they discuss personal experiences with introducing neurodiversity affirming practices to IEP team members and Dr. Destiny Huff gives examples of how to find the "ins" through authentic curiosity and asking the thoughtful questions. Lisa Baskin Wright talks about how she "front loads" during IEP meetings to repair the school-home relationship and set the stage for future collaboration. Colleen shares why she chose to call herself and "advocate" despite some advice that it should be avoided because the word puts school teams on edge. Listeners will also find out how Dr. Huff and Lisa met and what big project they are working on together!
Guest Information:
Dr. Destiny Huff: Advocate, mental health therapist, and mother of two neurodivergent children.
@destiny_iep_advocate
www.destinyhuffconsulting.com
Lisa Baskin Wright: Former teacher and parent advocate, focusing on neurodiversity-affirming practices.
@lisabaskinwright
www.lisabaskinwright.com
Follow this account to find out more about their new podcast! @theaffirmingvillagepodcast
Other educators mentioned:
Tiffany L. Hammond @fidgets.and.fries
TJ @nigh.functioning.autism
Subscribe to the podcast for more insightful discussions on neurodiversity and advocacy. Follow @theadvocate.slp on social media for updates and to join the conversation!
Join Colleen, The Advocate SLP, as she delves into the obvious but often unspoken barrier for students receiving special education. This episode uncovers the financial constraints and systemic issues that impact decision making at IEP meetings, highlighting the need parents and school team members to come together to support legislative and policy changes that will fulfill the promise of IDEA.
Key Points:
The hidden financial pressures in IEP meetings. Historical context of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The ongoing struggle for adequate funding and support from the federal government. The importance of advocacy and collective action for change.
Call to Action: Write your representatives about supporting the IDEA Full Funding Act
Copy and edit this form letter from the National Education Association: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/fulfill-promise-individuals-disabilities-education-act
Sources:
https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/federal-budget-signed-education-funding-confirmed-fiscal-year-2024https://www.aasa.org/news-media/news/2025/04/03/idea-full-funding-act-bill-reintroduced-by-reps.-huffman-thompson-and-sen.-van-hollen-to-fully-fund-special-educationhttps://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/2017menu_tables.asphttps://www.sandiegounified.org/about/budget/2025-26_budget
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2217
Join host Colleen, the Advocate SLP, as she engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Diana Fannon, a seasoned special education leader. Dr. Fannon shares her journey from teacher to school psychologist to becoming a Director of Special Education. As a person with a disability and mother of a child with a disability, she has a unique perspective. This episode delves into the intricacies of inclusive education, the importance of informed consent, and the challenges and triumphs of advocating for students with disabilities.
Disability Ed Pros is launching a membership program for parents on August 20, 2025.
Click the link to join the waitlist! https://www.disabilityedpros.com/dep-membership-wait-list
Key Topics:
Dr. Fannon's personal and professional journey in special education. The significance of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in IEPs. Challenges in implementing inclusive education models. The role of informed consent in special education. Differences between autonomy and independence in student support.
Guest: Dr. Diana Fannon, Director of Special Education and founder of Disability Ed Pros.
Connect with Dr. Fannon:
Website: www.DisabilityEdPros.com
Instagram: @disabilityedpros
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DisabilityEdPros#SpecialEducation #Inclusion #IEP #Advocacy #DisabilityRights
Subscribe to the Unfiltered IEPs podcast for more insightful discussions on special education and advocacy.
Follow Colleen @theadvocate.slp on Instagram and TikTok
Join host Colleen and guest Gisela A Burks as they delve into the intricacies of the IEP process from a parent's viewpoint. Gisela shares her journey navigating autism diagnoses, the challenges of advocating for her child, and the importance of understanding and inclusion in education. Gisela A Burks is a dedicated mother and advocate for her autistic son, Jeremiah. With a background in human resources, she brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by parents in the special education system.
Find Gisela on instagram @giselllaa
Find Colleen on instagram @theadvocate.slp
To submit a voice recording on what it feels like for you the night before an IEP meeting, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/UnfilteredIEPs
Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!
Key Topics:
The emotional journey of receiving an autism diagnosis.
Differences between insurance and school evaluations.
Issues than can arise transitioning from a highly supportive special-education preschool to a general education kindergarten class.
Advocacy and the importance of being a "squeaky wheel" and "making yourself known."
In this episode, Colleen delves into the complexities of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and its impact on special education referrals. She discusses the challenges faced by educators, parents, and students in navigating the MTSS process. She highlights issues such as resource shortages that impact fidelity of intervention, the unspoken reasons behind gatekeeping special education services, and particular issues faced by SLPs who are asked to provide RTI (response to intervention) on-top of IEP minutes.
Key Topics:
The role of MTSS in identifying and supporting students with difficulties. Challenges in implementing Tier 2 interventions effectively. The legal and practical implications of MTSS and special education evaluations.
Find me on instagram at @theadvocate.slp and share your MTSS experiences! Whether you're a parent, educator, or part of a school team, I want to hear your experiences.
DISCLAIMER: Colleen is a licensed speech-language pathologist and special education advocate, however nothing stated in The Unfiltered IEPs Podcast should be taken as medical or legal advice and is her expressed opinion.
In this episode of Unfiltered IEPs, host Colleen speaks with occupational therapist Gail Enriquez about her journey in the field, the role of occupational therapy in early intervention and school settings, and the importance of parent advocacy in the IEP process. They discuss the challenges faced by therapists, the differences between 504 plans and IEPs, and the need for collaboration among educators and therapists to support students effectively. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding each child's unique needs and the importance of self-advocacy for students as they navigate their educational journeys.
You can find Gail on instagram @the_crafty_otr
You can find Colleen on instagram @theadvocate.slp
Takeaways
Gail Enriquez shares her journey from COTA to licensed occupational therapist.
Early intervention focuses on family involvement and communication.
Parents often perceive therapists differently in various settings.
Transitioning from early intervention to school can be challenging for families.
Occupational therapy goals differ between early intervention and school settings.
Collaboration between therapists and educators is crucial for student success.
High caseloads can hinder the effectiveness of school therapists.
Parents need to advocate for their children's needs in IEP meetings.
Understanding the differences between 504 plans and IEPs is essential for parents.
Keywords
IEP, occupational therapy, early intervention, special education, parent advocacy, school therapy, sensory processing, education, communication, collaboration
In this episode, Colleen is joined by Christina Beta, MA-SLP, a neurodiversity affirming SLP with over 24 years of experience in a public school for students who need a high level of behavioral support. They discuss the realities of school SLP workload, the barriers to effective IEP meetings that she has experienced and playing the long game when it comes to advocating for systemic and cultural change in schools.
Christina's Bio:
Christina Beta MA-SLP is a speech-language pathologist with over 24 years of experience in special education. She works with autistic and neurodivergent students in both school settings and private practice, and is the founder of Collaborative Minds Consulting & Speech Therapy, where she provides coaching, consulting, and professional development focused on behavior, communication, and regulation from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.
Since 2001 she has worked at a specialized school for students with significant support needs; students whose home districts determined they need a more individualized and intensive educational setting. She is deeply involved in the IEP process, helping teams create plans that reflect a student’s strengths, communication style, and academic needs.
Christina says, “I focus on helping educators and families understand behavior as communication, support Gestalt Language Processors, and move away from compliance-based approaches. My goal is to make IEPs more meaningful, collaborative, and effective; so neurodivergent children can access learning in ways that truly support who they are.”
Website: https://www.collaborativemindsconsulting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollaborativeMindsConsulting/Waitlist for GLP course for ABA providers: https://collaborativemindsconsulting.myflodesk.com/supportingglps
In this episode, you'll get to know your host, Colleen and more about why she created the Unfiltered IEPs Podcast. She discusses her career journey, what inspired her to leave public schools and start her private practice that offers special education advocacy services, a taste of the topics she will cover in future episodes and why she thinks honest conversations are so crucial at a time when public education is under attack.
Follow her at @theadvocate.slp on Instagram
Affiliate Link for SIDE BIZ SLP by @yourslpdaj
https://ashford--cotreatcorner.thrivecart.com/sidebizslp/
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