Bright Conversations

After the SLP Summit: Understanding AAC and Supporting Nonspeaking Communicators with Rachel Madel

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠. 📌 Episode Summary: In this After SLP Summit episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Glover Jones sits down with Rachel Madel, speech-language pathologist and AAC advocate, to continue the conversation sparked by her SLP Summit presentation. Together, they explore the role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in supporting nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals. Rachel shares the story of how she first encountered AAC as a graduate student—and how that experience reshaped her understanding of communication, language development, and what meaningful support looks like for students with complex communication needs. From visual supports and communication devices to shifting mindsets around speech and language, this conversation highlights the importance of meeting students where they are and honoring all forms of communication. Whether you're new to AAC or looking to strengthen your clinical approach, this episode offers insight, reflection, and practical encouragement for supporting communicators in more inclusive and empowering ways. 👤 Guest Bio: Rachel Madel, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is passionate about helping clinicians and families better understand how to support nonspeaking communicators through visual supports, communication systems, and accessible language opportunities. Through her clinical work and online education, Rachel empowers professionals to rethink communication and build inclusive environments where all voices are valued. 🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode: * What AAC really means and who it supports * Rachel’s journey into AAC and the student who changed her perspective * Common misconceptions about AAC and “teaching kids to talk” * The role of visual supports, choice boards, and communication devices * Why honoring all forms of communication leads to better outcomes * How clinicians can grow their confidence when working with AAC users 💡 Final Thought: Supporting AAC isn’t about replacing speech—it’s about expanding opportunities for connection, autonomy, and expression. 🔗 Learn More: SLP Summit is the premier biannual virtual conference hosted by Bright Ideas Media that brings together learners from around the globe. Explore our courses and upcoming events at www.bethebrightest.com [http://www.bethebrightest.com] and join our mailing list to stay updated on the next Summit. Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com [https://www.bethebrightest.com/]⁠⁠.

SLP CEO Chat: From Clinician to Entrepreneur

📌 Episode Summary: This episode of Bright Conversations is sponsored by BIZCon, the premier continuing education experience by Bright Ideas Media for aspiring and growing entrepreneurs. Host Shontaye Glover Jones sits down with Ebony Greene and Sarah Breshears, two inspiring speech-language pathologists who expanded their clinical expertise into thriving businesses. Ebony and Sarah share their journeys from traditional clinical roles into entrepreneurship. They discuss what motivated them to step outside of conventional career paths, the challenges they faced while building businesses, and the lessons they learned along the way. From launching private practices to mentoring other clinicians, this conversation highlights how SLPs can use their expertise in innovative ways. Ebony and Sarah talk about the realities of running a business, balancing leadership with clinical work, and the importance of community and mentorship in the profession. Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship, looking to grow an existing business, or simply interested in hearing how clinicians are expanding the impact of their work, this episode offers inspiration and resources to help you get started. 👤 Guest Bios Sarah BreshearsAt the height of the COVID pandemic, Sarah Breshears transitioned from clinical work in schools and hospitals to founding Social Moguls, where she helps female health and wellness professionals build businesses and systems for success. Ebony Greene, MS, CCC-SLPEbony Greene is a private practice owner, founder, business consultant, and online course creator. After leaving the classroom in 2011, Ebony pursued speech-language pathology and later expanded into entrepreneurship. Through The SLP Business Suite and her signature events, she teaches clinicians how to stop trading time for dollars and build scalable businesses. 🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode * How speech-language pathologists can transition from clinician to entrepreneur * The moment Ebony and Sarah realized they wanted more than traditional clinical roles * Lessons learned when launching private practices and businesses * Balancing leadership, clinical work, and personal growth * Why mentorship and community are essential in entrepreneurship * How SLPs can expand their impact beyond direct therapy 📚 Key Takeaways * Speech-language pathologists have valuable skills that translate well into entrepreneurship * Business ownership requires learning beyond clinical training * Mentorship and community are critical when building a business * Entrepreneurship allows clinicians to expand their impact and create opportunities for others * There is no single path to success—clinicians can build careers aligned with their passions 🔗 Resources & Links BIZCon Event https://www.bethebrightest.com/en/events/biz-con-2 [https://www.bethebrightest.com/en/events/biz-con-2] Sarah Breshears https://social-moguls.com/ [https://social-moguls.com/] https://www.instagram.com/social.moguls [https://www.instagram.com/social.moguls] Ebony Greene https://bio.site/ebonygreen [https://bio.site/ebonygreen] https://www.instagram.com/slpbizqueen/ [https://www.instagram.com/slpbizqueen/]

Supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Inclusion, Access, and Empowerment

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠. 📌 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Glover Jones sits down with educator and advocate Germaine Graham to explore what meaningful inclusion truly looks like for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals. From early intervention and communication access to representation and self-advocacy, Germaine shares insights grounded in both personal experience and professional practice. Together, they unpack how educators, therapists, and families can move beyond surface-level awareness toward everyday actions that promote accessibility, belonging, and empowerment. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink inclusion—not as a checklist, but as a commitment to honoring communication diversity and identity. 👤 Guest Bio: Germaine Graham is an educator, advocate, and community leader dedicated to improving access, representation, and equity for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. With a strong focus on communication rights and inclusive education, Germaine works with schools, families, and professionals to build environments where DHH individuals are seen, heard, and valued for who they are. 🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode: * Understanding social and educational barriers faced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals * Why communication access requires more than amplification * The importance of representation and authentic visibility in schools and media * Creating inclusive spaces through language choice, visual supports, and advocacy * Empowering families as they navigate systems, resources, and identity development * The role of SLPs, educators, and service providers in fostering equity * Moving from awareness to action in inclusive, culturally responsive practice 📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to: ✅ Identify common barriers to inclusion for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals ✅ Describe strategies to promote equitable communication access and representation ✅ Apply inclusive principles to better support DHH students, clients, and families 💬 Memorable Quote: “Representation gives Deaf and Hard of Hearing students permission to dream bigger.” — Germaine Graham 🔗 Resources & Links: * National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes: https://www.nationaldeafcenter.org [https://www.nationaldeafcenter.org] * Hands & Voices: https://www.handsandvoices.org [https://www.handsandvoices.org] * Bright Ideas Media Courses: Explore inclusive communication and accessible education at https://www.bethebrightest.com [https://www.bethebrightest.com] Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠https://www.bethebrightest.com⁠ [https://www.bethebrightest.com]⁠⁠.

Real-World Case Management for SLPs: Data, Dismissal & Boundaries

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 welcomes school-based speech-language pathologist and creator of Panda Speech Publishing, Amanda Schaumburg, for a refreshingly honest discussion on real-world case management. From managing hundreds of IEPs to deciding when to dismiss a student, Amanda shares practical strategies that help SLPs work smarter—not harder. Together, they explore how to streamline data collection, make ethical and confident dismissal decisions, and set healthy boundaries to prevent burnout. This episode is equal parts practical guidance and encouragement for every SLP navigating the demands of school-based work. 👤 Guest Bio: Amanda Schaumburg, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a school-based speech-language pathologist, private practice owner, and founder of Panda Speech Publishing. With extensive experience in case management, Medicaid billing, and resource creation, she trains districts nationwide on efficient IEP documentation and eligibility processes. Amanda is also a children’s book author and a passionate advocate for supporting busy SLPs through realistic tools and empowering professional boundaries. 🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode: * Real-world case management: balancing high caseloads and leadership roles * Data collection strategies that are simple, sustainable, and effective * Making ethical, confident dismissal decisions for diverse student needs * Setting professional boundaries and protecting your time and energy * Navigating polarizing opinions in the field and redefining SLP roles 📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to: ✅ Identify efficient strategies for managing large caseloads and documentation demands ✅ Apply practical data collection systems focused on meaningful student progress ✅ Describe ethical considerations in dismissal decisions and eligibility reviews ✅ Recognize the importance of boundaries in preventing burnout and sustaining impact ✅ Reflect on evolving models of service delivery and advocacy within schools 🔗 Resources & Links: * Panda Speech Publishing * Follow Amanda on Instagram: @pandaspeech [https://www.instagram.com/pandaspeech] * Explore more episodes and earn ASHA CEUs at www.bethebrightest.com [https://www.bethebrightest.com] Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

After the Summit: Bridging Speech and Literacy with Lauren & Shelby

📌 Episode Summary: In this special SLP Summit edition of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with Lauren Kline and Shelby Ford, two standout presenters whose courses sparked powerful conversations during the SLP Summit. Building on their sessions From Sounds to Sentences and S Sound Solutions, Lauren and Shelby share how they translate evidence-based strategies into real-life therapy—whether you’re in the schools or private practice. Lauren discusses blending speech sound intervention with structured literacy to support students with dyslexia and apraxia, while Shelby breaks down her practical, student-centered approach to tackling tricky /s/ sounds and clusters. This episode is packed with actionable ideas, relatable clinical examples, and encouragement to make therapy more connected, effective, and enjoyable. 👤 Guest Bios: Lauren Kline, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in integrating speech sound intervention with structured literacy. Her work focuses on supporting students with dyslexia, apraxia, and complex speech-language needs through evidence-based, connected practice. Shelby Ford, M.S., CCC-SLP is a private practice SLP known for her clear, practical approach to treating speech sound disorders—especially /s/ and /s/ clusters. She helps clinicians simplify complex concepts and tailor intervention to each child’s unique movement patterns and strengths. 🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode: * Bridging speech sound intervention and literacy instruction * When and how to integrate structured literacy into speech therapy goals * Practical strategies for targeting /s/ and /s/ clusters * Managing caseloads that include speech sound disorders and dyslexia * Tailoring intervention based on student strengths, needs, and response 📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to: ✅ Explain how speech and literacy skills intersect in intervention ✅ Identify ways to integrate structured literacy into speech therapy sessions ✅ Apply practical strategies for treating /s/ sounds and clusters ✅ Reflect on how to individualize therapy for diverse learners 💬 Quotes to Remember: “We can't work on reading in isolation from speech. When we connect the dots, kids make meaningful gains.” — Lauren Kline “There’s no one-size-fits-all for the /s/. It’s about tuning in to how each child moves and responds.” — Shelby Ford 🔗 Resources & Links: * SLP Summit: www.bethebrightest.com/slp-summit [http://www.bethebrightest.com/slp-summit] * Courses: * From Sounds to Sentences — Lauren Kline * S Sound Solutions — Shelby Ford * Follow Lauren: @laurenkline.slp * Follow Shelby: @shelbytheslp * Assessments: Gray Oral Reading Test, Gray Silent Reading Test, CTOPP, PAT-2, Tests of Dyslexia, Gallistel-Ellis * Prefixes Resources: Words Their Way (includes spelling inventories at the back of the book) * Multilingualism Book: Multilingualism, Literacy, and Dyslexia  * Clusters vs Blends? https://www.bjoremspeech.com/blogs/bjorem-speech-blog/clusters-vs-blends?_pos=1&_sid=d6f798c74&_ss=r [https://www.bjoremspeech.com/blogs/bjorem-speech-blog/clusters-vs-blends?_pos=1&_sid=d6f798c74&_ss=r]