Expert Tips for Educators & Therapists

The Origin Story of SLP Summit: Building Community, Connection, and Confidence

In this special edition of Bright Conversations, Shontaye Glover-Jones welcomes the brilliant minds behind one of the most beloved professional development events for SLPs — SLP Summit. Now entering its ninth year, the Summit has become a trusted staple for speech-language pathologists seeking community, clarity, and career-sustaining CEUs. You’ll hear from Lisa Kathman and Sarah Bevier, co-founders of SLP Toolkit, and Marisha Mets, founder of SLP Now, as they share the origin story of SLP Summit. From humble beginnings to a massive community movement, the trio opens up about what inspired the event, how they’ve grown it over nearly a decade, and why accessibility, affordability, and impact remain at its core. Whether you’ve attended every year or are brand new to the SLP Summit community, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, purpose, and people powering the event.

Why /r/ Is So Hard: A Conversation About Speech Sound Disorders with Dr. Kelly Farquharson

Why is the /r/ sound so challenging for so many students—and the SLPs who support them? In this episode of Bright Conversations, Dr. Kelly Farquharson breaks down the science behind speech sound disorders, shares practical strategies for more effective intervention, and highlights why early, contextualized support matters. If you’re looking to build confidence and clarity in treating complex speech sounds, this episode is a must-listen.

Respect the Dialect: Advocating for African American English in Education

Dr. Dionna Latimer Hearn discussed African American English (AAE) as a rule-governed language and how it intersects with educational equity. The course explored what it means to respect dialects other than Standard American English and offered a roadmap for unlearning deficit-based frameworks. Participants were given resources to embrace culturally and linguistically affirming practices.

Free Phonological Awareness Screener for SLPs

Download our free phonological awareness screener for SLPs—designed to identify strengths and areas for intervention in children ages 4–8.

Not Just an Assistant – Leadership, Visibility & The SLPA Network

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 has become a driving force for leadership, equity, and professional development for support personnel in speech-language pathology.

Advocacy and Special Education Law

Krystal shares her journey from classroom teacher to special education advocate and breaks down how her legal team supports families navigating IEPs, federal law, and state-specific processes. Whether you’re new to special education advocacy or looking to deepen your impact, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight for working within the system while keeping students at the center.

“You’re the Expert (Even When You Don’t Feel Like One)”

In this honest and empowering episode of Bright Conversations, Lisa Kathman sits down with Sam Walker, an SLPA turned SLP, to talk about the realities of entering the field, embracing the unknown, and finding confidence along the way. From navigating unexpected settings and heavy caseloads to being seen as “the expert” before feeling ready, Sam offers a refreshing take on what it means to grow in this profession. This episode is a must-listen for new grads, early-career SLPs, and anyone who’s ever felt like they’re learning on the job (because we all are). You’ll hear candid advice, mindset shifts, and reminders that you don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. Growth takes time—and that’s okay