Expert Tips for Educators & Therapists

“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

Speech Sound Disorders 2025 Recap

Missed the live event? No problem! Catch the replay of our powerful Speech Sound Disorders course featuring Dr. Sharynne McLeod and Dr. Kelly Farquharson—plus get instant access to two on-demand sessions on /ɹ/ therapy and multilingual speech assessment. Whether you're in schools or private practice, this series is packed with practical tools and evidence-based strategies you can use tomorrow.

Create Calm and Connection: Free Sensory-Friendly Play Space Checklist

Play should be a safe, joyful experience for every child. Our free Sensory-Friendly Play Space Checklist gives families, educators, and therapists practical tips for creating spaces that invite calm, curiosity, and connection. From lighting and seating to sensory tools and flexible routines, this guide helps you design environments where all play is honored.

Rock the R: Practical Strategies for Tackling the /r/ Sound

In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with speech sound expert Lindsey 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, Lindsey shares her favorite approaches for making therapy engaging, effective, and empowering for both clinicians and students.

Neuroaffirming Learning: Supporting Families & Children with PDA and Beyond

In this episode of Bright Conversations, we explore the real-world experiences of speech-language pathologists and the support professionals who make a difference every day. Our guest shares valuable insights on leadership, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces in educational and clinical settings. From navigating professional identity to building community and pushing for equity, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools for anyone working in special education, speech-language pathology, or related fields. Whether you're a seasoned SLP or just starting your career, you'll walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable strategies, and a deeper understanding of the systemic changes needed to support all professionals and students.

Understanding PDA: What Speech-Language Pathologists Need to Know

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also called Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, is a profile often linked to autism that involves an intense need for control and autonomy. Individuals with PDA may resist everyday demands, show extreme mood swings, and appear social—but only on their terms. For SLPs, understanding PDA is critical to providing compassionate, tailored support that fosters trust and engagement. By shifting perspective, recognizing stress responses, and adapting strategies, SLPs can better meet the needs of students who are often misunderstood or misidentified.

Culturally Responsive Practice Matters—For Our Clients, Our Communities, and Ourselves

ASHA requires SLPs to complete 30 hours of professional development every three years—at least 2 of which must focus on cultural competence, humility, or DEI. This isn’t just a requirement; it’s about delivering inclusive, responsive care to diverse clients and communities. Bright Ideas Media makes it easy to meet this standard with courses led by experts from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and lived experiences. Our offerings span topics like equitable assessment of bilingual clients, LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices, communication equity in the Deaf community, and neurodiversity-informed interventions. By learning from diverse voices, you’ll not only fulfill certification requirements but also strengthen your practice and impact.