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.

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

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.

Culturally Responsive Assessment of South Asian Languages

SLPs Prabhu Ashwaran and Puja Goel join us 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 discussed include recommendations for modifying standardized tests and using dynamic assessment, caregiver interviews, and barriers in school-based practice.