Advertise on podcast: School of Speech

Guest: Robert McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/successful-speech-therapy This first episode of the season of School of Speech focuses on what it really takes to make speech therapy effective and meaningful in the high school setting, where priorities shift and students are preparing for life beyond graduation. Host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with Robert McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP, for an honest, practical conversation about the evolving role of the SLP in secondary schools. Together, they talk through how speech therapy can support academic access, social communication, and increasing independence for teens and young adults. The discussion centers on the real communication challenges high school students face and how SLPs can design services that fit busy schedules, complex team dynamics, and future-focused goals. Carolyn and Robert also highlight the importance of collaboration, sharing approachable strategies for working with educators, families, and related professionals to support students’ post-secondary transitions. Grounded in real school environments, this episode offers realistic ideas SLPs can use to strengthen their impact in high school settings while keeping student needs, dignity, and long-term outcomes front and center. About the Guest: Robert (Bob) McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP, is the author of *Here’s How to Do Accent Modification* (Plural Publishing, 2019). He holds master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders, International Relations, and Education. Bob speaks six languages, has lived in six countries, and has worked with clients from over eighty nations. Prior to becoming a speech-language pathologist, he spent 26 years in ESL instruction, including serving as a teacher trainer at UC San Diego’s English Language Institute. He currently serves as the lead SLP at the Sweetwater Union High School District, working primarily with bilingual students. At San Diego State University, Bob teaches phonetics and supervises graduate students in the Accent and Communication Training Program. He is Chair-Elect of the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA) and Co-President of the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN).

*****Originally Aired: January 22, 2025***** Guest: Julie Barber-Bristol MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/top-5-tips-for-excelling-in-your-school-based-cfy In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby and guest Julie Barber-Bristol share essential insights for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) entering their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) in a school setting. Drawing from their extensive experience, they provide practical strategies to navigate assessments, therapy planning, and professional growth. Julie emphasizes the importance of mastering evaluations, organizing data effectively, and leveraging literacy-based therapy to maximize student engagement and goal attainment. They also discuss the significance of collaboration between CFs and supervisors, creating an environment that fosters learning and confidence. Listeners will gain valuable tips on balancing workload, embracing continuous learning, and using organization techniques to stay efficient in a fast-paced school environment. The episode underscores the role of mentorship and open communication in shaping a successful CF experience while encouraging both CFs and supervisors to adopt a mindset of flexibility, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Key Questions: - How can CFs effectively manage assessments, data collection, and therapy planning to streamline their workflow? - What strategies can supervisors implement to support and mentor CFs while fostering their clinical independence? - Why is organization essential for school-based SLPs, and what tools can help CFs stay on top of their responsibilities? About the Guest: Julie L. Barber-Bristol, MS, CCC-SLP, is a highly experienced speech-language pathologist with a career spanning more than two decades. She holds licenses in New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas, respectively, and specializes in school-based therapy. Julie integrates children’s literature to enhance speech and language development. Currently based in Cypress, Texas, she works in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. She previously worked at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania, offering therapy across various educational settings. In New York, she worked in private practice, delivering services to clients in diverse settings including homes, preschools, schools, private facilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities.

*****Originally Aired: June 26, 2024***** Guest: Ginger G. Collins, PHD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/morphologybased-approaches-to-improving-vocabulary-knowledge In this episode, Dr. Collins will explain how school-based SLPs can collaborate with classroom teachers to strengthen students’ literacy skills. The strategies discussed were developed for upper elementary and secondary students, and examples will be provided for various curricular content areas. All of these strategies emphasize morphological knowledge and positively impact spelling, decoding, and vocabulary knowledge. About the Guest: Ginger G. Collins, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a professor and program director at the University of Montana. Her teaching and research focus on literacy interventions with morphology at the core. Dr. Collins also conducts research and teaches about postsecondary transition planning and stuttering. She is a founding member of Structured Word Inquiry Research Vanguard (SWIRV). Structured Word Inquiry is a method of investigating the spelling of words through examination of their morphological composition, etymology, and grapheme-phoneme correspondences.

*****Originally Aired: June 16, 2025***** Guest: Carol Westby, PHD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/coherent-storytelling In this episode, we explore why storytelling matters and how school-based SLPs can help students shape personal narratives that build connection, confidence, and clarity. You’ll learn how storytelling supports executive functioning, mental health, and academic success, and walk away with practical strategies for helping students craft coherent, meaningful stories that make sense to them and the world around them. About the Guest: Carol Westby, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is a distinguished speech-language pathologist and consultant for Bilingual Multicultural Services in Albuquerque, NM. She holds an affiliated appointment in Communication Disorders at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. A Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Dr. Westby has received numerous honors, including the ASHA Honors Award, the Kleffner Lifetime Clinical Achievement Award, and the ASHA Award for Contributions to Multicultural Affairs. She is also Board Certified in Child Language and Language Disorders. Dr. Westby’s scholarship and clinical expertise span theory of mind, narrative and expository development, trauma and adverse childhood experiences, qualitative methodologies, written language assessment and facilitation, metacognition, executive function, ADHD, and culturally and linguistically responsive practices. She has published and presented extensively at national and international levels. She earned her BA in English from Geneva College and both her MA and PhD in Speech Pathology from the University of Iowa. Her contributions have been recognized with Distinguished Alumnus Awards from both institutions, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing inclusive, evidence-based practices in communication sciences.

*****Originally Aired: February 26, 2025***** Guest: Jennie Belen, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Empowering-SchoolBased-SLPs-with-AI-Tools Join host Carolyn Dolby and special guest Jennie Belen in this enlightening School of Speech episode presented by Speech Therapy PD. Learn how AI tools can revolutionize the workload for school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Jennie, the founder of Latina SLP, shares her journey and insights on using AI for lesson planning, report writing, creating therapy materials, and more. Discover practical AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude AI, and Diffit that can save time and enhance efficiency without compromising ethics or personal connection with students. This episode offers valuable resources, especially for those juggling substantial caseloads and facing burnout. About the Guest: Jennie Belen, MS, CCC-SLP, is a wife & a mom of two. She has been a school-based SLP for most of her 28-year career and has worked with diverse populations, including children ages 1-21. She also served as a bilingual (Spanish) SLP & CF supervisor in New Jersey. Most recently, she launched her SLP business, sharing about AI tools and time-saving resources for SLPs.

Guest: Zeth Collom, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/vocally-tired In this episode of School of Speech, Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Zeth Collom, PhD, CCC-SLP, for an important conversation about vocal fatigue in teachers. Fifty to eighty percent of teachers experience a voice problem at some point in their careers, and vocal fatigue can affect instruction, confidence, and overall well-being. Dr. Collom shares key insights from his doctoral research, including teachers’ own perspectives on vocal fatigue and the development of a teacher-specific assessment tool. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the “tired voice” and learn practical ways to support educators who rely on their voices every day. About the Guest: Zeth Collom is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and assistant professor of speech and hearing sciences at West Texas A&M University. He has worked clinically in various settings across the lifespan, and has presented at multiple regional, national, and international conferences on person-centered care for adults with communication disorders, voice rehabilitation, and professional issues. He is thankful for all teachers and mentors—past and present—who help him grow. Outside of work, he’s your typical musical theatre kid and loves being with his Tweetheart and Schmooie Boy.

Guest: Cassandra Natali, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/universal-design-for-learning In this episode of the School of Speech podcast, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Cassandra Natali, MS, CCC-SLP, to bring Universal Design for Learning (UDL) off the page and into practice. Cassandra shares how school-based SLPs can adapt books to support both language and literacy skills, making stories more accessible and engaging for every student. You’ll walk away with practical, ready-to-use strategies for book-based therapy, along with tips for planning, collaboration, and weaving UDL into your daily work. Whether you want to create adaptive books, strengthen your language and literacy program, or team up with teachers and older students, this conversation offers tools you can apply right away. About the Guest: Cassandra Natali, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Instructor at Binghamton University. She has over ten years of experience working with the pediatric population. Her areas of interest include the school-based services, social-emotional learning, and language and emergent literacy development in preschool children. She has presented at numerous state and national conventions. Cassandra has been the recipient of several awards for her work in the schools, including the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (NYSSLHA) Distinguished Clinician Award in 2024 and ASHA’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contributions in Preschool-Grade 12 Education Settings in 2025.

Guest: Sherry Sancibrian, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, FASHA Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/myths-memes-and-ebp In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with Sherry Sancibrian, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, FASHA, to separate fact from fiction when it comes to evidence-based practice. They unpack the common myths, memes, and misconceptions that can influence clinical decisions and discuss how to bridge the research-to-practice gap in meaningful ways. You'll learn how to think critically about intervention practices, adjust treatment variables such as dose and frequency for optimal outcomes, and apply research-based strategies to guide therapy planning and target selection. About the Guest: Sherry Sancibrian, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, F-ASHA, is a Grover E Murray Professor and Executive Associate Dean at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where she teaches pediatric language disorders and counseling courses. She is an ASHA Fellow and holds Board Certification from the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders.

Guests: Cassandra Natali, MS, CCC-SLP, and Abigail Sprague, graduate student researcher Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/supporting-students-with-long-covid Long COVID-19 can have ongoing effects on children’s communication, learning, and participation in school. In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Cassandra Natali, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Instructor, and Abigail Sprague, graduate student researcher, to unpack what Long COVID-19 looks like in pediatric populations, drawing from both research and real-world case studies. Together, they’ll explore how to identify key symptoms, support students through effective accommodations, and collaborate with teachers to foster understanding and success. This episode blends evidence-based insights with practical tools for advocacy and classroom impact. About the Guests: Cassandra Natali, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Instructor at Binghamton University. She has over ten years of experience working with the pediatric population. Her areas of interest include the school-based services, social-emotional learning, and language and emergent literacy development in preschool children. She has presented at numerous state and national conventions. Cassandra has been the recipient of several awards for her work in the schools, including the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (NYSSLHA) Distinguished Clinician Award in 2024 and ASHA’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contributions in Preschool-Grade 12 Education Settings in 2025. Abigail Sprague, B.Mus., is a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology at MGH Institute of Health Professions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University in 2025, studying Vocal Performance and Speech & Hearing Science. In collaboration with Cassandra Natali, M.S., CCC-SLP, Abigail co-developed a video intervention to educate school professionals on the effects of pediatric Long COVID-19. She has presented related research at Binghamton University’s Research Days.

Guest: Vicki L. Haddix, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/universal-design Universal Design for Learning (UDL) isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a framework that transforms how school-based SLPs plan, collaborate, and connect with students. In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Vicki L. Haddix, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Memphis, for an engaging discussion about bringing UDL to life in your therapy sessions. You’ll learn how incorporating UDL principles can enhance student engagement, foster stronger partnerships with teachers, and make therapy more meaningful for every learner. Vicki shares real-world examples from her work supporting AAC users across Tennessee, along with quick, practical ideas you can start using right away. If you’re ready to infuse your sessions with creativity, collaboration, and accessibility while having a little fun along the way, this conversation is for you. About the Guest: Vicki L. Haddix, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Memphis. She teaches the graduate-level AAC course and supervises students in the university clinic. Her current research interests involve UDL in graduate school and clinical education. Vicki was a principal investigator on the TennesseeTalks grant, which ended in 2023, that helped build school districts’ capacity to support students using AAC across Tennessee.

Guest: Rachel Archambault, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/trauma-informed-slp Join Carolyn Dolby, host of the School of Speech podcast, as she delves into the world of trauma-informed care with Rachel Archambault, a speech-language pathologist and program specialist for the Broward County Public School System. Rachel shares her personal journey and highlights practical strategies for integrating trauma-informed practices into speech therapy. The episode covers essential topics, including understanding trauma, adapting language, and structuring sessions to create a safe and supportive environment for students. Ideal for SLPs and educators seeking to implement meaningful, positive changes in their practice. About the Guest: Rachel Archambault, MA, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Program Specialist for Broward County Public Schools. Following a nationally publicized traumatic event at her workplace, Rachel sought meaningful ways to support both her students and herself in the aftermath. Through that journey, she discovered the power of trauma-informed care (TIC). Today, she speaks nationally to SLPs, educators, and healthcare professionals on how to integrate trauma-informed practices into their work, thereby fostering safer and more supportive environments for all.

*****Originally Aired: February 24, 2025***** Guest: Claire Barbao, MA, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Looking-Beyond-the-Disfluenices-SchoolBased-Strategies-for-S Join Carolyn Dolby as she welcomes Claire Barbao, owner of Kindly Speech LLC and a specialist in fluency disorders. The episode covers effective strategies for supporting students who stutter, emphasizing the importance of behavioral tactics and addressing emotional and cognitive aspects. The conversation deepens into goal setting, therapy activities, and ways to empower students through self-advocacy and mindfulness. Claire Barbao shares her journey, expertise, and insights on enhancing the well-being and communication skills of students who stutter. This episode is ideal for school clinicians, with practical advice and professional guidance. About the Guest: Claire Barbao, MA, CCC-SLP, is a clinical supervisor at the University of Virginia and a Candidate Specialist recognized by the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders. Her current clinical practice and instruction focus on fluency disorders, motor speech disorders, adult rehabilitation, and culturally responsive intervention. Her clinical experience includes both inpatient and outpatient medical settings, private practice, telepractice, and working in a public school system. Claire also owns the private practice, Kindly Speech LLC, where she sees clients and provides education to parents and the SLP community. She believes in providing person-centered therapy services and engaging in collaboration with families, caregivers, and other professionals to support her clients' best interests.

*****Originally Aired: September 18, 2024***** Guest: Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-F Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/stuttering-service-delivery-in-the-schools-early-childhood In this episode, we welcome Nina Reeves back and shift our focus to stuttering support for our early childhood population. Join us as we discuss practical plans and resources for supporting young children and their families. From determining appropriate treatment approaches to developing attainable goals, we’ll uncover innovative strategies that enhance communication skills, ensuring our youngest learners have comfortable communication environments that increase their confidence. About the Guest: Nina Reeves, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-F, is a board-certified specialist in fluency differences and the Director of Stuttering Therapy Resources. A career-long public school clinician, Nina specializes in stuttering therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults. As an author and presenter, her goal is to provide practical, evidence-informed guidance to clinicians working with students who stutter.

Guest: Angelyn Franks, SLPD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/shedding-the-shoulds In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes back Dr. Angelyn Franks, SLPD, CCC-SLP, for another essential conversation on burnout and well-being. If you have ever felt like you are running on someone else’s checklist instead of your own, you are not alone. Burnout often develops when we live by values that do not truly align with our own. Dr. Franks will guide you through a reflective process to identify your authentic core values, the ones that feel like home, not homework. Together, you will learn how to recognize the “should-y” values that sneak in from cultural expectations, outside advice, or workplace pressures, and replace them with values that genuinely reflect who you are. These actual values can serve as a personal compass, helping you set boundaries with less guilt, make decisions with greater clarity, and approach self-care in a way that feels natural. About the Guest: Dr. Angelyn Franks, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a burnout coach, mindfulness expert, and speech-language pathologist dedicated to helping healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers break free from burnout and design lives rooted in what truly matters. Drawing on years of experience in clinical practice—and firsthand experience in the burnout cycle—she equips her clients with evidence-based tools to manage stress, set meaningful boundaries, and align their self-care with their core values. Her compassionate, research-backed approach blends science, simplicity, and her own transformative journey to guide others toward a fulfilling, burnout-free life. Her mission is to reimagine how helping professionals approach stress, self-care, and career fulfillment, providing a clear path to thriving both personally and professionally.

Guest: Jani Hammit, PhD, CCC-SLP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/listening-effort In this episode of the School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Dr. Jani Hammit, PhD, CCC-SLP, for a deep dive into how executive function and listening effort influence learning in school-aged children. Together, they unpack what executive function and listening effort really mean, why these skills are essential for academic success, and how SLPs can identify and support them in practice. Dr. Hammit also introduces the cognitive neuropsychological framework of speech, language, and hearing, highlighting psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic perspectives, and explains why this approach gives clinicians a stronger foundation for assessment and treatment. About the Guest: Dr. Jani Hammit, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Brescia University. She is a speech-language pathologist whose research focuses on the cognitive neuropsychological framework of speech, language, and hearing in adults and children. She works clinically across the lifespan. She has a scientific background in linguistics, cognition, and neuroanatomy/neuroscience.