Episode 44 is all about AAC! Tune in to hear the SLPs interview Karina Saechao for a discussion about common barriers to AAC implementation, how to move beyond requesting to support all communication functions, collaborating with educators, the importance of representative voices and icons on AAC devices, and more.

Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATACP (she/her) has practiced as a speech-language pathologist for almost a decade and is licensed in California and Kansas. She holds a certificate as an assistive technology specialist (AT) and is currently enrolled in the Child Language Doctoral Program at the University of Kansas. Karina’s research interests are in the areas of African American English, child language acquisition, and AAC. Karina founded and owns Golden Oak Speech Therapy, A Professional Speech Pathology Corporation, and specializes in Augmentative Alternative Communication, Assistive Technology, language, literacy, inclusion, and teacher, caregiver, & educator coaching. Follow Karina: @goldenoakslp.

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You’re ready to get your student or client a high-tech AAC device. Great! Now what? In Episode 63, Jouli walks us through the whole process: trialing a device, communicating with AAC companies, writing an evaluation to recommend a device, and guiding families through it all. Jouli drops lots of gems in this episode, but especially this: remember, trials are for assessing potential, not perfection.

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Be gone, pseudoscience! Away with you, power dynamics between SLPs! Shoo, antiquated grad school admissions processes!

Today's episode is all about dreaming. If you had the power, what would you change about the SLP world?

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Cait Gannon is a dedicated and passionate medical speech-language pathologist. Cait earned her graduate degree in Speech Language Pathology from UMass Amherst, and since then, she’s been on a mission to support individuals across the lifespan in finding their voice—literally and figuratively. She’s volunteered with Healing Harmonies, a remarkable choir made up of adults with neurological conditions, bringing the power of music and community to the forefront of healing. She’s also worked with REACH Early Intervention, helping our youngest clients build strong foundations for communication. Currently, Cait is part of the rehab team at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, where she works with voice clients and patients navigating cognitive impairments following strokes and brain injuries. Today, she’s here to share her insights into the world of medical SLP—what it’s like to support patients through some of their most vulnerable moments, the challenges and rewards of working in a rehab setting, and how voice and cognition intersect in powerful, life-changing ways.

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Be objective, be honest, be prepared!

The SLPs dive in to meetings with educational advocates. They discuss how to prepare for IEP meetings with advocates, tips on communicating with families, and what not to say (hint: don’t mention your schedule).

Resources we love to make sure you know what you’re talking about: The Informed SLP

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Let’s talk gentle parenting… but make it speech therapy!

In this episode, the SLPs dive into how positive behavioral supports and redirection strategies can make your sessions smoother, calmer, and way more fun—for everyone involved.

The SLPs are sharing go-to tips that help you set boundaries with kindness, support kids through big feelings, and keep things running without sticker charts or time-outs. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle tricky moments while still keeping connection front and center, this one’s for you!

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What are the benefits of themed therapy? What are our favorite themes? Does Kyla deserve a Grammy for her performance in this episode?

The SLPs dive into the importance of building semantic connections and background knowledge to facilitate learning. They also provide practical examples of how they use themed therapy in their own therapy sessions. It's a great time.

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The SLPs share strategies for integrating engaging, low-prep games into sessions to target speech/language goals. No laminating required!

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