The Listening SLP

01/07/2026

A genuine question for our professionals:
When did we stop wanting to think things through?

In professional spaces, I’m noticing more questions that sound like:
💡 “What’s the best strategy?”
💡 “What do I say?”
💡 “Can someone just tell me what to do?”

I get it. We’re juggling full caseloads. We’re tired. We’re overwhelmed. We want clarity and efficiency.

I cannot help but wonder what we’re quietly losing in the process.

Critical thinking isn’t just a student skill (which there is a HUGE decline for them as well). It’s a skill that strengthens our clinical judgment, collaboration, and confidence.

When we skip the THINKING and go straight to the answer:
👉🏾 We miss the why behind the strategy
👉🏾 We lose opportunities to problem-solve together
👉🏾 We rely more on scripts than professional reasoning

When just given the answer, how do you truly know to defend your clinical thinking and rationale. You cannot just say well the internet SLPs told me.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about slowing down just enough to stay curious.

This isn’t a critique. it’s an invitation for a discussion.

Let’s reflect together. 💬
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01/06/2026

I cannot wait to party with you all (I mean LEARN) in Florida!

01/06/2026

2026 is the year we challenge ourselves.

This post is about things that I WANT TO SEE. That also requires that I show up differently and engage in a way that aligns with my own goals.

Here are a few things I want to see for our field in 2026.

👉🏾 More conversations
👉🏾 Intentionality
👉🏾 Less sales
👉🏾 Allowing people to exist without thinking we need a front seat in their lives

Let me know what you want to do or see for yourself and our field in 2026!
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01/02/2026

For those interested in speaking, this conference is looking for presenters!

The Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ITDHH) is proud to announce the 62nd Annual ITDHH Conference, which will be held in a hybrid format in East Peoria, Illinois on March 6th-7th 2026. This year’s theme, “Going for Gold,” celebrates the passion, perseverance, and excellence o...

12/31/2025

Let’s talk about how I REFOCUSED in 2025! ✨

After how 2024 went for me professionally, I promised myself that 2025 would be a year of refocusing on my business, my skills as an SLP, and who I wanted to be as a person!

This year truly has spoiled me! I got married to the best husband for me, presented over 25 times, worked with many families, supported my local community, and grew as an SLP. I lowkey don’t want 2025 to end! 🥹

With these amazing highs can the realization of what truly matters the most. When I started this page, I cared about the likes, the followers, the IG friends I could make, etc. now, I could care less about those things.

My health, my family, my support system are the places where I pour my energy. When I make sure those areas of my life are taken care of, the rest just falls into place!

I’ve loved this space and the community that has been built over the past 6 years. I love creating content, helping to elevate SLPs practice, and moving others to increase their knowledge.

I’m also loving this new chapter of life that is more private and protected than it was previously. This is authentically ME! 💕

Can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for all of us!
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12/22/2025

Ending 2025 having fully accomplished my purpose of REFOCUSING! ✨

2024 had some having highs and many low lows. I knew I wanted to spend the next year refocusing on who and what was important to me.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing my business thrive this year, marrying my best friend, experiencing life with the people I love, and most importantly not focusing on stupid things! 💕

Is my life perfect? NOPE.

But it’s far from awful. I’m thankful I have put in time to focus on the things that matter and celebrate myself and all my accomplishments!

Bonus was going to the game and watching them get the WIN! 💙🖤

Tell me what your big accomplishments in 2025 were! We love celebrating each other over here! 🫶🏾
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12/13/2025

If you’re in Charlotte or surrounding areas, Quick Little Cakes is who you want for all your events! Her cakes are beautiful and delicious! 🥹💕

Congrats to all the December Graduates!!!

12/13/2025

What a HUGE accomplishment for my brother! 🥹

If you’re an OG follower, you’ll remember that I used to post about my brother and his story more on this page. He is the reason I even became interested in this field and literacy.

If you love The Listening SLP, you need to thank him! As he’s gotten older and grown, protecting and respecting his privacy has been important. 💕

Remember that as SLPs, teachers, special educators, admin, and more, we have the RESPONSIBILITY and PRIVILEGE to shape young minds. It’s not about how you start, but how you finish and continue to move forward.

With proper guidance, love, and support, there is no limit. ✨

Congratulations, brother!👏🏾
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12/07/2025

✨ It’s the most wonderful time… to be INCLUSIVE. ✨

�As SLPs and educators, we get the joy of creating spaces where every child feels seen, supported, and safe. That means remembering that not all families celebrate winter holidays. That's okay! ❤️

You can still bring seasonal fun without centering holidays.
Winter weather, cozy themes, arctic animals, literacy-rich stories, hibernation, sensory play. There are so many ways to build engagement without making assumptions. 🎿

Inclusivity isn’t about taking anything away. It’s about opening the door a little wider so every child can walk through it with confidence.

Let’s choose intention. Let’s choose awareness. Let’s choose connection.�❄️

It really is the most wonderful time to be INCLUSIVE. 🫶🏾
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12/06/2025

Dolls, cars, games, and more! My house looks like Toys R Us most days. I absolutely love buying toys to use in speech therapy sessions (and my personal enjoyment 😂).

As a self-proclaimed toy expert, I have a few words of advice for you. These are 5 questions to consider before buying any toy.
💡 Does this toy make my child have to interact?
💡 Are there many different ways to play with this toy?
💡 Is there a lot for me to say when I play with this toy?
💡 Are books considered toys?

Swipe through to see my answer to each of these questions! I highly encourage you to share this guide with family and friends as they may be buying for your little one.

Want to know my top recommendations? 👀
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11/24/2025

Being at ASHA 2025 this year reminded me of something important:

Connection in our profession ISN’T always found in the big rooms. It’s found in the people who choose to show up for one another. ✨

Serving as a panelist at and attending were the biggest highlights of the whole weekend for me! The stories shared, the honesty, the support, the collective joy. It was a space where I felt deeply seen. Honestly, it was the kind of community I’ve been missing recently.

This year, my intention for coming to Washington, D.C. was to connect with the people who have supported me, encouraged me, and walked with me through every season of my career. In years past, I was working an exhibitor booth or attending events with other SLPs on social media; this year, I didn’t really do either. I barely touched my phone. I went back to my purpose. Connecting and building relationships. 🫶🏾

That intention led me straight to the most beautiful moments of the entire week.

I wasn’t sure how to feel about going to D.C., but I left feeling grateful. Grateful for community, grateful for representation, and grateful for the SLPs who are committed to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcomed.

Here’s to continuing that work together.
Here’s to building the kind of profession we all deserve. 💕
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11/17/2025

Did you know that you can keep supporting your child’s speech and language development at home? 🏠

There are so many free online activities you can try! I love using games, story listening, vocabulary builders, and fun articulation exercises!

These activities are great for extra practice. REMEMBER they do not replace individualized speech therapy. Always check with your child’s SLP about virtual or teletherapy options if leaving home isn’t an option. 💻❤️

✨ Tip: Short, consistent practice is key—just a few minutes each day can make a difference!

If you are in Charlotte or the surronding area, PLEASE share this with local families.
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