SLP Coffee Talk
A speech and language podcast to motivate and inspire school-based SLPs. Get the tips, strategies, and low-prep therapy ideas you need to confidently walk into your therapy room and plan with ease. Learn and hear stories from an SLP in the trenches just like you!
SLP Coffee Talk
Helping Parents Navigate IEP Meetings
Hallie chats with Luba about how to help parents navigate IEP meetings.
In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Luba — SLP, bilingual private practice founder, and the brain behind Kidology and The Confident IEP Parent. They dive into the real challenges parents face when navigating IEPs, why so many feel lost (and sometimes overwhelmed), and how Luba helps families show up to meetings with confidence instead of confusion. Along the way, she shares her journey from aspiring broadcast journalist to running a thriving clinic, plus tips for SLPs thinking about private practice or looking to grow their own niche. If you’ve ever wished you could hand parents a “how-to” guide for IEPs, or you’re curious about juggling business, therapy, and advocacy, this episode is full of practical advice, inspiration, and plenty of real talk moments you won’t want to miss.
Bullet Points to Discuss:
- Luba’s journey from broadcast journalism to running a bilingual private practice
- Why parents often feel totally lost in the IEP process—and how she guides them step by step
- The story behind The Confident IEP Parent and how it helps families show up to meetings with confidence
- Tips for SLPs on working with parents, starting a practice, and growing your niche without losing your sanity
Here’s what we learned:
- Parents need clear, simple explanations to feel confident in IEP meetings (no jargon, promise!)
- You can start a private practice with just a few clients—no fancy clinic required
- Growing your practice means evolving with your clients and building trust over time
- There are so many ways to make an impact as an SLP—therapy, advocacy, content creation, coaching, and more
Learn more about Luba Patlakh-Kaplun:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh
Website
- Kidology Inc.: https://kidologyinc.com
- The Confident IEP Parent: https://confidentiepparents.com
- @kidologyinc: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyinc
- @kidologyqueen: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyqueen
- @theconfidenteipparent: https://www.instagram.com/theconfidentiepparent
- @kidologyplayspacesouthampton: https://www.instagram.com/kidologyplayspacesouthampton
- @thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthlabpodcast
TikTok
- @kidologyinc: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidologyinc
- @thegrowthlabpodcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrowthlabpodcast
Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/
🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup
📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here!
Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets