SLP Coffee Talk

Hallie chats with Sarah Bishop about being a generalist SLP

• Hallie Sherman • Episode 332

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0:00 | 26:47

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Sarah Bishop—14-year school-based SLP, California Speech-Hearing Association president, and union rep—about why being a generalist is actually your biggest flex. Sarah shares her winding path to the field (spoiler: it starts with an art history degree and museum tours), why school-based SLPs need to stop apologizing for knowing a little of everything, and how to keep growing without losing your mind. This one’s for every SLP who’s ever felt like everyone else has a specialty except them.



Bullet Points to Discuss: 


  • Why the generalist label gets a bad rap—and why it shouldn’t
  • How to figure out what continuing education you actually need
  • What a PLC is and how to start one even if your district doesn’t have one
  • The mindset shift that makes it easier to grow without burning out
  • How school-based SLPs define their expertise differently than private practice



Here’s what we learned: 


  • Own the generalist title. Any kid walks through your door, you know where to start. That’s not nothing—that’s everything.
  • You will get things wrong. So will every SLP who’s been in the field for 14 years. Let it go and keep moving.
  • Connection is the intervention. Showing up, caring, and actually paying attention to a kid? That’s already therapeutic.
  • Find your people. You don’t need a huge community. Start with one SLP buddy or one district PLC meeting.
  • Know your role. Private practice treats the disability. You remove barriers to education. That’s a different—and equally valid—job.



Learn more about Sarah Bishop: 


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawahfwend 



Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  


📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/


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