The Speech Source cover art

The Speech Source

By: Mary and Kim
  • Summary

  • Mary Brezik and Kim Dillon are two pediatric speech-language pathologists with over 25 years of combined experience. As speech therapists, we are often the first professionals to assess young children once they are referred by their pediatrician. Either they are not talking well or they are not eating well. We get to know our patients, their families, and how they are developing. We have a front row seat during the first critical and formative years of development for those who receive our services. Because of this, we have developed relationships with other professionals, observed what parent questions and concerns often arise, and see a need to share the resources and information we have compiled over the years. Join us as we dig into topics that show all of the overlapping aspects of child development and intervention. We invite you to be a part of our collaborative platform as we discuss, learn and grow for the betterment of our kids!

    © 2024 The Speech Source
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Episodes
  • Empowering SLPs with Creative Resources with SLP Erin Larsen
    May 21 2024

    In this episode of the Speech Source Podcast, hosts Mary Brezik and Kim Dillon, interview SLP Erin Larson, the dynamic force behind Speech Tea. Erin shares her fascinating journey from aspiring pharmacist to passionate speech therapist.

    Erin's career took shape in a private practice setting, where she faced the challenge of working at a new, under-resourced location. This experience spurred her creativity, leading her to start making her own materials and eventually putting her creations on her own Teachers Pay Teachers Page. Through hard work and dedication, Erin built a successful TPT store, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, originality, and customer experience. She discusses how branding and repeat buyers have played a crucial role in her success and highlights the transition from social media marketing to the critical role of an email list.

    Balancing work and family life, Erin transitioned to early intervention settings, finding joy and flexibility in working with the birth-to-three age group.

    Erin's resource creation process is driven by customer needs and her passion for delivering high-quality materials. She offers insights into pricing strategies, the benefits of bundling products, and occasional sales to attract buyers while maintaining the value of her resources. Additionally, she emphasizes continuous learning and collaboration with other SLPs as key components of her business strategy. With this thought process, she created The Speech Therapy Toolbox, a comprehensive membership library of pediatric speech therapy tools.

    To share her extensive knowledge, Erin developed an early intervention course, Early Intervention Academy for SLPs. She invested in Amy Porterfield's Digital Course Academy to help walk her step by step through the process. She explains her decision not to seek ASHA CEUs, focusing on providing valuable content that meets professional development requirements without the additional costs.

    We learned so much talking with Erin in this episode. Her dedication to creating valuable resources and fostering a collaborative community offers invaluable insights for SLPs and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.


    Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

    Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
    For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

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    35 mins
  • S2E11: Transforming Ideas into a Sustainable Business with SLP Lindsey Hockel
    May 14 2024

    Kim and Mary get to sit down for a second time for insight, ideas, tips and laughs with the incredible Lindsey Hockel, SLP and founder of Speechy Things. We've had her on previously to talk about all things "R," but this time she talks us through how she went from her clinical fellowship to digital resource and course creator and niching down in the field of speech pathology.

    The Path to Speechy Things: Lindsey’s journey began almost by chance. Initially a clinical fellow at a clinic, the idea for "Speechy Things" popped into her mind one night, leading to the creation of a blog and later, a TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers) store. Lindsey shares the evolution of her blog into a thriving business platform, emphasizing how accidental beginnings can lead to purposeful futures.

    Turning Passion into Profit: As Lindsey’s engagement with her TPT store deepened, her entrepreneurial spirit took flight. She discusses the shift from treating it as a side hustle to recognizing it as a full-fledged business. Her focus narrowed down to specializing in the 'R' sound, a niche that drastically boosted her business's profile and effectiveness.

    Building a Business While Balancing Life: Lindsey speaks candidly about the challenges of managing a growing business, being a mother, and maintaining personal well-being. She highlights the importance of setting boundaries to prevent work from consuming her life, especially after the birth of her daughter.

    Marketing Insights: Despite the competitive landscape, Lindsey focuses heavily on Instagram for outreach, advocating for a platform-focused approach to marketing. She believes in the power of persistence and staying true to one's unique offerings rather than getting lost in comparison.

    Networking and Collaboration: Lindsey credits much of her growth to networking with other SLPs and engaging in collaborations, which have expanded her reach and brought diversity to her business activities.

    Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adapting, Lindsey recommends resources like Amy Porterfield’s podcasts and courses to help new entrepreneurs navigate the business landscape effectively.

    Tools of the Trade: Lindsey utilizes tools like Asana for project management and Calendly for scheduling to streamline operations and keep her business organized.

    Lindsey's story is a testament to the potential within the SLP community for entrepreneurial growth. Her blend o

    Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

    Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
    For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

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    41 mins
  • S2E10: Innovation and Authenticity with SLP Barbara Fernandes
    May 7 2024

    This episode will have you captivated, motivated and in awe! Kim and Mary feature Barbara Fernandes, an SLP, author, CEO of Smarty Ears and Smarty Symbols, advocate, and educator. To say she has taken her business and created something so unique and on her own terms is an understatement. She is a testament that staying true to who you are and on the path that you believe in will create a life full of joy and meaning.

    Barbara's educational journey began in Brazil, where she pursued speech-language pathology. She moved to the US as part of an exchange program at Temple University, focusing on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and completed her education in Philadelphia. During this time she mastered learning Spanish and English simultaneously as she was finishing her graduate studies. She then relocated to Texas for a master's program emphasizing bilingual education, setting the stage for her later entrepreneurial ventures.

    Barbara started her professional career in Texas public schools, catering mainly to Spanish-speaking students. This job was particularly challenging as she had not experienced the American school system as a child in Brazil. Her transition into entrepreneurship was sparked by a practical need to improve her teaching tools, leading to the development of her first app. This initiative grew into Smarty Ears, a company that now offers over 70 educational products. She managed to cover her initial app development through personal savings and gradually expanded her business without a formal marketing team, relying on direct educational efforts and word of mouth.

    Initially interested in focusing on voice therapy in Brazil and working with famous singers, Barbara's career path took a significant turn when she moved to the US and landed in the world of AAC. Throughout the episode, she shares insights into the organic growth of her business, from solving immediate practical needs with basic apps to developing a comprehensive web platform integrating all her apps. She also discusses the process of creating an app, highlighting the increasing complexity and the different elements involved as her business expands.

    Barbara's entrepreneurial philosophy emphasizes authenticity and aligning business practices with personal values. She advocates for the use of high-quality, modern visual aids in special education, which led her to start her second company, Smarty Symbols, to provide updated visual resources for SLPs. Her story highlights the importance of adapting and innovating in response to market needs and personal experiences, including her perspective on why the special education industry seems to be lagging behind in technology.

    She also shares her views on how SLPs should be using AI, stressing the importance of understanding its capabilities and limitations to enhance their practices effectively. Barbara's approach to business and decision-making often involves taking steps without fully knowing the process, a reflection of her dynamic and intuitive management style. This has also influenced how she organizes her teams, deciding when to bring people on based on the evolving needs of her projects.

    Barbara believes strongly in the value of self-awareness and authenticity, encouraging others to learn who t

    Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

    Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
    For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

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    59 mins

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