Last month, I had the honor of co-presenting two sessions at the ASHA Convention in Washington, DC—an experience that left me both energized and reflective about where our profession is headed.
ASHA is always a powerful reminder that SLPs across the country are deeply committed to their work, their clients, and their communities. But this year, one theme came up again and again in conversations, questions, and shared experiences: many SLPs are at a crossroads.
The Reality We’re Facing as a Profession
In the first session that I co-presented with Melissa Jakubowitz, Empowering SLPs for the Future: Navigating Workplace Challenges, Advocating for Change, and Expanding Career Opportunities, we talked openly about the challenges so many SLPs are experiencing:
- Workforce shortages leading to unmanageable caseloads
- Increasing administrative demands
- Limited growth opportunities and stagnant wages
- Rising levels of stress and burnout
For many attendees, this conversation brought validation. It underscored that the frustration they’re feeling isn’t due to personal failure, but reflects broader challenges facing our profession.
We explored practical self-advocacy strategies, ways to collaborate more effectively with administrators, and how SLPs can influence change at the local and organizational level. Just as importantly, we discussed alternative career paths—including private practice and direct school contracting—that allow SLPs to reclaim autonomy, flexibility, and financial stability.
Leadership Isn’t Just for “Someone Else”
The second session that I presented with Sonia Sethi Kohli, Envisioning Leadership: Empowering SLPs to Shape the Future, focused on something equally important but often overlooked: mindset.
Many SLPs don’t see themselves as leaders—not because they lack ability, but because they’ve never been encouraged to step into that identity. We talked about leadership beyond job titles and explored how a leadership mindset, increased confidence, and executive presence can shift not only how others perceive us, but also how we perceive ourselves.
Whether in healthcare, schools, or business, SLPs have the potential to be influential decision-makers. The room was filled with thoughtful questions about leadership roles, professional growth, and how to expand one’s impact within the profession.
“Envisioning Possibilities for the Future”
The theme for this year’s ASHA Convention was Envisioning Possibilities for the Future. As we move toward a new year, it’s a natural time to reflect:
- What’s working in your career right now?
- What’s no longer sustainable?
- What do you want more of in the year ahead?
For some SLPs, 2026 may be the year to change trajectory—to explore your possibilities by building a business that aligns with your values and lifestyle.
That doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It means starting with clarity.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re creating space to slow down and think intentionally about what comes next. In our upcoming free webinar, we’ll focus on helping SLPs clarify their business ideas, explore realistic revenue options, and make thoughtful decisions about their next steps—without overwhelm. It’s an opportunity to start the new year with clarity, confidence, and a plan that aligns with your goals.
If you’re ready to explore new possibilities—we’d love for you to join us on January 24th, 2026, for Starting a Lean SLP Business.
👉 Register for the free January 2026 webinar
The future of our profession will be shaped by SLPs who are prepared to lead, pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, and intentionally design careers that align with their values and goals.