In this episode, brought to you by SLP Summit, Sophia Ermmarino, SLP graduate student and founder of The Speech Shelf, discusses affordability, access, and the often-hidden financial realities of becoming (and being) a SLP. From the cost of graduate school to unpaid internships and navigating low pay in early settings, Sophia opens up about her personal journey and why she devoted herself to designing a resource that actually works for students and SLPs on a budget.
This conversation digs into the need for financial transparency in our field, the pressures placed on student clinicians, and the importance of making high-quality therapy materials accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford expensive subscriptions or endless Teachers Pay Teachers downloads.
Sophia also shares her vision for disrupting the status quo: a more equitable, community-supported approach to resources that empowers SLPs at every stage of their career. Whether you’re a student, CF, seasoned clinician, or educator, this episode will leave you thinking deeply about the systems we’ve accepted—and the practical changes that can make our field more supportive for the next generation.
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