“You’re the Expert (Even When You Don’t Feel Like One)”

In this candid conversation, Sam Walker shares real-world strategies for navigating unexpected placements, building confidence when you don’t feel ready, advocating for manageable caseloads, and setting boundaries that protect you and your students. If you’ve ever felt like you’re figuring it out on the fly—this one’s for you.

• You can pivot—and that’s normal. Your first job may not match your grad-school vision. That isn’t failure; it’s data for your next step.
• “Expert” is contextual. It’s okay to say “I don’t know yet.” Pair it with how you’ll find the answer.
• Ask better questions. Clarify processes, expectations, supports, and success metrics early to reduce decision fatigue later.
• Protect your bandwidth. Boundaries (group size, scheduling blocks, referral gates, and documentation norms) prevent burnout.
• Advocate with evidence. Track service minutes, missed minutes, IEP mandates, and travel time to make caseload conversations objective.
• Build a micro-support system. Identify a go-to OT/PT/psych/mentor for quick consults; don’t “hero” your way through isolation.
• Progress over perfection. Use simple self-rating, brief probes, and high-yield targets to keep therapy moving in messy settings.
  
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