Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/difficult-conversations

In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, reflects on how school-based clinicians and educators can stay present, compassionate, and grounded during times of fear, uncertainty, and heightened emotion.

Rather than jumping to solutions, the focus is on noticing what we observe, feel, and need in high-stakes moments, both in our professional roles and in our own lived experience. Through a Nonviolent Communication lens and mindfulness-based practices, Stephanie shares practical ways to hold space for students and families with care and clarity, without overstepping boundaries or carrying more than is ours to hold.

This conversation is not about politics or fixing broken systems. It is about presence, ethical care, and protecting our humanity while working inside challenging ones.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

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Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/difficult-conversations

In this episode of The Morning Commute, host Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, walks through practical, school-realistic strategies for navigating difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and professionalism. Drawing on principles of nonviolent communication, she outlines how to reduce “us vs. them” dynamics, communicate needs clearly, and stay grounded while advocating for student-first decisions.

Using real-life school scenarios, including scheduling conflicts, AAC carryover concerns, IEP misunderstandings, and parent pressure, this episode offers concrete language, mindset shifts, and a brief guided visualization to help you set boundaries, stay centered, and approach tough conversations with confidence instead of emotional fallout.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

Follow the Morning Commute:

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ABQsttIKgRPOZDWPHzstp

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-morning-commute/id1870435054

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📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode🔗 Take the Free Conflict Response Style Quiz

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/run-effective-iep

In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, shares a structured, realistic approach to running IEP meetings that stay collaborative and productive without carrying the emotional weight afterward. She walks you through a simple three-phase framework (Before, During, After) to help you prepare intentionally, stay grounded during the meeting, and reset afterward.

Stephanie breaks down practical strategies to contain emotions, reduce defensiveness, and keep conversations focused on student needs. You’ll also hear clear, usable scripts for navigating challenging moments with confidence and professionalism, without shutting down or over-explaining.

By the end, you’ll leave with actionable tools to facilitate IEP meetings that feel calmer, clearer, and more effective while protecting your energy and well-being as a school-based clinician.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

Follow the Morning Commute:

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ABQsttIKgRPOZDWPHzstp

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-morning-commute/id1870435054

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode🔗 Take the Free Conflict Response Style Quiz

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook