SMART Start 2026: Equipping SLPs to Make a Greater Impact

At Speech By Design, we've discovered our niche—and it's beautifully simple: develop exceptional therapists and empower every student because Everyone Deserves a Voice.

That mission was at the heart of our 2nd Annual SMART Start SLP Workshop, where school-based Speech-Language Pathologists came together to prepare not only for a new school year, but for the incredible responsibility of serving students with excellence, compassion, and confidence.

Preparing Therapists for Success

The beginning of a school year brings new students, new challenges, and new opportunities. SMART Start was created to equip our therapists with the knowledge, tools, and encouragement they need before stepping into their schools.

Throughout the two-day workshop, participants received updates on federal and Louisiana regulations, strengthened their understanding of school-based best practices, and explored practical strategies in assessment, eligibility, intervention planning, IEP development, communication plans, documentation, and compliance. More importantly, we focused on preparing both the minds and hearts of our therapists for the meaningful work ahead.

A New Focus: Behavioral Threat Assessment

One of the most significant additions to this year's workshop was Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) Training, presented by Terrence Taylor, Owner and Lead Instructor of S-2 Security, LLC.

Behavioral Threat Assessment is a collaborative, prevention-focused process that helps schools recognize concerning behaviors early, determine the appropriate level of support, and intervene before a student reaches a crisis. Whether the concern involves self-harm or the potential to harm others, the goal is early intervention—not punishment.

Drawing from research and best practices developed by the U.S. Secret Service and other leading organizations, the training introduced SLPs to the warning signs and behavioral indicators that school professionals should recognize. While Speech-Language Pathologists are not investigators, they are uniquely positioned to notice subtle changes in communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, and behavior because of the trusting relationships they build with students over time.

This training reinforced an important truth: our responsibility extends beyond helping students find their voices. We also have a role in helping create safe, supportive learning environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Celebrating Student Voices

One of the most inspiring moments of the workshop came through the work of Speech By Design therapist Joan Carter.

She shared a remarkable student project titled "Pieces of Me," a collection of student writing that offers honest reflections on identity, learning, perseverance, and personal growth.

Created by Ms. Dawson's and Mrs. Hollins-Carter's classes at Jefferson Rise Charter School, the project gives students a meaningful opportunity to express what it is like to navigate school while facing challenges with reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, and communication. Through both writing and illustrations, students share their struggles, celebrate their successes, and remind us why our work matters.

Projects like Pieces of Me perfectly reflect Speech By Design's mission: empowering students to communicate their stories and ensuring every voice is heard.

Life-Saving Skills for Those Who Serve

Returning this year was our HSI CPR/AED & First Aid Certification training.

We were especially excited to welcome Speech-Language Pathologists from KIPP New Orleans Schools, a network of tuition-free public charter schools serving thousands of students across the Greater New Orleans area.

Not only did participants earn their 2-Year CPR/AED & First Aid Certification, but KIPP therapists also completed the Behavioral Threat Assessment for School-Based SLPs course presented by S-2 Security, earning 2 continuing education hours approved by the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA).

Collaborating with fellow professionals across Louisiana made this year's workshop even more meaningful and reinforced our shared commitment to student success and school safety.

Ending with Fellowship

Professional development is important—but so is community.

We concluded our two-day workshop with a picnic at New Orleans City Park, creating an opportunity to slow down, laugh together, and encourage one another before the school year officially begins.

Yes, the Louisiana summer heat was in full force, but spending time together outside the classroom reminded us that strong teams are built through relationships as much as professional development.

Our therapists left refreshed, encouraged, and ready to serve.

SMART Start 2026 by the Numbers

This year's workshop was one of our most successful yet.

Workshop Highlights

• 19 Speech-Language Pathologists participated.

• 16 Speech By Design therapists completed the full SMART Start Workshop.

• 3 KIPP New Orleans Schools therapists joined the Behavioral Threat Assessment training.

• 16 therapists earned 6.25 LBESPA-approved CEU hours.

• 3 therapists earned 2 LBESPA-approved CEU hours.

• 4 therapists became certified in HSI CPR/AED & First Aid, receiving a 2-year certification card.

Looking Ahead

SMART Start 2026 reminded us why we do what we do.

We are committed to investing in our therapists so they can better invest in their students. Whether through clinical excellence, continuing education, school safety, or life-saving skills, our mission remains the same:

Develop exceptional therapists. Empower students. Because Everyone Deserves a Voice.

I couldn't be more proud of the incredible team we continue to build at Speech By Design. Watching our therapists grow professionally while caring deeply for the students and schools they serve is both inspiring and humbling.

As we begin another school year, we look forward to strengthening existing relationships, building new partnerships, and continuing to make a positive impact—one student, one therapist, and one school at a time.

Here's to another year of learning, serving, and giving every student the opportunity to be heard.