Let's Talk About CF Experience

SLP Coffee Talk

Hallie chats with MaKayla Elrod about her CF experience and answers questions every CF is asking!
In this inspiring episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with MaKayla Elrod, a passionate pediatric SLP who shares her powerful journey from Tennessee to Miami—and from being told she'd never make it, to thriving in early intervention and private practice. From tackling imposter syndrome to navigating a cross-country move after marriage, MaKayla opens up about her CF year in PreK, her love for parent education, and what she wishes every new SLP knew about managing behaviors, work-life balance, and trusting the process.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• CF Experience
• Balancing school / work / home
• Working in a variety of settings
• Moving across the country
• Open to talking anything! :)

Here’s what we learned:

• Overcoming grad school rejection and proving doubters wrong
• The benefits of working with a contract company during the CF year
• Imposter syndrome and adjusting to working without constant supervision
• Learning behavior management skills in a preschool special ed setting
• The shift from data obsession to focusing on connection with students
• Tips for time management and building a sustainable work-life balance
• The impact of moving cities after marriage and adapting to Miami
• Mentorship and support systems during the CF year
• Exploring various settings: schools, private practice, and adult care
• The truth about what materials to buy (and what to skip!) before starting

Learn more about MaKayla Elrod:

Instagram: @missmakayla.slp

TikTok: @makayla_elrod

TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/miss-makayla-the-slp

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets