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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