Executive Function in Action: Coaching Teens Beyond the IEP

Hallie and Dr. Jessica Walker discuss executive function

In this insightful and empowering episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jessica Walker—an SLP with a PhD, a brain injury researcher turned school-based clinician, and a fierce advocate for adolescent support. From her unique path through higher education to the hallways of middle and high schools, Dr. Walker brings a fresh and essential perspective on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and the critical role SLPs play in supporting teens. She shares how she built her role from scratch, became a trusted member of school-based teams, and uses creative, collaborative strategies (hello, DBT and study hall social groups!) to support neurodivergent and neurotypical students alike. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your therapy more impactful, relevant, and emotionally supportive for older students, this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• How executive skills show up in everyday social interactions
• The role of emotional regulation in navigating relationships
• Why struggling in one area often means challenges in another
• Practical tools and approaches to support all three skill domains together
• Stories from the field: what integrated coaching can look like in real life
• The overlap between communication, cognition, and social-emotional development
• How SLPs are uniquely equipped to coach skills that support long-term success
• What makes coaching different from therapy—and when it’s the right fit
• How SLPs can think beyond the IEP to support teens in everyday life

Here’s what we learned: 

• SLPs are key players in executive function and SEL.
• Start with self-awareness—everything builds from there.
• Real-life moments > worksheets every time.
• Resistance is normal; trust takes time.
• Collaboration fuels carryover and confidence.
• Keep showing up—your impact grows.

Learn more about Dr. Jessica Walker: 

Email: cognitive.connections.coaching@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cognitive_connections_coaching/ 

JWalker Communication: https://www.jwalkercommunication.com/ 

Cognitive Connections Coaching: https://www.cognitive-connections-coaching.com/ 

Free Digital Downloads – Cognitive Connections Coaching

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

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