In this informative conversation on Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr. Shafer welcomes Special Guest Tala Hershey, Speech Therapist and Coach. Dr Shafer and Tala Hershey explore the intersection of music and speech therapy, discussing how music can be a powerful tool in helping children with speech challenges. They delve into the importance of creating a language-rich environment, the role of parents in their child's speech development, and Tala Hershey's Tiny Talkers Toolkit, a resource designed to empower parents to support their toddlers' language skills. The discussion emphasizes the need for understanding, patience, and the recognition of each child's unique strengths in the journey of speech development.

Takeaways:

• Music is a vital connector in speech therapy.


• Parents play a crucial role in their child's speech development.


• Creating a language-rich environment is essential.


• The Tiny Talkers Toolkit empowers parents to help their children.


• Understanding late talkers requires a different approach than traditional therapy.


• Emotional support is key in addressing speech challenges.


• Every child has unique strengths that can be built upon.


• Play-based learning is the most effective method for toddlers.


• Parents should not feel guilty about their child's speech difficulties.


• Seeking help early can make a significant difference in speech development.

Thank you to Tala Hershey, CCC-SLP, TSSLD for being on the show!

Tala specializes in both working with children who require hands-on speech therapy as well as coaching for parents to learn research-based strategies to boost their toddlers' language for toddler’s who present with expressive language difficulties. Her favorite role of all is being the mother of two wild and loveable boys, ages 3 and 1. She resides in New York with her husband and children and in her spare time you can find her chasing after her toddlers or baking up cookies and cakes. 

Learn more and connect with Tala Hershey: 

Instagram: ⁠@hersheyspeechcoach⁠

Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/groups/hersheycoaching⁠

Free guide:

 ⁠https://howtoteach.hersheyspeechcoach.com/optin⁠

Website: ⁠hersheyspeechcoach.com⁠

Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more. She is passionate about helping others reclaim their stories and build their most beautiful future, unlocking their fullest potential informed by her background in neurology, psychology, business and entertainment. 

Dr. Shafer's story is one of triumph, self-awareness, and tireless creation. As she has reclaimed her own story, rebuilding her life after difficult experiences, she launched We Don’t Tell Our Stories, an online community to help people suffering from Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence. Her love of writing inspired her to launch Little House of Dreams Publishing, a children’s literature publishing house focused on sharing the stories of children. Dr Shafer believes it is never too early to show young people how important their voice truly is, and the power they possess to create a better world. 

Coming January 2025, Dr Shafer co-authors the Cracking the Rich Code 16th Edition, endorsed by Tony Robbins. 

Coming May 2025, Dr Shafer shares her children's book, The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks, about a young boy whose mother helps him through tricky transitions and the trouble of having to do anything other than play with his beloved blocks. 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: https://drshaferstedronova.com/

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2025.

All Rights Reserved.

Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse