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The Mindful IEP Table: Strengthening School-Based Advocacy Through the 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness

1 PDH
0.1 ASHA CEUs
Thursday Session 5

Abstract

IEP meetings are one of the most emotionally complex professional spaces school-based SLPs navigate, and they are also one of the most common contributors to burnout. This session introduces the 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness, as developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, as a practical framework for transforming how SLPs show up at the IEP table. Through real-world case examples and reflective practice, attendees will gain tools for building more sustainable, collaborative, and purposeful school-based careers

Presenters

Angelyn Franks

SLPD, CCC-SLP 

Angelyn Franks, SLPD, CCC-SLP, is a burnout coach for speech-language pathologists and founder of Aligned with Angelyn, a coaching and community platform supporting SLPs in building sustainable, values-driven careers. She engages with the broader SLP community through her Instagram page @dr.angelynfranks and her membership community, The Alignment Revolution. Angelyn has over 15 years of experience working with clients across healthcare and educational settings, with her career spanning school-based practice, private practice, and professional development. She is also the co-host of the Chill, SLP podcast.

Angelyn Franks Headshot

Colleen Ashford

MS, CCC-SLP 

Colleen Ashford is a bilingual speech-language pathologist and non-attorney special-education advocate serving her community through her private practice, Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C., and engaging with the broader disability advocacy community through her page @theadvocate.slp on Instagram. Colleen has nearly ten years of experience working with clients with speech-language disorders and other disabilities. Her career has spanned across the lifespan, with experiences in public schools, private clinics, and family homes.

Colleen Headshot

Learner Objectives

  • Describe each of the 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness as developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and how each applies to IEP meeting contexts in school-based SLP practice.
  • Distinguish between reactive and mindful responses to common IEP meeting triggers using case examples presented during the session.
  • Compare their pre-session assumptions about mindfulness in professional settings to their understanding after the presentation.

    Timed Outline

    • 5 min: Introduction and Welcome
    • 10 min: The Burnout Landscape for School-Based SLPs
    • 5 min: Introduction to the 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness
    • 15 min: Attitudes 1 through 4: Non-Judgment, Patience, Beginner's Mind, and Trust
    • 10 min: Attitudes 5 through 7: Non-Striving, Acceptance, and Letting Go
    • 5 min: Daily Sustainable Practice
    • 5 min: Post-Session Reflection and Closing
    • 5 min: Q&A

      Disclosure Statements

      Disclosures for Angelyn Franks:

      Financial
      Angelyn Franks is the owner of Angelyn Franks SLP, LLC
      Non-Financial
      Angelyn Franks is the former VP of SLP for Arksha and an active member of the Marketing Committee.

      Disclosures for Colleen Ashford:

      Financial
      Colleen Ashford is the owner of Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C
      Non-Financial
      None