Experience the Power of
Compassionate Communication
The online course teaching SPED teams a communication framework that will help you communicate with confidence, develop stronger self-advocacy skills, deepen relationships, and increase your joy.
✓ Transform Your Communication
✓ Transform Your Career
✓ Transform Your Life
More and more conversations at work seem like confrontations.
And you’d waaay rather avoid them than say something you’d regret.
But avoidance doesn’t help you:
✓ Advocate for more realistic workloads
✓ Have more productive conversations with parents
✓ Get the raise you’ve been hoping for
✓ Collaborate for more supportive solutions for your students
But where do you start when these conversations make you sweat all the way through your shirt?
Conflict isn’t something to be avoided.
It’s an opportunity for growth and enhanced connection.
ShiftMakers 1.0: Embracing Connection. Transforming Conflict.
brings you a proven communication framework for SPED professionals to help you:
✓ Increase your overall happiness and ease in the workplace
✓ Effectively defuse and resolve conflict
✓ Improve support for your families and clients
✓ Know what to say and how to say it to be a productive team member
✓ Drastically improve your work-life balance
✓ Feel more confident and empowered to advocate for yourself and others
✓ Grow and deepen your professional relationships
Featured In
“I can honestly say that I have walked away from my time with Stephanie really implementing these skills into every facet of my life. I am so much more aware of the words I choose.”
— Megan W., SLP Owner and Director of NWA Speech Therapy
“The nonviolent communication methods were so practical and relevant that I was able to use them immediately. The whole dynamic of the room changes for the better when you use them.”
—Melonie S., SLP
"I have been a part of IEP teams and school-based teams in different capacities as an employee, as a service provider, as a parent and as an advocate. I will say that the strategies I learned through Stephanie's class were amazing and very supportive in being able to see kids ultimately receive what they need, and teams be able to move forward."
— Crystal S., SLP, Owner of Sanford Autism Advocacy Group, Autism Parent
“My communication style has shifted to listening more so that I understand others’ needs and can more effectively advocate for my own. I felt calmer and more prepared to effectively communicate with parents and teachers.”
— Georgia G., SLP
I’ve been right where you are: juggling overloaded caseloads, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, dreading contentious conversations with parents, all while fighting the urge to say something I’ll regret (and sometimes, even letting those things slip out of my mouth).
I’ve had days where I’ve lost my courage to speak up, only to bring all the stress of work home with me at the end of the day, seeping into my personal life and relationships. I knew this wasn’t how I wanted to show up in my personal or professional life, but I didn’t know how to stand up for what I needed.
That's when I noticed that the way I was handling challenging situations was unproductive and unhelpful - for myself, my team, and my students. Since 2011, I’ve been practicing nonviolent communication strategies and began introducing step-by-step exercises to SPED professionals to help them learn to break down barriers and advocate for their needs. And I want to help you, too.
Navigate Your Path to
More Peaceful Conversations
Get a glimpse inside the ShiftMakers 1.0 curriculum.
1. Separate
Heightened feelings are very real and helpful, but aren't always the best foundation for initiating a conversation.
You'll learn how to pause and separate facts from feelings so that you can plainly see what's real and what's our own bias playing tricks on us.
2. Communicate
When tensions are running high, skilled communication is often the first thing to fly out the window.
You’ll learn how to calmly and clearly state what’s up – and ask more direct questions – to help you share your experiences more confidently.
3. Collaborate
When we open the door to others, we can create more productive solutions – for us, for our peers, and for our students.
You’ll learn key strategies to help you find common ground so that you and your colleagues can work together to improve outcomes and morale for everyone at the table.
What’s Inside the ShiftMakers 1.0
Online Course…
In this four-hour, self-paced online course for SPED teams, you’ll learn:
Module 1:
Rise Above Reactivity
Understand the impact that reactivity has on conflict. Explore triggers and pathways to meaningful transformation.
Module 2:
Presence Power-up
Enhance presence for better conflict handling. Learn techniques and mindfulness practices to remain calm, centered and respond thoughtfully.
Module 3:
Empathy Essentials
Build empathy skills for conflict resolution. Step into others' shoes, listen deeply, and validate emotions. Build understanding and collaboration.
Module 4:
Compassionate Communication Toolbox
Learn an overview of the 4-step framework to break free from harmful speech patterns and transform these patterns into compassionate and empathetic communication.
Module 5:
Hands-on Practice
Apply compassionate communication skills in practical conflict scenarios while you gain confidence and fluency in clear communication.
Reflection & Integration
Reflect on your journey, integrate learnings, and plan for positive change in your workplace and beyond.
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Stephanie Michele Sweigart, M.S. CCC-SLP
Stephanie Michele Sweigart, a distinguished professional in the fields of mindfulness, compassion-based practices, and special education, boasts a wealth of expertise and credentials. As a certified Teacher of Mindfulness and Speech-Language Pathologist, she has not only attended International Intensive Trainings for Nonviolent Communication but also stands as a leading authority in these domains.
Stephanie Michele has been recognized for her contributions as a presenter at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s national convention in 2023. In addition to her role as the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013, she has authored and created popular courses like “ShiftMakers: 1.0” and “The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician.” Stephanie Michele extends her influence as a speaker and YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com, contributing her insights to various podcasts such as “SLP Full Disclosure”, "First Bite" and “Speech Science Podcast.”
Her commitment to professional holistic practices is evident through her supporting membership at The Center for Nonviolent Communication. Stephanie's unwavering dedication to empowering individuals through clear and compassionate communication underscores her mission to make a profound impact in the world of special education.
And a special guest teaching from
Jennifer Vroom, M.S. CCC-SLP
Jennifer Vroom, M.S. CCC-SLP is a Communication Expert, Speech Language Pathologist, and Meditation Educator.
She has been working as an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist for more than 21 years. She has experience in a wide range of settings to include: hospital, home health, school-based (PK-12th), skilled nursing facilities, and private practice clinics. She has worked across the continuum of care and has worked extensively with clients on the Autism spectrum throughout her career.
Her company, Vroom Speech Therapy, PLLC, specializes in Corporate Accent Modification and public speaking skills providing services for clients both across the US and internationally. She currently teaches through her online platform and business, Evoke Meditation (evokemeditation.com). She loves being able to implement strategies from her mindfulness and meditation practice into her therapy sessions with clients.
Your voice has value.
ShiftMakers 1.0 will help you harness it for more productive and compassionate conversations.
1. Get the ShiftMakers 1.0 course
We’ll give you the proven framework for effective communication.
2. Watch at your own pace
With bite-sized videos and worksheets full of actionable steps, you can put your new skills to work right away.
3. Collaborate more effectively
Create meaningful change in your workplace as you let compassionate communication take the lead.
Get Started with ShiftMakers 1.0 Today!
2 Monthly Payments of $99
One-Time Payment of $197
Answers to Your FAQs
