professional development testimonials

“She is funny, engaging, approachable, and left the crowd hanging on her every word.”

Tera is an absolute master clinician and captivating speaker. She is funny, engaging, approachable, and left the crowd hanging on her every word. We left with many “Aha!” moments, and ideas regarding how to approach the “whole child” through our assessment and therapy. Tera’s executive function approach “connects the dots” and fills in many missing pieces that contribute to why kids are not making enough progress (especially in the school setting). I would absolutely recommend Tera’s presentation to SLPs in ANY setting. The information was relevant across the lifespan and communication goal areas. - Sarah Holmes, M.S., CCC-SLP, Oceanside Unified School District

“My staff loved her!“

Tera is amazing. She is incredibly knowledgeable, she uses excellent analogies and metaphors to connect the unfamiliar (EF) with the familiar, and she explains the brain's development in a concrete and accessible way. Additionally, Tera is lively, positive, and hilarious. My staff loved her! - Trevor Scoles, Hackett Catholic Prep (9-12)

“It was enlightening and engaging, and provided valuable insights and practical strategies.”

Tera's presentation was amazing!  I am not sure how she did it but she took all of her knowledge about Executive Functioning and shared it with us in a two hour session.  It was enlightening and engaging, and provided valuable insights and practical strategies.  Tera's expertise shone through, making the complex topic of executive functioning accessible to all of the speech team.  I highly recommend this training to any speech and language service provider seeking to deepen their understanding in executive functioning. - Robyn Hansen, SLP District Coordinator, Logan City School District

"Game-changing."

"Game-changing." Tera did a great job with helping me understand the development of the brain to then further help teach students how to problem solve on their own. - Carly Dalton, Randolph Central School District

“We wholeheartedly recommend engaging Tera as a presenter, reading her book The Seeds of Learning, and supporting educators to understand how to advance children’s executive function to enable superior language and literacy acquisition.”

All Five, a socioeconomically diverse preschool, hosted a high-value professional development (PD) full-day presentation featuring Tera Sumpter, Speech-Language Pathologist and Founder of The Seeds of Learning. The presentation focused on the interactions between language, literacy, and executive function. The presentation was well suited to educators with limited understanding of executive function and language skills interaction, as well as those with more advanced knowledge. Attending the presentation were All Five teachers, district educators, and university researchers. We chose to engage Tera as supporting teachers with additional tools to better discover the literacy potential of each and every child is vital and her integrated cognitive processing model is foundational to effective language and literacy instruction.

During her 40 years in early care and education, All Five Founder and Executive Director Carol Thomsen witnessed the complex interaction of executive function and language. Tera’s book provides a deeper understanding of executive function, which is a crucial foundation for learning. The PD presentation highlighted All Five teachers’ current practices and supported the creation of new ones across All Five’s classrooms to best support greater executive function and thus greater learning potential in all its students. Prior to Tera’s presentation, some All Five teachers engaged with The Seeds of Learning approach through Tera’s online modules, although not extensively. We wholeheartedly recommend engaging Tera as a presenter, reading her book The Seeds of Learning, and supporting educators to understand how to advance children’s executive function to enable superior language and literacy acquisition. - Carol Thomsen, Executive Director of The All Five School

“I genuinely think that anyone who interacts with children would benefit from learning about the EF model and practice that Tera teaches.”

Tera did professional development for a group of SLPs, school psychologists, SPED teachers, and general ed teachers in my school district. She was an engaging presenter with thorough knowledge of executive function. It is a very complex topic, but she broke it down in a way that was salient and digestible for people with different backgrounds. Despite the variety of professionals in the group, every single person shared that they found the information to be relevant and even necessary for their role with students. I genuinely think that anyone who interacts with children would benefit from learning about the EF model and practice that Tera teaches. We are hoping to invite her back for more soon!

“I find her to be charismatic, knowledgeable, and passionate about the information she shares and the kids she works with.”

I have enjoyed 3 different presentations with Tera. I find her to be charismatic, knowledgeable, and passionate about the information she shares and the kids she works with. I also really like that she includes therapy ideas throughout the sessions rather than hoping to get to them at the end. - Barbara Tyler, MA, CCC-SLP, Clare-Gladwin RESD

“Tera's presentation was amazing!”

This was the first time seeing Tera. She is a very dynamic and educational speaker. Tera's presentation was amazing! - Judy Hasler, SLP, Clare-Gladwin RESD

“So enlightening!”

So enlightening! I saw Tera last year at MSHA and was excited to have this opportunity for a literacy focused training session. I was a grad-student the first time I heard Tera and I'm now a CF, so it was highly beneficial to hear some of the information repeated now that I have specific students I can picture in my mind as I learned. I even 'made a plan' to use the reflexive questions on for behavior with 2 students and with articulatory placement for 1 student so I can practice and then spread to other students. Looking through the lens of executive functioning really changes how I see my students and their challenges. - Jen Topham, CF SLP, Clare-Gladwin RESD

“The insights provided by this speaker have implications for every school professional and, in my opinion, addresses the gaps so many of our students end up falling through.”

I am not exaggerating when I say I think it is the most valuable course I have ever attended. The insights provided by this speaker have implications for every school professional and, in my opinion, addresses the gaps so many of our students end up falling through. During the presentation, I was in discussion with both SLPs and SAI teachers I collaborate with regularly and we were identifying many cases that were coming to mind as relevant to what we were learning- and most of these were our most difficult cases. 

I know that this was a big effort put forth by the district to try to better meet the unique needs of SLPs, and it does not go unnoticed! Today was not only a valuable use of my time, but also made me feel like a valued employee AND refreshed my passion for my work. I walked away with tools that I would not only be able to implement, but many ways that I can guide coworkers and parents. - Phoebe Pynchon, SLP

“This professional development was hands-down, the best district provided PD.”

This professional development was hands-down, the best district provided PD… While I’ve always known that executive functioning was part of my scope, I clearly could have benefited from this information years ago. This will change my practice!  - Julie Malone, SLP

“This was absolutely one of the best trainings I have ever attended.”

This was absolutely one of the best trainings I have ever attended. Thank you so much for providing us with this opportunity.  Executive Functioning as a whole would be a great district focus for an upcoming year and would really empower and benefit all staff that work directly with students.  I believe we would see a huge change in behaviors and academic success with this being a focal area.  - Abby Gorenstein, SLP

“The information she gave us answered why to so many questions that we as educators ask and that parents ask us when discussing plans for their children's IEP's academic and learning needs.”

I loved getting training in Executive Functioning by Tera Sumpter. The information she gave us answered why to so many questions that we as educators ask and that parents ask us when discussing plans for their children's IEP's academic and learning needs. Tera's presentation gave answers that make sense in language that is easily understandable. I could immediately share some information about Executive Function, specifically focus, with my elementary resource students the next day. I have also been able to share information learned with parents. - Rebecca Ferri, Special Education Teacher

"I wish it had been a 2-day event!"

I wish it had been a 2-day event. It was great to learn from you. -Tina Handshy

“I got so much out of the day I can’t thank you enough.”

You were outstanding! I got so much out of the day I can’t thank you enough. I haven’t stop thinking about the day because I have some of those ADHD students you were talking about. I want to implement ALL your teaching strategies right away!!! - Megan Schuler, Tutor at The Odyssey School

“I was getting texts at breaks about how excited everyone was to attend a professional development course that was so relevant to their students’ needs.”

Tera's presentation was AMAZING! Our whole exceptional student services department was able to participate, which included SLPs, Psychologists, OTs, PTs, academic resource teachers, and gifted teachers. I was getting texts at breaks about how excited everyone was to attend a professional development course that was so relevant to their students’ needs. Tera’s information on Executive Functioning was easy to understand and so practical that much of it could immediately be used the very next day. Tera helps you to look beyond the surface and search out what underlying difficulties may be impacting your student’s ability to learn any academic and therapeutic skill, and provides ideas on how to build that foundation of learning so your student can be successful. So many of us are looking at our students in a whole new way. - Shannon Hillman, MS, CCC-SLP Speech Department Lead, Maricopa Unified School District

“It was the best course I’ve ever attended!!”

I just wanted to reach out to you and tell you how much you have helped me over the years. I’ve only been to one of your courses and it was the best course I’ve ever attended!! I was hanging on your every word Lol!! I implemented so many things you discussed and still do today! I found you on Instagram and follow you everyday. - Amy Zerhusen, SLP

"Three hours really did fly by!"

 I would recommend this seminar to anyone who works with students who struggle academically or socially. The information is interesting and able to be put to use in your very next therapy session or lesson. Tera is a wonderful presenter. Three hours really did fly by! - Katharine Price, SLP

"A must for ANYONE working in schools!"

Tera did a brilliant job explaining how executive functioning, speech and language, literacy and cognitive processes are intertwined. After her training, I feel like I understand my student's need better and feel equipped to implement her approach into my own therapy practice. A must for ANYONE working in schools! - Mehreen Masoud, MSc Cert MRCSLT (London, UK)

"I can’t wait to read her book and see how her cognitive processes model influences our field."

Tera has really changed my perspective and the lens through which I see my patients. I now think critically about executive functions and question whether my patients' deficits are purely language in nature or more secondary to executive function challenges. I see my patients in a new light as I see their challenges with executive functions. I also think critically about the underlying cognitive processes. In implementing Tera's tips and 4-step plan I have seen tremendous gains in my kiddos. It’s been amazing. I can’t wait to read her book and see how her cognitive processes model influences our field.  - Kate French, SLP

"Filled with "use it now" information"

The assessment and intervention portions were filled with "use it now" information.  The whole basis of working from an executive functioning lens is really going to change the way I approach therapy sessions in 2021.  - Ashley Panno, SLP

"The information Tera presented is invaluable to me as an SLP."

 The information Tera presented is invaluable to me as an SLP.  It helps to shift our focus from trying to target the multitude of minute skills that we need for speech, language, literacy and overall educational success and provides a framework from which to work from and help children learn a variety of skills with increasing independence.   - Jessica Norris, SLP

"It’s the missing piece that I wasn’t taught in school."

Tera’s cognitive model has helped me understand areas of speech therapy that I’ve grappled with for years. It’s the missing piece that I wasn’t taught in school.  - Heather Eisenman, M.S., CCC-SLP (Fairbanks, AK)

"Her methodology is supported by the evidence"

 I have found Tera Sumpter's "Putting the Pieces Together Virtual Seminar" to be instrumental in helping me to make sense of how to incorporate strategies that strengthen the executive function skills in my students who struggle with deficits in speech, language, pragmatic, and even voice. She has developed a simple, easy to implement 4-step process that can be individualized in order to use each and every time with all of students, regardless of ability or age. Her methodology is supported by the evidence as I found out in reading some of the studies when I first heard about her approach. I could not be more eager about her upcoming book and future professional development endeavors!  - Elizabeth Blackwell, SLP

"Being an SLP with ADHD, this presentation has increased my understanding of my own difficulties"

This course has helped me to expand my therapy approach in working with children in which I have always expected a bigger difficulty than language disorder. Being an SLP with ADHD, this presentation has increased my understanding of my own difficulties and help me to create more efficient treatment plans so that children do not stay in therapy for an extended amount of time. I have learned an approach to help generalize therapy into their everyday life. - Simone Tunstall, SLP

"Every professional who works to educate children should participate in this seminar..."

 Every professional who works to educate children should participate in this seminar and learn from Tera's knowledge and experience! It was so validating and encouraging for concerns/questions I've had in my SLP career since the beginning! Tera is passionate about getting this information out into the world and it's so important that we do! I wish every school professional I know would participate!  -Megan Hand, CCC-SLP

"Tera has already revolutionized at least one SLP's brain!"

First of all, Tera did an excellent job presenting her information. She was highly engaging, funny, and I'm pretty sure everyone left there feeling like they wanted to be her best friend. That is a feat unto itself! 

As to the material itself, Tera has obviously done a lot of work reading and synthesizing information. The synthesis is the amazing part, because so often we look at all of the pieces parts (phonological awareness, visual processing, etc.) but to my knowledge, no one has put it all together in a way that is so clear. Now that I know it, it seems obvious- like we should have all known it forever. 

Now, for what I have been thinking over the past week: it has revolutionized my thinking. I have evaluated two kids this week, and as I am thinking about how their scores are coming out, and the kid with the most fascinating brain I have seen (autism and ADHD, with amazing talents in some areas and amazing deficits in others), I am thinking in terms of Tera's model. I will be adding phonological awareness testing on a kindergartner, which I would not have thought to do a week ago, but since I am suspecting some difficulty between his phonological processing and speech processing, with minor carryover into his language processing (for grammar), I am going to dig there a little more. Tera has already revolutionized at least one SLP's brain! - BeckyAnn Harker, SLP, OSSPEAC 2018

"This was the missing piece of my education as an SLP."

 This was the missing piece of my education as an SLP. I have always felt that teaching a child skills piece by piece didn't carry over or translate into a marked difference in language skills in their life. But I see that teaching from an executive functioning perspective and teaching the step by step of how to complete a language or other attention task helps the student as a whole. I can use this training with my own 7 year old who has impulsivity and attention issues to helping in the evaluation of speech and language in preschoolers which in what I do daily.  - Alison Black, CCC-SLP

"I'm so glad I participated and would jump at the chance to hear Tera again."

 This seminar gave me a new structured framework for thinking about cognitive processes and specific techniques I am excited to incorporate into my therapy. I wish the seminar could have been longer as I gladly would have listened to Tera speak for many more hours. I'm so glad I participated and would jump at the chance to hear Tera again. 

"Today was extremely eye-opening and informative."

Today was extremely eye opening and informative. Tera brought a new light into how much executive function is the building block for our kids' speech and language development. Being able to see life examples from Tera and her therapists along with breakdowns of each process was amazing and provided me with the brainstorming and planning abilities I need to implement into my own therapy sessions with my kids.  - Colleen Meder, CCC-SLP

"Such a great seminar."

 Such a great seminar.....really challenges the SLP to re-evaluate what constitutes the most effective therapy targets for children and teens.  - Grainne de Paor, SLP, Ireland

"By far my favorite session of the conference."

My colleagues and I enjoyed Tera's presentation so much!!! She was so engaging! We were commenting to each other how we didn’t even check the time on our phones because we were so interested in what she was saying, and she was so funny, entertaining, and genuine! By far my favorite session of the conference. My only complaint is I wish it could have been an all day presentation. I want to know more!!! Please write a book!  - Tanya Romanini, SLP, OSSPEAC 2018    

"Tera's presentation was very impactful to me."

Tera's presentation was very impactful to me. I have already related her theory to at least 5 professionals in my building. Everyone agrees with the fact that executive functioning should be thought of as a circle around everything else. Tera's presentation is making me rethink how I approach expressive language and executive functioning.  Her theories on reading are also interesting as that is a topic that we as educational professionals deal with everyday!  I hope to see Tera present again in the future. - Stacey Gardner, SLP, OSSPEAC 2018

"Tera's model is a systematic guide to assist with pinpointing problem areas."

Tera's presentation was very helpful!  The model she has created will allow a more comprehensive and precise analysis of a child’s area of deficits. While I have frequently recognized deficits in children who do not qualify for therapy services in school, Tera's model is a systematic guide to assist with pinpointing problem areas. - Amy Vissing, MS, CCC-SLP, KSHA 2019

"Tera's presentation made a BIG impact on me!"

Tera's presentation made a BIG impact on me! I can see so many of the issues she spoke about in my students and I want to change the way I assess students and provide intervention.  I loved her presentation style and lots of great info on her PowerPoint! I’m excited about her book....please keep us posted on release date! -Lara Harris, SLP, KSHA 2019

"I loved everything about Tera's presentation!"

I loved everything about Tera's presentation!  I think having her session last longer would be the only thing I would suggest. - Val McConkey, SLP, OSSPEAC 2018

"Very hands-on information."

The comprehensive way all components of learning are connected [in her model] is needed as well as forward thinking if we are to truly help our students breakthrough.  My favorite part was when she got out her diagram and we had behaviors and categorized them according to where they belonged.  I liked doing that collaboratively.  Followed by therapy ideas/examples - very hands on information.  -Jenny Likens, SLP, KSHA 2019

"I had a lot of 'AMEN' moments!"

First and foremost, Tera had a wonderful presentation and I had a lot of "AMEN" moments! I work in a school district and I am looking to take all of this information back to increase the education of my colleagues. I am also going to be looking at my evaluation process differently, so thank you!!! - Allison Miller, M.A., CCC-SLP, OSLHA 2019

Evaluation Statements from ISHA 2019 Attendees

"I am not indicating all 5's to be nice… She is truly amazing. The was one of the most useful sessions."

"Great, practical information!"

"Very clear presentation, presented in an enjoyable easily digested format."

"Excellent!"

"Amazing! Amen!"

"Love the tool to visually summarize assessment data!"

"Great speaker, good energy/explanations helpful."

"I liked the framework for assessments"

"Awesome! :)"

"Have her back and give more time to what she is sharing."

- attendee feedback from 90 minute Putting The Pieces Together presentation at the Indiana Speech Language Hearing Association state convention 2019

"Stellar!"

"I appreciate your "scrap box" moments and passion. Thank you for realistic, encouraging solutions to what seems to be obvious now, but not before, problems with exec function."

"Great info! Very helpful and functional. I enjoyed the new way to look at executive functions!"

"Great!"

"Very helpful presentation"

"Very good speaker!! Easy to listen to. Down to earth! Gave a framework for reflexive questioning that was a new way to look at therapy for exec functioning."

"Tera was very interesting and motivating!"

"Very engaging! Would like to see her again!"

"Lots of interesting ideas."

"Very informative!"

"Write a book and bring it to sell :)"

"Speaker was enthusiastic."

"Very helpful - bring her back for longer presentation."

"Get her back to expand more on this topic."

"Excellent! Thanks!"

"A ton of practical information in this course. I can see my patients (and at least one of my own children) in more things that were said."

"Wish she had more time. Would have loved to learn more about the topic."

"I attended based on my own kids' needs (3 with ADHD). My youngest has had two counselors and is medicated. She is 11 and it's not working. I know she has executive function needs. Need more time with presenter. Treat my child!"

"Get her back for 4 sessions or bring her for the fall."

- attendee feedback from 90 minute Executive Functions presentation at the Indiana Speech Language Hearing Association state convention 2019

"I greatly enjoyed attending your presentation for a second time."

I greatly enjoyed attending your presentation for a second time.  I attended the first one during the summer 2 years ago at Chagrin Falls.  I have since been seeing more students with Executive Function characteristics and wanted to refresh my memory and you actually added some info so that was helpful too.  I really liked the visuals of the circles and how they intertwined.  I also like going through the exercise of putting the different deficits on the board to predict what the greatest are of problem could be.  I also LOVED the reflexive questions.  Been using them with students and getting them to tell me what it looks like to them.  Much better perspective.  Criticisms would be I truly see your presentation being a two day not one.  Sooo much you can share and have us interact with to help learn how to help our students and parents and ultimately the teachers. Thank you!! Love you!!! - Jennifer Pelham, SLP, OSSPEAC 2019

"I only attended the pm session but wish I had also attended the am session."

I only attended the pm session but wish I had also attended the am session. A colleague of mine attended the am session and had so many positive things to say about it! I found your presentation on executive functioning to be both informative and engaging. I now have a much better understanding of executive functioning and it's impact on language skills. My AHA! moment came when you explained how EF deficits frequently result in receptive language test scores that are lower than expressive language scores along with inconsistent performance across various measures. I immediately thought of a handful of students with whom I am working and am grateful for having a better framework with which to address their needs. Thank you!!  - Christina Brancheau, SLP, OSSPEAC 2019

"I think you met me right at my level and then blew my mind wide open."

Your enthusiasm, knowledge and actionable items were outstanding. I loved how approachable you were. I think you met me right at my level and then blew my mind wide open. You really helped me put the pieces together that I had already been slowly forming into a puzzle. I would say It was a lot to digest after 3 days on information. I am a visual and kinesthetic learner and the video of the little girl, really brought it home for me.  - Hannah Agoston, SLP, OSSPEAC 2019

"The content was exceptionally conveyed to your audience."

I have attended various conferences during my 12 year practice span, and you have been the most engaging. You kept everyone’s attention, the entire 2 hours! I think public speaking is a natural skill for you. The content was exceptionally conveyed to your audience. - TaRonda Clark, Au.D, OSSPEAC 2019