We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Kathman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was the lead speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the largest school district in Arizona and was interested in doing a project that would help the SLPs working in our district. After talking to a fellow SLP, we determined there was no way to do what we wanted to do during work hours and therefore decided it would be better to create and sell the resources we wanted to create on our own time. It was really about solving a need we saw for our field and then bringing that idea to life.

What should our readers know about your business?
SLP Toolkit is a passion-driven company created by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for the special education field, with a mission to make the jobs of special educators easier, more efficient, and more rewarding. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the profession—we’ve lived it! We know firsthand the challenges of managing large caseloads in the school setting, meeting compliance standards, and providing high-quality therapy/instructional services to students. This lived experience is what fuels our innovation and keeps us connected to the heart of the profession.

We are most proud of how our platform empowers special educators by providing tools that streamline their work and enhance their ability to deliver the best possible outcomes for students. Seeing the joy and relief from our users as they regain time for what matters most—serving students—is incredibly rewarding.

Getting to where we are today was far from easy. In the early days, we faced challenges common to startups: limited resources, gaining trust in the special education/SLP space, and learning how to scale a business. But those obstacles shaped who we are today. We listened to our customers and adapted, moving from a product just for SLPs to a product designed to support the entire special education team. We kept pushing forward because we believed in the vision of creating a tool that truly makes a difference. Overcoming those challenges taught us the power of perseverance, the importance of staying true to our mission, and the value of collaboration.

We want the world to know that SLP Toolkit and our sister product, Kit for Teams, are not just software—we are a community. We’re dedicated to helping special education professionals feel seen, supported, and successful. Our story is about creating something meaningful out of a genuine need, and our journey is proof that with passion, empathy, and a commitment to problem-solving, you can create something that positively impacts others’ lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, it would depend if we were in my home in Chandler, AZ, or Del Norte, CO—two places I love for their unique vibes. Chandler is a suburb of Phoenix, so this is where I fill my city tank. We’d start the day with a boozy brunch at the Tipsy Egg, explore Downtown Chandler’s shops, and head into Phoenix for art, street fairs and museums. Evenings would be all about great food and drinks at places like Coabana in Phoenix, or The Ostrich in Chandler, a cool speakeasy. A day trip to Bisbee would also be on the itinerary. Bisbee is a hidden gem in Arizona, and my absolute favorite place in the state.

Del Norte is a total change of pace and where I find my peace—hiking in the San Juan Mountains, heading into the Rio Grande National Forest on the side by side, fishing or rafting on the Rio Grande, and visiting fun local spots like the Windsor Hotel for dinner and Three Barrel Brewing for pizza and craft beer. Trade and Post offers many live music events and is a great place to get vinyl and beers. Also, a stop at the hot springs in Hooper is also a must. Del Norte is a perfect mix of mountain adventure and relaxation!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my co-founding partner, Sarah. We created an amazing thing together.

Website: www.slptoolkit.com, www.kitforteams.com, www.bethebrightest.com

Instagram: @slptoolkit, @kitforteams, @bright_ideas_media

Linkedin: @slptoolkit, @kitforteams, @bright_ideas_media

Facebook: @slptoolkit, @kitforteams, @bright_ideas_media

Youtube: @slptoolkit, @kitforteams

Other: https://linkedin.com/in/lisakathman/

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