From Practitioner to Presenter
Transform your clinical expertise into winning conference proposals. Join rehabilitation professionals who've answered the Call for Papers and moved from imposter syndrome to confident presenter.
Your Clinical Expertise Deserves Recognition
You're brilliant in the clinic. You transform lives daily as a PT, OT, or SLP.
But when that call for conference proposals hits your inbox? Everything changes.
The submission portal looks daunting. Your brain whispers: "Real presenters have PhDs" and "Who am I to be up there?"
You close the tab. Tell yourself you'll come back later. The deadline passes. Another opportunity gone.
After reviewing many conference proposals and presenting across the country, I know this:
Other professionals are desperate to hear about your real-world clinical wins.
Your problem-solving. Your adaptations. Your patient successes.
Finally Getting the Recognition You Deserve
Call for Papers Overwhelm
That daunting submission portal with its abstract guidelines, learning objectives, session formats.
One more thing on an impossible to-do list.
Your clinical day doesn't stop for proposal deadlines, and writing about your work feels harder than doing it.
Imposter Syndrome
You scroll through accepted presenters: PhD after PhD, university affiliations, research credentials.
Meanwhile, you're in the trenches doing the actual work.
Who are you to be up there? Spoiler: You're exactly who should be.
Conference attendees are desperate for practical content from clinicians like you.
Your Breakthrough Moment
Imagine opening that email. Your proposal. Accepted!
Suddenly you're not just another clinician. You're a recognized expert.
When was the last time you got applause for your clinical work?
Picture an entire room of peers leaning in, taking notes, asking questions.
It changes everything.
That's where I come in.
Why Your Clinical Expertise Matters More Than You Think
After reviewing numerous proposals, I've seen the pattern: Successful applicants aren't always the researchers with the most publications. They're also practitioners who translate clinical insights into actionable learning.
Conference committees want diverse voices and real-world problem-solving. PTs in outpatient ortho, OTs in pediatrics, SLPs with complex caseloads. Your daily challenges are conference content.
The barrier isn't your expertise. It's packaging it into proposals reviewers can't ignore.
My Credentials
Licensed and certified SLP with 35+ years in the field
Previous ASHA Convention proposal reviewer
A speaker with more than 10 accepted state presentations and 7 national presentations
Professional copywriter and content creator
Someone who been on both sides of the submission process, and I'm here to help you succeed.
Testimonials
“Valeria helped reassure me that I am prepared for my first conference presentation. Her proposal checklist and conference timeline downloads cover all the steps I needed to follow to get ready for the big day.”
-Mallory
“This was my first time attempting to present at a national conference, and I believe I was largely able to achieve this milestone accomplishment with Coach Valeria's help.”
-Amber
“As someone who has always dealt with imposter syndrome, never did I think I could present at a conference. But then I was asked the question by Valeria of, “why not?”. That stuck with me. The guidance she provided in developing the detailed proposal was crucial in its acceptance.”
-Alexandra
“Valeria is a positive collaborator, that helps encourage others to reach past what they may think is possible. She helps guide you to success with the work you do together!”
-Lena
Choose Your Path to the Conference Stage
Whether you're taking your first steps toward presenting or ready to dive deep into proposal strategy, there's a program designed for your needs. Each service includes one year of access, so you can work at your own pace without the pressure of artificial deadlines.
Office hours are a monthly opportunity to work on your proposal during a live, virtual working session.
1
Foundation Webinar
$27 - Pre-Sell for March 9th Week
Perfect for professionals new to conference presenting or those who need a structured introduction to the proposal process. This live webinar walks you through the fundamentals of crafting a compelling conference submission.
  • 60-minute live webinar session
  • Bonus proposal organizer template
  • One year of recorded access
  • Early bird discount pricing
  • Q&A session included
2
Intensive Workshop
$79 - Join Waitlist
For rehabilitation professionals ready to commit to becoming conference presenters. This comprehensive workshop provides hands-on guidance, personalized feedback opportunities, and ongoing support throughout the proposal development process.
  • 2-hour intensive workshop
  • Step-by-step tutorials
  • Online modules such as the anatomy of the Call for Papers, ethical use of AI, and more
  • One group office hour
  • One year of access to all materials
3
Signature Program
$297 - Join Waitlist
The premium experience for practitioners who want personalized guidance and direct feedback on their proposals. This program includes everything from the Intensive Workshop plus extended one-on-one support and detailed proposal reviews.
  • Everything in Intensive Workshop
  • One additional group office hour
  • Direct email access for questions
  • Priority review of draft proposals
Business Groups: Elevate Your Entire Team
Is your clinic, department, or organization ready to build a culture of professional development and conference participation? Group programs offer customized training that fits your team's schedule and learning preferences. Whether you prefer recorded modules for flexible learning or live sessions for real-time interaction, we'll design a program that works for your organization.
Group Program Benefits
  • Customized pricing for teams of 10 or more
  • Recorded modules and live training options
  • Organization-specific proposal strategies
  • Bulk access to all program materials
  • Flexible scheduling to fit clinical demands
  • Team accountability and collaboration
Request a Custom Quote
Share your organization's details and training preferences, and I'll create a proposal tailored to your team's needs. Group rates make professional development accessible while building a community of presenters within your organization.
The Real Cost of “I'm Not Ready Yet"
What you're missing each year you wait:
• Professional validation and recognition
• Connections that open doors
• Resume builders for career advancement
• The satisfaction of advancing your profession
What keeps you stuck:
Waiting for the "perfect" topic or until you feel "ready enough."
Meanwhile: Less experienced clinicians are getting accepted - not because they're more qualified, but because they know the submission process.
The truth: The barrier isn't your clinical skills. It's proposal writing skills. And those can be learned fast.
With 1-year access, you can learn the system and submit to multiple conferences without rushing. No reason to postpone.
What Makes This Different: Insider Knowledge
Conference Review Experience
As a previous ASHA convention proposal reviewer, I've seen numerous submissions every cycle.
I know what catches reviewers' attention and what gets proposals rejected for easily fixable reasons.
The Review Process Revealed
Many clinicians submit proposals blindly, hoping for the best.
But reviewers have specific criteria: clear learning objectives, practical application, proper session format, theme alignment.
Small mistakes in any area can sink an excellent proposal.
I'll show you how to think like a reviewer and structure your proposal to score high by presenting your genuine expertise in the format they need to recognize its value.
From Proposal to Presentation: The Full Journey
1
Proposal Development
Identify presentation-worthy topics from your daily work.
Transform your expertise into compelling abstracts.
2
Submission Strategy
Master submission portals, understand review criteria, optimize for acceptance.
Choose the right conferences and formats.
3
Acceptance & Preparation
Celebrate your acceptance, then prepare for delivery.
Develop materials, practice presentation, prep for questions..
4
Conference Presentation
Step onto that stage as a recognized expert.
Share knowledge, build your network, establish your reputation.
This journey transforms not just your resume but your entire professional identity. You're no longer “just” a clinician. You're a thought leader, an educator, a recognized expert in your field. And it starts with one submitted proposal.
Track Record of Personal Success
35+
Years of Experience
Over three decades of combined clinical practice and academic expertise in speech-language pathology and rehabilitation sciences.
10+
State Presentations
Accepted presentations at state conventions including GSHA, FLASHA, and other regional professional conferences.
7
National Presentations
Presentations at ASHA Convention and other national conferences.
3
Years as Reviewer
Previous proposal reviewer for ASHA Convention, providing insider perspective on what makes proposals successful in competitive review processes.

Honest Disclosure: I can't guarantee your proposal will be accepted. Conference review is competitive, and factors beyond our control influence selection. However, my track record speaks for itself, and I'm committed to giving you every possible advantage in the submission process. Many of my clients have successfully transitioned from practitioners to presenters using these exact strategies.
Who These Programs Are For
(And Who They're Not For)
Perfect For:
  • Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists with clinical expertise to share
  • Practitioners experiencing imposter syndrome about conference presenting
  • Clinicians who've been "meaning to submit" but never follow through
  • Professionals who want reviewer-backed strategies, not generic advice
  • Teams ready to build a culture of professional development
  • Anyone committed to elevating their professional visibility
Not Right For:
  • Professionals seeking guaranteed acceptance (no one can promise that)
  • Clinicians looking for someone to write their proposal for them
These programs teach you the skills to succeed independently. You'll do the work of developing your proposal, but you'll have guidance every step of the way.
Your Next Step: Choose Your Program
Conference deadlines happen year-round.
With 1-year access, you have plenty of time to learn and submit. The question isn't timing. It's whether you're ready to stop feeling like you don't belong.
New to Presenting?
Attend the Foundation Webinar. Learn the basics, get templates, and decide if presenting is for you.
Ready to Commit?
Join the Intensive Workshop waitlist. You’ll receive comprehensive training and tools for multiple proposals.
Want Personalized Support?
Join the Signature Program waitlist for individual feedback, proposal reviews, and direct access.
Ready to Step Up?
You've read this far - something resonated. Maybe it's watching others present while you stay silent. Or realizing your expertise deserves a bigger platform. Could it be that it's time to stop postponing your growth?
The field needs your voice. Your creative solutions. Your real-world insights. Your practical strategies that actually work.
When you present, you're not just adding a resume line. You're joining a community of educators, building your reputation, creating opportunities that don't exist for practitioners stuck in imposter syndrome.
Contact Information
Valeria Gary, M.A., CCC-SLP
All programs include one year of access to materials, allowing you to work at your own pace and submit to multiple conferences throughout the year.

Your expertise deserves to be seen. Let's make it happen together.
© 2025 Valeria Gary. From Practitioner to Presenter: Conference Proposal Blueprint. Empowering rehabilitation professionals to share their expertise through successful conference presentations.