Hidden Gems: Meet Adrienne Pelkey of Speech Etc. Language and Speech Therapy Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Pelkey

Adrienne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a small town called Clio in Michigan where I met my now husband on the school bus. I grew up dancing and my life really revolved around it. I was up at the studio, almost everyday of the week, so the owner offered me a job of being an assistant dance instructor. This is where I learned that I wanted to work with kids.

One of the dance teachers worked in a special education school in Flint, MI and asked if I wanted to volunteer during their summer camp program. The classroom I was assigned to was with non-speaking elementary aged students, many with an Autism Diagnosis. I saw first hand what a Speech Language Pathologist working with these students to give them a voice through AAC, sign language and gestures. I realized this is what I wanted to pursue as a career.

While in college I worked in a Montessori preschool. located in a women’s abuse shelter in Flint, MI, I learned so much about child development and how important supports are for not only children, but their families as well. I graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor’s in Speech Communication and minor in Entrepreneurship.

I then, married my high school sweetheart who joined the Navy which brought us to Ventura County, CA. During this time I completed my Post-Baccalaureate program to finish off some college credits I needed before starting graduate school. . After applying for 2 years to graduate programs, I was then accepted into the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Online Graduate program. During graduate school I would do coursework, lectures and clinical rotations during the day. And at night and really early in the morning (usually starting at 2 am) I taught English, virtually, to students in China (work-life balance was not my strong suit). This is when my husband and I moved to San Diego. I finished up my clinical rotations and graduated from UWEC, and started working at a pediatric outpatient clinic. My husband left the Navy but we both loved San Diego so much we decided to stay permanently. After working at the clinic for multiple years, I transitioned into working for a school district virtually. While working for the school I started Speech Etc. on the evenings and weekends and now I am fully self employed with the most work life balance I have ever had!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest challenges for me have been internal. Imposter Syndrome, fear of failure and burnout were the biggest roadblocks for me in my journey in opening my practice. I spent many therapy sessions and countless conversations with my husband, friends and family working through this, but what I came to realize was it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or if they see your vision. It is your vision so your opinion is what matters. If you follow your heart and gut, then everything else works itself out. Decreasing my need for approval from others is what really grew, not only my practice, but myself as well. I also realized that if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t support the families I work with the the best of my ability. Work life balance is what I strive for everyday, and when there is a balance, I am a more present and way less stressed.

As you know, we’re big fans of Speech Etc. Language and Speech Therapy Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Speech Etc. Language and Speech Therapy Inc. is a in-home and teletherapy based clinic that specializes in language delays and disorders, including AAC devices and feeding therapy. When I started Speech Etc. I wanted to focus on the areas that I am most passionate about:

1. Providing high quality, neurodiversity affirming language and feeding therapy
2. Cultivate a community for families and members of of the neurodivergent community
3. Provide supports and education to families, the community, and upcoming speech therapists.

These are the reasons why Speech Etc. was born. Fall of 2023, I was working full time in the school setting, but decided to start doing my own “thing” in the evening and weekends. By June 2024, I was able to fully leave my job at the school and fully dedicate my time and energy to Speech Etc. I currently provide in-home speech, language and feeding therapy to clients in the Greater San Diego Area. I run a caregiver/parent support group of neurodivergent children. I also plan community outings with families who feel that going out in the community (i.e. the park, zoo, beach, etc.) is too challenging to do on their own with their high supports children. My goal is to empower and encourage families and the community to embrace everyone and learn how to support humans who process the world differently.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was very active in dance. Though I loved dancing and performing, I was an introvert, when I wasn’t at dance practice I had my nose in a book, with my cat on my lap. Many things have not changed. I still consider myself an introvert even though I “talk” for a living. I love my career but require quiet, calm days where I am at home with a cat or two on my lap.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.speechetc.net
• Instagram: @speechetc