Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Ashford.
Hi Colleen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! I’m a bilingual speech-language pathologist and special-education advocate located in Vista. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to work with children. At first, I thought perhaps I’d become a teacher, but later I realized that becoming a speech-language pathologist was my true calling. I had a special bond with my grandmother, who was a pediatric speech-language pathologist. She would sometimes bring me to work with her when I was little, and it was she who encouraged me to explore the field. I fell in love with the practical application of scientific research, the way a child’s face lit up when they achieved a goal, and the huge impact that individualized attention during sessions could have — that’s what sold me on the profession.
I attended the University of Illinois and then Illinois State University, where I earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. After spending a few years working in public schools in central Illinois, I moved to Oceanside, California with my husband, Marc, and transitioned into working in pediatric therapy clinics. The interdisciplinary work with occupational therapists and physical therapists was extremely rewarding and helped shape my now sensory-based and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Going into private practice was never on my radar, but after gaining experience in a supervisory role at the clinic and continuing to serve clients who needed help navigating the IEP process in their local schools, a spark was lit. I began taking courses such as the Special Education Law Advocacy Series by USD and learning all I could about special education policy and law while I worked in another public school. I paired what I was learning with one more year of practical experience inside the system so that when the time was right, I could step outside the system and start my own practice—one that would allow me to serve both as an SLP and as an advocate.
In the spring of 2024, I officially launched Ashford Speech and Advocacy, P.C. at the Vista Strawberry Festival. My mobile practice now serves clients in their homes, out in the community, and virtually. Living out my values as a business owner has brought me tremendous fulfillment, creativity, and connection—and I look forward to growing my team in 2026.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While there are certainly a few enterprising people in my family, I didn’t have many examples of entrepreneurship to refer to when I began my practice. My motto for the whole first year was “everything is figure-out-able,” because I truly was learning on the job. Figuring out what my community needed and then how to reach them took time and required the confidence to put myself out there! Learning to market, keep the books, delegate, and think like a business owner kept me on my toes that first year. Ultimately, my main priority—and the reason I pushed through the tough times—was my clients, who were counting on me.
We’ve been impressed with Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C. is a mobile speech-language therapy practice that offers bilingual (Spanish-English) evaluations and treatment for clients of all ages. We specialize in working with Autistic individuals, individuals with complex medical needs and syndromes, those who have a motor-based speech disorder called Apraxia, and those who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technology such as speech-generating tablets. Many of our clients have overlapping diagnoses that require a holistic and collaborative approach that brings a client’s team together—therefore, we also offer coaching packages that include trainings for a client’s team (available in English and Spanish). Funding is available through SDRC or private pay only.
While my clientele is primarily young clients (2–5 years old), I recognize the great need for services for adults with developmental disabilities and am proud to provide them in the home and community through the Self-Determination Program of the Regional Center or through private pay. However, I don’t only provide therapeutic services—I also offer special education advocacy services, which include record reviews, advocacy planning, virtual consultation, correspondence, and IEP meeting attendance.
What sets me apart as an advocate is my intimate knowledge of the system as a former school SLP, my collaborative spirit, and my genuine care for each of my clients. I only take on a select number of local advocacy clients each school year so that those I support receive high-quality care and frequent communication. I’m extremely proud of what my parent-clients and I have accomplished together for the betterment of their children and their access to a free and appropriate education.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C. hosts monthly IEP workshops for anyone looking for some low-cost support with their student’s IEP. These are held at The Film Hub on Eucalyptus Ave in Vista and are also live-streamed online. To find out about the next event, join our mailing list by emailing us at info@ashfordspeechandadvocacy.com.
I also host a podcast called Unfiltered IEPs under my moniker “The Advocate SLP.” Season 1 is available on Apple Podcasts. On the show, I have honest conversations with all kinds of professionals and many parents who sit around an IEP table, to better understand what it’s like to be in their shoes. I’ve interviewed a special education director, other advocates, therapists, and parents. Check it out and join the conversation!
Pricing:
- $150/hr for Speech-Language Therapy
- $150/hr for Advocacy Services
- $25/hr for IEP Workshops
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashfordspeechandadvocacy.com
- Instagram: @ashfordspeechandadvocacypc
- Other: https://theadvocateslp.myflodesk.com/newsletter
Image Credits
Simon Paez
&
Naomi Renee Films and Photography
