Neurodiversity-affirming & Nature-based
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Neurodiversity-affirming & Nature-based •
Your Ally and Advocate
Redefine Speech Therapy
Hana Speech Therapy is more than just speech therapy—we are your trusted circle of guides and advocates. Here, we celebrate differences and support every child in growing and expressing themselves freely. We envision a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to communicate authentically. Join us in shifting the paradigm to embrace the diversity of expression!
My Expertise
Guidance You Can Trust
Hello! I’m Hanalei, the owner and lead speech therapist at Hana Speech Therapy.
As a neurodivergent woman, I deeply value the importance of embracing our authentic selves. This belief inspired me to create Hana Speech Therapy—a space where neurodivergent children can cultivate a strong sense of self and develop meaningful connections through communication.
I’m a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), and hold a Clinical Certificate of Competence (CCC). I completed my Master’s degree at Pacific University in Oregon and currently live in Ojai, CA, with my cat, Michi. I enjoy hiking, surfing, yoga, and pottery.
With over ten years of experience in the field of speech pathology, I’ve worked in various settings including schools, private practices, outpatient rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. Through these experiences, I recognized a need for something more, leading me to expand my offerings with the clinical expertise I’ve gained.
My holistic, nature-based approach honors your child’s individuality, fostering autonomy, creativity, and true growth. By taking therapy out of the clinic and into the natural world, we create an environment where your child can thrive beyond the limitations of the traditional medical model. Together, we can nurture your child’s authentic self and help them flourish.
Our Values:
autonomy
Children lead. We follow—with trust, flexibility, and respect.
play
Play is powerful. It’s how kids learn, connect, and regulate.
wild curiosity
Deep interests matter. We honor wonder as a way in.
freedom of expression
All feelings, stims, and styles of being are welcome here.
diversity
All forms of communication are honored — spoken, unspoken, gestures, ASL, spelling, singing, and more…we get you!
respect
We presume competence, always. Every child is capable and worthy.
connection to nature
Nature calms, grounds, and inspires—because we are a part of it.
Partnerships
Montessori Center School x Hana Speech Therapy
Since 2023, Hana Speech Therapy has partnered with Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara to provide accessible, on-campus speech and language support. This collaboration allows families to access screenings, neurodiversity-affirming social groups, and private 1:1 sessions during the school day—eliminating the need for extra travel or after-school appointments. Services take place in supportive settings like a dedicated indoor space, the garden, or classroom, making therapy a natural part of each child’s day.
Bridging internal and external worlds
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Bridging internal and external worlds •
Let’s Tell A Great Story
The Heart Behind Our Work
Hana Speech Therapy was born from a deep love for advocacy, play, and the beauty of every child’s unique voice. As a neurodivergent speech therapist, I spent years working in medical, school, and private settings, only to feel burned out by systems that weren’t designed for me — or the people I wanted to serve.
I knew there had to be a better way. So, I began listening closely to the real experts—my clients. Through their experiences and specialized continuing education, I learned about gestalt language processing, sensory regulation, trauma-informed care, disability justice, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and the ways communication intersects with identity (i.e., disability, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.)
From there, I developed an approach rooted in evidence and guided by what most traditional therapies seem to have forgotten—the heart of our humanity: acceptance, kindness, connection, and understanding. My methods create a space where kids feel safe, supported, and seen because communication flourishes when they are valued exactly as they are.