Holistic
Speech therapy
Neurodiversity-affirming
& Nature-based
Hana Speech Therapy offers pediatric speech therapy at outdoor sites in Santa Barbara & Ojai, CA. Our approach is child-led, play-based, and always, neurodiversity-affirming.
HOW IT WORKS
Once you contact us, we match your child with a site and modality that best meets their individual needs.
The great outdoors allow for free expression and movement that boost brain function and mood, improving language skills. We also have a sensory-friendly indoor space in Ojai coming December 2024!
We offer private 1:1 and small group sessions via telehealth or in person at our Ojai space or locations around Santa Barbara, with coaching and advocacy available online.
Playgrounds
Fresh air
Natural light
Creeks
Sand and water play
Climbing, running, exploring…
Offerings
Our speech therapy sessions are all about embracing neurodiversity by following your child’s lead in play. Nature-based settings support their sensory needs and promote holistic, integrative development to nourish their true voice.
1:1 & Group Sessions
Holistic Evaluations
Expand speech therapy evaluations, going beyond deficit-based standards to reflect a genuine picture of your child’s unique communication profile.
Family Coaching & Advocacy
We partner with families to enhance communication skills beyond therapy with personalized coaching. We also advocate for your child's needs and collaborate with other professionals to support neurodiversity in all settings, including IEP meetings.
“I am different. Not less.”
“We couldn’t be more grateful for our experience with Hana. She has been an incredible support for our son, who faces unique challenges with managing his emotions and working through speech stuttering. Her approach is nothing short of magical; she brings creativity and warmth to each session, transforming therapy into a fun and engaging experience that feels more like play than work.
Her ability to meet our son exactly where he is, each and every time, has made a world of difference. She adapts her strategies to his needs in real-time, showing a remarkable understanding and empathy. Her dedication and genuine care for his growth have helped him make progress while building his confidence. We are so thankful for her role in his journey, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to any family seeking a compassionate, talented, and passionate speech therapist!”
— Jenny Stanowick, Santa Barbara Mother
specialties
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Gestalt Language processing
Does your child use repeated phrases or scripts (Delayed Echolalia), show a strong love for music, and struggle with traditional therapy approaches? Do they express themselves with rich intonation, long strings of unclear language, and repetitive play?
They are probably a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP)! Gestalt Language Processing is a method of learning and using language where individuals acquire and use whole phrases or chunks of language as meaningful units, before breaking them down into smaller parts.
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy for GLPs, based on Marge Blanc's evidence-based practices in Natural Language Acquisition, focuses on helping children expand their language flexibility and avoid getting "stuck" with rigid analytic approaches, all while honoring their unique voice and supporting their growth.
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Socioemotional Communication Skills
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy for socioemotional communication skills recognizes and values each child’s unique ways of connecting and expressing emotions by:
Building self-awareness of their strengths and challenges
Identifying necessary support accommodations
Developing perspective-taking skills from both neurodivergent and neurotypical viewpoints
Learning about neurodiversity and the child’s unique profile
Fostering self-advocacy skills
This approach aims to support the development of authentic relationships and a meaningful life, while preventing and managing masking and other mental health impacts of more traditional and deficit-based "social skills" approaches.
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Speech Sounds & Stuttering
Speech therapy for speech sounds and stuttering takes a holistic approach by nurturing each child’s unique communication style.
For addressing speech sound production, we use engaging, personalized activities to improve articulation and pronunciation while considering the child’s overall development, emotional needs, and confidence. This comprehensive support celebrates progress and fosters effective, confident communication in all areas of life.
We take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to stuttering, recognizing it as a natural part of speaking diversity while acknowledging its challenges. We start by teaching the basics of motor speech and fluency, clarifying what stuttering is—and isn’t.
We collaborate with families to foster understanding, promote self-advocacy, and create supportive communication environments at home, school, and beyond. Fluency strategies are available if the child and family choose to learn them.
Meet Hana
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.
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Maria Elena Hernandez, Santa Barbara Parent
“Hana is an amazing SLP. She has a deep understanding of gestalt language processing and neurodiversity-affirming care. Hana was not only helping my son during his sessions, but she helped us advocate for him even after stopping sessions.
If I described my experience in one word, I’d say: amazing!”
“I was hesitant to choose a speech therapist because I didn't want ABA methods to be used on my child, but after finding Hana Speech Therapy, I feel empowered and happy that my son got to experience truly neuro-affirming care.
After working together, my child has improved his ability to use correct grammar and advocate more for himself.”
LET’S CONNECT
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”