Emma Depew, M.S. CCC-SLP

My name is Emma Depew, and I am the owner and founder of AAC & Beyond Speech Therapy. I earned my Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Redlands in 2016. Since then, I have had the privilege of working across a wide range of pediatric settings, each shaping the clinician I am today.

I began my career as an intern in the inpatient setting at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where my passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) first took root. During this time, I worked closely with families to help provide reliable and meaningful communication systems—whether for short-term use during hospitalization or as long-term supports both in and out of the hospital.

From there, I transitioned into the school setting, where I have spent the better part of the past decade as a pediatric speech-language pathologist and AAC specialist. In this role, I provide a broad range of communication services, and one of my favorite aspects of the job is the variety each day brings. A typical day might include targeting articulation goals, fine-tuning an eye-gaze device so a student can play their favorite reggae song, supporting self-advocacy for clients who stutter, and ending the day by building expressive and receptive language skills.

The decision to open my own practice grew from a desire to focus on community-based therapy. This dynamic approach supports clients in carrying over skills learned in traditional therapy settings into real-world environments. Community-based therapy is designed to foster confidence, independence, and functional communication in everyday situations.

I believe in a neurodiversity-affirming approach that honors each child’s unique strengths and interests. At AAC & Beyond Speech Therapy, our mission is to empower every individual with the tools, support, and voice they need to connect with the world around them.