Ashlyn is a Speech-Language Pathologist who obtained her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, located in Hattiesburg, MS, and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Ashlyn is originally from Goose Creek, SC, and decided to move back to Charleston, SC, after completing her Master’s degree to start her Clinical Fellowship year and begin her journey as a licensed SLP.

 

After graduation, Ashlyn was offered a position at a private practice that provided pediatric care in both the clinic and Home Health settings. Ashlyn quickly became interested in serving the Early Intervention population and patients with Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC). Her passion for AAC started during a grad school volunteer clinical experience. During her graduate studies, Ashlyn volunteered with a local nonprofit organization in Birmingham, Alabama, where she and her classmates facilitated AAC-based social interactions for school-aged children. These experiences focused on building the children’s confidence while allowing families and caregivers to relax and enjoy watching their children connect with others. Through this work, Ashlyn witnessed meaningful relationships form and helped create a fun, welcoming environment for young AAC users. This early experience in her professional journey sparked her passion for fostering connection through compassion—driving her continued commitment to creating spaces where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. Fast forward to her Clinical Fellowship year, when many of her patients were not developing verbal means of communication, and with patients who had Autism. Many families were unaware of what AAC was, and some patients already had a device, but the family was not sure how to use it at home for carryover or functional purposes. Ashlyn found great interest in equipping and empowering families or fellow team members with tips and suggestions for using the device and understanding its function as a communication tool. From there, Ashlyn strives to provide communication means to all individuals unable to communicate using their natural speech. She worked at the practice for almost three years, and during her time providing care to her patients and their families, she attended her first National Conference, the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). Leaving the conference, she was ready to share what she had learned and use the skills to assist and facilitate meaningful connections for those without a voice. 

 

Outside of work, Ashlyn loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, trying new food or coffee spots in Charleston, going on walks, and shopping. When the weather is too hot or rainy, Ashlyn loves to also stay inside to snuggle on the couch with her fur-babies ( two cats, Roy and Mango), watch a Disney movie or two, or read a book. Ashlyn stays active with her local church community and enjoys serving others. Baking and cooking are other fun hobbies she enjoys. Her favorite memories in the kitchen were spent with her grandmother baking chocolate chip cookies, and Ashlyn claims to have the best brownies.