17047173241 About | Salt and Sun Speech Therapy
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About Us

Meet Kara Kempff, M.S., CCC-SLP
Founder, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Mom

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As both a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and a mother, Kara is deeply passionate about helping children reach their full communication potential.  She specializes in helping children—from birth through the school-aged years—develop strong communication skills through a play-based, family-centered approach. She believes that effective speech and language skills support improved behavior, boost self-confidence, and lead to greater success in both social and academic settings—ultimately enhancing a child’s overall quality of life.

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She received her B.A. from UCLA and her M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Chapman University where she graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. She has been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of CA since 2016 and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)  from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

 

Kara has clinical experience across the lifespan in both private practice and school settings, treating a wide range of communication disorders and is especially skilled in working with children and supporting their speech and language development.

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Her Approach

Kara uses a client-centered, evidence-based approach in both evaluations and therapy, thoughtfully incorporating play and fun to connect with the children she works with and tap into their intrinsic motivation for learning and communication. She stays current with the latest research and best practices through regular continuing education and professional development, ensuring each child receives the highest quality care.

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Outside the Office

When she’s not helping her pediatric clients communicate clearly and confidently, Kara loves spending time with her husband and their two energetic (and adorable!) sons. She enjoys reading, beach days, and hiking the beautiful trails of Orange County—soaking in plenty of salt and sun.

Qualifications & Special Training

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Kara brings a strong foundation of professional credentials and advanced training to her work as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. Her commitment to ongoing education ensures that every child receives therapy grounded in the most current, evidence-based practices.

 

Licensure & Certification

  • Certificate of Clinical Competence (SLP-CCC)
    National certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

  • Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
    Registered with the California State Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
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Specialized Training

  • Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
    Advanced treatment approach for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

  • Minimal Pairs Therapy
    Effective phonological intervention for children with speech sound disorders

  • Narrative Assessment & Intervention
    Trained by renowned expert Dr. Carol Westby

  • Natural Language Acquisition Trained Clinician 
    Skilled in supporting Gestalt Language Processors through the stages of Natural Language Acquisition

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More exciting certifications are on the horizon—stay tuned!

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