About

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

Hi, I’m Kara.

As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and a mom, I’m deeply passionate about helping children reach their full communication potential. I specialize in working with children—from toddlers through the school-aged years—using a play-based, family-centered approach to build strong, confident communicators.

I believe that effective speech and language skills do more than improve communication—they support behavior, boost self-confidence, and help children thrive socially and academically, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.

I earned my B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and my M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Chapman University, graduating magna cum laude. I have been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in California since 2016 and hold my Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Over the years, I’ve gained experience working with a wide range of communication disorders across both private practice and school settings. While I have worked with clients across the lifespan, my passion lies in supporting children and partnering closely with families to help them grow and succeed.

My Approach

I take a highly individualized, client-centered approach to both evaluations and therapy. Sessions are thoughtfully designed to be engaging, play-based, and rooted in evidence-based practice—so children feel motivated, successful, and excited to communicate.

As a boutique practice, all sessions are provided one-on-one by me, allowing for consistent care, strong relationships, and truly personalized treatment for every child and family I work with.

Outside the Office

When I’m not working with my clients, you’ll usually find me with my husband and our two energetic sons. I love beach days, reading, and hiking the beautiful trails of Orange County—soaking in plenty of salt and sun.

Qualifications & Special Training

I bring a strong foundation of clinical training and experience to my work as a pediatric speech-language pathologist. Through ongoing education and professional development, I ensure that each child receives thoughtful, individualized care rooted in the latest evidence-based practices. In 2025, I was honored to receive the ASHA ACE Award, recognizing advanced continuing education and dedication to clinical excellence.

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

Specialized Training

It Takes Two to Talk®: Parent-focused program by The Hanen Centre that teaches strategies to support young children with language delays through everyday interactions
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
The Ultimate Play-Based Speech Therapy Course