Please note that we are only accepting new clients for teletherapy at this time.

About Our Practice

Compassionate, Individualized Speech Therapy for Diverse Needs

Ms. Paula, SLP Bilingual Speech-Language Services was founded by a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist who saw a need for specialized, therapeutic support among culturally and linguistically diverse families in her community.
 

We strive to provide our clients with high-quality services in English and Spanish, including evaluation, therapy, and consultation. These services are all performed by skilled and experienced speech therapists in the comfort of the client’s own home. Our approach is anchored by family engagement and participation to enhance and accelerate the outcomes of therapy. In addition to bilingual evaluations and speech-language therapy, Ms. Paula, SLP offers consultative services for parents and educators, as well as implementation training for augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) and ongoing parent/caregiver coaching.

Ms. Paula, SLP stands apart by offering a full range of bilingual therapy services and accepting a wide range of health insurance plans.

Team Members

Paula Acuña | ​Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Paula Acuña, M.A., CCC-SLP

​Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Terapeuta de habla y lenguaje bilingüe

Paula Acuña, M.A., CCC-SLP, known as Ms. Paula by her clients, offers customized speech, language, and feeding intervention for children and adults with a wide range of abilities to promote independence and improve their quality of life.

With advanced training in early intervention, bilingual education, the PROMPT technique, picture exchange communication system (PECS), social thinking, and feeding therapy, Paula supports individuals with various diagnoses including autism, apraxia, down syndrome, developmental delay, hearing impairment, learning disabilities, phonological disorder, specific language impairment, and traumatic brain injury.
 

Paula has a Masters in Speech & Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelors in Human Communication Sciences from Northwestern University. Her research interest is in typical and atypical speech-language acquisition and development as it pertains to simultaneous and sequential Spanish–English bilinguals. She maintains an Early Intervention credential and a Professional Educator License with ESL Special Education and Bilingual Special Education Teacher-Spanish approvals.

Diana Santana | Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Diana Santana, M.A., CCC-SLP

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Terapeuta de habla y lenguaje bilingüe

Diana Santana, M.A., CCC-SLP is a nationally certified bilingual speech-language pathologist with experience providing therapy to children ages 2 through the school-age years. Since beginning her career in the field of speech-language pathology, she has practiced in pre-schools, elementary schools, and via teletherapy. Her area of specialty is working with bilingual (Spanish–English) children with speech and language impairments.

Diana received her Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Elmhurst College. She then went on to receive her Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Indiana University. While at Indiana University, she participated in and completed the Speech Therapy Education, Practicum, and Services (STEPS) program for Latino families. Through this program Diana obtained specialized training in providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services to Spanish–English bilingual children and their families.

Diana is located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. When she is not providing speech-language services, she enjoys booking flights and traveling to new places. While on her trips, Diana loves trying new foods, learning about its people, and exploring nature. Diana also enjoys spending time with her family, her friends, and most importantly her dog.

Liliana De Leon, M.A., CCC-SLP

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Terapeuta de habla y lenguaje bilingüe

Liliana De Leon, M.A., CCC-SLP, is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist serving pediatric clients. She has experience providing therapy services ranging from early childhood through elementary school both in-person and via teletherapy.

Liliana received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She spent a summer semester studying abroad in Spain to improve her conversational language skills. Liliana then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Indiana University, with a concentration in bilingual (Spanish-English) service delivery. At IU, Liliana was trained to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to diverse clients and their families.

Liliana is located on the northwest side of Chicago. Outside of work, she enjoys visiting new coffee shops around the city, going on long walks, learning French, and spending time with family and friends.

Maria Jose Rosales

Maria Rosales, B.A., SLPA

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Asistente de terapeuta de habla y lenguaje bilingüe

Maria Rosales, B.A., SLPA has a background in applied behavior analysis working as a Registered Behavior Technician. Maria has experience assisting and providing speech language therapy services for clients ages 2-22 with a range of diagnoses including Apraxia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Learning Disability and Intellectual Disability. She has provided one-on-one, group, and co-treatment sessions as well as speech services in pools, known as water therapy. Maria enjoys learning and continues to expand her education with a special interest in implementation and programming of Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices.

Maria completed the Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program at College of DuPage and then obtained her Bachelors degree at Elmhurst University. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Maria is based in the west suburbs of Chicago. When she is not providing services or continuing her education, she enjoys various workouts such as boxing, yoga, and hot pilates.

Alexa Mendoza, M.A., CF-SLP

Bilingual Speech-Language PathologistTerapeuta de habla y lenguaje bilingüe

Alexa Mendoza, M.A., CF-SLP, is a bilingual clinical fellow speech-language pathologist. She has experience working with the pediatric population with diverse speech, language, and communication needs. Alexa has worked with children in both the educational and outpatient clinical settings.Alexa received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech & Hearing Science and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At UIUC, she received clinical training and experience in conducting bilingual speech-language evaluations and treatment. She has interests in supporting children with language delays and disorders, bilingual language development, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Alexa enjoys individualizing her therapy sessions according to her clients’ interests and collaborating with families to optimize clients’ success. Alexa is located in the west suburbs of Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new cafes & restaurants, going for runs, and playing pickleball. 

Lindsay Rich, M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lindsay Rich, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with experience working with students aged 3 to 18 in public schools. Lindsay earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Butler University and went on to receive her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University.

Lindsay’s areas of interest include supporting children with language delays and disorders, treating articulation and phonological disorders, and assisting children with complex communication needs using various forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She has experience working with elementary-aged and high school students in California and Chicago. Her work includes leading whole-group and small-group sessions in Autism-specific classrooms, as well as working with students with Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Delay to address a variety of communication needs. She finds meaning and joy in her work, and notes that her students thrive and grow most when play and genuine connection are centered in therapy.

Lindsay resides on the southwest side of Chicago. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, playing soccer and basketball, and reading.

Credentials & Partnerships

Media

March 2023: Teach About Speech

Join Mia Terry and Paula Acuna as they discuss the importance of bilingualism in the SLP field

with Mia Terry

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January 2023: SLP Full Disclosure

Bilingualism Myths You Need to Know - Paula Acuña | Ep 74 | Full Episode

with Jennifer Martin

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December 2022: The Key to Connection Podcast

Episode 14: Ms. Paula SLP Talks Connection to Heritage Language, Parent Education, & So Much More

with Izzy Bareiss and Estee Reeves

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October 2022: Univision Portland

Paula Acuña was featured in a story on the benefits of bilingualism

with Univision Portland

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September 2020: Wilmette Living

How to Identify Speech-Language Milestones and Facilitate Growth at Home​

​by Paula Acuña

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April 2020: Zora Medium

Lockdown Is Forcing Special Needs Parents to Get Creative

​by Arionne Nettles

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