Meet Nina Austria, M.S., CCC-SLP
California Licensed & ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist

Hi, I’m Nina! I’m a California-licensed and ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in the early years of communication (birth to 5). I love supporting little ones and their families as they build communication skills through play, connection, and everyday routines.

I began my career in 2017 as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, providing in-home and community-based early intervention services. Since then, I’ve gained extensive experience in private practice and school settings, working with children with Autism, developmental differences, sensory needs, and speech and language delays. My work with the early intervention population also includes supporting children who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) as well as providing feeding therapy and oral motor support. My approach is child-led and neuroaffirming, honoring every child’s unique strengths and communication style.

I have a special passion for working with children who use AAC, particularly those learning to communicate through high-tech speech-generating devices. I truly enjoy the process of finding fun, motivating, and meaningful ways to help each child connect and express themselves using their device. Whether we’re playing, exploring, or sharing stories, I love creating moments where communication feels natural, joyful, and empowering for both children and their families.

I also bring unique experience from serving on the Preschool Initial Assessment Team for a local Southern California school district. In this role, I helped families navigate the important transition from regional center services into the school system. I conducted comprehensive speech and language assessments to determine school-based eligibility and appropriate supports, and I collaborated as part of the IEP team dedicated to this transition process. During this work, I recognized a potential gap in services for children who did not meet school-based eligibility criteria. Many families expressed that they would just wait until school starts, which left a critical transitional year without support. Recognizing this gap, I chose to focus my practice on bridging that important period, providing early intervention and transitional support services to help families continue building communication skills and confidence before entering the school system.

While my primary focus is early intervention, I also have experience working with older students and adults in programs that emphasized social communication, life skills, and relationship building. These experiences have reinforced my belief that communication is at the heart of connection, confidence, and quality of life.

At the center of my work is a simple philosophy: every child’s voice matters, and all forms of communication are valid. My goal is to empower families and help their children thrive—not just in therapy, but in everyday life.

Credentials:

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Biola University

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University

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

California State License in Speech-Language Pathology