Catrina Hughes

Catrina Hughes (she/her) is a passionate neurodiversity-affirming speech therapist based in Chicago, IL (in-person & virtual) and is also licensed in Washington state (virtual only). She brings a special skillset to her practice as she is also a professional improv comedy educator and performer. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology & Education from Marymount Manhattan College (2012) and her Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from The University of Vermont (2014). Catrina has been on the Faculty at The Second City Training Center, Chicago for 3+ years.

My Approach To Speech Therapy

With a distinctive use of improvisation (improv), play, and integral life skills as transformative tools, my approach to speech therapy is rooted in joyful client-directed care. I collaborate with clients in their therapeutic experience to promote meaningful personal growth, autonomy, wellness, and connection. Partnering and connecting with caregivers/families is also a vital element to my practice to maximize carry-over of skills to each client’s community.

What A Session Looks Like With Me

A session with me is going to be first and foremost: comfortable and fun! We will begin our sessions with wellness, consent and boundary check-ins to see how you are doing presently (e.g., maybe you would like to refrain from any activities that involve movement, or any topics that discuss ableism). Next, we will review learning accommodations and needs for the day (e.g., maybe you are feeling overstimulated so need to wear headphones or find a quiet space in your home with low lighting to meet). Then, we will write out a visual schedule and set timers for the session to better anticipate upcoming activities and support executive function skills. Following this, we will support the nervous system with an energizing or calming improv game with specific intentions (e.g., ground in our bodies, let go of stress, increase mindfulness/presence). From there, we will move into goal-directed activities tailored to your individual needs, using evidence-based strategies to build skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. As much improv and playful movement will be incorporated as desired by each client. That might look like role-playing certain social or advocacy scenarios (e.g., initiating a hang-out with an acquaintance, asking for help at school), enhancing narrative/listening comprehension skills via sensory story-building games, or affirming your unique way of communicating in creative scene games.

Fun Facts About Catrina

Outside of speech therapy, I am typically coaching improv performers, going to theater or comedy performances, or performing myself! I love to connect on and off stage with creative comedians and actors, as I am always inspired by everyone’s unique points of view. Laughter and improv have supported me in my own neurodivergent journey and I believe I am able to be my best, most authentic self when I am consistently engaged in the comedy community. I also love swimming in the lake, dance classes, and pottery! My favorite quote is from the mother of improvisation, Viola Spolin: “Through spontaneity, we are re-formed into ourselves.