Deanna Schryver-Hardy, MS, CCC-SLP, AT/AAC

I became a speech-language pathologist because communication changed my family's life. When my son was diagnosed with autism at age two and a half, it was the care, connection, and consistency of his speech therapist that helped him — and me — find our footing. This experience ignited a passion within me, and I was determined to make a similar impact on other families. I’ve now spent over 15 years walking alongside children, young adults, and their families as they navigate speech and language challenges. I’ve worked in both public schools and private practice, and my specialties include early language development, speech disorders, autism, AAC, and language-based learning disorders. I’m especially passionate about neurodiverse-affirming care — supporting clients in ways that honor who they are, not just what a test score says. When I founded Western Sierra Speech & Language, I wanted to create something more than a clinic. I wanted to build a space where communication begins with connection — where families feel seen, supported, and heard. My goal is to bring humanity back to the heart of therapy, while also harnessing the power of research, best practice, and technology to deliver real, lasting progress. Whether we’re engaging through child-led play therapy, coaching through a speech-generating device, or collaborating through teletherapy, I believe every voice matters — and I’m honored to help my clients find theirs.