Meet Casey Masalehdani, M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD | Speech-Language Pathologist, Feeding Therapist & Provider of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Masalehdani, M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started working as an SLP, I worked in a variety of settings including schools, homes and private practice. I always enjoyed private practice the most, due to the variety of clients I was able to see and the opportunity to connect with the family members on a frequent basis. From very early on in my career, I always wanted to open my own private practice. I felt that by doing so I would be able to make a significant difference in the lives of the clients and families I served. As a creative and entrepreneurial type I also enjoyed the idea of being my own boss and supporting my clients to the best of my ability. I chose the name “Explore Speech” as a reference to my love of exploring and to empower families to explore the vast scope of speech-language pathology, as it encompasses many domains. As I began to take continuing education courses in orofacial myofunctional disorders, feeding therapy, and airway disorders, I found my additional calling. I began to specialize and connect with various medical professionals who treat in this area. I believe by treating these disorders, I am able to help my clients live a happier and healthier life by treating the root cause, not only the associated symptoms.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to work with children. I loved to play school and when I was a teenager I began to work as a babysitter. One of the children I babysat had a SLP come to their home and I was enamored by their role and knew this was what I wanted to study in college. I attended Hofstra University for both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. During that time, I had the opportunity to study abroad. In 2011, I studied in Sydney, Australia and on my trip I met my future husband. He relocated to NY while I finished my studies. We married in 2016 and after the pandemic we chose to relocate to Southern California to take advantage of the sun and an outdoor lifestyle. We have been happily married for 8 years and have two daughters. I always say speech-pathology brought me the two loves of my life: my career and my husband/children.

Before moving to California, I was very apprehensive about leaving my family and friends behind. However, I knew that taking this risk would pay off in the long run. I had to reflect on my former traveling and risk taking experiences, like climbing the Sydney Harbour, Bridge, and Skydiving to remind myself, that some of the best experiences in life require risk. When I decided to open my private practice, it was going to be a risk and a financial investment. I chose to take the leap of faith and prayed the benefit would outweigh the risk. This has been proven to be true and I am so glad that I invested in myself and my business.

I have been a practicing speech-language pathologist for 10 years and a private practice owner since 2020. I started out in my career as a clinician working in NYC across 12 locations and providing a minimum of 50 sessions per week. It was challenging to commute across the city, working in so many different locations, and seeing so many clients per week. It was a tremendous learning experience as I began to connect with the families of my clients, see the children make progress, and prove to myself I can do hard things. After spending time in the city, I moved back to Long Island and began working in a preschool and private practice. During this time, I found my true calling. I loved working with these populations and supporting my clients and their families.

I value compassion, connection and continuing education. I believe in the power of empathy and care. When clients come to see me, they are concerned with their child’s development. I provide a friendly face and a listening ear. I empower them to realize they are their child’s best advocate, and I provide an unwavering support to them. I believe that connection is a cornerstone of the therapeutic process. I connect with the clients, their families and all other relevant medical professionals/teachers. I believe “teamwork makes the dream work” and highly value a team approach. Lastly, I pride myself in being a life long learner. I am constantly taking continuing education courses, reading research, and connecting with colleagues to support my caseload.

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is helping others explore the connection between the varying domains of speech-language pathology. Due to the nature of this very broad field, there are many different areas in which we treat clients. I believe I will have achieved success when I help educate others about these various domains and empower the families with education. I feel I am successful when my clients and their families thank me for being a bright light in their lives. It is always very touching when families thank me for validating their concerns and supporting them on their journey.

Explore Speech Co. values collaboration with other medical professionals/schools/families in the South Bay. I hope to become a well-known and respected SLP within the community. I hope to be known as a compassionate, kind and knowledgeable therapist, who goes above and beyond for her clientele.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely adore the South Bay and Palos Verdes. When friends and family come to visit, I love showing them all my favorite spots. First I would take them on a hike at the McBride Trail to see the stunning views of Palos Verdes, followed by a scenic drive stopping by Point Vicente, enjoying the beautiful views and seeing if we could spot any whales or dolphins. We could enjoy the views of the lighthouse and check out the free museum to learn more about the history of Palos Verdes. We would then go to my favorite spot, the breathtaking 5-star resort right in our backyard, The Terrenea! There we may enjoy lunch and live music at Nelson’s or make a reservation at the amazing spa! Next up we would spend a day of two doing the “Beach Cities Tour”. We could enjoy lunch in the Riveria of Redondo and check out all the adorable boutiques and shopping areas. A walk along the ocean would be nice too. The following day we could spend hitting up Hermosa Beach. We would rent bikes and go for a ride followed by a picnic on the beach, build sand castles with the kids, go on the swings, walk the pier, buy souvenirs and of course have delicious gelato! The next day we would enjoy Manhattan Beach, and enjoy dinner, drinks and breathing-taking views at The Stand House. Another must-see would be taking the ferry to Catalina Island, where we would feel as though we were transported to Italy! We might enjoy a day trip there, renting a golf cart to drive around the island, swim in the crystal blue ocean, and have delicious Mexican cuisine and margaritas at Maggie’s Blue Rose. We might even choose to stay overnight in one of their beautiful, unique hotels. Lastly, we would have to take a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure to enjoy a nostalgic and memorable experience! We would spend the day riding the rides, seeing shows and enjoying all the yummy treats.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give credit to my loving and supportive husband, Michael. I would not be where I am today without his unconditional support and care. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and is my biggest cheerleader. He is also the most patient and kind father. I am so thankful to have him as my partner in life and for the two beautiful daughters we have together.

Website: www.explorespeech.com

Instagram: @explorespeech

Image Credits
Headshots: Thalita Mangin Photography Family Photos: Captured by Carnine