In this episode of Rooted in Connection, Erin Forward sits down with her friend and colleague, speech-language pathologist and advocate Colleen Ashford for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to show up as both a clinician and a human.
Together, they explore the tension between professionalism and authenticity, and how social media, storytelling, and lived experience can become powerful tools for connection, advocacy, and change, and truly what it means to be a neighbor.
This conversation dives into the complexity of holding boundaries while still being relational, the role of intersectionality in clinical practice, and the courage it takes to challenge systems that were never designed with everyone in mind.
Erin and Colleen also speak candidly about navigating IEP systems, building a private practice, and learning to trust your voice, even before you feel fully “ready.”
At its core, this episode is a reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to be impactful. Growth, humility, and connection are the work.
In this episode, we explore:
- How social media can foster safe spaces and meaningful community
- The balance between authenticity, vulnerability, and professional boundaries
- Why storytelling deepens trust with clients and families
- The impact of intersectionality on clinical decision-making and advocacy
- Challenging traditional ideas of “professionalism” in healthcare spaces
- Navigating systemic barriers within IEP and therapy systems
- Starting a private practice with intention (and embracing mistakes along the way)
- Building your clinical identity through lived experience, reflection, and growth
- The importance of joy, regulation, and celebrating small moments
Colleen's Bio: Colleen Ashford is a bilingual speech-language pathologist and non-attorney special-education advocate serving families in San Diego County through her mobile and virtual private practice. She began her career as a public school SLP in a bilingual elementary program, where her commitment to culturally responsive practice and improving her Spanish first took root. After relocating to California, she worked in multidisciplinary clinics, learning from OTs and PTs in ways that continue to shape her holistic, sensory-informed approach.
Now in her own private practice, Colleen focuses on AAC, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and early-intervention parent coaching, with a passion for supporting Spanish-speaking families in her community. As an IEP advocate, she equips parents with clear information about their educational rights and guides them through the IEP process. Through her Instagram page @theadvocate.slp she also brings accessible insights on IDEA, policy, and advocacy to school-based SLPs and teachers. A lot of those insights will be available in a downloadable guide January 2026. Colleen loves to dig into a great conversation with parents and professionals who sit around the IEP table, and does so on her podcast, Unfiltered IEPs. Tune in to Season Two in early 2026!
