Lori Beasey
Lori Beasey is an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with a career spanning over three decades, specializing in school-based therapy, early childhood interventions, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She currently works as a travel SLP with Aya Healthcare, providing therapy and evaluations in diverse school settings, most recently in Cortez, Colorado. Lori’s therapy approach is literacy-based, fostering a love of reading while addressing language and communication disorders. She emphasizes student outcomes as the core measure of her professional success, finding the greatest reward in milestones such as a child’s first intentional communication using an AAC device or speaking inappropriately a 3 word sentence for the first time. Throughout her career, Lori has held positions with numerous healthcare staffing organizations and public school districts, developing a robust skill set in language and articulation delays, literacy, lesson planning, and working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. . Since earning her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Western Kentucky University, she has dedicated herself to helping students communicate effectively while maintaining clear professional boundaries, advocating for both her students’ and her own well-being. Lori’s philosophy centers on balancing professional dedication with personal boundaries, encouraging younger clinicians to set and maintain limits while exploring opportunities like travel therapy to find the right professional fit. Her work demonstrates a deep commitment to children’s communication development, early intervention, and the long-term impact of supportive, school-based therapy programs.
• Western Kentucky University- M.S.
• Eastern Kentucky University- Bachelor's
• Local Animal Shelters.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong professional relationships, maintaining clear personal and professional boundaries, and staying grounded in my purpose of helping children communicate independently. My family has been supportive of my career enjoying the school breaks for travel opportunities. With over 30 years in speech-language pathology, I’ve learned to adapt across diverse school districts and clinical settings, learn from mentors, and remain committed to student outcomes, like the meaningful moment when a child using an AAC device successfully ordered food on their own for the first time.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most meaningful advice I received while traveling wasn’t technical- it was encouragement. They made me feel seen as a professional in my field, acknowledged me as a colleague rather than just a traveler, and affirmed my knowledge to staff.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to set strong personal boundaries, protect your energy, network with intention, and consider travel work as a way to gain experience finding a professional fit that supports both growth and well-being.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are emotional burnout, heavy administrative demands, and high expectations within limited school resources. At the same time, there are opportunities to travel as a SLP, offering flexible work settings, and hours. The growing demand for speech language pathologists opens many doors using professional visibility to expand into advocacy, parent education, or consulting.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in work and personal life are professional integrity, compassion for children and families, maintaining healthy boundaries, fostering collaboration and respect. I also value independence and long-term stability, and in my personal life, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my dog Jelly Roll, and helping parents navigate the special education system. Family time during scheduled school breaks as well as summer travels is a highlight for my well-being.