ABOUT US
Bright Start is so excited to expand to California—truly a full-circle moment for our founder, Ashley McInnis, MCD, CCC-SLP.
Fun fact: speech-language pathology is Ashley’s second career. She first earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication before following her heart into the world of pediatric therapy. She completed her post-baccalaureate studies in Communicative Sciences and Disorders through Loma Linda University and went on to earn her Master’s degree from LSU Health.
Ashley’s journey began right here in California in 2015, working as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in the Early Start program. It was during this time that she fell in love with early intervention and the power of supporting children and families within their everyday routines. Now, over a decade later, she is incredibly proud to return—this time as the founder of Bright Start and an official vendor with the Regional Center of Orange County.
Bright Start was originally founded in New Orleans with a mission rooted in connection: to provide timely, evidence-based, and deeply personalized care for children and their families. What started as a small, heart-led practice has grown into a trusted team of therapists who are passionate about meeting families where they are—at home, at school, and in the community.
While we are still building and growing to fully mirror our New Orleans practice, Bright Start California is already grounded in the same values: thoughtful care, strong relationships, and a commitment to showing up for families in meaningful ways.
We are so excited to be here. We can’t wait to meet you, support your family, and grow together. 🧡
Our mission is to provide evidence-based therapy for children in need, centered around family needs.
“Bright Start is not just an agency for pediatric therapy but a community where every child's unique journey is embraced and supported with compassion and expertise.”
— Ashley, Owner & Speech-Language Pathologist
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
At Bright Start, our mission is to provide evidence-based therapy for children in need, centered around family needs. We are dedicated to counseling parents on the critical importance of early intervention, emphasizing the long-lasting impact it can have on a child's well-being and development. Our commitment extends to fostering a warm and inclusive therapy environment tailored to accommodate children of all abilities. By integrating family-centered care, educational resources, and professional support, we aim to empower families to navigate challenges, nurture resilience, and facilitate the optimal development of every child. Bright Start is not just an agency for pediatric therapy but a community where every child's unique journey is embraced and supported with compassion and expertise.
