An interdisciplinary team of compassionate professionals, dedicated to helping families achieve brighter futures.

Our Story

In a time where women in leadership roles were not common, HelenSherman-Wade paved the way. Helen transformed SLEA from a very small private practice in the back of her home in Studio City, CA to a practice of nearly 300 employees with multiple offices, servicing hundreds of clients a day. Growing up with Polio, Helen spent a lot of time in and out of therapy, with her parents driving her from appointment to appointment. Helen’s dream was to build a practice where clients needing multiple services can be seen in one place, receiving collaborative care. Our team of compassionate providers from various disciplines have brought her dream to life. As a Speech Language Pathologist herself, Helen believed. "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

Helen chose to make SLEA an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) so that her vision of maintaining all disciplines would continue and no programs would be eliminated just because they were not as profitable. SLEA is unique in that the therapists and staff are also the owners and treat each client as their own personal client.

SLEA has developed a very collaborative culture, where everyone is working together to help in making the future brighter

Join the team

SLEA is 100% employee-owned. We’re united by a drive to bring together several disciplines to treat the whole child. And we’ll never stop learning and getting better.

Don’t take our word for it. Take our employees.

  • There are many things that I love about SLEA. One of the reasons is because of Lauren and Rina. Both are SLPs, they understand and listen to me whenever I might feel overwhelmed by a situation that is work related. I appreciate that they listen and try to offer solutions during those times. I work hard because I know both are working hard for the growth and betterment of this company as well.

    -Joyce Bae, SLP

  • I love working at SLEA because I’ve had the flexibility to pursue my masters degree in the summers and have been given unconditional support from my supervisors and co-workers.

    -Natalie Cedeno, B.A SLPA
    Speech, Language and Educational Associates

  • SLEA has a positive working environment. It takes care of us employees’ work-life balance and also help us in our personal growth. We can voice out our thoughts and is being respected I love the people I work with across the company. Every one is talented, funny, and helpful.

    -Greis Paredes
    Administrative Assistant

  • I've been working at SLEA for 7 years now and honestly feel like it is my second home. My SLEA work family is knowledgeable, supportive, and caring. I know I can go to anyone with a question and they will be more than happy to help me out. The work we do here is meaningful, and there is no better feeling than knowing you helped your clients make gains. SLEA is a wonderful place to work where you get to make a difference every single day!

    -Karen Ben-Chetrit, M.S., CCC-SLP
    AAC Program Supervisor

  • I love that this is a company mainly run by women. I love that what we are doing is helping people. I have personally experienced a sense of genuine care for the employees that truly makes me happy and proud to work here. When we refer to each other as “TEAM” I truly feel we are a team!

    -Lisa Arias
    Bookkeeper/ Payroll Specialist

  • I love working for SLEA! From the very first day, I have felt supported by Rina and the rest of the team. When reaching out for help with a problem or question, I've received such friendly, super-quick responses, and I've never been made to feel like I shouldn't have asked. I'm continually impressed with my SLEA colleagues when they present at IEP meetings, and everyone I've interacted with is so collegial. The entire atmosphere at SLEA is positive and friendly; I can really feel it even though I'm working remotely from another state!

    -Sarah