Get to Know Us Featured Interview Orna Kempler-Azulay

Mar 11, 2019

Finding services for Speech-Language Pathology can be a daunting task. Oftentimes, when looking for new service providers, we are eager to learn everything that we can about the company: When was it founded? What are it’s leading features? What is the company’s competitive advantage? In the process, it can be easy to overlook the importance of getting to know the PERSON behind the company. In this article, we get to know Orna Kempler- Azulay, Founder, and President of Abington Speech Pathology Services Inc and RemoteSpeech.com.

1. What profession(s) did you hold before Speech-Language Pathology?

I was a member of The Israeli Air Force and served as a Sergeant Chief of Staff for a Squadron Leader. After this, I came to the US to study Communications Disorders.

2. What are your credentials in Speech-Language Pathology?

I have an undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University-Northridge. (Luckily, I decided on my major right away and did not have to take any prerequisite courses). I also attended Graduate School at The University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, where I secured my MA degree. I managed to get into their accelerated MA track and was done in 15 months.

3. What caused you to enter the field of Speech-Language Pathology?

After graduate school, I was not quite sure what I wanted to do. I spoke with a family member who is a Clinical Psychologist. She recommended the field of Speech-Language Pathology and suggested that I go and observe live therapy sessions at the local university. I took her advice, and I fell in love with it! The experience opened so many opportunities for me.

4. What is the most rewarding thing about your profession?

The most rewarding thing in our profession is the ability to assist patients in gaining back or learning how to communicate. Equally rewarding is the assistance that we provide in managing other disabilities (such as dysphagia or cognitive difficulties). It is tremendously rewarding to witness a patient overcome their disabilities and gain the independence they so desire to achieve.

5. What is one of your fondest memories from your career?

I had a lovely 3-year-old student who presented with difficulty speaking and was diagnosed with Autism. I was contracted to him for speech and language therapy 3 times a week at his preschool. At the time, he had a simple 8 picture communication device, and His family was extremely supportive and involved. We quickly realized that he had mastered the 8 picture communication board, and once acclimating to me and establishing rapport, he began imitating what I wanted him to say. I worked with him for 3 years and then followed him initially when he moved to the school-age program. Today, he is a 22-year-old, college graduate who works in sports broadcasting at a very well-known sports network. He is my inspiration and validation that what we do is so important and amazing.

6. What motivated you to open Abington Speech Pathology and RemoteSpeech.com?

I always knew that I would own a business, having been raised with an entrepreneurial spirit along with my four siblings, by my grandparents and father. The Communicative Disorders degree was the vehicle I needed to get that done. I wanted to do and accomplish things my way and not be bound by bureaucratic mandates. I felt that I had the tools needed to be a leader; to be someone that could not only successfully work in the profession, but get things done. I opened Abington Speech Pathology first. Fifteen years later, I launched RemoteSpeech.com, by recognizing that technology could solve a number of challenges that people were experiencing. Technology and social media are a huge driving force in today’s business world. I want to be at the forefront and aspire to get our services to anyone who needs them (regardless of where they live).

7. How do you hope to impact the industry in the next five years?

I hope to be known as someone that really took speech teletherapy to the next level. I want our company to be an international service provider for anyone needing speech and language therapy services.

8. What is your advice for someone in need of the services you offer?

We are extremely accessible and more than willing to help anyone that needs our services. It is very easy to get in touch with us through our website or call us directly. We love to help and meet new opportunities head-on, whether staffing an entire district or meeting with individual patients – from pediatric to geriatrics.

9. What is one thing that people do not know about you?

If I am nervous or anxious, I clean and bake. I once baked 10 cakes waiting for my niece to be born :))

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