Erika Wurz, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a board-certified and dual-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in California and New York with nearly 15 years of experience across hospital-based pediatrics, outpatient rehabilitation, school systems, and private practice. She specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and complex social-pragmatic communication profiles.

Erika's clinical focus includes social communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and meaningful peer connection, particularly among twice-exceptional (2e) and highly verbal neurodivergent individuals whose strengths often mask underlying support needs. She combines evidence-based practice with a relationship-centered, neurodiversity-affirming approach to care and has developed specialized social communication programs informed by the UCLA PEERS® framework and tailored for neurodivergent learners.

Erika is currently pursuing her clinical doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) at Northwestern University, with a specialized focus on the social communication needs of adolescents and young adults with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her doctoral work explores evidence-informed approaches to supporting social cognition, self-advocacy, and meaningful social connection for neurodivergent individuals across adolescence and young adulthood.

Northwestern University
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD), 2026–2028
Current doctoral candidate with a clinical focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, social communication, and neurodiversity-affirming intervention for adolescents and young adults.

Nazareth University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, 2014–2016
Completed the Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN), an advanced interdisciplinary training program focused on autism spectrum disorders, collaborative care models, and evidence-based intervention.

Nazareth University
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 2010–2014
Minor in Gerontology.

Certifications:

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) – Trained in administration of the gold-standard diagnostic tool for autism spectrum disorders.

UCLA PEERS® Certified Provider – Specialized in the premier, evidence-based social skills program for children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, and social-emotional challenges.

Orofacial Myology Cert– Focused on treating orofacial myofunctional disorders impacting speech, swallowing, and oral motor development.

Clinical Interests

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 and the "hidden" presentation of autism in highly verbal individuals

• ADHD and executive functioning across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood

• Social-pragmatic communication and relationship development

• Twice-exceptional (2e) learners and the intersection of giftedness and neurodivergence

• Social communication in adolescent girls and young women

• Emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and identity development in neurodivergent individuals

• Perspective taking, cognitive flexibility, and conversational reciprocity

• Transition planning and support for college-age students and young adults

• Peer relationships, friendship development, and social belonging

• Parent coaching and family-centered intervention models

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (14132331)

• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, State of California (27033)

• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, State of New York (026950)

• Active Member, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Carson is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at The Social Hub by SouthBay Speech Therapy, where she works with children across a variety of communication needs, with a special passion for early intervention and our Little Learners Program.

Carson earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and brings a warm, playful, and child-centered approach to her work. She especially loves working with our youngest learners and creating engaging therapy experiences that feel like play while intentionally building communication, language, social, and early learning skills.

As a key member of our Little Learners team, Carson supports young children as they develop foundational skills such as expressive and receptive language, functional communication, social interaction, play skills, following directions, and early speech development. She believes that therapy is most successful when children feel comfortable, connected, and motivated to participate.

Carson is passionate about partnering with families and creating individualized, developmentally appropriate activities that can easily carry over into everyday routines at home. Her enthusiasm, patience, and ability to connect with young children make her a wonderful addition to The Social Hub team.

Outside of therapy, Carson enjoys spending time with family and coaching volleyball!

Erica

Patient Care Coordinator

Erica is the Patient Care Coordinator at The Social Hub by SouthBay Speech Therapy, helping keep our practice running smoothly and ensuring that our families feel welcomed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.

As one of the first points of contact for many of our families, Erica helps coordinate schedules, communicate with parents, organize appointments, and support the day-to-day logistics that allow our clinical team to focus on what they do best—providing exceptional care to our clients.

Erica brings a warm, approachable, and family-centered presence to The Social Hub. As a mom of two children, she understands firsthand how busy family life can be and how important it is for parents to have a team they can rely on. She loves being part of a practice that looks at the whole child and whole family, rather than simply focusing on a diagnosis or individual therapy goals.

Erica joined The Social Hub because she believes in the importance of creating a supportive community for children and families. She is passionate about making the therapy experience feel organized, personal, and seamless for every family who walks through our doors.

Outside of The Social Hub, Erica is kept busy with her two children and enjoys spending time with her family, making memories, and embracing all of the beautiful chaos that comes with being a mom!