Ashley Ray

Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathology, M.S. '19

Biola has shaped me into the person and clinician I am today. Through its biblical integration, incredible professors and meaningful clinical experiences, I was able to grow not only as a speech-language pathologist, but also in my faith.

How did your program at Biola prepare you for your career?

Biola gave me a strong foundation in both the clinical and biblical aspects of being a speech-language pathologist. The program challenged me to think critically, collaborate with others, and keep Christ at the center of the work I do.

The experiences I had through coursework, clinical placements, and mentorship helped me feel confident and prepared to enter the field. My supervisors and professors poured into me not only as a developing clinician, but also as a person. They invested in my growth, encouraged me throughout the process and helped shape the clinician I am today. The support you receive during the program and even after graduation is truly such a gift and something I am incredibly grateful for.

What did you appreciate most about your time at Biola?

What I appreciated most was the Christian atmosphere, from praying in classes, to biblical reflections, to mentorship from the faculty. I was surrounded by people who are similarly minded and who genuinely cared, not just about academic success, but about who we were becoming as people and future professionals. I also appreciated that Biola encouraged us to seek out Biblical truths in our field and how to approach our work in everything with compassion and purpose.

How did Biola equip you to be a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ?

Biola has shaped me into the person and clinician I am today. Through its biblical integration, incredible professors and meaningful clinical experiences, I was able to grow not only as a speech-language pathologist, but also in my faith. The mentorship and support I received created a safe space for me to learn, grow, and discover the clinician God was calling me to become.

God has given me a heart to serve individuals who are non-speaking and to advocate for those who deserve to have their voices heard in whatever way they communicate best. As an SLP, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments, and Biola helped me see that work as a meaningful way to reflect Christ's love. I am so grateful that my education at Biola helped equip me with the clinical foundation and Christ-centered perspective to serve these individuals and their families with compassion and purpose.

It is truly an honor to now have the opportunity to pour back into the Biola community as a professor and clinical supervisor. Being able to support and mentor future speech-language pathologists is such a gift, and I am grateful to be part of a community that continues to value faith, excellence, and service.