Meet Anna. Anna McClellan, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist with the McKibben & Monte team in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Calvin University and her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. Anna specializes in early language development, speech sound disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and feeding.
Anna’s favorite part of being a therapist is unlocking effective communication for her clients. Whether it’s clearer speech, first words, first signs, or using pictures to express needs, she finds joy in helping children discover their voice. Supporting a child in communicating their wants and needs is what it’s all about.
Her passion for speech therapy is personal. As a child, Anna received speech therapy herself for her /s/ sound. Later, while in college, she learned how speech-language pathologists help children build language and communication skills in meaningful ways. She was inspired by the opportunity to improve the lives of children and families by working on both speech and language development.
When beginning therapy with a new child, Anna builds sessions around activities and topics that genuinely interest them. She takes a strengths-based approach, focusing on what each child already does well and building from there. By creating engaging, motivating experiences, she helps children grow in confidence while developing new skills.
Outside of work, Anna loves adventuring around the city with her husband and two children. From exploring new playgrounds and riding bikes or scooters to visiting museums, heading to the beach, or finding a new favorite treat, she enjoys making memories together. A fun fact about Anna: she has traveled to five different continents. Her favorite children’s books include If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and any book by Mo Willems, and as a child she loved The Little Engine That Could, a story that reflects perseverance, kindness, and self-belief—qualities she brings into her work every day.