About Vocalis Speech

Serving Toledo with care, we help all ages find their voice.

About the Owner

Hello, my name is Cullen O'Connor, and I am a certified speech and language pathologist and the founder of Vocalis Speech Therapy. My journey to becoming a therapist began unexpectedly nearly ten years ago.

A Personal Inspiration:
At 20 years old, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that left me with aphasia and apraxia, drastically limiting my ability to communicate. I had to relearn how to walk, talk, and navigate the world, beginning in a hospital room where I couldn't even say my own name. During my intense recovery, I realized the incredible power and empathy of my own speech therapist. From that moment on, I knew my purpose was to use my experience to help others find their voice and guide them on their own path to recovery.

My Journey to This Moment
My personal experience has shaped my professional path. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo and my master's from Bowling Green State University. During graduate school, I had a pivotal full-circle moment co-leading a group for adults with aphasia. Since graduating, I have gained extensive experience across a variety of settings, including schools, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health. One of the most meaningful highlights of my career was returning to work at the very hospitals where I received my own care, treating patients in both acute care and inpatient rehab, and having the privilege of working alongside the same speech therapist who first inspired me.

My Passion & Mission
My personal journey has fueled my passion for working with people with complex communication needs. I specialize in pediatric speech therapy, early intervention, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), as well as adult aphasia and apraxia. My mission with Vocalis Speech Therapy is to provide compassionate, personalized care to those with communication challenges and to ensure every person, no matter their age or situation, has the opportunity to have a voice.