VIEWPOINTS: FINDING YOUR VOICE
Thursday, September 17
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
Join us for the opening program of this year's Viewpoints series featuring Bradi O'Rourke, M.S., CCC-SLP, ºÚÁÏÉçÇøalumna and founder of Braxy Speech Therapy. Through an inspiring conversation, Bradi will share her journey from graduate student to entrepreneur, building a thriving pediatric speech therapy practice while embracing the unique strengths that have shaped both her personal and professional life
Diagnosed with ADHD during graduate school, Bradi has transformed her own experiences into a passion for neurodiversity-affirming care, helping children and families thrive while advocating for a more inclusive understanding of how people learn and communicate. She will reflect on the lessons she's learned as a business owner, clinician, and leader, encouraging others to pursue meaningful ideas—even before they feel completely ready.
As part of the Viewpoints series, this virtual program is designed to immerse the EIU alumni network in storytelling, current issues, emerging research, and shared campus history. Viewpoints showcases the incredible intellectual capital of the EIU community while creating space for reflection, dialogue, and meaningful reconnection with campus life.
Join us for an engaging conversation, inspiration, and connection as we celebrate another Panther making a meaningful impact in her profession and community.
Advanced Registration is required. ºÚÁÏÉçÇøis committed to providing accessible experience for all guests. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact Alumni Relations at alumeiu@eiu.edu.
Speaker Bio
Bradi O’Rourke, M.S., CCC-SLP
Founder | Braxy Speech Therapy
Bradi O’Rourke, M.S., CCC-SLP, is an ºÚÁÏÉçÇøalumna and the founder of Braxy Speech Therapy, a pediatric private practice serving children, families, and schools in Illinois and Tennessee. She started her practice shortly after graduate school, despite private practice ownership being uncommon and often discouraged for new clinicians, and has since expanded it into a growing clinic and clinical team in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Diagnosed with ADHD during graduate school, Bradi uses what she has learned about herself and the way her brain works to better support clients who learn, communicate, and experience the world differently. She is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming care, entrepreneurship, community involvement, and encouraging others to pursue meaningful ideas before they feel completely ready.