Meet Catrina Hughes, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech Therapist in Chicago

Catrina (she/her) is a licensed speech-language pathologist and professional improviser with 15+ years of experience. She blends clinical expertise with creative tools to deliver joyful, affirming therapy.

Approach

Client-led, neurodiversity-affirming

  1. Grounded in play, mindfulness, and authenticity

  2. Informed by training in the Viola Spolin method and years at Second City

Chicago-area friends gathered outdoors—representing the social and community-based values of in-home speech therapy.

Improv for All

Catrina is current faculty at Second City (Chicago) in their Wellness, Improv, and Youth/Teen programs. Catrina has been teaching improv and learning in the field of therapeutic/ accessible improv since 2019.

Catrina performs and coaches across Chicago for various improv and sketch teams.

She is also a recent alumnus of the Viola Spolin method of non-authoritarian theater/play education (2024).


Catrina views improv as her routine dose of self-regulation practice. She loves how improv provides mindfulness, emotional safety, somatic release, and community connection.

Catrina is neurodivergent and has direct experience with the positive impact of improv on her own mental health. She connects on a personal level with her clients coming from similar backgrounds.

Speech, listening, and connection on display in a live event—symbolizing the real-world applications of communication therapy.
Community celebration promoting belonging and inclusion—values at the heart of Comfort Table Speech Therapy in Chicago.