Rina Barak, a respected and longtime leader in speech-language pathology, is the chief executive officer of SLEA Therapies in Encino, California. Since assuming the role in 2021, she has collaborated closely with the chief operating officer on operations, financials, budgeting, and developing key performance indicators measured quarterly. Further, Ms. Barak presents at the quarterly board of directors’ meetings and oversees all executive-level activities to ensure quality and alignment with the company’s culture. She is committed to expanding SLEA Therapies’ outreach to serve more communities across the nation, encouraged by a vision to grow beyond state lines.
Before her promotion, Ms. Barak was the director of speech at SLEA Therapies for nearly a decade. During this time, she exhibited exceptional leadership in multiple capacities, including mentoring newly hired therapists who initially struggled with documentation and report writing. By the end of the 90-day mentorship program, the therapists transformed into top performers, consistently receiving outstanding professional feedback. Ms. Barak’s efforts also resulted in a 30 percent decrease in the turnover rate for three years.
Ms. Barak’s academic background established a strong foundation for her career achievements. She obtained a Master of Arts in communication and language disorders from Montclair State University after earning a Bachelor of Arts in the same field from Touro University. These qualifications helped equip her early with essential professional knowledge. In addition to her degrees, Ms. Barak holds certifications that advance her expertise. She is PROMPT trained and has completed PEERS Support training at the University of California, Los Angeles, better known as UCLA. These credentials enable her to provide specialized support and guidance to both clients and colleagues.
Ms. Barak’s entry into speech-language pathology was profoundly influenced by personal experiences. Observing her father’s recovery from a stroke with the assistance of a speech therapist sparked her passion for helping others to regain their communication abilities. Moreover, witnessing children and family members struggle with language development fueled her desire to continually make a difference in the field. As a result, Ms. Barak’s professional accomplishments have garnered deserved recognition, receiving Top Leaders and Top Workplace awards. Further, she is an active member of Vistage Worldwide Inc., where she continually expands her professional network and keeps abreast of industry trends.
Supported by her family—her husband Jeffrey Barak and their four children, Abby, Isaiah, Eli, and Ben—Ms. Barak remains dedicated to making a lasting impact in speech-language pathology. In her personal time, she enjoys playing basketball and pickleball as well as reading.