Catrina Hughes (she/her) is a passionate licensed speech-language pathologist, professional improviser, and teaching artist. She is recognized for her expertise in empowering youth and adults to navigate the intricate world of social interactions with joy, confidence and authenticity. She specializes in neurodiversity-affirming practices, nervous system regulation, & self-advocacy.

With a distinctive focus on utilizing improv, play, and meaningful life skills as transformative tools, Catrina's approach is rooted in client-directed care, promoting personal growth, autonomy, wellness, and community connection.

Catrina has 15+ years supporting youth and adults to access their education and social networks in the public school system, along with private therapy settings.

Catrina Hughes, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist |

Professional Improviser | Teaching Artist

She 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.