Speech‑language pathology board hears petition to end probation for Arturo Avina; decision submitted for later mailing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Speech‑Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board heard oral testimony on Feb. 21 in Sacramento in a petition by licensed speech‑language pathologist Arturo Frank Avina (license SP27490) seeking early termination of his probation stemming from criminal convictions and a board disciplinary decision.

The petition hearing was presided over by Administrative Law Judge Wim Van Rooyen of the Office of Administrative Hearings. Deputy Attorney General Jason Ahn represented the state; Kevin Murphy represented Avina. Avina testified under oath, and his wife, Kimberly Wood, also testified in support. The board heard testimony from treating mental‑health providers and reviewed eight exhibits admitted into the record, including probation compliance reports and letters from treating clinicians.

The petition package, admitted as exhibits 1–8, included documentation that Avina has completed continuing education requirements, paid restitution to the board ($3,336.25, recorded as paid November 2021), produced quarterly probation reports, and supplied treatment verifications from his psychologist and psychiatric providers. A probation report noted…