Jo Anne
Speech Language Pathologist

Jo Anne obtained a Master's degree in Communication Disorders from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2017. She has gained valuable experience working in both school districts and rehabilitation facilities. Her clinical interests primarily focus on voice, articulation, and fluency. Jo Anne firmly believes in the philosophy of prioritizing the client's knowledge over her own. She also emphasizes teaching her clients how to avoid harm. Apart from using evidence-based speech therapy techniques, she has also trained classical singers for 25 years, focusing on breathing, dictation, and prosody. Jo Anne's favorite part about being a therapist is witnessing the progress her clients make.

 

Bethany
Speech Language Pathologist

Bethany obtained a master's degree in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas in 2010. She has clinical experience working with children in school settings and has a keen interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders, fluency, phonological language, and literacy, as well as pragmatic language disorders. Her greatest joy as a therapist comes from establishing relationships with her clients and witnessing progress that positively affects children and their families. To assist her clients in achieving their objectives, she employs methods like Hodson Cycles, Core language, and Expanding Expression Tools (EET). Bethany is a proud mother of two incredible boys and enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and practicing yoga in her free time.

Maria
Speech Language Pathologist

Maria is a dynamic force in the field of clinical therapy, having earned her Master of Science degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2020. With a wealth of experience in skilled nursing homes and preschool settings, she brings a compassionate touch to her practice. Her clinical interests are as diverse as they are impactful, encompassing swallowing disorders, sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum disorder, TBI, and Aphasia. What truly sets Maria apart is her belief that every patient has a story to tell, and she finds joy in learning from them every day. This connection not only enriches her practice but also enhances her effectiveness as a therapist. Maria is passionate about evidence-based practice and employs client-led and play techniques to create a supportive environment for her patients. She’s committed to her professional growth, having undertaken continuing education courses focusing on pediatric IDDSI implementation, the anatomy and physiology of facial structures, and culturally sensitive patient care. Her specialization in amp care and effective swallowing protocol (ESP) showcases her dedication to providing the best outcomes for her clients. When she’s not making a difference in her patients’ lives, you can find Maria enjoying the great outdoors—whether it’s running or paddleboarding on Town Lake. She loves spending quality time with her beloved dog, Basil, cozying up to watch movies with her partner on weekends, or experimenting with new cooking recipes in the kitchen. Maria’s zest for both her profession and her personal life is truly inspiring!

Alice
Speech Language Pathologist

Alice completed her studies at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1996. She possesses extensive clinical therapy experience as a bilingual SLP assistant, having worked in diverse settings such as schools, skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinical environments, and pediatric home health. Her clinical focus encompasses cognitive therapy, dysphagia treatment, and articulation. Alice finds fulfillment in her role as a therapist, particularly in the act of aiding individuals. She places great emphasis on employing treatment techniques and philosophies such as repetition, strategic training, and cuing to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Julia
Speech Language Pathologist

Julia proudly graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, TX, with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She has extensive clinical therapy experience in schools, home health, and private clinics and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her clients. Her true passion lies in early intervention, where she finds joy in watching her clients progress and grow. What Julia loves most about her role as a therapist is witnessing the incredible transformations that occur every day. She embraces child-led approaches and neurodiversity-affirming practices, believing that every child deserves to be celebrated for their unique strengths and abilities. Julia is dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all her clients. Additionally, she is bilingual in Arabic.

Melissa
Speech Language Pathologist

Melissa is a dedicated professional with a heart full of passion and over 30 years of rich experience in the field of Speech Language Pathology. Graduating from Governor's State with her Master’s, she has devoted her career to making a difference in the lives of children, particularly focusing on early childhood development, autism, and addressing challenging behaviors. Melissa thrives on working with kids who have more complex diagnoses like autism and ADHD. What she loves most about being a therapist is the thrill of motivating her young clients to learn through a blend of enjoyable activities and clear expectations. She believes that learning can—and should—be fun! With a holistic approach, she integrates motor, sensory, and cognitive techniques in her therapy sessions, ensuring that the entire family is involved in this transformative journey. Her ongoing education is impressive, featuring specialized training in areas like PROMPT and facial reflex integration to stimulate facial muscles, as well as the SOS approach to feeding. Melissa is particularly passionate about the SOS feeding technique and facial reflex integration. Even after three decades in her field, her enthusiasm never wanes. Melissa still finds joy in her work, embracing the opportunity to connect with children of all ages and help them unlock their potential. Her commitment to fostering positive change in their lives is truly inspiring!

Amit
Speech Language Pathologist

Amit is a dedicated and passionate Speech-Language Pathologist who is bilingual in Hebrew. She earned her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Texas State University. With diverse clinical experience in home health, a university clinic, and an elementary school, she specializes in helping children overcome speech sound disorders, mixed expressive-receptive language disorders, and fluency challenges. Amit's journey doesn’t stop there! She is well-versed in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and feeding practices, and she has worked with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as those facing more complex conditions, such as Cri du Chat Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. What fuels her passion is her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. She thrives on helping her young clients find their voices and build confidence in their speech. Witnessing their progress and forming strong connections with both the children and their families makes her work exceptionally rewarding. Believing in a child-led approach and grounded in evidence-based practices, Amit continually seeks to expand her knowledge of new diagnoses and experiences in the fascinating field of Speech-Language Pathology. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys savoring her favorite coffee and spending quality time with her beloved cat, Bonnie. With a heart full of dedication and a spirit eager for learning, Amit is committed to making every interaction impactful!

Marina
Speech Language Pathologist

Marina is a dedicated therapist who graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders. With a wealth of clinical experience in acute care, private practice, clinics, and hospitals, she approaches each day with enthusiasm and a passion for making a difference. What truly lights her up is working with children, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome. Marina finds immense joy in her specialties of fluency and articulation therapy, where she can help young voices flourish. Her favorite part of being a therapist? It's the magic that happens when a child discovers their voice and learns to express themselves confidently. Marina wholeheartedly believes in innovative treatment techniques, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) therapy and play-based therapy, making the learning process engaging and fun. She’s committed to turning challenges into triumphs and empowering every child she works with!

Jahaira
Speech Language Pathologist

Jahaira Hernandez is a bilingual speech-language pathologist dedicated to supporting children and families through compassionate, culturally responsive care. She earned her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin (2019), and her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Texas State University (2017), where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Jahaira brings extensive clinical experience across a variety of settings, including school districts, early childhood programs, bilingual therapy groups, and university-led clinical programs. She has served as a Speech Language Pathologist in Austin and Leander ISD, where she provided services from Pre-K through 5th grade, conducted evaluations, completed progress documentation, attended ARD meetings, and delivered teletherapy services. Her CF year with Bilinguistics strengthened her bilingual assessment and treatment skills, as she managed a caseload of 25 students, conducted evaluations, and translated for Spanish-speaking families. Her earlier clinical experience includes roles with the University of Texas in programs such as Project SKILLS, Conversation Club, and Habla Conmigo, where she coached parents, analyzed play samples, and provided bilingual therapy for children ages 2–4. She also previously worked as a Bilingual SKILLS Clinician, delivering intervention sessions fully or partially in Spanish and providing parent coaching. Jahaira is passionate about working with bilingual families and creating accessible, meaningful therapy experiences. She values strong parent collaboration and enjoys integrating culturally relevant materials into her sessions to promote confidence, communication, and connection.

Caroline
Speech Language Pathologist

Caroline Taylor is a dedicated speech-language pathologist who is passionate about helping children build confidence in their communication skills. She earned both her Undergraduate degree (2016) and her Communication Sciences degree (2018) from the University of Central Florida (UCF), laying a strong foundation for her work in pediatric speech-language therapy. Caroline brings experience from multiple settings, including private practice from 2019–2023 and Austin ISD from 2023–2025. Her clinical interests include articulation, language development, and fluency, and she loves watching her clients make meaningful progress—one of her favorite parts of being a therapist. Her treatment approach incorporates evidence-based techniques such as minimal pairs, fluency-enhancing strategies, easy onset, and AAC paired with language development, ensuring therapy is functional, individualized, and supportive of each child’s needs. Caroline began her career as a therapist in 2018 and joined KidTherapy in 2025. She has lived in Austin since 2017, having moved from Melbourne, Florida. Outside of her professional life, Caroline keeps things simple and focused—no extra fun facts this time! She brings a grounded, steady presence to her work and is committed to helping every child reach their full communication potential.

Susan
Speech Language Pathologist

Susan is an experienced speech-language pathologist who is passionate about empowering children and their families through meaningful, connected communication. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2008 and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from East Carolina University in 2011. Susan’s diverse clinical background spans in-home services, clinic settings, and public and private day schools. She has collaborated within multidisciplinary teams and has also worked independently as a sole proprietor. Her pediatric experience includes serving children with sensory challenges, complex communication needs, autism, and a wide range of language and articulation needs. She also enjoys working with speech-generating devices and supporting total communication approaches. Her clinical interests center around child-led, play-based strategies, with a strong passion for helping children with sensory-related communication needs. Susan is deeply committed to creating emotionally safe, engaging environments where children can grow through exploration and connection. Susan believes in evidence-based, developmentally supportive practices and often incorporates the Greenspan Floortime Approach, as well as other child-led philosophies that promote generalization and meaningful outcomes. Her recent continuing education includes the Child-Led Autism Summit (2025), coursework from The Sensory SLP podcast series, and Integrating Mindfulness into SLP. She holds certifications in Greenspan Floortime Approach Level 2 and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA). Susan began practicing as a therapist in 2011 and joined KidTherapy in 2025. She has lived in Austin for three years and previously lived in Virginia. Outside of her professional work, Susan is a dedicated runner and loves spending time crafting with her daughter—one of her favorite creative outlets.

Breanna
Speech Language Pathologist

Breanna Johnson is a speech-language pathologist with extensive experience supporting both pediatric and adult populations across a variety of clinical settings. She earned her B.A. in Communication Studies (2010) and B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2014) from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (2016) from the University of North Texas. Breanna has spent eight years working in pediatric home healthcare, as well as several years serving adults in skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation. Her clinical background includes working with individuals with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, dysphagia, fluency disorders, voice disorders, and a wide range of language and articulation needs. She appreciates the diversity of diagnoses in the field and values never feeling “boxed in” as a clinician. Her clinical interests include articulation, pragmatic language, social skills, and helping children with restrictive eating patterns explore new foods and expand their curiosity. One of her favorite parts of being a therapist is the opportunity to improve the quality of life for patients and families, and to help them achieve meaningful goals. Breanna’s therapeutic approach strongly incorporates Regulation and Play. By focusing on emotional safety, curiosity, and playfulness, she helps her patients engage more fully in therapy—leading to greater progress and improved outcomes. She is currently completing the Somatic Experiencing Program, a trauma-informed therapeutic modality focused on helping patients release stored trauma and regulate their nervous systems. Over the last three years, she has completed all but one of the advanced courses, with her most recent training completed in October 2024. Breanna began working as a therapist in 2016 and joined KidTherapy in 2025. She has lived in Austin since 2007 and originally comes from Waxahachie, Texas. Outside of her professional work, Breanna is passionate about animals—she shares her life with a cat, a snake, and a leopard gecko. She also loves to travel and has explored countries such as Colombia and Ecuador, where she completed 300 hours of yoga teacher training.

Brianna
Speech Language Pathologist

Brianna Slaven is a compassionate speech-language pathologist committed to supporting children and families through individualized, child-centered care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in 2021 and completed her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of New Haven in 2025. Brianna’s clinical experience includes working across multiple settings, including ACP–Autism Care Partners, ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services), and Speech and Language Associates. Her work in these environments has strengthened her skills in assessment, intervention, and collaborative care, particularly when supporting children with diverse developmental and communication needs. Her primary clinical passion is working with children on the Autism Spectrum, where she enjoys creating supportive, engaging experiences that help them connect, communicate, and thrive. Brianna’s favorite part of being a therapist is simply helping people—seeing the positive impact therapy has on a child and their family motivates her every day. Brianna follows a child and family–and family-centered approach, ensuring therapy is meaningful, functional, and aligned with each family’s goals, strengths, and routines. She began her career as a therapist in 2024. Originally from Massachusetts, she is new to the Austin area and excited to bring her passion and skills to the community. Outside the clinic, Brianna enjoys discovering new activities and experiences—she brings curiosity, empathy, and a warm approach to everything she does..