Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Alameda, CA

Briana is a speech-language pathologist who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Development and her Master's of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology at Illinois State University. She has worked alongside professionals at a non-profit organization providing childhood developmental services to families within her community, and she has completed additional trainings in the areas of feeding therapy, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She holds speech therapy licenses in the states of Illinois, California, and Florida. Briana has over 3 years of experience as a pediatric speech-language pathologist working in schools and in private practice/clinic settings. She looks forward to joining you and your child on their journey to better communication. **My Approach To Speech Therapy** Therapy should be fun and not looked at as a daunting task that must be completed. I strive to make all of my clients feel excited about therapy while also providing evidence-based practices that target their specific needs. **What A Session Looks Like With Me** Speech therapy sessions with me are fun and interactive! I always take time to determine what are my client's likes/preferences in terms of games and activities so that I can incorporate them within each session. **Fun Facts About Briana** Personally, I enjoy anything related to sports and music. I am a former basketball and track athlete, and I have been singing since the age of 2. I like to incorporate music and sports within sessions, which often times sparks up various meaningful and insightful conversations between myself, clients, and their families.

Paul McGill is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 5 years of experience in outpatient settings, schools, and telehealth. His areas of expertise include social communication (pragmatics), school-related language disorders, executive functioning skills, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and cognitive communication disorders. Paul is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a certified trainer of the PEERS Program. He holds a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Utah and a MA in Speech-Language Pathology from New Mexico State University. Paul enjoys his free time hiking, gaming with friends, reading, and finding new boba tea shops to try. **My Approach to Therapy** My approach to therapy includes a collaborative effort between you, your support team, and myself! I will work within your interests to create goals and sessions that are engaging, individualized to your needs, and easy to generalize skills taught in therapy to other settings! **What A Typical Session Looks Like With Me** Sessions will typically begin with a check in or a mindfulness activity. Our headspace going into therapy can make or break the mood so its vital we tailor activities to where you are in the moment. Activities take a multimodal approach: some days we will do video models, games, reading passages, interviews, or roleplay scenarios! Finally, we address your communication needs, your attitude towards communication, and more topics at the end. **Fun Facts About Paul** I am a huge gamer! From board games to video games to table top RPGs, I love how engaging and easy it is to see the importance of speech and language skills outside of therapy. I am also trying new cooking recipes, places to hike, and books to read!

As a seasoned speech-language pathologist with a decade of experience, Lisa has had the privilege of working in diverse settings such as public schools, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. Her work has allowed her to service a wide range of individuals, from school-aged children to adults and the geriatric population, each with their unique communication needs. Her journey in this field began in 2013 when she completed her B.A. in Speech Communication with a minor in Psychology at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, New York. This foundation led her to further her studies, and in 2016, she graduated with her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Touro College in Brooklyn, New York. She is licensed to practice speech and language therapy in Florida and California. Additionally, she holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a testament to her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and clinical practice. When she is not working, you can find her trying out new restaurants with her husband, spending time with family and friends, reading her Bible, or relaxing at the beach. **My Approach To Speech Therapy** In my practice as a speech-language pathologist, I employ a holistic and evidence-based approach that prioritizes establishing a strong rapport with my clients. I believe that a good quality relationship is essential for effective therapy, creating a safe and supportive environment for open communication. Utilizing multimodal techniques, I adapt my strategies to accommodate various learning styles, incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements tailored to each individual's unique needs. This dynamic methodology not only enhances engagement but also ensures that each session is productive and enjoyable, promoting meaningful progress in speech and language development. **What A Therapy Session Looks Like With Lisa** During our therapy sessions, I create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages strong rapport building and a positive clinician-client relationship. We typically begin with a brief check-in to celebrate successes and discuss any challenges, reinforcing a supportive environment. Each session is filled with interactive activities designed to enhance communication skills. For example, role-playing, incorporating music or songs, using sensory materials, taking part in art tasks, playing interactive games, and utilizing technology. I like to focus on practicing important life skills, such as cooking, gardening, making doctor’s appointments, and managing medications. All activities are tailored to the client’s interests and aimed at fostering specific language skills. To ensure each client receives the best support, I incorporate modifications and prompts based on their unique needs. I use a variety of evidence-based techniques to target specific goals while keeping the experience enjoyable and engaging. As we progress, I provide real-time feedback and encouragement, helping clients explore their potential and build their confidence in communication. Together, we’ll explore your communication skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable, working hand-in-hand to boost your language skills and let your true potential shine! **Fun Facts About Lisa** - My husband and I love exploring new restaurants and tasting a variety of cuisines. - Cooking and hosting family gatherings is one of my favorite hobbies. - I enjoy reading and journaling with scripture to deepen my faith. - I run a faith-based practice, aligning my work with my values. - Running is a passion of mine! I was involved in track during high school and have completed both a marathon, half marathon, and other 5K and 10K races. - I love hiking and being outdoors. - I’ve been to 30+ different Caribbean islands, soaking in the beauty and culture of each one! - I prioritize working out to keep myself active and healthy.

Sarah Sponseller has over 13 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist and therapy leader. She has worked across settings, from skilled nursing to schools to outpatient. She excels at providing skilled interventions for both children and adults, and is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Her specialties include dysphagia, aphasia, dementia, cognitive impairment, articulation, language development and AAC. She has a bachelor’s in Human Resources from Xavier University and a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Cincinnati. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys hiking, boating, traveling, and good cup of coffee. **My Approach to Speech Therapy** I take a client-led, holistic approach to speech therapy. It is important to me to use evidence-based treatments, while making sessions productive and fulfilling for my clients. I enjoy establishing rapport and building relationships, which in turn makes our sessions both fun while being serious about reaching goals. **What a Therapy Session Looks like with Me** I always like to check in first, and hear how things are going for my clients. We will discuss any changes since the last session, whether they were able to complete homework, and any barriers to progress. Then, we will get into the meat of the session with an activity I have planned or we have agreed upon. At the end, we will review what we worked on and talk about next steps and any activities they can complete prior to our next session. **Fun Facts About Sarah** - I love sports, particularly football and basketball. - I enjoy hiking and boating, so much that it's what prompted me to move to the PNW. - I love to read and am always looking for my next book.

Cathy has over 25 years experience in a variety of settings treating all ages. She has worked in schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home care, and rehab facilities providing in-patient and out-patient services. Over the last 8 years, she has provided mostly teletherapy services to her clients. After working for many years in the field, Cathy pursued additional training and a degree in Public and Global Health initiatives. She gained a great deal of experience with interdisciplinary team and functional health approaches during her doctoral work with caregivers of clients with cognitive impairments, learning to tailor approaches to make therapy interventions functional and useful. Her bachelor's degree and master's degree are from Wayne State University, and her doctorate is from A.T. Still School of Health Sciences. Cathy is licensed in Florida, Michigan, California, Indiana, and Illinois. For her adult clients she is experienced in working with post-stroke, TBI, and executive functioning. Cathy can also tailor a program for professional/corporate speaking and voice and fluency as well as help with accent modification. For her younger clients, Cathy is able to bring skills with literacy development, executive functioning for teens and tweens, and especially enjoys working with speech clarity and intelligibility strategies. Cathy will work to collaborate with you on goals that help you achieve your best communication self.

Kristen Riley is a dedicated professional with over seven years of experience providing speech therapy. She is a certified speech-language pathologist through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Florida State University, as well as a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning from Northwestern University. Since earning her degree in 2014, Kristen has applied her expertise in diverse settings, including homes, schools, clinics, and virtual environments. Kristen offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for individuals of all ages, as well as parent consultations. Her approach to therapy is grounded in neurodiversity, focusing on individual strengths and empowering others to advocate for their communication needs. She believes in setting practical, attainable goals that align with the busy lives of the individuals and families she serves. Kristen emphasizes the promotion of language development to foster positive self-esteem and motivation. Most recently, Kristen has been a proud stay-at-home mom who enjoys family time, traveling, hiking with her dogs, gardening, and pursuing lifelong learning. **My Approach to Therapy** Speech Therapy focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to make therapy effective, enjoyable, and client-centered. **What a Session Looks Like With Kristen** I provide virtual speech therapy sessions where we address your personal goals by building skills through targeted activities. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique goals and interests.

Christine Corl has over 19 years of experience working with a wide range of clients and their families in the areas of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Christine is a certified neonatal therapist and specializes in the area of pediatric feeding and swallowing as well as early childhood development. Beyond pediatrics, Christine has worked with adult clients in both hospital and clinic settings. Christine’s practice has been shaped by her experience working at such facilities as the University of Chicago Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center. Christine is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), holds a Bachelors of Science from James Madison University, and a Masters of Science from Gallaudet University. She is proficient in basic sign language. When Christine isn’t working she loves spending time with her daughter, traveling, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. **My Approach to Therapy** My approach to speech therapy is centered on both the patient and their family. I prioritize creating functional goals that align with what the client/family aims to achieve in their daily life, ensuring that our time together is relevant, meaningful and fun! **What a Session Looks Like With Christine** In my therapy sessions, I prioritize following the patient’s lead on what they want to work on while keeping our goals in focus. I strive to create a light, meaningful, and fun atmosphere. I ensure that all information and home practice materials are presented clearly and are manageable for both the client and their family. Additionally, I make myself available via email, text, or phone for any questions or concerns that may arise. **Fun Facts About Christine** A random fact about me is I have an extra vertebrae which makes shirt shopping challenging. My hobbies include: Working out in any form - running, weight lifting, hiking, etc., Skiing, Paddle boarding, Reading, and above all: enjoying time with friends and family!

Julie Meyerowitz is a speech-language pathologist with more than a decade and a half of experience. She has been helping adults and children reach their communication goals since graduating with her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Columbia University in 2008. Julie is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds state licenses to provide services to clients in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and California. Additionally, Julie has earned specialized certification in Accent Modification from Lorna D. Sikorski & Associates and in Autism as a Relationship Development Intervention Consultant. **My Approach to Therapy** Speech Therapy focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to make therapy effective, enjoyable, and client-centered. **What a Session Looks Like With Julie** I provide virtual speech therapy sessions where we address your personal goals by building skills through targeted activities. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique goals and interests.

As a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Zhenyu's passion for helping individuals communicate more effectively is what drives him. He became an SLP because he believes in the power of communication to enhance lives, and he wanted to make a tangible difference in the lives of those with speech and language challenges. Zhenyu's journey in this field has been deeply rewarding, with experiences ranging from working with children to adults, across diverse settings. His focus has always been on functional goals—improving his clients' ability to communicate in their daily lives. He prioritizes family involvement, providing parent and caregiver coaching to empower them as active participants in the therapeutic process. His specialties include language, articulation, fluency, voice therapy, and gender-affirming voice care. Zhenyu enjoys supporting clients through every step of their progress. His commitment is to help each client reach their full potential and achieve meaningful improvements in their quality of life.

**My Approach to Speech Therapy** Speech therapy focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to make therapy effective, enjoyable, and client-centered.

Kelli Miller is a passionate Speech-Language Pathologist with over four years of experience working in outpatient clinics. She specializes in reading and literacy support for dyslexia, early childhood language development, and speech sound disorders. Kelli also has experience supporting individuals with traumatic brain injuries. She earned her BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences and her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Washington State University. Kelli is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed in Washington State. Outside of work, Kelli enjoys hiking and spending time with her two children. **My Approach to Therapy** Speech Therapy focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to make therapy effective, enjoyable, and client-centered. **What a Session Looks Like With Kelli** I provide virtual speech therapy sessions where we address your personal goals by building skills through targeted activities. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique goals and interests.

Heather is a self-described Language Nerd. As an undergraduate, she majored in linguistics and electrical engineering. People always told her that combination was unique, and she struggled to find a way to marry the two fields. But now, after 15+ years as a speech-language pathologist, Heather has found a way to use her unique strengths to serve her clients. Her linguistic brain quickly hears the speech sounds and identifies the exact sound errors. Her engineering brain creates a systematic approach to address these challenges. Heather also really enjoys talking with people. You will do so much talking in your sessions! You will laugh and have a good time together, while also working hard. Heather respects your time and wants you to make quick progress. Here is the important but potentially less interesting stuff. Heather is a speech-language pathologist certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, and Utah. She's been at this for more than 15 years and still loves it! **My Approach To Speech Therapy** My therapeutic approach is based on analysis and research. I find where my clients' skills are, and start there.Then we work together to move their skills toward their goals. After every therapy session, clients will have homework that is brief activities to work on or practice several times a day. Short bursts of practicing the skill helps the brain understand we need it to use that new skill all of the time. During our sessions we will work hard, and we will also laugh and sometimes cry, (usually happy tears!). I can't wait to meet you and get started. **What A Session Looks Like With Heather** Each session begins with a quick check-in and review of how the homework went. For every client, I visualize a staircase where they are constantly aiming to get on the next step of the stairs toward their communication goals. So after homework review, we start working on one of the skills at the current stair, and work to push it up to the next stair. Then once we have practiced the skill, I assign homework for them to practice until the next session. **Fun Facts About Heather** I like long walks on the beach. I learned to count in binary when I was 5 years old. When I’m not working, you can find me hiking with my dogs or baking something deliciously unhealthy.

Bernycia Askew is a Speech-Language Pathologist based in Oregon and Michigan. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Bernycia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University. She has been providing services in school settings and child care centers for over eight years and has also gained experience in private clinics, residential facilities, and autism-focused centers. **My Approach to Therapy** Speech therapy should be a supportive and engaging experience, tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to ensure therapy is effective, enjoyable, and client-centered. **What a Session Looks Like With Bernycia** I provide **virtual speech therapy sessions**, focusing on building skills through targeted activities that align with your personal goals. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique needs and interests. **My Approach to Speech Therapy** I take a holistic approach, combining evidence-based techniques with strong rapport-building, ensuring that each client’s specific needs remain at the center of therapy. ### **What a Therapy Session Looks Like With Bernycia** Each session begins with a check-in to discuss progress, address any new concerns, and answer questions about strategies. Therapy activities are structured but flexible, allowing us to work together in a way that best suits the client. I focus on leveraging strengths, fostering empowerment, confidence, and success throughout the process. **Fun Facts About Bernycia** - I love social dancing, including salsa and bachata, and I’m part of an East Coast swing dance club. - I’m a first-time cat parent to a playful cat named Tiny Sir. - I love to try new foods and enjoy experimenting with different recipes on the weekends!

April Jackson is a neuroaffirming Speech-Language Pathologist with licensed expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, and communication disorders as well as feeding difficulties while utilizing culturally aware, evidenced-based practices. April has extensive experience working with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and encourages generalization of multi-modal communication skills in an intentional effort to improve the quality of life experienced by the clients she has been called to serve. April believes in tailoring individualized speech therapy treatment plans specific to each client’s unique needs. She is an advocate for nurturing neurodiversity affirming communication skills through training and education to families and caregivers in order to promote functional communication skills. April earned a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2016 and has experience in various settings including adult rehabilitation, public schools, pediatric private clinics, ABA centers, as well as home health. **My Approach to Therapy** My inclusive, affirming, evidence aware, client led approach to therapy prioritizes connection and support intrinsic motivation **What a Session Looks Like With April** Emotionally supportive to both clients and families, interactive to peak the interests of client, taking intentional time to understand client’s unique strengths/interests, while guiding clients toward their goals **Fun Facts About April** I love cuddling up with my husband and watching a great film, going on walks with friends, and spending quality time with family. In my spare time I enjoy karaoke, making vision boards, and reading a good book.

Chantal Mathurin was born and raised in Miami, FL. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and her Master's degree from Carlos Albizu University. Chantal has over nine years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. Being fluent in Haitian-Creole, Chantal is well-equipped to provide bilingual services and advocate for communities that are unfamiliar with communication disorders/speech therapy. Chantal ensures a positive clinical environment where clients feel respected and valued during treatment. She takes pride in seeing her clients reach their communication goals and always strives to provide evidence-based and tailored therapy plans that cater to their individual needs. Chantal is licensed in Florida, Oregon, Texas, California, and Washington and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Aside from her work, Chantal enjoys traveling and being active. She also loves spending time with her family and has a keen interest in interior design. **My Approach to Therapy** Your Well-Being Comes First: Communication is influenced by emotional, social, and physical factors, and I aim to support you in a way that respects and addresses these aspects. I see you as a whole person, not just someone with a speech concern. I care about your overall health. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: We’ll work together to set meaningful, achievable goals that align with your needs and priorities. We’re a team — I bring expertise, and you bring your personal experiences. Together, we’ll celebrate successes, address challenges, and adapt as needed to ensure your therapy is effective and supportive. I want you to leave each session feeling more capable, empowered, and at ease with your voice. In short, my approach is about more than just reaching speech goals — it’s about fostering your confidence, well-being, and sense of agency. Together, we’ll work toward a future where you feel proud and empowered in your communication. **What A Therapy Session Looks Like With Me:** A session with me is a blend of hard work, focus, and fun. While we’ll dive into specific speech goals, I make sure that the process feels engaging, motivating, and tailored to you. Every session is designed to be a positive experience where you can challenge yourself while feeling supported and confident. **Fun Facts About Chantal** When I'm not in a speech session, you can usually find me taking a neighborhood walk with my husband, doing arts and crafts with my 3-year-old daughter, reading a romance novel, or exploring a new restaurant.

Ruthvi is a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice speech-language pathology in Illinois and California. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Neuroscience from Loyola University Chicago, Post-Baccalaureate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and Master’s degree Speech-Language Pathology from Saint Xavier University. Additionally, she completed a Master’s thesis titled Types of Situational Fears in Adults Who Stutter. Ruthvi's career began in home health, working to increase patients’ abilities to participate in their daily tasks and access the support they need. She then transitioned to providing bilingual evaluations and treatment to school-aged children as well as telehealth to school-aged children and adults. Ruthvi specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of fluency/stuttering disorders, articulation disorders, dysphagia, and aphasia. She works closely with individuals and their families to facilitate the best treatment possible.