THERAPISTS

Our Mission

Located in Northern New Jersey, Montclair Speech Therapy is a family friendly practice that provides services for infants, children, adults and seniors. We stay current in our evolving industry and use treatment approaches that support evidence-based practices, ensuring patients achieve function, strength and independence.

Founded by licensed SLP Lori Caplan‐Colon, is to provide inclusive, research-based therapies that serves the unique needs of individuals across the lifespan. We offer creativity, support, applied learning and skill, camaraderie and compassion as we meet our clients at the start of the therapeutic process. Through custom care plans, we meet each patient’s needs uniquely, supporting and enhancing the lives of parents, children and adults facing overwhelming challenges. Together, we help them reach their goals and celebrate all successes along the way.

Montclair Speech Therapy employs a wide variety of research-based techniques. These are tailored to meet the needs of each client and their family. This multi-dimensional, patient-centered approach includes play therapy, facilitative language environments and family centered training. Treatment goals focus on improving both the client’s skills and abilities, as well as their confidence. We aim to make everyday interactions and experiences stress-free and pleasurable.

About Lori Caplan-Colon, M.S. CCC-SLP

Lori Caplan-Colon is a NJ state licensed, ASHA certified Speech-language pathologist with over 18 years of clinical experience. She obtained her BS in Speech Pathology/Audiology from Ithaca College, NY. She earned her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals.

Lori Caplan-Colon traveled throughout New Jersey attending to her clients’ and their family’s needs at the onset of her practice. She began a private, home practice as her family grew. Having outgrown her home, the first professional office space opened in a historic bank, Vault 491, in downtown Montclair, 2015. A second, fully staffed Caldwell office followed three years later. Clients include individuals of all ages and ability levels.

Lori is committed to ongoing development and proficiency in the skills of both her staff as well as herself. She has extensive background in areas of oral motor and feeding dysfunction. She is trained to use PROMPT (Prompts for restructuring oral/muscular Phonetic Targets.) She is trained through Level 3 in Talk Tools and is proficient in SOS; The Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach. Lori Caplan-Colon enjoys success working in the area of tethered oral tissues and in working with picky eaters. She is a two-time ACE (Award for Continuing Education) Award recipient. She has completed a yearlong program at New York Medical College, achieving an advanced degree in Pediatric Dysphagia.

This fall she will embark on a new journey in IAOM, which is the tract to Orofacial Myology Certification. The international association of orofacial myology defines orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDS) as atypical, adaptive patterns that emerge in the absence of normalized patterns within the orofacial complex. The regular presence of these adaptive movements can often result in a variety of disturbances.” OMD’s can include feeding challenges including atypical chewing and swallowing patterns, non-nutritive oral habits (thumb-sucking, pacifier-sucking, nail biting, tongue sucking), atypical oral resting postures and mouth breathing (open mouth posture). SLP’s with advanced training in OMDs can treat these disorders.

Lori Caplan-Colon has reviewed product proposals for Plural publishing. She completed the one year certification program in Applied Behavioral Analysis at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is currently working towards completion of her 2,000 hours to sit for the board exam to achieve her board certified behavioral analyst(BCBA) credential.

Lori is enjoying using the principles of applied behavior analysis in addition to her strong foundation in pediatric feeding disorders.She is also currently completing her coursework to achieve her certification in lactation consulting (CLC) The Certified Lactation Counselor® (CLC) certification is the premier National Certification in Lactation Management in the United States. LCTC and CLC exam certification holders have demonstrated competence in the lactation skills, knowledge and attitudes that are essential to helping women and have agreed to comply with The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice code of ethics. CLC certification means that a person has received training and competency verification in breastfeeding and human lactation support, including assessing the latching and feeding process, providing corrective interventions, counseling mothers, understanding and applying knowledge of milk production including in special circumstances and other commonly encountered situations (centerforbreastfeeding.org)

Lori Caplan-Colon’s Memberships & Awards

PROMPT Trained

Beckman Oral Motor Trained 2018

Talk Tools Level 3 2018

ACE Award – 4 Time Award Winner

The award for continuing education (ACE) is a formal recognition of professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to lifelong learning by earning over 70 contact hours in a 36-month period.

2015 Autism Speaks Fundraiser

Autism Speaks Silver Supporter at New York City Walk.

Meet Our Team of Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists

About Alyssa Golden, M.S. CCC-SLP

Alyssa is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), licensed in the state of NJ and a certified member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). During her 10 years working as an SLP in private and public schools she has developed a specialty for working with non-speaking children with Autism, individuals with impaired speech intelligibility and individuals with complex communication needs.

She has obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science from The George Washington University (2009), a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2011) and a Master’s of Science in Communication Disorders from The William Paterson University (2013), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology from The Bowling Green State University (2021).

Alyssa is DIR:Floortime Trained, ABA Trained, PROMPT Trained, and speaks conversational Spanish. She has been trained to complete Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Evaluations and to incorporate AAC into high-quality habilitative and rehabilitative speech and language therapy. She has extensive knowledge of a broad range of AAC Devices (low and high-tech) and communication applications including Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, CoughDrop, and TDSnap. Alyssa’s approach to therapy is play-based and person and family-centered. It focuses on achieving communicative competence while prioritizing personal autonomy, agency and fostering a warm community of multimodal communicators.

About Amanda Griglack, MA, CCC-SLP

Amanda is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a licensed Speech Language Pathologist in the state of New Jersey. She graduated from Stockton University with her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, while minoring in Spanish. She completed her master’s degree in speech language pathology at Montclair State University.

Amanda’s former clinical experiences include working with underprivileged youth, providing state funded therapy at an outpatient facility, as well as in inpatient acute care and outpatient rehabilitation care for adults with dysphagia, expressive/receptive language disorders, fluency disorders, motor speech disorders, and voice disorders. Amanda’s primary interests include working with patients with aphasia, as well as working on expressive/receptive language with children. Language treatment is incredibly functional, and Amanda believes that the best therapy given is functional therapy involving daily activities of living. Amanda is passionate about providing evidence-based practice in all aspects of speech therapy. Amanda is trained in Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), kinesiotaping for swallowing disorders, and in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).

Amanda values the importance of building rapport with patients, and building long lasting, meaningful relationships with those she treats. In her free time, Amanda enjoys hiking, cooking, drawing, and playing with her mini-Australian shepherd, Chico.

About Brielle Stern, MS, CF-SLP

Brielle is a licensed Clinical Fellow in the state of New Jersey, bringing her expertise and dedication to the field of Speech-Language Pathology. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Brooklyn College in 2021 and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at The Katz School at Yeshiva University in 2023, solidifying her comprehensive knowledge and skills in the discipline.

Throughout her academic journey, Brielle has actively engaged in clinical experiences, working closely with both children and adults with various communication disorders. She has gained invaluable hands-on experience in addressing language delays, articulation difficulties, voice disorders, receptive and expressive language challenges, dysphagia, cognitive impairments, and feeding disorders.

Brielle employs specialized techniques and interventions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Her diverse exposure to different client populations has enhanced her ability to adapt and tailor therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual. Brielle firmly believes in the power of collaboration and aims to create a strong therapeutic alliance with her patients and their caregivers.

About Catherine Solimini, M.S. CCC-SLP

Catherine is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow licensed in the state of New Jersey. Catherine obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary/Special Education from Seton Hall University in 2020 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University in 2022.

During her clinical experiences and graduate studies, Catherine has had the opportunity to evaluate and treat patients across the lifespan in private practice, acute rehabilitation, and school settings. In private practice and school settings, she provided evaluation and treatment for a variety of caseloads including expressive/receptive language, articulation, pragmatics/social skills, fluency, apraxia of speech, auditory processing, phonological disorders, AAC, and feeding/swallowing disorders. Catherine also has experience working with medically fragile children with various developmental disabilities. In an acute rehabilitation setting, Catherine has evaluated and treated adults/geriatrics in speech and language, swallowing, cognitive communication, motor speech, and voice. Throughout her clinical experiences, she has had the opportunity to collaborate closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, aides, and classroom teachers to provide exceptional services to clients.

Catherine is passionate about providing treatment that is multi-sensory, individualized, and meaningful while implementing evidence-based practice to provide optimal services to all clients.

About Christie Arnhols, M.S. CCC-SLP

Christie Arnhols is a NJ and NY state licensed, ASHA certified speech language pathologist. She attended Ithaca college in NY for her undergrad and received a BS in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. Christie then attended Montclair State University in NJ and received her MA in Communication Science Disorders in 2013.

Christie has experience with a variety of diagnoses across the lifespan in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Christie has interest in the areas of feeding/dysphagia, fluency, and early childhood language development. She believes that parent and family education are key throughout the therapy process. Additionally, she believes that co-treatment and collaboration within and across disciplines is beneficial for the client, family, and therapists. Christie holds certifications for SOS feeding, SOFFI method, VitalStim, MBSiMP, PECS, OPT-Level 1 and LSVT. Christie has received the ASHA ACE award twice.

About Elisabeth Gifford, OTR/L

Elisabeth Gifford is an occupational therapist licensed and registered in New Jersey and New York. She attended Seton Hall University’s dual degree occupational therapy program, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences and a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

Throughout her clinical experiences, she worked in acute care hospitals, outpatient therapy clinics for children and adults, teletherapy, day programs, and public schools with elementary, middle, and high school students. She had the opportunity to develop and present multiple in-services on topics including the role of occupational therapy in social and emotional learning and the impact of sleep on occupational performance.

Elisabeth has treated children with many diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cognitive impairments, developmental coordination disorder, and more. She also has prior non-clinical experience working with children in summer camps, adaptive dance programs, and after school tutoring and enrichment programs.

Elisabeth loves creating individualized, playful therapy sessions that are motivating for every child. She believes it is important to collaborate with the child, caregivers, and other team members to best achieve each child’s goals. In her free time, Elisabeth enjoys exercise and yoga, reading, community service, and watching movies.

About Emily Hoxa, RBT

Emily is currently enrolled at Rutgers University obtaining a dual major in Public Health and Psychology. Throughout her collegiate career she has worked extensively with organizations geared toward providing health education courses to children. Utilizing her combined knowledge of psychology and public health, she hopes to make a beneficial difference to her community.

About Emily Peterman, SLP

Emily is a Speech-Language Pathologist licensed in both the state of New Jersey and the state of New York. She is a certified member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at Montclair State University in 2016 and earned her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University in 2020. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, Emily gained education and training in various domains of speech language pathology across the life span. She provided assessments and treatment in a variety of settings including a K-5 public elementary school, a specialized school for children with multiple disabilities, and an inpatient subacute rehabilitation facility.

Throughout her clinician experience she provided services for students with receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, social pragmatic disorders, and gained hands on experience treating feeding and swallowing disorders in the pediatric population. She administered evaluations and provided treatment to adults with acquireddisorders in the areas of dysphagia, cognition, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, and voice with specific training in the care and management of tracheostomies. She gained knowledge on implementation and use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for both the pediatric and adult populations.

Post graduate work, Emily has experience working as a pediatric Home Health Speech Language Pathologist evaluating and treating children ages 0-21 with in the areas of language, speech, and feeding. She has worked closely with clients with autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, receptive and expressive language disorders, apraxia, and cognitive-communication disorders. She has extensive experience collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including parents, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behaviorists, pediatricians, psychologists, and teachers.

Emily believes in the power of play and is passionate about providing evidence-based, multi-sensory, play-based treatment approaches that are client centered to meet the unique needs of each individual.

About Francesca Ilardi, Clinical Supervisor, M.A. CCC-SLP

Francesca is a Speech-Language Pathologist licensed in the state of NJ and a certified member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Linguistics from Rutgers University in 2015 and her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Montclair State University in 2018. Francesca is an English-Italian bilingual speaker.

Throughout her clinical experience, Francesca has evaluated and treated a variety of speech and language disorders across the lifespan. She has worked with children including but not limited to expressive and receptive language delays, speech sound disorders, executive functioning disorders, ADHD, and ASD. She has also served adult and geriatric clients with communication difficulties, voice disorders, and swallowing deficits secondary to stroke, brain injury, dementia, and head and neck cancer.

It was in Francesca’s post-graduate experience that she became most passionate working with the pediatric population, helping little ones express themselves and improve speech clarity. During her time at MST, Francesca has developed a special interest in pediatric feeding and oral motor-based speech disorders. Francesca is honing her skills in the area of oral-motor dysfunction for speech and feeding and expanding the diets of toddlers and children with oral-motor and/or sensory feeding challenges. She is trained in PROMPT, Talk Tools (Level 1), and the Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding. Francesca uses a playful, multi-sensory approach to help children develop a positive relationship with food and offers parent training to improve family mealtime and set up child and parent for success at home.

Francesca values the importance of a fun, interactive environment to promote language, learning and diet expansion. She aligns her treatment style to fit the needs of the client and family. Francesca’s interests include running, hiking, cooking, and, most of all, having fun with her two nephews.

About Hannah Velez

Hannah M. Velez is currently enrolled at New Jersey City University as a distinguished scholar recipient in the honors program working towards a degree in Psychology. She is passionate about developing and refining her skills to bring true value to her professional practice. Hannah is ready to step into the deeply rewarding work of seeing the world from a perspective that is not hers. She is passionate about continuing her learning and receiving hands-on experience with children to provide treatment that makes a difference in their lives.

About Heather Primus, Associate Behavior Analyst, M.A.

Heather Primus is a nationally certified Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. She graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Practice. Heather has had the pleasure of providing supervision for individuals of various ages ranging from toddlers to seniors in homes, day programs, schools and communities since 2017.

Heather has experience working with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism, ADD, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, PDD-NOS, severe behavior challenges, skill deficits, language delays, traumatic brain injury, developmental delays and more.

She has a passion for creating behavior analytic training for behavior technicians and parents to help individuals acquire skills that will give them access to positive reinforcement and provide independence.

Heather places a strong emphasis on pairing with positive reinforcement and creating learning environments that are fun and client led. Heather’s interests are travelling with her children and granddaughter, watching her daughter play basketball, trying new foods and identifying the science of ABA in everyday life.

About Jackie, M.S. SLP

Jackie is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow licensed in New Jersey. Jackie earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University in 2021 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University in 2023. She believes in conducting therapy that is both functional and evidence-based, and that is individualized to each patient.

Throughout her graduate clinical experience, Jackie worked with children with many diagnoses, such as autism, auditory processing disorder, fluency disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech. She has also served adult and geriatric clients with voice disorders, swallowing deficits, and acquired communication disorders secondary to stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, dementia, and head and neck cancer. During her graduate studies, Jackie attended the National Speech-Language Pathology conference in Turku, Finland, where she developed knowledge of culturally based practices in areas such as acquired disorders, childhood disorders, eye-tracking, and interprofessional care. Jackie was also a part of the Voice Lab at Seton Hall University, exploring the perceptual judgment of accented voice and speech. Jackie is trained in Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) and is a SPEAK OUT! Parkinson’s Project Provider.

About James Hunter, M. A. CF-SLP

James is a licensed Clinical Fellow in the state of New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology with a Minor in Deaf Studies at The College of New Jersey in 2019 and a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology at Kean University in 2022. He proudly approaches his work with respect for the individuals he is supporting, their families, and communities.

Throughout his academic career, James has worked with children with language, articulation, phonology, receptive and expressive language, and feeding disorders and adults coping with the immediate and long-term effects of stroke, TBI, aphasia, and cognitive disorders.

About Jennifer Pallatta, M. A. CF-SLP

Jennifer Pallatta is a NJ state licensed, ASHA certified speech language pathologist. She attended Seton Hall University in NJ for her undergrad and received a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Jennifer then attended Iona University in NY and received her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Jennifer has taken additional course work and is specialized in Orofacial Myology.

Jennifer has experience working with individuals with a variety of speech and communication needs including receptive/expressive language, articulation, phonological disorders, and pragmatics. She also has training in oral motor skills. Throughout her career, Jennifer has collaborated with teams of professionals across multiple settings and has educated and supported families and caregivers. Jennifer is passionate about working with the pediatric population and their families, and loves to make speech therapy fun. She takes pride in building strong relationships with her clients.

About Jorge Orozco, RBT

Jorge Orozco is a Behavioral Technician who provides one-to-one ABA services to learners on the Autism Spectrum. He graduated HCCC in 2017 with an AA in Liberal Arts with a concentration in English.

Jorge began his child healthcare career in the early intervention sector, working alongside Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, and other clinicians before moving into the ABA sector. He has used this previous experience, paired with a compassion-filled approach, as a driving force fueling his commitment to each of his clients.

Jorge has experience working with learners with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, ADHD, developmental delays, skill deficits, severe behavior challenges, and more, always under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

Jorge’s commitment to excellence, and his client’s progress over the years, has been a testament to both his abilities and dedication to the lives of each family he serves.

About Kim Ebel, OTR/L

Kim Ebel is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist in New Jersey. She graduated from Seton Hall University’s dual degree occupational therapy program with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She is certified as a school-based occupational therapist in New Jersey.

Kim has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in Early Intervention and outpatient clinic settings. During her graduate studies, she had the opportunity to work in a school setting as well as a skilled nursing facility working with older adults. Kim has experience working with a variety of diagnoses, including ASD, CP, sensory processing disorder, developmental delays, anxiety, learning disabilities, and more.

Kim is passionate about creating an environment that emphasizes close collaboration between therapists and families in order to help each child reach their unique goals. She enjoys getting to know each child’s interests and incorporating them into sessions to help motivate the child and make sessions fun!

About Meghan Masiulis, M. S. CCC-SLP

Meghan is a NJ state licensed and ASHA certified Speech-language pathologist with over 10 years of clinical experience. She graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology in 2010 and 2012, respectively.

Meghan has experience working with clients across the lifespan. She spent 6 years working in specialized schools for children with intensive communication and behavioral needs. During this time, Meghan gained extensive experience working with students with limited communication skills using Alternative Augmentative Communication (e.g., picture exchange, low tech communication boards, high tech communication devices). Meghan completed her clinical internship on the brain injury unit in Kernan Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Hospital and continued working with the adult population on an as needed basis in nursing homes in Maryland. She provided services in the areas of expressive and receptive language, cognition, voice, swallowing and pragmatics.

Most recently, Meghan has provided speech and language services in the general education setting in public schools in New Jersey. She worked with students pre-k to high school on expressive and receptive language, articulation, fluency, executive functioning and social skills.

Meghan has attended trainings on PROMPT (level 1), PECS and various communication devices (e.g., Vantage Lite Unity, LAMP). Meghan is dedicated to providing motivating and functional therapy sessions while promoting collaboration with providers and family members for carryover of skills into the home setting.

About Monica R. Christian, M. S. CCC-SLP

Monica R. Christian, graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University with her Bachelors’ of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and with her Masters’ of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Arizona.

Undergraduate and graduate research interests and theses projects included assessment of motor speech production with chronic trach/vent patients, voice hygiene, swallowing following radiation treatment in head and neck cancer patients, changes in cognition in Parkinson patients following deep brain stimulation, and neurological correlates for spontaneous language production using positron emission tomography (PET).

Monica is New Jersey licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist, with over 10 years of experience in evaluation and treatment of children and adults presenting with speech, language, and cognitive disorders due to neurological, developmental, and acquired diagnoses in a variety of different settings including outpatient rehabilitation facilities, home care, early intervention, hospitals, skilled nursing/subacute facilities, and in private practice.

Monica has administrative and supervisory experience, working collaboratively with other licensed professionals and physicians to provide comprehensive care for patients and their families. She has also provided clinical support and supervision to clinical fellows and graduate students within community-based treatment centers and in on campus clinical settings.

Monica is a member of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association with participation in special interest division, Neurogenic Communication Disorders. She is PROMPT, LSVT trained and Hanen certified.

About Nicole Makowski, M.S. CCC-SLP

Nicole is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of New Jersey.
She graduated cum laude from Towson University with her Bachelors’ of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Nicole completed her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders at Stockton University in 2016. She is a certified member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, Nicole has clinician experience working with both the pediatric and geriatric populations in the medical setting. Post graduate work, Nicole gained extensive experience working with the medically fragile pediatric population with a variety of speech, language, genetic, and swallowing disorders. She has worked in both the private practice and children’s hospital outpatient/inpatient settings. She has ample experience collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, behaviorists, pediatricians, psychologists, and teachers.

Nicole is knowledgeable with a variety of AAC communication methods, including infant sign language, picture exchange systems, communication boards, and electronic voice output devices. She has attended continuing education courses to refine her knowledge regarding the Kaufman Method for children with apraxia, play based early intervention, fluency of speech, social skills curriculum, and behavioral/sensory feeding approaches.

Nicole is devoted to implement fun, multi-sensory therapeutic play-based intervention into each and every session to make a positive impact on her client’s everyday lives.

About Nikki Perez, MOTR/L Clinical Supervisor of OT

Nikki Perez is a Licensed and Registered Occupational Therapist in the state of New Jersey.
She attended Quinnipiac University in Connecticut where she received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in 2007 and went on to achieve her Masters of Occupational Therapy.

Nikki has worked in pediatrics for 13 years, employed primarily in outpatient hospital and private practice where she has collaborated with disciplines such as speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and behaviorists. She also has experience working in early intervention and in a school setting specifically designed for children with disabilities.

She has been trained in the Alert Program and certified in The Listening Program as well as a Fieldwork Educator collaborating with various universities. Nikki has attended continuing education courses to further her knowledge in relation to sensory-based modalities, Torticollis, physical agent modalities, and feeding difficulties.

Nikki has experience with a variety of diagnoses and conditions including, but not limited to Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, Down Syndrome, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, prematurity, visual impairments, neurological impairments, mental health disorders, and feeding difficulties.

Nikki’s fun, compassionate, and loving approach with children earned her the recognition of New Jersey’s Favorite Kids’ Doc in 2017 and 2018.

About Paul Falgares, RBT

Paul Falgares is a Behavioral Technician who provides one to one assistance with students who are on the Autism Spectrum. Paul graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A in Fine Arts in 2012. In 2015, he began teaching as a substitute teacher in the districts of Montclair, Randolph, and Mount. Olive.

In 2017, he was hired to be a one-to-one paraprofessional for special needs students in Mount. Olive school district. He has received crisis intervention training and is certified in CPR. Paul hopes to a make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of the families and community he serves.

About Rebecca Lotwich, M.A. CCC-SLP

Rebecca is a Speech-Language Pathologist licensed in the state of New Jersey. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics with a double minor in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology and Cognitive Science at Montclair State University in 2017 and earned her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University in 2020.

Throughout her graduate studies, Rebecca has developed a strong passion for working with clients of all ages with communication disorders. Her clinical experiences include evaluating and treating clients in the clinic, school, and rehabilitation hospital settings. She has worked closely with clients with autism spectrum disorder, speech and language delays, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, and cognitive-communication disorders.

During her time in the school setting, she gained experience treating preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and receptive/expressive language delays. As a clinician in an outpatient rehabilitation center, she acquired the clinical skills to evaluate and treat adult and geriatric clients with communication deficits secondary to acquired brain injuries and developmental disorders. Within both settings, Rebecca was part of a multidisciplinary team and gained experience working collaboratively with teachers, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.

Rebecca values the importance of implementing fun, engaging, and motivating treatment sessions that are tailored to her client’s needs. Her clinical expertise is rooted in evidence-based practice and patient-centered treatment services to ensure the highest quality care for every client she serves.

About Rebecca Viebrock, M.S. CCC-SLP

Rebecca Viebrock is a Speech Language Pathologist licensed in both New Jersey and New York. Rebecca is a certified member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). She earned a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from Quinnipiac University in 2017. Rebecca completed her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Sacred Heart University in 2020.

Rebecca has professional experience working with individuals across the lifespan. She completed her Clinical Fellowship year at various skilled nursing facilities, where she evaluated and treated adults to geriatrics diagnosed with cognitive communication, motor speech, voice, and swallowing disorders. Rebecca has also worked in the school setting with children to young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other cognitive differences. She has experience working with individuals using nonverbal methods of communication, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Picture Exchange System (PECs), communication boards, and basic sign language. Rebecca is also PROMPT trained. Along with her professional experience, Rebecca has graduate experience in the hospital setting, both inpatient and outpatient, as well as public school experience at the elementary and middle school level.

Rebecca is committed to delivering quality, client-centered therapy. She holds highly the importance of evidenced-based practice. Rebecca is passionate about providing individualized intervention and believes it is important to build a strong rapport with those she services.

About Samantha Bross, COTA

Samantha “Sammie” Bross is a Licensed and Certified Occupational Therapist assistant in the state of New Jersey. She attended Rutgers University where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health in 2017 and Occupational Therapy Degree from Eastwick College in 2019.

Sammie has had several years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. Her knowledge spans from, neurological, physical and developmental delays including ADHD, Sensory Processing Differences, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Dyslexia/ Dysgraphia, and Orthopedic Rehabilitation. Sammie has also led group therapy sessions in Handwriting, Kindergarten Readiness, and social skills classes.

Her favorite part of being an OT is the opportunity to get to know a kiddos unique interests and strengths, and then use that insight to help them grow towards their full potential.

In her free time she enjoys reading, days at the beach, exercising and spending time with her little dog named Beatrice.

About Samantha Krych, OTD, OTR/L

Samantha Krych is a Licensed and Registered Occupational Therapist in the state of New Jersey.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science at the University of Delaware in 2018 and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Kean University in 2021.

Throughout her graduate studies, Sam has worked with populations of all ages in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation facilities, community based settings, and public schools.  She has experience working with a variety of diagnoses including CVA, cardiovascular diseases, traumatic brain injury, attention deficits, autism, sensory processing disorder, and cerebral palsy.

As part of her doctoral capstone, Sam created custom programming for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and delivered it in a low income housing building.  She presented her findings at the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association annual conference.

Sam emphasizes an evidence-based, client-centered approach to treatment and seeks to help every individual reach their personal goals!

About Talin Simonian, M.A. CCC-SLP

Talin is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a licensed Speech Language Pathologist in the state of New Jersey. She graduated from Rutgers University with a double major in Psychology and English. Having had a strong interest in language, she attended Kean University, where she received her graduate degree, earning a Masters of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. While at Kean University, she completed her thesis, concentrating on the influence of music therapy in individuals with communication deficits.

Talin has experience working in both a clinical and school-based setting. While earning her graduate degree, she worked at Kean University’s clinic as one of the first two clinicians to be selected for the Intensive Communication for Aphasia Program (ICAP), treating individuals diagnosed with aphasia. She administered a series of test protocols and learned to evaluate results.

She has clinical knowledge in designing treatment plans and providing counseling. In addition, Talin has gained further experience with aphasia, as she has previously assisted in treating adults at the Adler Aphasia Center in West Orange, New Jersey. Within the school setting, she has over a year’s experience and has served preschool, elementary, and middle school-aged children in public schools. Talin has worked with children with a wide range of diagnoses, ranging from Autism Spectrum Disorder to articulation delay. She has experience with children, who are nonverbal and Deaf, utilizing individualized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) programs for each child.

Talin is an English-Armenian bilingual speaker. She has treated both monolingual and bilingual individuals ranging from children to adults. She believes in a comprehensive and patient-centered approach when working with her clients. The level of care that she exhibits allows her to establish rapport and build a trusting foundation with those whom she works with. Talin hopes to broaden her clinical experience as a speech-language pathologist by treating voice disorders for individuals within the Transgender community.

About Tanvi Amin, Clinical Supervisor, M.S. CCC-SLP

Tanvi is a Speech Language Pathologist licensed in the state of New Jersey. She is a certified member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Language Hearing Sciences at Kean University in 2011 and completed her graduate studies in Speech Language Pathology at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 2016.

During her graduate studies, she volunteered her time to ETSU’s National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association chapter as Secretary and is the recipient of the 2016 Outstanding SLP Student Clinician Award and 2016 Alpha Eta Award. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, her clinical experiences in rehabilitation hospitals, a Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, various schools, and skilled nursing facilities have provided her with the core clinical skills needed to advance as a clinician and accept new challenges. Tanvi is bilingual (English/Gujarati) and has worked with monolingual and bilingual students with a variety of communication disorders.

Tanvi has developed a passion for medical speech language pathology and has provided assessment and treatment services for a variety of speech, language, cognitive, voice, and/or swallowing disorders for adults who have neurologic degenerative diseases, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, head injuries, and/or respiratory problems. In addition, Tanvi has the clinical foundation to work with a variety of children with receptive and expressive language disorders as well as articulation and phonological impairments secondary to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, ADHD, and/or other related disorders.

Tanvi exhibits an ability to quickly establish a comfortable rapport with patients from a variety of backgrounds and finds creative ways to help them achieve success.

About Valerie Villanueva, M.S. CF-SLP

Valerie is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow licensed in the state of New Jersey. Valerie earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education from Seton Hall University in 2020 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University in 2022.

Throughout her graduate studies and clinical experiences, Valerie developed a passion for working with patients across the lifespan. In an acute rehabilitation setting, she worked closely with adult patients with dysphagia, cognitive-communication disorders, aphasia, dysarthria, and dementia. Within the school and outpatient settings, she evaluated and treated diverse caseloads including expressive/receptive language, language processing, phonological disorders, articulation, social pragmatics, apraxia, and stuttering. As a research assistant during her studies, Valerie also has experience working with children with learning disabilities on written expression skills.

Valerie believes that therapy should be functional, evidence-based, and patient-led with a collaborate approach so that patients feel empowered to carryover their skills outside of therapy. She strives to create individualized treatment plans that are multi-sensory, meaningful to the patient, and involve family/caregivers.