Our People - The Hello Foundation

Katelynn Macedo, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Communication is a privilege humans can easily take for granted. I believe every child deserves to feel as though their opinions and thoughts matter and can be heard. My goal is to help children reach their milestones, regardless of how big or small.

Katelynn Macedo

Laura Hall, School Psychologist

D.Ed, NCSP, Lead School Psychologist

I believe in educating the whole child; helping them to grow academically, socially, and emotionally in an enriching environment filled with opportunities for positive growth and self-assessment. As a school psychologist, I feel that my role is to work with students, parents, and educators to build a community of support for each and every student so they are capable of learning and growing to their fullest potential.

Laura Hall

Alyssa Hoffman

Amber Cordry-Martinez, School Psychologist

The opportunity to be allowed into the process of helping a child, a parent trusting you to be in community with them in benefit of their student, is something I hold sacred. I am a school psychologist because increasing a student’s access to their educational, social, and behavioral acquisition is the greatest opportunity I have ever had.

Amber Cordry-Martinez

Amy Preci

Ashley Northam, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I am very much a whole person-centered therapist. I believe in looking at all areas and factors that may contribute, or affect a client’s growth and development. I thrive on solving problems and seeing clients make progress. I love helping someone else achieve what they did not think was possible. It is so rewarding to look back with a client and see how far they’ve come in time. I love this profession in that there is never a dull day, a monotonous routine, or mindless work. There are definitely challenges that push me but I also love the search to “figure it out.” I get the privilege to work with a wide variety of people and teams with many skills and abilities and walk with them on a path to make a difference in their lives, whatever that may be. I absolutely love my job.

Ashley Northam

Brigitte Thomas, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

Every child holds unique gifts to be unfolded. I love having the opportunity to help children find and use their voices and engage with the world around them. One of the most important things we can do in life is to cultivate a child’s self-expression, confidence, healthy interpersonal development, and self-discovery.

Brigitte Thomas

Brittany Waggoner

Bryn Quinlan

Carol Shapiro, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

Communication is required if you want to live independently in this world. As I reflect on the things I value most in my life, and on the experiences my friends and family have had, I observe the unfortunate opportunity for people’s choices to be overlooked, and sometimes consciously ignored. It gives me great satisfaction to see my clients grow in their ability to effect change in their own lives as a result of their communication skills.

Carol Shapiro

Mary Thompson, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

C-SLPA

Communication not only allows us to express ourselves as individuals but also makes it possible to make vital connections in, and contributions to, our communities. I get joy and energy from helping children develop their communication skills so they can take those small but significant steps from the world of “me” into the bigger world of “we.”

Mary Thompson

Darci Nielson

David NT, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

Communication underlies nearly every experience in our lives. Helping to enable and improve communication for another is to optimize their overall living experience. Therefore, supporting others to achieve their potential only brings further diversity to this world that we share, and as a result, improves the living experience for us all.

David NT

Denice Edeal, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I believe that every child no matter their disability, social or economic status, or geographical location has the right to communicate to the best of their ability and to receive high-quality services. I am passionate about advocating for those in need. I love working with children and their families, and I enjoy the unique challenges of this very special job. I also love playing with play-doh all day!

Denice Edeal

Elena Kuzmenko, School Psychologist

I believe I am making a positive difference by working in the role of an advocate for students with disabilities or suspected disabilities, working alongside other advocates for the student (parents, teachers, other providers, and community members) because I believe every child deserves a quality education.

Elena Kuzmenko

Elsa Bro, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

As a speech-language pathologist, I get to nurture each child’s POTENTIAL to thrive as a communicator, reader, storyteller, student, and friend. I get to teach the differently-abled and multi-talented! I get to collaborate with creative educators and am rewarded by each child’s successes as their self-confidence grows and their communication expands. The best part: all along the way their smiling eyes meet mine as we celebrate each step of the way.

Elsa Bro

Gina Ossanna, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I want to even the playing field for students with special needs; To connect with students and help them feel supported; To be an advocate for students who don’t usually advocate for themselves; To work with other professionals as a team to problem solve how to best help others; To constantly challenge myself to think about learning in different ways; To feel good about what I do at the end of the day.

Gina Ossanna

Gretchen Walker, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I want to improve people’s quality of life. I want to be a part of helping them become contributing members of society/successful in school. I feel I can be a good/positive role model. I have always had a passion for working with children.

Gretchen Walker

Heather Emery-Hendrick, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

The innate ability of humans to acquire and utilize language as a means of communication and connection is a gift. Providing education, training, skilled intervention, and advocacy to assist others to communicate effectively has been and continues to be life-changing for me.

Heather Emery-Hendrick

Heidi Dyk

Heidi Peters, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

If I can make a positive impact on one life, it’s all worth it. The fact that I get to have a positive impact on several people, which then can have an impact on the world, means that this “one life” that we all get will be that much easier and hopefully better for everyone.

Heidi Peters

Helen Kennedy, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

Communication is the foundation of all human interaction and the key to personal success. I feel privileged that I get to play a part in helping kids find ways to express themselves. I get to share in their joy when they make progress and reach communication milestones.

Helen Kennedy

Janet Murphy, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I do this work because I want to make a positive impact in others’ lives. Communication is essential to all areas of life and if I can help others communicate more clearly, their lives can be improved. Children inspire me because of their enthusiasm and readiness for new adventures/learning. The best service comes from building a relationship with children, families, and others who serve our students. I especially enjoy working with families that may struggle with things such as poverty or feeling like they don’t “fit in.”

Janet Murphy

Jordan Lusk Rodriguez, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I enjoy serving children and families through communication because I feel that the confidence and skill to communicate is everyone’s right. Communication permeates all aspects of our lives and is a way for us to access the world around us. I have always worked in fields that help to empower, especially vulnerable populations. I enjoy working with different cultures and people.

Jordan Lusk Rodriguez

Julie Peters, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

The ability to communicate effectively plays a large role in determining our access to the world around us. I enjoy determining and using the strengths of each individual student to encourage them to be the most successful communicator they can be, in whatever form that may take. I am passionate about working with students and families, and love being a part of their achievements no matter how big or small.

Julie Peters

Kalie Steele

Karen Mossbarger, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I want kids to enjoy communicating and learning, to feel proud of themselves for working toward their goals, and most of all to let each child know that they are loved and important. Watching how kids make connections and seeing positive changes happen for them as a result is the most motivating and exciting part of this work! People fascinate me, and kids are some of the wisest and fun people!

Karen Mossbarger

Kayla Jordan, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I support speech and language development to spread the word that there are many different ways to successfully communicate. Meaningful connection and interdependence contribute to successful communication. I believe in providing accommodations, supporting growth, advocating, and acknowledging strengths so that each and every person’s differences are honored, respected, and celebrated.

Kayla Jordan

Kelly Bawden, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

Some of my earliest memories are of defending my brother who stutters and I carry that same emotion into my work today. I believe in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for systemic change, and creating environments where every child can experience success.

Kelly Bawden

Kelsey Simons, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

There is nothing more gratifying than helping another experience an “Aha!” moment. That moment when something clicks and a light bulb turns on. Experiencing those moments, and helping another understand how this new knowledge can be meaningful to their life is what truly drives me.

Kelsey Simons

Kira Wright

Kirsty Lindaas

Lada Sarycheva Gonzales, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I believe that each and every human being on this planet has a great desire and need to be expressed, to be able to share their thoughts and needs, to develop a sense of belonging and inclusiveness with others. Without language, we lose our ability to communicate and without this ability, we cannot prosper as humans. I think that I am blessed to be a part of an amazing community of SLPs who dedicate their time and resources to helping other human beings to be full and complete.

Lada Sarycheva Gonzales

Lori Pastoor, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

Communication is the key to friendship, academic success, independence, sense of self, and participation in the community. I honor my role in supporting any child on their journey of growing their communication skills to experience success in all aspects of life.

Lori Pastoor

Lorie Harrison, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

During my husband’s military career (and constant moving/uncertainty) I have always been able to count on the personal joy and success I feel when I work with individuals to provide support to those needing/wanting it for their present and future wellbeing. I feel, as a member of society, we should always strive to promote acceptance of faults and motivate others in bringing out their confidence and skills. Seeing an individual improve their abilities to communicate is such a powerful thing to witness.

Lorie Harrison

Magdalene Lima-Fiallos, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I do this because I’m driven to find that hidden treasure inside of every human being I meet, especially kids. Empowering children to communicate enables us to truly get to know them and discover their strengths, creativity, talent, likes, dislikes, joys, and aspirations. In the process, they learn about themselves and that what they have to give to the world is valuable and unique. I’m a treasure-hunter!

Magdalene Lima-Fiallos

Meghann Jenkins

Paulette Selman, School Psychologist

School is the second most important part of a child’s life, after family. Growing up volunteering as a camp counselor, I knew I wanted to work with kids but never thought I could be a teacher, with all respect to teachers because that is a hard job! When I learned about school psychology it sounded like the perfect combination of working with individual students while supporting staff to improve outcomes for all kids. My approach to school psychology is evidence-based, systems-level, and oriented to social justice. School psychologists can do that!

Paulette Selman

Rachel Henno, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

I truly believe that it takes a village. Having the opportunity to make a positive difference in one’s own community is where true change is sparked, and for me, that opportunity is helping children improve their communication and expression through speech therapy. I hope to make a lasting impact on each child I work with so that they feel confident in knowing that they have the knowledge, ability, and support to successfully engage and grow within their environment.

Rachel Henno

Becky Spencer

Ruth Morrison

Sandra Lucas, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

The basic ability to connect with each other is something we often take for granted. I love that as an SLP, we work hard to understand the many complexities of this innate desire and strive to help children, adolescents, and adults achieve these connections. I believe in giving a voice to vulnerable populations through providing tools that can ultimately help them to form relationships with others. Relationships give us support, encouragement, and the motivation to communicate with each other and reach our full potential in life!

Sandra Lucas

Teresa Quiroga, School Psychologist

As the daughter of an adult immigrant to the United States, I was able to directly experience the importance of education as a way of building a life that includes meaningful work, equity, and growth. My own educational experiences have taught me the importance of learning about your unique learning profile and how to learn about learning. Although dyslexia runs in my family we are all avid readers. I love being in schools and collaborating with students, teachers, and families to support success and lifelong learning.

Teresa Quiroga

Tracy Adams

Carla Asplund

Justin Pohlreich, School Psychologist

I believe that every day should be about being a better version of our previous self. As we become better versions of ourselves it enables us to empower others toward personal growth and success. By becoming a better me, I can support others in becoming a better them. This, in turn, may lead to them empowering their own families and communities. It is a growth mindset that encourages others to live with intent, purpose, and personal meaning, and to spread the flame of hope and potential. The simplest way to say this is: “Kids (all people) do well if they can,” so let’s give them the tools so they can.

Justin Pohlreich

Kapua Fernandez, School Psychologist

Ed.S

Helping students realize the special talents and gifts they bring to the world is something I wish people could experience every day. I became a school psychologist to help create a safe and enriching environment to help students grow and reach their full potential.

Kapua Fernandez

Lily Conner, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

My enthusiasm for speech and language stems from my love for American Sign Language (ASL). Growing up with a mother who was hard-of-hearing, ASL fostered within me a richer understanding of the cultural and sociological underpinnings of communication and language, including that of a largely underrepresented population. I became captivated by a career in which I could help individuals of all populations overcome adversities and obstacles in communication, inclusive of non-speech forms. I am humbled to work in this field, and feel so lucky to both support and inspire self-expression every day.

Lily Conner

Launa Barnett

Rachel Malmon

Aaron Waxenfelter, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I want to be a positive influence in the lives of kids. I want to be a cheerleader and champion – a bright spot in their day. I want to do my part in coming alongside kids to grow in their communication skills that will help them, not only in school, but in life and for their whole lives.

Aaron Waxenfelter

Wendy Gunter

Cara Macedo, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

Before I became a speech therapist, I held a position in a special education classroom in our city’s lowest-income school. All of my students presented with severe communication needs. I watched as they thrived when provided with different modes of communication, like AAC. These children were suddenly empowered with their new means of communication, and their families were too. I learned so much from my students’ flexibility and hard work as they familiarized themselves and persevered with daunting new tasks. Many caregivers shared stories of watching their child tell someone their name for the first time as a result of speech therapy. Those children, teachers, speech therapists, and caregivers taught me how to provide a whole-person approach to each child while remaining flexible and patient. I am grateful to be in this field.

Cara Macedo

Amelia Fitch, School Psychologist

Being a school psychologist enables me to serve schools as a collaborative team member, creative problem-solver, and mental health advocate. I love fostering culturally-sensitive and inclusive climates for all students, families, and staff members. Each unique opportunity to help parents and educators better understand a child reinforces why I do what I do!

Amelia Fitch

Joella Nelson, School Psychologist

NCSP

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow” -Anthony D’Angelo. I strongly believe that all people are unique and each individual child’s strengths and needs should be looked at as just that. One of the core reasons I love being a school psychologist is that I have the opportunity to help students, families, and school teams to recognize and celebrate all growth and progress. I believe that every student has the capacity to learn and make growth at their own pace. We should meet students where they are at throughout their educational journey and help them to discover their passions and potential while supporting them to have the necessary tools and skills that they need to engage with their learning.

Joella Nelson

Logan Kaplan, School Psychologist

NCSP

I believe that all children need an advocate that knows the laws and seeks to provide a fair opportunity to access their education. Education is the most important resource that can be offered to a person. Through the use of data-based decision-making, I try to be that advocate for children and their experience in school.

Logan Kaplan

Megan O’Brien

Megan Rose, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I do what I do because I believe each and every child, student, and person has unique gifts, perspectives, and ideas which are valuable to the world and deserve to be discovered, developed, valued, and shared. I do what I do because I believe in giving a voice to those in our society who are the most vulnerable and face the greatest barriers to being heard.

Megan Rose

Sara Bernard, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I love being part of the school team, working to help students of all backgrounds and abilities to reach their full potential. Communication skills are the foundation of a fulfilling life, and I feel privileged to be a part of each student’s journey as they develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Sara Bernard

Myong Brunner, Occupational Therapist

OTR/L

I believe individuals have to control their own destiny but one can’t do it alone. I’m here because I want to be the one who could be a helper on someone’s journey, and if I can make a difference in even one person’s life, I would say I’ve done my job.

Myong Brunner

Sarah Nicholson, School Psychologist

NCSP

I’m an advocate for all things progress. I’m also an advocate for personal connections as the key to motivating students. I’m here to support parents as they learn about their child’s needs and to help teachers understand the kids that challenge them, so they can find a way to connect and motivate them. I’m also here for the kids who feel like no one else understands them; to listen to and encourage them through tough times.

Sarah Nicholson

Stefani Anderson, School Psychologist

In the beginning of my career, my “why” was to advocate for vulnerable populations. I became a school psychologist because I wanted all children with disabilities to have equitable access to a free and appropriate public education. Today, my “why” is so much more than that! In my experiences with students, staff, and families, I have built a passion for strengths-based approaches to diverse abilities and cultures. I believe in educating families on their rights, and being a proponent for IDEA, ADA, and state law as it pertains to schools. Additionally, as the parent of a child with a disability, I know what it feels like to be on the “other side of the table.” This personal experience has enlightened the ways in which I perform my own job duties as a school psychologist with regard to team collaboration, communication, and sensitivity.

Stefani Anderson

Sonda Hanosh

Julie Poole, School Psychologist

I work to understand each individual child as a whole person, their strengths, and their current challenges in order to help them to be better understood by others. Knowing that when we gain an in-depth understanding of a child, we can work together as a collaborative team to build a path that will support their growth, and help them to grow and bloom all of their unique gifts and potential.

Julie Poole

Mary Ferguson, School Psychologist

NCSP

I have been interested in working in special education for as long as I can remember. My oldest brother has autism and does not talk. In hindsight, he was my first experience with behavior modification. He didn’t always get to go places because he was loud. As a child, I took pride in helping him to act appropriately so that he could join our family on outings like trips to the mall or attending church. I am a school psychologist because I want to help students and parents understand each child’s unique set of strengths and weaknesses to achieve success now and in the future. I want to feel like I am making a difference when I go to work every day. I enjoy working in a profession that allows me to utilize my strengths as a problem solver and a collaborator.

Mary Ferguson

Megan Stephens, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

I work with young people because their sense of identity, self-worth, and self-esteem are in a vulnerable state. They need allies who support them, rally behind them, see their potential, and sometimes push them. I work in the field of communication because I think communication skills are a huge contributor to positive self-esteem and academic and social success.

Megan Stephens

Katy O’Bannon, School Psychologist

NCSP

I want to do good things and be of service to my community. I want to be a kind person and treat people fairly, and working in this field makes me a better person, a kinder, more patient person. I want to spread that good by using my talents and passions to help improve others’ lives and share the goodness.

Katy O’Bannon

Felecia Hanesworth

TSHH, SDL

I’ve always held a strong belief that all children deserve and should have the right to equitable access to the resources that they need to develop into adulthood. I choose to be a conduit for that access. I believe that struggle is necessary and perseverance is a part of life’s growth, however, that should not be a qualifier for a child’s reliance and success. I do what I do, to help children. I do what I do, to help others help children. I do what I do, because I believe in the power of a shared vision of helping children.

Felecia Hanesworth

Sarah Bergen

Taylor Phelps

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Katelynn Macedo, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

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Laura Hall, School Psychologist

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Alyssa Hoffman, School Psychologist

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Amber Cordry-Martinez, School Psychologist

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Amy Preci, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

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Ashley Northam, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

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Brigitte Thomas, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

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Brittany Waggoner, School Psychologist

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Bryn Quinlan, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

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Carol Shapiro, Speech-Language Pathologist

CCC-SLP

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