Speech Therapists
Renee Alberts: As the mother of two children, I know how important it is for our little ones to communicate with us! I aim to make our visits fun, positive and meaningful through motivating play based activities. I utilize toys, books, crafts, music, and movement to facilitate speech and language development. Families and caregivers are encouraged to participate and provide feedback. I provide home programming to support your child’s progress that is easily implemented into your daily routines. My experience includes, but is not limited to, Expressive and Receptive language delays, articulation difficulties, phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, and mild oral motor weakness. I also have experience working with delays related to adoption, prematurity, autism, and genetic disorders. Please feel free to call me with any questions regarding my experience or to discuss your scheduling needs.
Andrea Balan-Vogt: I have provided First Steps services for over 11 years, focusing all of my time, research, and resources on this age group. I use a play-based approach to make therapy fun and meaningful. I am familiar with sensory processing disorders and I incorporate many strategies into my sessions. I am trained in PECS (picture communication) and am comfortable using simple sign language when appropriate. I consistently attend workshops to update and broaden my skills. My experience includes expressive and receptive language delays, articulation and phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, prematurity, cognitive impairment, and international adoption. Please feel free to call me before choosing a provider.
Erin Bradley: Before becoming a First Steps provider, I worked in both public and private early childhood programs where children coming from the First Steps program were transitioned at age three. I have experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses resulting in speech delays/disorders. I enjoy providing treatment through a play-based approach, emphasizing total communication (e.g., verbal, use of sign language/gestures, pictures) as a base on which to expand a child’s communicative abilities. I incorporate activities that are fun for the child and easy for the parent to carry over into their daily routine. As a mother of two young children, one of whom is currently enrolled in the First Steps program, I can appreciate hands-on learning and encourage parent participation in every aspect of their child’s development. I have also worked with several Spanish speaking families and am comfortable incorporating Spanish throughout a therapy session.
Ramona Brown-Lucas: I have experience working with students with various communication challenges including but not limited to articulation/phonology, apraxia, language, fluency, & autism spectrum disorders. Working in the schools for 9 years gave me an understanding of communication needs & the transition process of school aged children. As a mother of 3 boys, one of whom needed some First Steps services, I understand the struggles & joys when raising children and trying to help them reach their potential. I typically utilize a play-based therapy model to make learning fun, & I enjoy involving family & caregivers in the therapy sessions to maximize progress.
Traci Condra: I have been a full time licensed Speech Therapist for 6 years. I started my career as a First Steps Provider. I accepted another job to enhance my Speech Therapy skills and abilities, but my passion is with children and encouraging successful development! I use therapeutic evaluation as well as skilled play based therapy to enhance communicative function in the natural environment. I strive to make treatment sessions productive and enjoyable for the children and their families. I have experience with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Expressive Language Delays. I look forward to serving you and your child!
Luanne DeVries: Over 30 years as a speech and language pathologist • U.S. and international practice • Worked in private practice, agencies, hospitals, former head of a hospital communication rehabilitation department, in and out-patient rehabilitation centers, schools, residential facilities, and universities. I provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to clients of all ages, treat numerous disorders such as speech and language delays, apraxia, traumatic head injury, neurogenic disorders, congenital disorders, cleft palate, autism, cerebral palsy, syndromes, cranio-facial disorders, feeding and swallowing, and more. I regularly use a close team approach in order to achieve optimal results. In addition, caregivers receive individual verbal and written instructions for their child.
Angelia Eneix: I have been practicing as a Speech and Language Pathologist for 11 years and have worked in a variety of settings including an Early Childhood program, private practice, and First Steps. I have experience working with a variety of disorders resulting in speech and language delays. I implement a play-based approach during therapy with activities that are most motivating to your child. I encourage a variety of communication modes including sign language, vocalizations, and pictures to help your child be successful in their communication attempts. I also enjoy working closely with parent to provide suggestions for every day interactions. I find early intervention to be extremely rewarding and I look forward to the opportunity to work with your child.
Nancy Grenda: I have worked with the pediatric population for 19 years and love being able to work with children in their own environments with the support and love of their family or caregiver. Along with 19 years of experience I have additional training in myofacial release, sensory integration, apraxia, brain gym and swallowing therapy treating the whole child. I have the most experience with apraxia, speech and language delays, severe phonology, sensory issues, and swallowing disorders. I have experience with children with Down’s, ADD,ADHD autism, CP and PPD. I have taken the introduction course to Brain Gym and try to incorporate into my sessions. I believe in working with the child and their family in their environment including siblings as part of therapy.
Rachel Hatcher: I have ten years experience with the First Steps program. I have worked with children in a variety of settings (i.e. clinic, hospital, developmental preschool and home environments.) I utilize many strategies, including sign language and the picture exchange communication system (PECS), to help children reach their full potential in communicating their thoughts, needs and wants. My experience includes, but is not limited to speech and language delays, apraxia of speech, autism and oral-motor concerns. I specialized in early intervention and autism spectrum disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Therapy sessions are play-based and incorporate activities that are fun and motivating for your child. I encourage family participation and provide training to families on how to carry over therapy activities and techniques into their everyday activities. I work closely with other members of your child’s team to provide cohesive services. I welcome the opportunity to work with you!
Michelle Johnson: Learning to communicate can be challenging! However, giving a family and caretaker ideas to incorporate improving communication skills into everyday situations can make it less work and more fun. I enjoy working with children in a variety of settings and situations. I welcome family participation including parents, siblings and childcare providers. I use books, games, puzzles, crafts, songs and other hands on activities to stimulate language in a play based approach which makes learning fun. I have experience both within the First Steps system and the Early Childhood system which provides services after a child turns three. I am comfortable working with a variety of developmental delays including, but not limited to, language delay, articulation, apraxia, feeding/swallowing/oral motor and autism. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for references. Thank you!
Randee Kleeman: I’ve been working with the pediatric population for five years and I enjoy providing services to the Spanish-speaking population. I’ve worked in hospital, school and residential settings. My work experience includes evaluation and treatment of infants/toddlers with developmental apraxia of speech, feeding/swallowing disorders, voice and stuttering disorders, Down Syndrome, autism, pervasive developmental disorders, and speech and language delays and disorders. I also have experience working with children with dually diagnosed developmental and emotional disabilities. My therapy approach includes oral motor play, songs, sign language, motor movement and/or use of picture symbols to facilitate communication development. I believe in a team approach for treating children with speech and language disorders. Together, as parent and therapist, we will work toward enhancing your child’s communication skills. Please call me with questions. I look forward to meeting you and your child!
Julie Korte: I have been practicing speech-language pathology for 13 years. For the past 11 years I have been providing home based early intervention therapy to children with a variety of communication disabilities associated with developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, CP, Down Syndrome, apraxia, and brain injuries. In order to continue to increase and improve my knowledge base, and obtain current information, I regularly participate in continuing education. I believe that parents know their children best and that they are critical partners in the child’s therapy. I feel that I understand both sides of the early intervention system; my youngest daughter received services for a short time. I find working with young children a joyful and rewarding experience.
Julie Kortepeter: I love working with children and helping them to become better communicators. I have experience with receptive and expressive language delays, articulation disorders, autism spectrum disorders and developmental delay. My three young children and three years as an elementary school speech-language pathologist have given me good insight into the ways children learn and succeed. Parents are a vital part of the speech therapy process. I enjoy partnering with them to enhance their child’s speech and language development. I am available Monday through Thursday 9:00am – 3:00pm.
Carol Krise: I am a Speech-Language Pathologist who has worked primarily with children. Family involvement and contact is one of the things I like the best about my job. I also greatly enjoy working within your child’s routine to foster communication development. My therapy is play-based with age-appropriate toys and activities. I have worked with a variety of disorders and delays and can address oral-motor issues. Please feel free to contact me before choosing a therapist or before starting therapy.
Rion Lahr: I have worked as a speech therapist for 8 years in several settings including home based, hospital, pediatric outpatient clinic, and schools. I believe that children learn best with a play based model using age appropriate toys and activities. I try to work closely with parents, caregivers and other team members to ensure each child makes the most progress possible. I have experience working with speech and language delays, autism, apraxia, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delay and more. Please feel free to contact me with questions. I currently have several openings in the southern part of Noblesville, the McCordsville /Fortville area, and in the Lawrence area. Please feel free to call to check my schedule..
Bobbi Maher: I enjoy working closely with families to address their child’s needs. I like to incorporate parents and siblings in the therapy sessions to help insure carryover of activities throughout the week. Therapy is “play based” in which the child’s strengths are used to enhance his/her communication skills. I have experience working with a variety of developmental delays and disorders such as phonological, articulation, language, oral motor, feeding, and autism spectrum. I have co-treated with occupational therapists and incorporate many sensory integration techniques during therapy. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss any questions you may have regarding my experience or availability. I work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Jennifer Menzel: I feel family involvement is essential to speech therapy success, so your experiences and ideas will always be heard. Also believing strongly in the multi-disciplinary approach to services, I will make sure to focus on all of your child’s needs. Individual goals will be addressed through play-based activities, making sure to emphasize activities that best motivate your child to progress. My passion is working with children with language delays and, specifically, Verbal Apraxia. However, with over a decade of experience, I have worked with children with a variety of delays and disorders, including oral motor/feeding issues and cleft palate. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I currently have openings on Mondays thru Thursdays.
Marilyn Neff: Both my clinical experience and training are focused on the infant – toddler aged child. In addition to developing and implementing early speech and language stimulation programs, I can provide training and materials for the Kaufman Praxis Program and the use of baby signs/gestures. I have extensive experience and enjoy working with children who have a variety of speech and language delays, including late-talkers, expressive/receptive language delays, children with Down Syndrome, motor-speech delays, apraxia, autism/PDD, genetic syndromes, and oral motor/swallowing and feeding problems. Please feel free to contact me to obtain additional information that will assist you in the selection of a speech and language service provider for your child. Recommendations from families I have worked with are available at any time upon request.
Jill Ownes: I have been a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist for seventeen years. I am comfortable working in home and community settings. I am the mother of four and love working with young children. I will work closely with parents, caregivers and other team members to ensure carry over of speech and language skills targeted in therapy. I am available to speak to parents prior to their choosing a provider.
Ali Richardson: I am an energetic passionate, motivated, speech language pathologist. I’m a firm believer of individualized instruction and structuring therapy to best empower the child and their family. My therapy is fun and functional! My interests are working with children with feeding, swallowing, and oral motor disorders. I also enjoy and have experience in children with autism spectrum disorders, apraxia, articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with your child and family. Please feel free to contact me with any questions before choosing a therapist. Work on Mondays only at this time.
Colleen Zillich: Hello. I love my job of helping young children learn how to better communicate. I have been a speech pathologist for 10 years. I am currently an autism consultant for two local school districts. I have been trained in various speech and language techniques/strategies. I have also spoken at a variety of national and local speech and hearing and autism conferences. During therapy, I incorporate play, songs, and toys to help children learn in a natural way. I believe in helping children use functional communication through words, pictures, gestures, and/or signs. In order to maximize a child’s learning, I believe in a strong partnership with parents. I look forward to meeting you and your child. I have availability for therapy at 4:30pm or later.