I'm a speech therapist specializing in early intervention, early childhood, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and oral motor feeding. I implement a total communication approach for my early communicators, integrating verbal speech, gestures, sign language and AAC strategies (picture symbols, low- and high-tech devices, etc.) to identify the most effective communication methods for all children across all settings and activities.

My interest in this work stems from wanting to work at Cincinnati Children's since I was a patient here as a child. My mom also works at Cincinnati Children's, and I have always been inspired by her impact on the lives of the children she treats. I was drawn to speech because communication is vital to our daily lives, but many struggle to have their voices heard.

I enjoy working with the entire family to help the skills we work on in therapy carry over to the home throughout the week. Although I only get to spend a few hours with their child each week, families spend all day with them, and they need to feel comfortable demonstrating the same strategies independently to make the most impact and progress.

It was my honor to present “ ‘Talking' about developmental milestones and evidence-based interventions for speech, language and feeding skills for young children with cerebral palsy (CP)" at the Early Detection and Intervention of Cerebral Palsy Conference. When I'm not working, I enjoy reading books (specifically novels by Lucy Foley and Lisa Jewell), taking yoga classes, and traveling to new cities and countries. My favorite place that I have visited is London, England.