About Us
Talktime was founded in 2007 by Amy Shope as a way to provide direct Speech and Language services to children in the area. Initially providing services on her own, Amy soon found the demand for quality SLP services far exceeded her capacity, and expanded the office, resources, and staff. We now have a continually growing staff of experienced and certified Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Reading Therapists and Music Therapists, each offering a slightly different background. Since we collaborate on treatment plans and procedures, we are able to utilize the different strengths of each therapist to provide the best treatment possible!
All of our Speech-Language Pathologists are certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and all of our Occupational Therapists are certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. All of our therapists are licensed by the state of Pennsylvania.
All of our Speech-Language Pathologists are certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and all of our Occupational Therapists are certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. All of our therapists are licensed by the state of Pennsylvania.
Amy Shope, MA CCC-SLP/L, President
Amy received a Bachelor of Science Degree with honors in Communication Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. She then went on to earn a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Michigan State University where she graduated with Highest Distinction and Honors. After graduating from Michigan State University, Amy went on to work with children of all ages in a variety of settings. Before founding Talktime Speech Therapy in 2007, Amy worked in the public school system in Holly, Michigan servicing elementary students in regular eduction with speech and language impairments, as well as students with emotional disorders and mental retardation. After moving back to Pennsylvania in 2000, Amy began working for Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 where she serviced children with speech, language and dysphagia (i.e, swallowing) needs related to severe speech and language impairments, apraxia, autism, multiple handicaps, and mental retardation. Amy has also worked part-time in Pennsylvania's Early Intervention Program in Allegheny County servicing children from birth-3 years with speech, language, and swallowing needs. Amy also has much experience with the selection and programming of Augmentative and Alternative means of communication. Areas of specialization and special interest include childhood apraxia of speech, auditory processing disorders, stuttering, and dysphagia. Amy has a passion for working with children and has developed unique therapy techniques that are both fun and successful.
Amy received a Bachelor of Science Degree with honors in Communication Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. She then went on to earn a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Michigan State University where she graduated with Highest Distinction and Honors. After graduating from Michigan State University, Amy went on to work with children of all ages in a variety of settings. Before founding Talktime Speech Therapy in 2007, Amy worked in the public school system in Holly, Michigan servicing elementary students in regular eduction with speech and language impairments, as well as students with emotional disorders and mental retardation. After moving back to Pennsylvania in 2000, Amy began working for Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 where she serviced children with speech, language and dysphagia (i.e, swallowing) needs related to severe speech and language impairments, apraxia, autism, multiple handicaps, and mental retardation. Amy has also worked part-time in Pennsylvania's Early Intervention Program in Allegheny County servicing children from birth-3 years with speech, language, and swallowing needs. Amy also has much experience with the selection and programming of Augmentative and Alternative means of communication. Areas of specialization and special interest include childhood apraxia of speech, auditory processing disorders, stuttering, and dysphagia. Amy has a passion for working with children and has developed unique therapy techniques that are both fun and successful.
Andrea Wary, MS CCC-SLP/L
Clinical Supervisor, Cranberry Office Andrea received both her Bachelor of Science and Mater of Science Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has worked as a speech-language pathologist in the public schools and now in private practice. For more than 16 years, she has provided individual and group speech-language therapy to children of all ages. Andrea has extensive experience across a variety of ages and settings, including preschool, regular education, full-time autistic support, language support, life skills support classrooms and outpatient rehabilitation. In addition, she has attended various workshops/conferences and received specialized training working with assistive technology devices. Her areas of special interest include childhood apraxia of speech, stuttering, and voice disorders. Andrea enjoys working with children and makes it a priority to have fun with her lessons. Her motivation comes from her students/clients and she enjoys getting to know each of them. She is very excited to have the ability to meet and work with your child! |
Amber Anderson, MS CCC-SLP/L
Clinical Supervisor, Chippewa Office Amber received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she has earned her Early Childhood Teaching Certification at Carlow University. Amber has more than 10 years experience providing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to children of all ages. She has worked with children in public schools, private practice, preschool, and home settings. Areas of special interest include treating children with autism, implementation of AAC systems, and remediation of phonological process disorders. She enjoys finding each individual child’s interests and strengths and using them to build motivation and success in therapy. |
Amber Litzinger, Supervising Office Manager and Billing Specialist, Cranberry Office
Amber received her Associate Degree in Office Technology and Medical Administrative Assistance from the Community College of Beaver County. She is also certified in all Microsoft office programs as well as medical coding and billing. Amber has more than 7 years of experience in office management and and billing and coding for insurance reimbursement. Amber has experience dealing directly with insurance companies and helping patients to get their services covered. She also works the front desk and is the person you will speak with if you call our Cranberry Office. Amber does the initial intake of information for our patients, helps the patient understand their insurance coverage, obtains referrals for services from the patient's Primary Care Physician, and obtains authorizations from insurance when needed. She is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about all aspects of Talktime and will do her best to answer your questions when you call the office. Amber has been happily working at Talktime since 2012. She loves seeing the kids and watching them achieve their goals throughout their treatment. |
Cindy Hoey, Office Manager and Billing Specialist, Chippewa Office
Bio on the way! |
Alison Sopher, MA CCC-SLP/L
Alison received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology from Geneva College. She then attended Kent State University where she received her Masters of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. Alison has more than 7 years of experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders. Her areas of of special interest with children are treatment of phonological and articulation disorders, apraxia of speech, auditory processing disorders, and dysphagia. Alison also has over 16 years of experience with diagnostic and therapeutic interventions with the adult population in both outpatient rehabilitation and long-term care. She has had extensive experience treating dysphagia and adult language disorders. Alison enjoys working with both children and adults and is highly motivated to make a difference in their lives by improving their communication. |
Jodi Kostek, MS CCC-SLP/L
Jodi is a practiced Speech-Language Pathologist with over 23 years of experience working in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Jodi earned both her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience working with both children and adults. Before joining the Talktime Team, Jodi worked as the Inpatient Rehabilitation Supervisor at East Liverpool City Hospital where she managed staff and evaluated and treated patients of all ages in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Outpatient Rehabilitation, Home Health, and the School Setting. While working part-time for Talktime, Jodi continues to work full-time (for the past 8 years) for South Side Area School District providing treatment to students from kindergarten through 21 years of age. Jodi brings her expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology along with her cheerful personality to every therapy session! |
Denise Moccia, MS CCC-SLP/L
Denise received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech/Language Pathology from California State College and a Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology from California University of Pennsylvania. Denise has worked in the Laurel School District for 33 years and has extensive knowledge in children’s speech and language disorders including articulation, language, fluency, auditory processing, autism and apraxia. She has worked with children with varying exceptionalities, such as emotional and intellectual disorders and developmental delays. She believes in a multidisciplinary approach to therapy and believes in collaboration between home, school and private therapy. Denise’s long career in the schools is a testimate to her love and devotion to help all children improve their speech and language skills. |
Mary Anne Ross, MA CCC-SLP/L
Mary Anne Ross earned a BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Loyola College of Maryland and went on study at the graduate level at the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her MA in Communication Disorders/Speech/language Pathology. Mary Anne considers herself to be a "speech geek" and has worked in a variety of settings and with clients spanning the ages of 2 to 102! Currently, she is a dedicated school-based speech and language clinician in addition providing services at Talktime Speech Therapy. Mary Anne's clinical interests include articulation and motor-based speech disorders, stuttering, and child language disorders. She prides herself in being able to structure speech therapy sessions for each client's needs. |
Emily Rastatter, MA CCC-SLP/L
Emily Rastatter grew up in the Pittsburgh area and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2012. After graduating, she moved to Myrtle Beach, where she worked in a private clinic treating a wide range of speech and language disorders in kids of all ages. She then moved to Charlotte, NC, where she continued treatment of children ages 6 months-19 years with disorders ranging from: Articulation and Phonological Disorders, Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders, Fluency Disorders, Pragmatic Disorders, Word finding Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, Language Processing Disorders, Auditory Processing Disorders, Phonological Awareness Disorders, Dyslexia/Reading Disorders and Feeding Disorders (stemming from sensory difficulties). Emily has treated children with the following co-occurring disorders: Down Syndrome, Cleft Palate, ADHD, Hearing Loss, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Emily believes in child-centered, family-focused therapy and believes the best results are achieved when parents and therapists collaborate to formulate a functional, realistic treatment plan that parents can implement at home to bolster the therapy a child receives! Emily is very much looking forward to meeting and working with her new children and families! |
Robin Mansor, MS CCC-SLP/L
Robin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. She then attended California University of Pennsylvania where she received her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Robin worked in pediatrics for 16 years in both public schools and the early intervention program with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit. Robin has extensive experience in treating phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorders, fluency disorders, articulation disorders and implementation of AAC systems for non verbal children. While working at the Midwestern Intermediate Unit, Robin was instrumental in implementing an inclusion program for young children on the autism spectrum in the early intervention program. Areas of specialization and special interest include, childhood apraxia of speech, articulation and phonological disorders. Robin believes that families are an integral part of therapy. She loves helping children become successful communicators in functional and enjoyable ways. |
Nathan Sharbaugh, MOTR/L
Nathan Sharbaugh has his Masters of Occupational Therapy degree from Nova Southeastern University and Bachelor of Arts from John Carroll University. He has previously worked in Early Intervention with The Early Learning Institute (TELI) helping infants and toddlers with developmental delays, feeding difficulties, sensory processing disorder, and behavioral concerns. He has also spent time working in the cyber schools helping kids ages 8-18 with fine motor delays, ADHD, and autism. His areas of interest include sensory processing, fine motor, autism, and sleep disorders. In 2017, Nathan taught a course at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) conference presenting information to colleagues about pediatric sleep and effective, family-centered treatments. In his free time Nathan likes to be outside and stay active. He enjoys running, hiking, biking, golfing, and playing soccer. |
Kayla Torrence, COTA/L
Kayla received her Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy from Pennsylvania State University and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from there as well. She began providing Occupational Therapy services to clients, ages 3-21, in schools, homes, and outpatient settings. Kayla has pediatric experience with a variety of diagnoses including: developmental delays, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PDD-NOS, Sensory Processing Disorders, behavioral disorders, and Down Syndrome. Kayla loves incorporating play into sessions to help motivate children as they develop the skills necessary to gain independence in their everyday lives. She has additional experience with adults as she interned in a short term inpatient facility that provided intensive rehabilitative therapy. Kayla believes in implementing a holistic approach with each client, including collaboration with family members and other therapy professionals, to provide the best treatment possible. Kayla is currently working towards her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. |
Amy Ulewicz, MOTR/L
Amy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University. Amy has over six years of experience working with children in the school setting and in early intervention. Amy has completed additional training in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to feeding. Her areas of interest include reflex integration, feeding difficulties, and motor delays. She enjoys working with children and their families to make gains in their independence and to reach their goals. She is a forever learner who is always looking for new ways to improve the lives of each child with whom she works. |
Jacqueline Rushkowski, MS CCC-SLP/L
Jackie received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Jackie has experience in many different settings in the field of speech pathology. After graduating, she moved to Salisbury, MD, where she worked in a school district treating a wide range of students ages 3-14 in articulation, expressive/receptive language and pragmatic language. During that time, she worked in a specialized classroom working primarily on pragmatic language for children with behavioral disabilities. At the end of the school year, she moved to Pittsburgh and began teletherapy for a school district in Maryland, while beginning to work at Talktime Speech Therapy. Jackie’s special interest areas include, articulation and phonological disorders, increasing vocabulary and language skills, and social skills training. She believes communication with family members is the key to success for each child. Jackie looks forward to helping you and your child succeed in a fun and effective way! |
Kayla Naviglia, MS CCC-SLP/L
Bio coming soon! |
Christina Beatty, MS CCC-SLP/L
Christina received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Saint Vincent College. She then attended Duquesne University where she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Since graduating from Duquesne, Christina has worked with children ages 5-21 in a school setting, who have Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other low incident disorders. Helping students to become independent and understood in all their communication has been a great area of focus. Her interests include implementing AAC devices, stuttering, articulation disorders, and treating children with multiple disabilities. Christina believes in collaboration with other professionals, as well as the parents, to provide the best outcomes for each client. |
Kayla Thornburg, MA CCC-SLP/L
Bio coming soon! |
Debbie Alexander, Reading Specialist; Orton-Gillingham Trainee
Debbie earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a minor in Psychology, from Eastern Nazarene College. She has worked as a transitional Kindergarten teacher, providing additional support for children with special needs. Debbie also worked for 17 years as a preschool teacher where she wrote and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum to promote literacy and language development. Debbie has a passion for teaching children to read. In addition to her existing qualifications, she is currently being trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach to reading intervention. Debbie is looking forward to helping your child become and independent reader. |
Erin Oulton, Certified Music Therapist
Bio coming soon! |
