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! |
Alison Sopher, MA CCC-SLP/L
Clinical Supervisor, Chippewa Office 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. |
Amber Anderson, MS CCC-SLP/L
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. |
Crista Bush, MOT, OTR/L
Crista received her Bachelor of Science degree from Grove City College where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She went on to earn her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Crista has over five years of experience working with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, PDD-NOS, Sensory Processing Disorders, behavioral disorders and other developmental delays. Crista has also worked for a consulting company training health professionals on person-centered care for persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Crista thrives on being a dedicated learner & researcher who believes in collaborating with other professionals to design the best treatment possible. She stresses the importance of integrating families and other professionals into therapy to provide the best possible outcome for each client. |
Heather Boss, MSLP CCC-SLP/L
Heather received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University. She has more than 13 years of experience working with children who have communication disorders related to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, fluency disorders, language delays, ADHD, articulation and phonological processing disorders, apraxia, and developmental delays. Heather is committed to collaborating with other professionals working with children on her caseload in order to design the best treatment possible. She believes it is also very important to work closely with the family to provide continuous feedback on how to help your child at home. Heather is dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who looks forward to helping you and your child succeed!
Heather received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University. She has more than 13 years of experience working with children who have communication disorders related to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, fluency disorders, language delays, ADHD, articulation and phonological processing disorders, apraxia, and developmental delays. Heather is committed to collaborating with other professionals working with children on her caseload in order to design the best treatment possible. She believes it is also very important to work closely with the family to provide continuous feedback on how to help your child at home. Heather is dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who looks forward to helping you and your child succeed!
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! |
Jolene Fielder, MS CCC-SLP/L
Jolene comes to Talktime with over 11 years experience in the area of Speech Pathology working with a variety of speech and language disorders including Autism Spectrum, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, apraxia of speech, dysphagia, developmental delay, and language delay. Jolene earned both her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Jolene has a background working with pediatrics (Birth-3) in Early Intervention. She continues her education to further develop as a professional and has special interest in feeding/swallowing disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and overall language development. Jolene has a strong passion to work with children, as well as their families, to give them success. |
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. 
Alissa Johnston, MS OTR/L
Alissa obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a concentration in occupational therapy from Westminster College. After attending Westminster College she went on to receive her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University. Since graduating from Duquesne, Alissa has gained experience working with children of varying ages and diagnoses in a variety of settings. Alissa has experience working with children age 0-3 through early intervention services in Allegheny County and ages 3-21 in the outpatient setting. Her areas of interest include handwriting, feeding difficulties, and sensory integration.Alissa enjoys working with children of all ages and creating original and fun activities for each child to participate in that will help enhance their skills and improve their ability to function independently. Seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they gain a new skill and achieve their goals is Alissa’s biggest motivation. She believes the most important factor in achieving goals is a collaborative and trusting relationship with each client and their family. |
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! 
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. |
Courtney Mottes, MA CCC-SLP/L
Courtney attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology & Audiology and her Master of Science in Speech Language- Pathology. Along with working at Talktime, she works for 2 schools in the Beaver County Area, servicing children from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Courtney has provided speech and language services in individual, group, and classroom settings. Her areas of special interest include: expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, pragmatics, and treating children with Autism. During treatment sessions, she believes that children learn best when they’re having fun. She always includes a game, craft, or IPad activity to keep clients engaged and motivated. Courtney is excited to enhance your child’s communication skills while discussing strategies for practicing skills at home. |
Sarah Harrison, Certified Music Therapist
Sarah Harrison is a Board Certified Music Therapist who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in music therapy, with a minor in psychology, from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. She has experience working with individuals of all ages in educational, medical, and mental health facilities, and her clinical experience includes providing music therapy services at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, McGill Early Intervention Center, New Castle Youth Development Center, and Butler LIFE. Her continued experience includes providing bedside music therapy to oncology patients at local Pittsburgh hospitals through The Sonny Pugar Memorial and Music Smiles and working as a Therapeutic Staff Support for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and behavioral issues. In her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling and spending time with her family in Erie. |
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Melissa Merritt, Certified Reading Specialist; Advanced Orton-Gillingham Practioner
Melissa Merritt earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Penn State University. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree as a Reading Science Specialist from Mount St. Joseph University which she will be complete in 2016. Shortly before she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in 2001, Melissa’s oldest child was diagnosed with Dyslexia. Melissa met with one challenge after another to find help for her daughter. She had a great deal of trouble finding knowledgeable people to help her daughter with this learning disability. In an effort to find help for her, Melissa made a career change that set her on the course to certification as an Orton-Gillingham Practitioner. She has been the Director for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Western PA for over 10 years. Melissa comes to Talktime certified as an Advanced Orton-Gillingham Practitioner, Instructor through the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc. and the Academic Language Therapy Association. Teaching children to read is her passion. |
Cindy Hoey, Office Manager and Billing Specialist, Chippewa Office
Bio on the way! |
Amber Litzinger, 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 4 years of experience in office management and over 2 years of experience with 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. |
