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.

Amy Shope, Speech-Language Pathologist, 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.

Andrea Wary, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L
SLP Clinical Mentor, 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, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L
SLP Senior 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 15 years experience providing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to children of all ages. She has worked in public schools, private practice, preschools, and home settings. Areas of special interest include providing therapy to children with phonological process disorders, childhood language disorders, apraxia of speech, and autism. She enjoys finding each child’s interests and strengths and using them to build motivation and success in therapy. She strives to find a balance that maximizes progress and fun!

Amber Campbell, 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.

Kerri Reed Fowler, Office Manager and Billing Specialist, Chippewa Office
Kerri received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Community College of Beaver County. She has over 9 years’ experience working in a pediatric office setting doing medical billing and coding. Kerri works the front desk and is the person you will contact at the Chippewa Office. She does the initial intake of information for our patients, obtains scripts, referrals, and prior authorizations when needed. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of billing, insurances, services we offer, and more. Kerri enjoys seeing the patients and their smiles. Kerri has been working at Talktime since March of 2020.

Kayla Naviglia, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L, Clinical Supervisor, Cranberry Office
Kayla earned both her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology form Duquesne University. Kayla has substantial experience working in the pediatric outpatient setting. She has worked with children of all ages with a variety of speech and language disorders due to Autism Spectrum Disorders Specific Language Impairment, Down Syndrome, fluency disorders, articulation and phonological disorders and apraxia. Kayla's professional areas of interest include articulation and phonological disorders as well as language disorders secondary to ASD. She enjoys making therapy fun, motivating, and functional! Kayla loves spending time with her family, reading, and all things Disney!

Brittni Marshall, Occupational Therapist, MOTR/L, Clinic Coordinator Cranberry Office
Brittni earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitative Science and Human Services with a concentration in developmental delay from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She has her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from D'Youville College. Brittni has spent time working with children in an outpatient pediatric setting in Virginia Beach helping children of all ages with autism, fine motor delay, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays. Diagnoses she has experience with are stroke, cerebral palsy, ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and sensory processing disorder. Brittni believes that best results can be obtained by implementing therapy in the home during the child's everyday activities. In her free time Brittni likes to be outdoors enjoying camping, skiing, and hiking.

Kayla Bittner, Speech-Language Pathologist, MA CCC-SLP/L
Kayla received her Bachelor of Science from Edinboro University and her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kent State University. Kayla has experience working with both the pediatric and adult populations in the home, school and outpatient settings and is skilled with teletherapy. She has worked with a variety of speech and language disorders and medical diagnosis. Kayla's special interests include phonological and speech sound disorders as well as expressive language disorders. In her free time, Kayla likes to cook, read, work out, and collect candles. Fun fact about Kayla: She can even drive a stick shift!

Chloe Miller, Occupational Therapist, MOTR/L, Chippewa Office
Chloe received both her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Occupational Therapy degrees from Saint Francis University. Chloe provides Occupational Therapy services to clients from infancy to adulthood. She has pediatric experience with a variety of diagnoses including developmental delays, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, behavioral disorders, and Down Syndrome. Chloe's special interests include fine motor skills and integration as related to handwriting, cutting/coloring, and Activities of Daily Living as well as sensory integration, ASD, and feeding. "It brings me such joy to see my patients succeed and meet their goals! It makes it all worth it!"

Denise Moccia, Speech-Language Pathologist, 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 testiment to her love and devotion to help all children improve their speech and language skills.

Mary Anne Ross, Speech-Language Pathologist, 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.

Jodi Kostek, Speech-Language Pathologist, 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!

Robin Mansor, Speech-Language Pathologist, 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.

Brittany Walsh, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L
Brittany earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She has experience working with both adults and children. Specifically, Brittany has worked with a variety of adult patients with speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing deficits due to stroke, head injury, aphasia, various diseases, and dementia. She also enjoys working with children and has experience treating pediatric speech and language delays due to specific language impairment, autism, and developmental delays. Having two children of her own, Brittany loves helping children and watching them progress to meet their communication goals.

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.

Christina Beatty, Speech-Language Pathologist, 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.

Alyssa Steffine, Speech-Language Pathologist, MA CCC-SLP/L
Alyssa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Gannon University. She went on to attend Graduate School at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Master of Art degree in Speech/Language Pathology. She has experience providing therapy to children and adults across a variety of settings, including public schools and private practice. Alyssa’s areas of special interest include articulation and phonological disorders, as well as childhood language disorders. Alyssa has a passion for helping children succeed to their best potential and making therapy fun, engaging, and functional!

Marie Swanson, Occupational Therapist, MOTR/L, PRN Staff Chippewa Office
Marie is a licensed occupational therapist who earned her Master of Science degree from Ithaca College. She has clinical experience working with a wide variety of pediatric populations from birth through age eighteen and is passionate about helping children become as independent as possible. Marie’s additional training focuses on feeding therapy, handwriting, sensory processing, aquatic therapy and Integrated Listening System. She has lived in various states however truly enjoys all that Pennsylvania has to offer. Marie, her husband and three young children enjoy an active lifestyle and spending time together.

Stephanie Jack, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L
Stephanie earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology form Clarion University. Stephanie has experience working with children of all ages in both the school and outpatient settings. She has worked with children with both speech and language disorders resulting from various diagnoses including genetic disorders, chromosomal disorders, autism spectrum disorders, specific language impairment, learning disabilities, articulation and phonology disorders, and apraxia of speech. Stephanie’s professional areas of interest include articulation and phonological disorders. Stephanie has a passion for helping children find their voice through the use of highly motivating and functional play therapy. She believes in collaborating with other professionals and individual families to ensure the best outcome for each child. On her down time she enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends,
and puppies!

Breanne Smith, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L
Breanne received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Clarion University. She has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, schools, home health, and teletherapy. Breanne has experience treating pediatric patients with a variety of speech, language, swallowing and cognitive disorders. She loves seeing her kiddos make progress and become more confident being themselves! Breanne's special interests include articulations disorders and apraxia of speech. Fun Fact: Breanne is a professionally trained singer!

Heather Strauch, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP
Heather received both her Bachelor of Science In Health Science and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Misericordia University. She has spent the majority of her career working in the public school
setting. She has experience completing evaluations and providing therapeutic interventions to children from Preschool through Middle School. She spent several of her years working in self-contained public pre-school classrooms for children with Autism, Developmental Delays, and other disabilities. She especially enjoys working together with families to institute functional communication skills and brainstorm strategies to help clients institute them in different social contexts. Heather’s areas of special interests include AAC and childhood language disorders. She enjoys finding what motivates her clients and making learning fun. In her free time, Heather enjoys baking and being outdoors with her husband and toddler.

Hannah Ritter, Occupational Therapist, MOTR/L
Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. Hannah has extensive experience working primarily in the school setting, but also in outpatient and home health settings with both children and adults. Her special interests include working with children of all ages and their families to help them achieve their goals and dreams! In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, Pitt Football, and going on adventures.

Logan Donnadio, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA/L, PRN Staff
Logan received her Associate Degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Brightwood Career Institute. Logan has experience working with both pediatrics and adults, but has primarily worked in the school setting. She has worked with children with a variety of occupational therapy needs.

Michelle Post, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L
Michelle received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Toledo and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology form Eastern Michigan University. She has experience working with a variety of speech and language disorders in the pediatric population. Michelle's special interests include articulation and phonological disorders and childhood language disorders. She has always had a love for working with children. Their success is her success! Michelle loves how kids keep her on her toes and push her to be creative when planning her treatments!

Stephanie Crishi, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L
Stephanie received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from Geneva College and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Woman's University. She has experience working with both pediatrics and adults across a variety of settings. Stephanie's special interests include articulation and language disorders, dysphagia, aphasia, and tracheotomies. She loves watching her patients learn to express themselves in ways they previously unable to do! Fun Fact: Stephanie has gone swimming with dolphins!

Melanie Lehocky, Speech-Language Pathologist, MS CCC-SLP/L, PRN Staff
Melanie received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Pennsylvania State University. She has worked both as a school based therapist and with adults in long term care. Mel has experience with articulation disorders, TBI, cognition, autism, aphasia, dysarthria, swallowing, fluency, and expressive/receptive language. She has worked or had internships in acute care hospitals, long term care, Early Intervention, and public schools. Mel is trained to use VITAL STIM as part of swallowing rehabilitation. When not working, she enjoys reading, traveling, video games, cooking, yoga and hiking.
She is a huge Harry Potter and alternative music fan. She is extremely excited for the opportunity to help your kiddos improve their ability to communicate!

Gabriella Grundberg, Occupational Therapist, MOTR/L
Gabriella received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She has experience with both pediatric and adult populations in a variety of settings including hospitals and long term care. Gabriella has a special interest in.......