ABOUT THE FOUNDER of CASA Speech (DBA THE SPEAK CENTER) and Development Services
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Education
Ebony Green, M.S., CCC-SLP received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. She then joined a highly selective national teacher corps known as Teach for America and committed four years to teaching in underserved communities. During her time in the classroom, Ebony taught bilingual elementary school students for two years and then taught Spanish at the high school level for two years. Ebony worked closely with other teachers and professionals at her school. She decided to pursue a career in speech language pathology after spending time in IEP meetings and working alongside the SLP and other special education staff at her school in Houston, TX. While in her final year of teaching Ebony began taking post-baccalaureate courses at Texas Woman’s university to learn more about speech language pathology and became an SLP-A. Ebony later moved to Arizona and completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Speech Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University and became an SLP. Now, Ebony is one of the best practicing therapists for autism services, bilingual speech services, and overall speech and language therapy! With her years of education and experience, she is proud and honored to now have CASA Speech and Development Services.
Career in Speech Language Pathology
Ebony began working as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant after her Teach for America experience. She worked in both the elementary and high school settings over the years at the following campuses: Paideia Academy in Phoenix, American Leadership Academy in Gilbert, Vector Prep and Arts Academy in Chandler, Skyline Prep High School in Phoenix and Benjamin Franklin High School in Queen Creek. Ebony also began working in home health with clients aged 3-38, providing in-home speech-language therapy services after school and on the weekends. During this time Ebony started a social skills group to help 16 year old boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder work on socialization and peer interaction. During her Master’s program, Ebony completed her clinical practicum at a pediatric speech and language clinic in Mesa. Following her clinical practicum Ebony served the students at Legacy Traditional Academy in Chandler, AZ as the school SLP while concurrently working in home health and at All About Speech in Mesa, AZ. Ebony started CASA Speech and Development Services, LLC with the vision to provide home, clinic and school based speech services to individuals across the valley in addition to providing language immersion camps, enrichment and parent education classes to clients and parents. Most recently, Ebony has served as a telehealth SLP for Kingman Unified School District and helps manage a caseload of over 100 students.
Specialized Experience
Ebony has experience working with children and adults who have articulation disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders and developmental delays such as autism, cerebral palsy and down-syndrome. Ebony is trained in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) including LAMP Words for Life Language System, Touch Chat and Go Talk programs. Ebony is also trained on The Speech-EZ® Apraxia Program specifically designed to improve speech intelligibility for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Ebony is experienced in conducting speech and language evaluations in English and Spanish including the Rosetti-Infant Toddler Scale, CELF, PLS, TOLD, OWLS, TOPS, CTOPP, CASL and many other speech evaluations. Ebony is also a certified Baby Signs Baby Sign Language Instructor.
Meet our exciting team of professionals!
Valerye Langan
Bio coming soon!
Chief of Staff
Mark Acevedo
Bio coming soon!
Senior Program Manager
Amy Schafer
Clinical Director
Amy is an Arizona native who has worked as an SLP-A for CASA Speech and Development Services for over three years. She is also the Clinical Director here at CASA and loves to help families connect with therapists. Amy enjoys traveling with her family and photography.
Heidi Trujillo
Office Manager
Heidi is originally from Texas and has made Arizona her home since 2021. She has workid in Pediatric Therapy for over four years. She is currently enrolled in the Social Work program at Grand Canyon University. Heidi is passionate about serving others, volunteering in her community, and helping children. In her free time, she loves to camp and read.
VIRGINIA CORTEZ
Virginia is an SLP-A and works in home health, outpatient and school settings. She is bilingual, Spanish/English, and has experience in articulation, expressive and receptive language, social communication, sensory feeding and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Virginia's hobbies are going to the movies and out to eat with her family.
SLP-A
LAKEISHA JOSEPH
Lakeisha is a speech language pathologist assistant who enjoys working with clients with sensory and feeding difficulties. Lakeisha is originally from Louisiana and enjoys spending time with her family when she isn't working in the schools or in the homes with her patients.
M.S., SLP-A
PEGGY HANNAGAN
My name is Peggy L. Hanagan. I have been a COTA for almost 8 years. At 38 years old, I decided to change my career path and went to Maria College in Albany, NY for my degree as an occupational therapy assistant. I love being a COTA. I enjoy working with clients of all ages to help them achieve goals and live their best life. My passion is working with children. I moved to beautiful Arizona in 2017. I am a wife, mother of 3 adult children and a grandmother to my 3 precious grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and being on the motorcycle with my husband.
COTA/L
EMILY STOTT
Emily moved to Arizona in 2018 from North Idaho. She received her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Brigham Young University in 2012. She became a licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant in Arizona in 2018. She enjoys working with a large spectrum of clients and is constantly striving to integrate new therapy techniques and evidence-based programs. When not at work, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and singing/playing music.
SLPA
SILVIA PEREZ
Silvia graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona. She has been working as a SLPA for over 4 years & has experience working with individuals with various disabilities. Silvia is also knowledgeable in AAC device use & modeling language for effective communication.
SLP-A
TINA EDWARDS
After volunteering in the school setting for ten years, Tina decided to pursue her passion for working with children by earning her degree to become a licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has experience in a variety of settings including home based and school therapy, as well as mental health. She enjoys collaborating with families in the pediatric home health setting to provide a client-centered approach. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering her time as a support group facilitator for bereaved children.
COTA/L
JACOB JARZABEK
Jacob is a former English teacher who has been practicing speech therapy as an SLPA for the past 6 years. He has degrees from ASU and NAU, is an Arizona native, and is a father to one girl. Jacob currently serves students in rural areas of Arizona via teletherapy. He also serves our home health clients.
B.S, SLPA
PAMELA JEAN KARPELENIA
Pamela Jean Karpelenia, Born in Brenham Texas, currently living in Arizona. Attended Central Christian College in Kansas and received my SPL-A certification from EMCC. I’m a wife to a superhero husband, a mother of 4 including twins. I have and extensive background in the performing arts which I allow to enhance my therapy sessions. I also own a small Murder Mystery Theatre Company where I write, direct and produce shows. I’m so excited to be on the team!
SLP-A
CHRISTINE SANCHEZ
Christine Sanchez is a seasoned Occupational Therapist with a rich 26-year history in pediatric care. A 1997 graduate of Touro College in New York, she holds a Master's in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor's in Science. Relocating to Arizona in 2010, Christine has developed extensive experience across various settings including home healthcare, clinics, and schools, working with a broad spectrum of pediatric disabilities. She is particularly adept in treating children from birth to 18 years, focusing on Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), Sensory Integration (SI), and Motor Learning theories.
Christine's approach extends beyond therapy; she is passionate about educating families on sensory processing disorders, including related behaviors, activities, and nutritional guidance for optimal gut and brain development. Committed to providing comprehensive care, she is currently broadening her expertise by studying to become an Integrative Health Practitioner and health coach. This new venture aims to address the root causes of health issues through a blend of cutting-edge Functional Medicine and traditional Eastern Medicine philosophies.
At home, Christine is the proud mother of two teenagers. In her leisure time, she enjoys disseminating her knowledge on wellness, nutrition, and exercise. She is an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, hiker, and pickleball player, embracing an active and informed lifestyle.
OTR/L
KAYLEE DUNNIGAN M.S.
Kaylee Dunnigan is originally from San Diego, CA and grew up surfing, competitive swimming, and diligently practicing the piano for music competitions all over San Diego County. My family and I are avid travelers and have visited almost all the US states as well as many Latin, Caribbean, and European countries. In 2007 I also had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Europe which was absolutely incredible to say the least. I received my bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, and then my master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. I moved to AZ in 2012 and have worked primarily in the schools, with additional work in home health and clinics. I have experience with many communicative disorders and diagnosis. My strengths are childhood language and literacy, fluency, and social skills/pragmatic language (specifically with adolescents). At home, my hobbies include spending time with my wonderful husband and our beautiful baby girl, exercising, digital creativity, refurbishing/DIY projects, and any activity related to water or the pool.
SLP
MEGAN GRISWOLD
Megan Griswold is originally from Indianapolis, IN. She recently graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in music therapy and became a board-certified music therapist in August 2021. She recently got married and a fun fact about her is that she used to live in a baseball stadium.
MT-BC
Nathan Servilican
Meet Nathan Servilican, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Nathan received his music therapy education at Arizona State University. From there he completed a year long internship at Mind-full Music Therapy Services, working with a wide array of clients and populations. After completing his internship he obtained private contracts with Native American Connections, a substance abuse facility. Aside from music therapy, he also is a professional musician, playing and recording with Native American flute trio, Nahdrahnee.
MT-BC
REBEKAH HURST
Rebekah earned an associate of science in Deaf Studies and ASL before moving to Arizona. She subsequently worked for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She received her bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science from ASU in 2021. Rebekah directed school plays for 5 years at a local elementary school which gave her valuable experience working with a variety of students. Rebekah enjoys working with Pre-K through elementary-aged children. Her goal in each session is to teach through play so the child will enjoy their time in speech therapy. In her free time, Rebekah likes to travel and be with her husband and 3 children.
SLP-A
Westen Ziegler
I played NCAA college basketball for three years in Arizona and California before transferring to Arizona State University to finish my bachelors degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences in 2019. In 2021, I worked for the ACES of Gilbert and gained experience in working with children with Autism. I currently work for the Champions Schools in San Tan Valley and South Phoenix as a SLPA.
SLP-A
MEGAN GRISWOLD
Megan Griswold is originally from Indianapolis, IN. She recently graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in music therapy and became a board-certified music therapist in August 2021. She recently got married and a fun fact about her is that she used to live in a baseball stadium.
MT-BC
CASSIDY LINDBERG
Cassidy was born and raised in Gilbert, AZ. Cassidy had speech therapy as a child which motivated Cassidy to become a SLPA. Cassidys main mission as a SLPA is to be passionate and help clients become more independent. In her free time, Cassidy loves to go out in nature and explore new places in the valley.
SLP-A
Danielle Wray
My name is Danielle Wray and I am a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at CASA. I attended Arizona State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science. I then attended Northern Arizona University and received a master’s degree in Communication Science Disorders. I worked previously as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLP-A) for 7 years and have been working as a SLP for 6 years. I provide services in school, home and clinic settings. I provide supervision to amazing SLP-A’s here at CASA and I enjoy working with families to implement strategies in their homes to promote and facilitate functional communication.
SLP
Chelsey Smith
Chelsey Smith is a speech-language pathologist with experience working in the schools. She graduated from the University of Arizona with Bachelor's degree in English and Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences and Texas A&M University-Kingsville with her Master's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders. She has experience in articulation, expressive and receptive language, social communication and fluency disorders. Chelsey enjoys watching students gain confidence in their communication skills and building rapport with students and their families.
SLP
Desirae Danzy
I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2016 with a Bachelor's in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. I then transferred to Miami University and received a Master's in Speech Language Pathology in 2018. I've worked in a variety of settings with both adults and children and sincerely love being a Speech Therapist!
SLP
Ryan Coleman
I have been a speech language pathologist for the last 9 years. I graduated with my Masters of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from Pacific University in 2014. I have experience working within the schools, home health, and clinic based settings. I have extensive experience with working with augmentative and alternative communication and developing functional communication goals. I enjoy working with the pediatric population and seeing growth from my kiddos! I have a passion for improving the lives and communication skills of other's.
SLP
Ione Murray
Ione Murray is a music therapist with 10 years of experience working with a variety of populations including geriatrics, pediatrics, hospice, dementia, autism, developmental delays, speech and language delays, physical disabilities, and more. Originally from Michigan, she graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's. After completing an internship in John Knox Hospice in Kansas City moved to Arizona to work at a long-term care and skilled rehab facility. In the past few years, Ione has received an additional certification in Neurological Music Therapy and moved from geriatrics into pediatrics. She enjoys learning new advancements in the field, picking up new instruments, and collaborating with other disciplines in co-treatments to help individuals meet their therapy goals.
Music Therapist
Ciara Figueroa
Hello! My name is Ciara. I have a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Art and a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences. I have been a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant for the past 5 years with a wide range of children ranging from a 1.5-17 years old. I have worked in public and private schools for the last 13 years. While working in a private school for children with dyslexia in Washington DC, I coached track, basketball, soccer, tutored elementary and high school students, and assisted in after school programs. For the past 3 years, I have been working as a bilingual SLPA in an outpatient clinic and more recently as an SLPA working remotely for a high school in Arizona. I love working with kids and strive to make every session as fun as possible and love to meet children where they are at.
SLP-A
Judy Daugherty
Judy is an Arizona native. She and her husband have four young children. With her family, she enjoys hiking, watching movies, and attending baseball games. Go DBacks! She enjoys reading, traveling and photography. Judy received her Speech Language Pathology Assistant Associate’s degree at EMCC. She plans to continue her education at NAU. Ever since her son required speech therapy, she has been passionate about helping individuals just like her son. Judy enjoys working with kids of all ages and strives to be an exceptional therapist by treating her clients with care and compassion. She is excited to join the team!
SLP-A
Maggie Mills
I graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelors degree Communication Sciences and Disorder. I have been a SLPA for 5 years in the state of Arizona and have recently been working remotely as a SLPA. I have experience with AAC devices, OPT, curriculum based therapy, and more!
SLP-A
CASA Speech and Development Services (DBA The Speak Center)
MISSION STATEMENT
CASA Speech and Development Services (DBA The Speak Center) believes that therapy begins at home. What this means is that our qualified staff aim to provide the best quality therapy for our clients in their natural environment while collaborating with caretakers. We believe that communication is an integral part of our lives and should be accessible to everyone! We are a culturally competent staff and hope to break language barriers that impede access to services. Our speech and language therapy services also include autism services such as autism speech therapy as well as bilingual speech services for our bilingual families!
Get Started Today
You know your child's challenges better than anyone! It's time to plug into a team of highly qualified therapists who will make YOU part of the solution. Whether you’re searching for autism services, bilingual speech services, or overall speech and language therapy, our team of therapists are eager to help your child grow!
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