Our Therapy Team

Shaylyn graduated from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ with a Master’s of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology with a minor in Special Education from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD.

Shaylyn completed external clinical practicum placements in a specialized school as well as in both adult inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and pediatric outpatient settings. Shaylyn has worked with diverse pediatric populations, with specific experience in the areas of cleft lip and palate, chromosomal abnormalities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She also has extensive experience working with the assessment and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with pediatric populations. Shaylyn is a Level Four – in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) Certified Therapist and utilizes this method when treating children and teens with motor planning deficits. She has extensive experience evaluating and treating children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Shaylyn also offers evaluation and treatment for children and teens who require support via augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Shaylyn received the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Award for Continuing Education in 2020 and 2022. She was also awarded ASHA’s Distinguished Early Career Professional Award in 2023. Shaylyn joins a select group of individuals who have made a concerted, personal effort to continue professional learning beyond an academic degree. She constantly strives to learn and grow in order to become the best clinician she can be! She hopes to instill this thirst for learning and education on her Speech Start team!

Elizabeth Spina, M.A., CCC-SLP is a supervising speech language pathologist at Speech Start, pa. She has a BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology and an MA in Speech Language Pathology.

She assesses and treats children with a variety of speech and language disorders. Her experience lies in the areas of articulation and phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, semantic pragmatic disorder, and autism spectrum disorder in school-aged children. She also has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of behavioral feeding difficulties and is trained in the TR-eat Model. Counseling families and implementing carryover home programs are also an important aspect of the treatment plan for each child. In addition to assessment and treatment, she is also a supervisor to some of the members of the Speech Start staff with whom she meets regularly to collaborate and discuss progress and future treatment goals.

Marissa Nagy has her BS in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and her MS in Speech Language Pathology from Seton Hall. She implements speech language therapy goals for young children at Speech Start focusing on clients with autism and other special disorders, apraxia and articulation disorders. She holds special training and certification in the Kaufman Speech Praxis Method, DIR, and Options.

Marissa’s background in social play, language skills and developmental/behavioral therapy provide a solid foundation from which she helps clients meet their goals.

Kimberly is a speech and language pathologist with 15 years experience in pediatric therapy. She has worked with a variety of children ranging from three through eighteen. She has experience working with autism spectrum disorders, auditory processing disorders, language processing disorders, myofunctional disorders, oral motor dysfunction, apraxia, behavioral feeding, as well as, general expressive/receptive language and articulation disorders/delays.

Kimberly received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Ithaca College in Ithaca New York. She then completed her Master’s of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. Additionally she has taken graduate course work from various universities to continue her education in areas such as supervision, learning disabilities, social skills, and applied behavior analysis.

Kimberly has been working as a Speech Language Specialist in the public schools for fifteen years, servicing grades preschool through twelfth grade. She currently works in an autistic preschool setting using ABA principles to guide therapy. Additionally she has been providing private therapy for twelve years.

Kimberly is currently a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and Autism NJ. She is licensed as a Speech Language Specialist and a Speech Language Pathologist. She has participated in a variety of specific trainings including PROMPT, PECS, Kaufman Apraxia Program, Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program (LIPS), oral motor trainings, behavioral feeding trainings, ABA, Autism, auditory processing trainings, and general language and speech trainings.

Marissa graduated Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ with a Master’s of Science in Education in Speech Language Pathology. Marissa has experience in a variety of settings including specialized schools, adult acute inpatient rehabilitation, as well as private practice. In her experience, Marissa has worked with a diverse pediatric populations with a vast array of communication and feeding deficits including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, dysphagia, behavioral/aversive feeding difficulties, receptive/expressive language disorders, pragmatic language disorders, as well as articulation and phonological disorders. In addition, Marissa has also conducted pragmatic language groups for children with various diagnoses. Marissa is a Level One – Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) trained therapist and utilizes this method when treating children and teens with motor planning deficits. She is also certified in the Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach and has extensive experience with behavioral feeding evaluation and treatment.

Alex received her Master’s of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders from New York University. Alex has had skilled experience in the areas of Childhood Apraxia of Speech, articulation, phonological processes, expressive and receptive language, voice, autism spectrum disorders, social/pragmatic communication disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication.

Alex is a Level Three – in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) trained therapist and utilizes this method along with her training in Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing (DTTC) when treating children and teens with motor planning deficits. She is currently working toward a certification in PROMPT. She is currently completing training in Natural Language Acquisition to improve her ability to treat gestalt language processors. Alex has also completed a certificate program in sensory processing.

Alex has worked with children and adults in public school and private rehabilitation settings. She has treated clients in both individual and group sessions across the lifespan. It is important to Alex that speech therapy be an engaging and personal experience that emphasizes the FUN in functional. Alex also serves as Speech Start’s social media chair and special events coordinator.

Sharon earned a Master’s Degree at Kean University. She currently works full-time for the Keansburg School District with 20+ years experience. Some of her favorite things include the beach, paddle boarding, weight lifting & spending time with her teenage daughter. She is a fitness & nutrition enthusiast.

She has skilled experience in the areas of articulation, phonological processes, apraxia, fluency, expressive & receptive language, autism spectrum disorders, pragmatic communication and alternative & augmentative communication. She is a team player &collaborates with occupational & physical therapists.

Ms. Sharon believes in building a strong rapport with clients and their families. She demonstrates compassion towards her clients & families, which builds a trusting relationship. Ms. Sharon creates a fun & motivating therapeutic environment & gives tons of praise & encouragement throughout her sessions.

Alyssa received her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Kean University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology/ Audiology from Towson University.

Alyssa has specialized training in treatment for Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Motor Speech Disorders. Alyssa is trained in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) and Dynamic and Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) both of which are motor-based treatment approaches.

Alyssa has clinical experience with articulation disorders, phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language delays/disorders, social pragmatic communication, cognition, executive functioning, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Danielle obtained her Master’s of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. During her clinical practicum, she gained valuable clinical experience at a specialized school where she had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of children (ages 3-21) with multiple disabilities. This experience allowed her to develop her skills in treating both verbal and non-verbal children. Danielle also worked in the private practice setting, where she evaluated and treated pediatric clients with various diagnoses and communication needs.

Her clinical experience encompasses a wide range of areas, including receptive and expressive language delays/disorders, phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, executive functioning, semantic pragmatic disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Danielle is a Level One – Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) trained therapist and utilizes this method when treating children and teens with motor planning deficits. She also has extensive experience working closely with and facilitating Speech Starts social skills group for late teens and early adults. This group emphasizes the development of various social skills while engaging in activities of daily living, both within the office and in the community. Danielle is passionate about helping children make strides with their communication to positively impact their lives as well as their families.

Stephanie is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist in the state of New Jersey and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Stephanie attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. She later attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, where she completed her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Stephanie’s clinical practicum experience in graduate school included elementary school, pediatric private practice, skilled nursing facility, and acute care inpatient rehabilitation.
In her professional experience, Stephanie has evaluated and treated individuals with various diagnoses including: expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, swallowing disorders, aphasia, apraxia of speech, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and individuals with G tube feedings and ventilator/tracheostomy. Stephanie truly enjoys her career as a speech language pathologist. She loves helping others and making positive impacts in the lives of her clients and their families!

Lori graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Speech-Language Hearing Sciences and a Master’s of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Lori has 20 years of skilled experience in the areas on articulation, expressive and receptive language, social/pragmatic communication disorders, apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorders, AAC, sensory-behavioral feeding, and dysphagia.

Lori has experience working in a private school, private practices and outpatient hospital settings working with a diverse pediatric population. Furthermore, she treats clients in both individual and group settings.

Lori has participated in a variety of specific trainings including Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention, SOS Approach to Feeding, Kauffman Apraxia Program, and Talk Tools.

Taylor is a speech-language pathologist who has experience working with diverse populations. Taylor earned her Master’s of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders from William Paterson University and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Taylor has experience working in the public school setting, private school setting, and private practice setting treating clients ranging from 1 to 85-years-old. Taylor has skilled experience in areas of articulation and phonological disorders, receptive-expressive language disorders, autism spectrum disorders, gestalt language processing (GLP), fluency disorders, and alternative and augmentative communication.

Taylor strongly believes establishing rapport with the clients and their families is a large part in successful therapy. Providing the family with the education, tools, and strategies to implement in the home greatly promotes carry-over.

Allie graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science. She received her Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University. Allie’s practicum included experiences across the lifespan in high school, acute-care inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, NICU, and pediatric private practice settings. During this time, she gained experience treating and assessing articulation disorders, phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorders, executive functioning, dysphagia, and augmentative and alternative communication. Allie aims to create a fun and supportive environment for learning and is passionate about providing creative, holistic therapy.

Hello! My name is Rodnae Tucker and I have recently Speech-Language Pathology program at Kean University. I completed my second externship at Speech Start and thoroughly enjoyed my time learning, working with the staff members and treating the clients! My favorite aspect about speech is helping to give others a voice. I have a son named Leo and enjoy going on hikes, traveling and spending time with my family. I am excited to begin my career working as a CF-SLP at Speech Start!

Ashley obtained her Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. During her clinical practicum, she gained valuable clinical experience while working at Speech Start LLC. She also worked in a specialized school where she had the opportunity to work with clients of different ages with multiple disabilities. This experience allowed the development of skills when working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and clients with multiple disabilities. Her clinical experience encompasses a wide range of areas including childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder, receptive and expressive language delays/disorders, developmental disorders, genetic disorders,articulation disorders, and AAC. Ashley aims to create a strong rapport with her clients so they can feel comfortable and supported throughout their therapy journey.

Kara Abbot Mateo is a NJ licensed occupational therapist who specializes in pediatric therapy. She received a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Kara has extensive clinical experience working in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, outpatient behavioral setting, and home based setting as an Early Intervention Specialist serving clients ranging from 2 months – 18 years of age. She serves as Speech Start’s Occupational Therapy program director and developer! She has acquired professional development training in evaluation and treatment of Torticollis & Plagiocephaly, is a certified Handwriting Without Tears® Specialist, and is an MNRI Course Participant.



MNRI® Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration (July, 2022)

MNRI® Archetype Movement Integration (November, 2017)

MNRI® Visual and Auditory Reflex Integration (August, 2017)
 MNRI® Neurotactile Integration (May, 2017)
MNRI® Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration (September, 2016)
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Michaela received her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Scranton. She also obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Scranton.

Michaela completed Level II fieldwork placements in an outpatient pediatric setting as well as in an outpatient hand therapy clinic. She has skilled clinical experience in pediatric hemiplegia, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, and developmental disorders. Michaela is passionate about creating a safe and fun therapeutic environment to allow children to reach their goals through meaningful play!

Christa earned her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science Studies from Quinnipiac University, where she also served as a member of Pi Theta Epsilon, Occupational Therapy Honor Society.

Christa completed her Level II fieldwork rotations at an outpatient pediatric clinic in Huntington Beach, CA, and a neurorehabilitation setting in Long Branch, NJ. Throughout these affiliations, she obtained skilled experience evaluating and treating individuals with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Atypical Sensory Processing, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Multiple Sclerosis. Christa has additional experience working as an occupational therapist in a public school, facilitating groups for improved social participation, fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, self-regulation, and sensory integration.

Christa is passionate about building a trusting relationship between the therapist, child, and caregiver. She implements a client-centered and holistic approach to discover each client’s unique needs and guide their development through purposeful play.

Silvia Fragale graduated from Fordham University in New York, New York with a degree in English and a minor in Psychology. She has been tutoring children and teens of all ages for years. She has worked in schools, tutoring centers, and has done private tutoring. She teaches reading comprehension, literature, writing, composition, and grammar. She also has experience teaching math. She is well versed on child psychology and development as well as adapting to multiple learning styles. Silvia loves teaching and her goal is to help guide every student to their fullest potential.