3160 North Arizona Avenue, Suite 105, Chandler, Arizona 85225
Directors
JoAnn Ridge
M.S., CCC-SLP, Co-Director
JoAnn Ridge mentors both new and experienced SLPs and SLPAs on our staff and enjoys watching them learn and grow as clinicians, along with continuing to work in the field. JoAnn is a proud ASU Sun Devil having received both her bachelor and master degrees in communication disorders from Arizona State University. Her hobbies include working out, reading, crafting, and binge watching programs, not necessarily in that order.
Ridge Zeller Director
Professional Achievements: CCC-SLP· M.S.
Areas of Interest: Speech Language Pathology
Meghan Zeller
M.S., CCC-SLP, Co-Director
Meghan Zeller has provided speech-language therapy in schools, homes, rehabilitation facilities, and hospital settings since 2001. Meghan received her master’s degree from Southern Connecticut University in 2001 and her undergraduate degree from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Meghan enjoys traveling, yoga, socializing with friends, and watching HGTV.
Ridge Zeller Director
Professional Achievements: CCC-SLP· M.S.
Areas of Interest: Speech Language Pathology
Staff Biographies
Sarah, Administrative Specialist
Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Communications and Human Relations from Western Illinois University. Sarah has worked in business administrative management for more than 15 years across various industries, including healthcare, radio, television, and film. She enjoys photography, biking, yoga, and spending time with her family in her free time. Fun fact, Sarah also works as a voice-over actress for commercials!
Katie, Billing Specialist
Katie enjoys sports, watching football and hockey, and spending time with her family.
Shauna, Therapy Coordinator
Shauna holds both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Arizona State University, She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, learning, reading, and exploring Arizona.
Marin, Administrative Assistant
Marin is our "Jack of All Trades" whom we cannot live without! Marin received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University in May 2020. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Occupational Therapy through Northern Arizona University. Her hobbies include hiking, working out, watching sports, playing the piano, and spending time with friends and family.
Monica, M.Ed., Marketing and Communications
Monica holds a Masters Degree in Education and an AZ Teacher Certification. She brings advanced communication skills in digital media marketing, content creation, and web development to her role at Ridge Zeller Therapy. After ten years as an elementary and secondary teacher, Monica left the classroom and spent the next ten years advocating for children's health and education through political advocacy and as the chief operations officer of a nonprofit for children's health. Monica brings an in-depth understanding and perspective to the needs of children and families with educational and medical disabilities and remains a passionate advocate for children's health and education.
Her hobbies are traveling, hiking, cooking, and painting. She enjoys spending free time with her family and friends and her two dogs Sonny and Teddy.
Psychologist Biographies
Andrea, M.A., School Psychologist
Andrea received both a Master of Arts, Psychology and Bachelor of Arts, Psychology from the University of Arizona, and she is a proud Wildcat! Prior to becoming a School Psychologist, Andrea worked as a Behavioral Specialist for the Tucson Unified School District. She loves taking photographs and scrapbooking, and she loves being a Sunday school teacher for third through sixth graders at her church.
Angela, M.A. Ed., School Psychologist
Angela earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah in Psychology in1985 and her Master of Education degree from Ottawa University in 2014. Before becoming a school psychologist, she developed an interest in working with students with learning differences during her time as paraprofessional and substitute teacher, working with students with emotional and learning disabilities as well as gifted students. She strives to assist school teams understand student strengths and needs in order to help students become successful learners. She is originally from Warner Robins, Georgia. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart since 1984 and has two adult children. Angela enjoys watching movies, spending time with family, friends, and her two cats, Mogi and Luci.
Claudia, Ph.D., School Psychologist
Ridge Zeller School Psychologist Therapy Provider
Katie, Ph.D., School Psychologist
Katie, Ph.D., School Psychologist attended both Arizona State University and University of Arizona to complete her school psychology degrees.
She enjoys running, traveling and yoga. She also moved to Hawaii to complete an accredited internship in school psychology!
Marline, M.ED., School Psychologist
Marline, M.Ed., School Psychologist received her degree from Ottawa University and has been working as a bilingual school psychologist for four years. In addition, Marline was a Developmental Specialist for over seven years, working with children ages birth to three. Although she was born in New York, she was raised in the Dominican Republic, instilling a love of the beach and tropical weather. Marline also enjoys music, singing, dancing, movies, and going for walks with her dog.
Occupational Therapist Biographies
Camille, COTA/L, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Licensed
Camille graduated from Arizona State University in 2014. She specializes in pediatric home health and sensory integration. In her spare time, Camille loves to travel, and she is fond of bike riding and swimming. Camille is proud to be a twin!
Jenny, COTA/L, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Licensed
Jenny has 41 years’ experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Jenny has specialized in pediatric services with a special interest in the treatment of development delays and autism spectrum disorders. She has worked in a variety of therapy settings to include school, clinic, hospital, mental health and gerontology. She also Jenny enjoys bike riding, swimming, cooking and weaving.
Michelle, M.S., OTR/L, Certified Occupational Therapist/Licensed
Michelle earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University School of Health Science and her bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Towson, Maryland, majoring in Elementary Education. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Michelle worked as a 4th - 6thgrade teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District in Scottsdale, Arizona. In her spare time, Michelle loves spending time with her family. Her hobbies include hiking, swimming and volunteering.
Noelle, B.S., OTR/L, Certified Occupational Therapist/Licensed
Noelle has over 27 years’ experience as a registered and licensed occupational therapist, working in school, behavioral health, home and clinic settings. She loves her job as an OT, focusing on skill building, empowering students, and enabling independence in the school and home settings. In addition, she has developed workshops for educators and professionals about sensory, fine motor and visual perceptual development. Noelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, and volunteering as a parent contact for other parents of children with special needs.
Sheila, B.S., OTR/L, Certified Occupational Therapist/Licensed
Sheila, has 33 years experience as a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist, working both in schools and behavioral health settings. The first half of her career was spent developing programs and supervising other therapists and COTA’s. She is now enjoying working part time in the school setting with a diverse caseload of special needs students. She enjoys traveling, music, and reading.
Susan, B.S., OTR/L, Certified Occupational Therapist/Licensed
Susan has practiced as a professional and licensed occupational therapist for twenty-seven years. She enjoys swimming, baking, cooking, crafts, and watching her three daughters play soccer.
Speech-Language Pathologist Biographies
Adriana, B.S., SLPA, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Adriana received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 2017!
Adriana currently works with high school students, and she has experience with in-home pediatric clients. She’s run four half-marathons, and will be running another in 2020!
Alyson, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Alyson received her graduate degree in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University in May 2012. She has been part of the RZT team for 8 years. She has worked with both children and adults with a variety of communication disorders. Alyson specializes in speech services for high school aged children. As a wife and a mother to four little girls, Alyson enjoys spending every free moment with her family.
Ali, M.S., CF-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Ali graduated with a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2019. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Arizona State University. She taught pre-school for four years and is passionate about working with children. She enjoys cooking, playing with her puppy, eating at new restaurants, and exercising.
Amanda, B.S., SLPA, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Amanda became a speech-language pathology assistant after teaching kindergarten through fourth grade for 15 years. She enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, cake decorating, and spending time with her family.
Angie, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Angie received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Family and Human Development and Speech and Hearing Sciences from Arizona State University in 2014. She graduated Cum Laude from ASU and began working as a home-health and clinic-based speech-language pathologist assistant (SLP-A) her final year as an undergraduate student, in 2013. She continued to work as an SLP-A in a variety of settings, expanding to school-based work in 2016, as she pursued her Master’s degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University. She graduated magna cum laude from Northern Arizona University in 2019. With Ridge Zeller, she completed one year of school-based intervention services as an SLP-A and then, continued through her Certified First Year, as an SLP and received her ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists (CCC-SLP), internationally recognized credential in 2020.
Angie has many interests including language and literacy, complex communication modalities, and bilingual evaluations and treatments. Angie prides herself as an advocate for clients and their families. She works hard to provide teams with strategies and resources to optimize the success of her clients across a variety of settings.
In her spare time, Angie enjoys a good book, going for walks, playing games, and spending time with her family.
Candice, M.S., CFY-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Candice graduated from Northern Arizona University with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology. Prior to Candice completing her graduate degree she was a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant for 8 years. She has experience in different school settings including elementary (K-8th grade), high school, and behavioral schools. In these settings she has focused on articulation, voice, fluency, pragmatic development, language development, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), traumatic brain injuries, dysphagia, and executive functioning. Candice has a certificate for completion of telepractice training for all ages, stages, and disciplines and is in the process of completing Modified Barium Swallowing (MBS) certification. Candice is passionate about helping, supporting, and collaborating with different professionals to provide the best patient centered care. In Candice’s spare time she enjoys hanging out with her two rescue dogs, spending time outdoors, hiking, working out, doing DIY home renovations, and hanging out with family.
Cassidy, M.S., CF-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Cassidy graduated with a Master’s degree from Minot State University this year, 2020. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Minot State University as well. She has experience in school clinics, private practices, nursing homes, and preschool settings. She loves to adventure outdoors by hiking, camping, and fishing. She also enjoys ice hockey and played collegiately.
Corrie, B.A., SLT, Speech-Language Technician
Corrie is a Communication Disorders Cum Laude graduate from the University of New Paltz, with more than 10 years experience in her field. She has a broad range of experience working with children with varying disabilities in multiple settings (school, clinic and home health). Her favorite population to work with is ASD children and loves targeting articulation skills in the therapy room. Her hobbies are running and staying fit. She also loves food and cooking. Corrie originates from New York and she has two very happy and active girls, Addy and Brynlee.
Courtney, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Courtney has enjoyed working with children and adults of all ages and abilities for twenty years. She graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Arizona State University. Needless to say, she is a big Sun Devils fan! Courtney has extensive experience and training working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and Dyslexia. She works hard to assist families in the early intervention process. She also enjoys working with adults who stutter and has completed many continuing education hours in this area. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys cooking, music, gardening, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two daughters. She has a 16-year-old cat, Orion, and a 2-year-old dog, Venus, who is training with her to compete in agility events.
Danielle, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Danielle has been working with both children and adults with special abilities and special needs for 16 years. Growing up in Arlington Heights, IL gave a life-changing opportunity to work as a one-on-one aid for Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) and volunteer in the high school Service Over Self program. Since then, she has worked with and been an advocate for youth, teens, and adults with special needs. She attended and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a B.A.i.L.S. in Speech Sciences and Technology with a focus in Special Education and minor in Psychology. She returned to NAU and earned a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a focus in Psychology. She then traveled to Jacksonville, NC for an externship at Onslow Memorial Hospital followed by a Clinical Fellowship and employment at J.Z. Mann Pediatric Therapy, a private pediatric clinic specializing in Early Intervention as well as serving clients up to age 18. Following the conclusion of her husband’s service with the Marine Corps, they returned to Arizona in where she began working for the Banner Health and has worked there for almost 6 years. In addition to experience in the hospital setting, she has worked at skilled nursing facilities and independent/dependent senior living facilities. These locations have given excellent experience with medical conditions, dysphagia, speech disorders, language disorders, voice disorders, and elective services such as accent modification and voice and communication changes for transgender people. Speech Language Pathology is a very wide field, and Danielle enjoys the variety of conditions and treatment. She has worked with pediatric clients in Arizona for 5 years, focusing on articulation, language development, pragmatic development, communication development, speech development, apraxia, and different modes of AAC. Outside of speech-language therapy, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband, two children, and friends. Swimming and water sports are a life passion, and she enjoys reading, singing, hiking, camping, and gardening. Nature and environmental preservation are very important! She is an animal lover, crazy cat lady since age 6, and enjoys volunteering at animal shelters and has rescued 2 cats, Zephyr and Sunshine.
Erin, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Erin graduated from the University of Kansas with her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2018. While in graduate school, she was a scholar for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Schools: Leadership and Access (ACTS-KS) project, which provided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) access and support to students with complex communication needs in rural school districts. Erin currently works with students with a variety of communication needs in the secondary school setting, and she has worked with clients in private clinics, home health, and rehabilitation centers. Erin is passionate about providing effective, evidence-based intervention to help her clients and students become empowered to achieve their goals. In her free time, Erin enjoys good books and good tea. She loves rooting for all the Kansas City sports teams and enjoying time outside in the beautiful Arizona desert, including hiking, running, and camping.
Jamie, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Jamie has eleven years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, and had worked in schools with students ranging from preschool to high school. She enjoys photography and roller skating. Fun Fact: She appeared on Sesame Street when she was a child!
Jana, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Jana provides speech and language therapy in school based and clinic based settings to clients with a wide range of communication impairments including autism, specific learning disabilities, intellectual impairments, stuttering, traumatic brain injury, articulation impairments, and those who use augmentative and alternative communication. Jana’s passion is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Currently, she is the AAC specialist for Ridge Zeller Therapy. Her goal is to provide an accessible AAC program to each individual through awareness, staff and family trainings, technology support, and evidence-based practice.
Jenn, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Jenn earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Minot State University. After completing both her graduate externship and Clinical Fellowship Year with Ridge Zeller Therapy. Jenn returned to Canada for a year where she worked as a public health SLP. Jenn has since rejoined our staff. Jenn enjoys working in schools and coaching families of young children. She is a certified instructor of It Takes Two to Talk® — The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Language Delays. In her spare time, Jenn enjoys exploring Arizona through hiking, paddling, backpacking, and camping with her dog Walter.
Kate, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kate has the pleasure of overseeing Ridge Zeller Therapy's unique Clinical Fellowship Program and thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to mentor new clinicians! This experience has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
Since her career began in 2009, Kate has never stopped learning and it shows! She is a certified instructor of It Takes Two to Talk® — The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Language Delays. Kate is also a certified instructor of the PESL Accent Modification Method (developed by Dr. Arthur J. Compton) and provides accent modification coaching. She is passionate about providing clients and caregivers with the tools and education they need to achieve long-lasting success.
Kate is a dynamic speaker and educator whether with her clients or in the community. She regularly presents continuing education courses for the RZT Staff that focus on a variety of topics She has also given seminars within the local community to raise awareness for brain health. In her free time, Kate enjoys arts and crafts. Whether she's creating blown-glass art as a flameworker or painting portraits of her dog, Kate relishes the ability to express herself creatively.
Lauren, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren received her Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University. Lauren loves the variety in workplace environments in the field of speech language pathology. She has experience in many different settings including skilled nursing, acute care, inpatient pediatric, schools, and home health. She enjoys working with populations from early intervention to adults. Lauren is a certified instructor of the Hanen Program It Takes Two to Talk ®, a parent-training program that supports parents in promoting their child’s communication skills. Lauren is passionate about providing patient centered care, and believes that coaching and empowering parents to be facilitators in their child’s communication growth is a vital component of patient centered care.
When she is not working, Lauren enjoys getting out into nature and off the grid. Since moving to Arizona, she has discovered a love of backpacking, hiking, trail running, and rock climbing. She also enjoys writing and playing her guitar as creative outlets.
Lauren, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren received her Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University in 2014. She has experience in both the clinical and school setting over the past decade. She enjoys collaborating with school staff members, families, and students to find the best way to meet our students’ needs. Lauren moved to Arizona from Wisconsin in 2010 and enjoys the warm weather...except summer time! She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and sons, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.
Lauren, B.S., SLPA, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Lauren attended the University of Arizona where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences as well as her SLPA certificate. She has been working as an SLPA with Ridge Zeller Therapy since 2016 where she has provided speech and language therapy in school-based, clinic-based, and home-based settings. She is dedicated to providing her clients with creative, fun, and meaningful speech therapy services. Lauren has recently been accepted to Northern Arizona University’s Clinical Speech Language Pathology Program and is ecstatic to continue her studies and make the transition from SLPA to SLP! Lauren enjoys cooking, yoga, spending time outdoors, and all things interior design!
Lora, M.A. Ed, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
She began her career as a Special Education Resource Teacher in 2002 before transitioning into the world of Speech-Language Pathology as a Speech-Language Technician in 2005. Lora received her second Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University after working with children in the school setting for more than 10 years. Lora was born and raised in Niagra Falls, New York and has lived in the Phoenix area since 2003.
Melissa, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Melissa received her Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University. Melissa has always loved working with children and has done so since 2008. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, softball and riding quads!
Nikki, M.S., CF-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Nikki received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Truman State University. Nikki has worked as an SLPA for an early intervention program in Missouri while she was in graduate school. She also studied abroad in England and ran theater seminars for British students who needed to learn an “American accent” for their acting roles.
Paige Caster M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Paige earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Arizona University in 2012 and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Speech Language Pathology also from Northern Arizona university in 2014. When she first began her program she wished to work with the adult population. However, once she began her program she discovered her love of working with the pediatric population. Upon graduation she moved to Orange County, California where she worked part time at a private clinic and part time at a Non Public School specializing in working with children with Autism with behavioral challenges. After five years in California she returned to her home state of Arizona. She now provides services to students with a variety of communication needs in the secondary school setting. During school breaks and in her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to the movies, game nights, Disneyland, and brunch!
R.J. Risueño, M.S. CF-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
R.J. (he/him/his), is a bilingual speech-language pathologist at Ridge Zeller Therapy. He recently graduated from Arizona State University with his master’s degree in Communication Disorders. along with a certificate in Multilingualism/Multiculturalism. He completed a graduate capstone project where he created a voice and communication webinar for transgender youth and their parents, with participants viewing from all across the United States. R.J. values helping others find their voice and use it to build their communities. Whether the individual speaks multiple languages, is gender diverse, or simply wants to improve their speech or language, R.J. would love to help.
R.J. M.S., CF-SLP (usa el pronombre él) es terapeuta bilingüe del habla y del lenguaje por Ridge Zeller Therapy. El recientemente se graduó de la Universidad del estado Arizona con su maestría en la terapia del habla y el lenguaje junto con un certificado en el bilingüismo. R.J. hizo un proyecto terminal en que creó una capacitación por el internet sobre la comunicación para jóvenes transgéneros y sus padres. Los participantes participaron desde todas partes de los EE UU. Para R.J. es importante ayudar a las personas con encontrar su voz y usarla para fortalecer sus comunidades. Aun si la persona hable varios idiomas, es diverso de género, o simplemente quiere mejorar su habilidad de hablar, a R.J. le encantaría ayudarle.
Sarah, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Sarah has been working as a Speech Language Pathologist since she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies from Minot State University in North Dakota in 2009. She is from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, but moved to Phoenix, Arizona to complete her graduate practicum, clinical fellow year, and pursue her career with Ridge Zeller Therapy. Sarah’s clinical experience includes the high school population, a variety of cultural backgrounds, and an array of speech and language impairments. She has developed a passion in the areas of stuttering, accent reduction, feeding and swallowing, speech sound disorders, transition skills, and training and supervising Speech Language Pathologist Assistants, graduate students, and Clinical Fellows. In Sarah’s spare time, she enjoys being with her family (husband and two young children), taking her dog for walks, shopping, sitting by the pool, traveling, and visiting her family every summer in Canada.
Tess, M.S., CF-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Tess received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University. She was also a respite and rehabilitation provider for children and a literacy coach for adults learning English as a second language.
T.J., B.S., SLPA , Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
T.J. is a Valley of the Sun native, with Bachelor of Science degrees from Arizona State University in Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology. T.J. passionately works to implement emerging and novel technologies into therapy to engage students. In his spare time, he enjoys tinkering with computers and game consoles, cycling, rowing, reading, and traveling with his wife Megan and their dogs Diego and Henry.