3160 North Arizona Avenue, Suite 105, Chandler, Arizona 85225
Directors
JoAnn Ridge
MS, CCC-SLP, Founder and Co-Owner of Ridge Zeller Therapy
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.
Meghan Zeller
MS, CCC-SLP, Founder and Co-Owner of Ridge Zeller Therapy
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. Additionally, Meghan has a specialized interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and has received Advanced Training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Meghan enjoys traveling, yoga, socializing with friends, and watching HGTV.
Staff Biographies
Sarah, BA, Office Manager
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!
Monica Z., AA, Therapy Coordinator
Monica is a business professional who comes to us with over 10+ years in the medical field. Monica is married with two sons, Dominic and Tyler. She also has two dogs, one cat and a turtle. Fun facts about Monica are that she played on a co-ed competitive soccer team for 14 years with her husband!
Marin, BS, 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. 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.
Katie, Billing Specialist
Katie enjoys sports, watching football and hockey, and spending time with her family.
Renita, Front Office Assistant
Welcome, Renita, to the RZT team! Renita has over 22 years of experience with exceptional students in her roles as a Cross-Categorical Developmental Instructional Assistant and a Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialist (“CDBIS”). She holds a depth of experience working as an informer, guide, and communicator, linking the world for individuals who are deafblind. Additionally, Renita is an elementary school health assistant. What she finds most rewarding about her line of work is interacting with typical and special needs students, making connections with parents so they are comfortable knowing their student/s are safe in her care. Renita is the proud mother of three beautiful young women ages 32, 31, and 29. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling anywhere new, but she especially loves California, Disneyland, and the beach. She loves to read and visiting her family up North on the Navajo Reservation.
Alyssa, BS, Office Assistant
Alyssa earned her undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation Management from Brigham Young University in 2020. Her hobbies are soccer, tennis, snow-skiing, pickleball, and painting. A fun fact about Alyssa is that she was an inner-tube water polo intramural champion in college. Currently, Alyssa has a one-year-old daughter, and she and her husband love to play all kinds of sports.
Monica, MEd, Marketing and Recruitment Manager
Monica holds a Masters in Education and an Arizona Teacher Certification. She brings advanced communication skills in marketing and content creation. Monica worked as a classroom teacher for ten years in both elementary and secondary classroom settings. She has spent the last ten years advocating for children's health and education and served as the chief operations officer of a nonprofit organization for children's vision 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, and cooking. She enjoys spending free time with her husband and two sons.
Deborah, LPN, Community Relations Coordinator
Deborah is an LPN with many years of nursing experience from hospital to home care. In addition, Deborah has served as a medical trainer for doctors, nurses, nurse aides, and certified caregivers on the use of EMR systems for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Deborah also brings 20 years of experience in sales and marketing of services such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and business development in medical and non-medical home care. She loves spending time with her family, children and grandchildren. Deborah is a professional artist specializing in acrylic paintings and an avid supporter and volunteer with the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group.
Darren, BA, Hearing and Vision Screening Coordinator
Darren is a distinguished educator with over 30 years of teaching and coaching experience in the elementary and high school settings and a die hard Sun Devil. He is certified through the Arizona Department of Health Services sensory program to conduct vision and hearing screenings. A fun fact about Darren is that he is a third generation native of Tombstone, Arizona.
Certified School Psychologist Biographies
Angela, MAEd, Certified 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 certified 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 in understanding 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, PhD, Certified School Psychologist
Claudia holds a Doctoral Degree in School Psychologist and is an asset to our team of School Psychologists. When asked what she loves most about being a schoo psychologist, Claudia said, "I love talking to students, testing them to determine their strengths and needs, and based upon the data, developing recommendations to help them learn. It's a great day when I can collaborate with parents and school staff at meetings to discuss ways to support students."
Dane, MEd, Certified School Psychologist, Bilingual
Dane brings many yeas of experience as a Bilingual School Psychologist. When asked what Dane enjoys most about being a school psychologist, Dane says " What I love most about being a School Psychologist is seeing growth and success in students that have been struggling. Seeing their excitement when they succeed, even on small goals, is amazing."
Frances, EdS, Certified School Psychologist, Bilingual
Frances brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her position at Ridge Zeller Therapy. As a bilingual school psychologist, she has 12 years of experience in her role working with K-12 populations. What Frances enjoys most is the evaluation component of a school psychologist’s role. She and her wife have three dogs; a Mini Aussie, a Mini Poodle, and a Maltese Mix. She has three brothers and is very close to her family.
Joshua, EdS, Certified School Psychologist
Over the last 20 years, Joshua has worked in both elementary and secondary settings as as a certified school psychologist, with primary experience at the secondary level. He also has worked as a district-level special education administrator, obtained a special education director's endorsement, and is fully trained as a general and family mediator. Joshua says the most rewarding part of his work is helping students and parents to discover their strengths and challenges. He particularly enjoys creating and maintaining a strong "team" mentality in special education processes, regardless of any conflicts or challenges that may be encountered. Joshua married with three children, and a "snuggly bearded dragon". He enjoys basic home improvement projects, all sorts of music, figuring out how things work, auto repair, computer games, and (occasionally) the outdoors. He has a dry sense of humor, enjoys confronting his fears on his own terms, weird foods, and a good meme.
Katie, PhD, Certified School Psychologist
Katie holds a PhD in School Psychology, a Master’s in School Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling, and a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. Additionally, Katie brings a wealth of experience to her role as a certified school psychologist. She has worked in home foster care programs, child counseling in school settings, and clinical evaluations for the juvenile justice system. She is always looking for what she can add to her range of expertise. It was her work as a counselor that interested her in pursuing her PhD in School Psychology. Katie says she is passionate about helping others find their success. When asked what she enjoys most about her job, she says, "finding ways to help others and problem solving the root of the issue to make the best assessment possible."
Marline, MEd, Certified School Psychologist
Marline received her degree from Ottawa University and is one of Ridge Zeller Therapy's highly experienced Bilingual Certified School Psychologists. She brings a great depth of expertise to her role with 9 years experience as a certified school psychologist and previously as a Developmental Specialist. Although she was born in New York, Marline was raised in the Dominican Republic and is fluent in Spanish and English. Marline is dedicated to ensuring all students, especially ELL students, are properly evaluated for services. She deeply enjoys providing school based counseling services to students with a variety of social/emotional needs and supporting and training school staff on how to understand and manage students' challenging behaviors. Additionally, Marline helps connect Spanish speaking community members with community resources by providing them material in their native language. She loves the beach and tropical weather, enjoys music, singing, dancing, movies, and going for walks with her dog. She enjoys spending quality time with her son, especially watching his basketball games!
Occupational Therapist Biographies
Ada, BS, OTR/L, Certified Occupational Therapist/Licensed
Ada received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and Psychology in 1997. She began her career working in a hospital and outpatient clinic including working in hand therapy, rehabilitation, orthopedic, neurology, burn, and TBI units. She found her passion working with the pediatric population and transitioned to providing early intervention, school and home based therapy. She utilizes various therapeutic approaches, techniques, and programs including sensory processing and reflex integration, motor learning, executive functioning, Neuro-Developmental Treatment, Handwriting Without Tears, and The Alert Program, with a focus on utilizing a holistic approach looking at the brain/body connection. Extensive experience and commitment to provide high quality, evidence-based services to help kids improve and learn new skills while respecting their unique abilities, needs, and cultural diversity. Ada says the most rewarding part of her job is watching a child improve and learn new skills, build resilience, gain confidence, and helping them create successes in their lives. In her free time, Ada loves doing puzzles, dancing, watching the sunset, looking at the stars and the moon, reading books, playing hide-and-seek, or card and board games with family and friends.
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.
Noelle, BS, 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.
Sarah T., BS, COTA/L, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Licensed
Sarah has been a COTA since 2010 and she received her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University in 2009. She has worked in pediatrics her entire career in schools, clinic and home health settings, She has also worked PRN with adults in acute care, skilled nursing facilities and home health. Sarah says, "The most rewarding thing about working thing about Occupational Therapy is making a noticeable difference in a child’s life. I enjoy building rapport with clients and their family." In her free time she enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants and spending time with her family.
Susan, BS, 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
Adrienne, MA, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Adrienne earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Oklahoma. She is experienced in working in schools ranging from Pre-K through High School. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and going on walks. A fun fact: Adrienne went to a French immersion elementary school.
"I find making an impact on someone's communication skills and watching their confidence grow to be the most rewarding part of being an SLP."
Alexandra, BS, SLPA - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Advanced Trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
Ally has experience in accent modification, therapy, adult aphasia therapy, elementary and high school based therapy services. After graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelors Degree, Ally gained experience treating K-8th grade students with and without a diagnosis of ASD for speech, language, and communication disorders working as an SLPA in the school setting. Additionally, Alexandra has a specialized interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and has received Advanced Training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Her hobbies include spending time with family, exercising, traveling, following curiosities, and learning new skills. She enjoys listening to music and absolutely loves spending time with her dog Sophie.
Alana, MS, CCC-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.
Alicia, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Alicia has more than 20 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Alicia graduated from Marquette University and has worked in a variety of settings including preschool, elementary school, high school, home-based, and clinic-based. She has spent the greater part of her career working with children on the Autism Spectrum, and she has extensive experience in pivotal response training, PECS, and other forms of augmentative communication. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, live music, wine, and spending time with her family.
Alyson, MS, 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.
Amanda, BS, 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.
Ana, BS, SLPA - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Ana is a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant with Ridge Zeller Therapy. Ana provides bilingual therapy at a High School in Phoenix. Ana enjoys seeing the progress that she makes with her students and finds the opportunity to build relationships as a rewarding part of her work. Ana feels the scope of the practice of Speech-Language Pathology is large, but she finds that it also allows her to make an even bigger impact in her field. She enjoys sharing in her students’ excitement when they are able to improve their grades using strategies she taught them. She is a proponent of teaching self-advocacy to students and was inspired by her sister to pursue the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
Angie, MS, 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.
Ashley, MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Ashley has experience providing in-person services to preschool-aged children with varying diagnoses such as articulation, apraxia of speech, autism, down syndrome, selective mutism, fluency, phonological, social communication, and expressive/receptive language disorders. What she finds most rewarding about her work is the ability to measure progress of each client. She enjoys creating goals that can be achievable and measurable, as well as educating family members on how to carry-over skill at home. Ashley has a beautiful husky German Shepherd who she loves to take on long walks. She loves to spend the majority of her time outdoors (when the weather permits), and she enjoys camping and staying active.
Blythe, MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Candice, MS, CCC-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 is passionate about collaborating with a team of 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, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Advanced Trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
Cass earned her Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree from Minot State University in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She has experience in schools, clinics, private practices, nursing homes and preschool settings. Cass began her journey to become an SLP through our Ridge Zeller Therapy Externship Program. After completing her Externship she continued on to complete her Clinical Fellowship with Ridge Zeller Therapy and now works as one of our full time Speech-Language Pathologists in an elementary school setting. Additionally, Cass has has a specialized interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and has received Advanced Training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Cass enjoys working with children and says “working with little kids just makes your day.” She loves to adventure outdoors by hiking, camping, and fishing. She also enjoys ice hockey and played collegiately.
Courtney, MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Courtney earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and her Masters Degree at Elmhurst University. Courtney's experience ranges from working with High School students to young adults to build vocation and independent living skills necessary to transitioning into adult life. She currently works in a High School based setting. Courtney enjoys hanging out with her dogs and finding recipes online. She is happy to have moved across the country to escape the cold weather of the Midwest. A fun fact about Courtney is that she is red-green colorblind!
Diana, BS, SLPA, Bilingual - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Diana has experience as an infant/toddler teacher and preschool ages as well. Diana holds a B.S. in Communication Disorders from Northern Arizona University, as well as an A.A. in Early Childhood Education and an A.S in Social Behavioral Sciences. What Diana finds most rewarding about her job is providing children the opportunity to express themselves, communicate their needs, and offering support to their families. As a Bilingual (Spanish/English) SLPA, she is grateful to be serving the Hispanic/ Latinx Community. Diana is originally from a beach town in Southern California and moved to Phoenix the Summer of 2022 to pursue her career as a SLPA. She is a proud pet owner of two Frenchies: White Chyna and Mr. King II. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, Pilates, and strength training.
Erin, MA, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Erin graduated from the University of Kansas with her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. 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. 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 enjoys time outside in the beautiful Arizona desert, including hiking, running, and camping.
Hannah, MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Hannah received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and her graduate degree from Baylor University. Hannah has experience in child speech/language therapy, in research lab for speech/language, Simucase clinical experience for speech/language, elementary school setting speech/language therapy, and high school setting speech/language therapy. Her hobbies include photography, crafting, volleyball, and reading. A fun fact about Hannah is she has a Pembroke Welsh Corgi who she says is the BEST thing to ever happen to her. She is also an alumni member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Jamie, MS, 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, MS, 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 training, technology support, and evidence-based practice.
Jahzae, MCD, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Prior to graduate school Jahzae worked as an ABA therapist where she taught, modeled, and coached ABA techniques for children on the autism spectrum, in order to: increase language, communication, social skills, play, attention, and daily living skills. She also worked as a speech therapy practice associate where she assisted in a self-contained therapeutic kindergarten classroom implementing specific behavioral and habilitative procedures.Her graduate clinical experience included the following settings: elementary and middle schools, hospital (outpatient and acute), and a private autism clinic. Across these settings she worked with a variety of ages, disorders, and ability levels, including but not limited to, AOS, dysarthria, cognitive disorders, speech-language disorders, voice disorders, ASD, Down Syndrome, and aphasia. Jahzae is DIR/Floortime trained and also has a registered behavior technician certificate. Jahzae say the most rewarding aspect of her career is being able to witness small daily gains that eventually add up to be a life changing. Something she enjoys the most is providing a fun, strengths based, and client centered intervention for her clients and their families. Her personal hobbies include traveling, reading, tennis, trying new restaurants, and listening to music. A fun fact about Jahzae is that she's been to one of the seven wonders of the world and she hopes to see the other six!
Jessica, MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Advanced Trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
Jessica, graduated from Molloy College's Speech-Language Pathology program out on Long Island, New York. Jessica's specialties include Adult Therapy, Apraxia of Speech, Articulation, Attention Issues, Auditory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Early Intervention, Speech Therapy, Stuttering, Swallowing Therapy/Dysphagia, and Tele-therapy. Additionally, Jessica has a specialized interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and has received Advanced Training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Her interests include anything outdoors really. She enjoys hiking, camping, working out and crocheting. Fun fact about Jessica, is that she's related to Pablo Picasso!
Jenn, MS, 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 and returned to join our staff at Ridge Zeller Therapy. 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. When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Jenn says, "Helping students reach their goals and sharing in the excitement of graduation from speech therapy!" In her spare time, Jenn enjoys exploring Arizona through hiking, paddling, backpacking, and camping with her dog Walter.
Lauren, MS, 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, BS, 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 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. "I believe being able to accurately express what is on your mind and heart is incredibly powerful. Helping individuals better express themselves in many different ways is exciting and rewarding." Lauren enjoys cooking, yoga, spending time outdoors, and all things interior design!
Logann, MEd, SLPA- Special Education Teacher/ Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Logann earned her degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Arizona State University. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education and holds dual certification in Elementary Education and Special Education. Logann brings a broad range of knowledge in understanding the whole child and has experience in home-based and school-based speech-language therapy. Logann says what she most enjoys about her job are the new challenges that are always presented and problem solving these challenges to support the children she serves. "Meeting these goals and overcoming these challenges is what is most fulfilling".
Lora, MAEd, MS, 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.
Mikayla, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
She has a variety of experiences providing speech-language therapy in both the clinic and school settings. Mikayla also has extensive experience as a behavior technician for children with autism in clinics and homes. Mikayla enjoys hiking, going to the theater and live music events, and singing.
Mollie, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Molly has a specialized interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and has received Advanced Training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
Nikki, MA, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist, Natural Setting Advisor and Clinical Fellow Trainer
Nikki received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Truman State University. She brings a depth of knowledge to her positions at RZT and serves as both a Natural Setting Advisor and a Clinical Fellow Trainer. Some interesting facts about Nikki are that she worked at an early intervention program in Missouri while she was in graduate school and 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, MS, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Paige is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Ridge Zeller Therapy. She provides therapy and supervises at two High Schools. Her motto is “Flexibility.” “Sometimes you have meet a student where they are and work from there to build a strong rapport.” One of her most rewarding moments was working with a child who was non-verbal and wheelchair bound. Her team worked to obtain visuals and schedules and an iPad with two button hits. This gave her client the ability to begin to communicate and regulate their own environment. "This was such a powerful moment; to help someone develop the ability to communicate their wants and needs, when they had not be able to before."
Paola, BS, SLPA - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Raquel, BS, SLPA - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Raquel has worked with adults and children with autism for five years. She has experience working with children in day-care, in-home care, respite and habilitation as well as in speech therapy. She has experience working with children and adults with ASD and school-age children with articulation and understanding in speech therapy. Raquel says the most rewarding part of her work is when families and clients/patients notice an improvement in the person's communication and understanding. She enjoys getting to know the clients and their interests the most. A fun fact about Raquel is that she is Hawaiian on her mother's side and loves visiting her family back in the islands!
Sarah B., MS, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Sara L., MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Advanced Trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
Sara knew from the age of 16 that she wanted to be a Speech-Language Pathologist. From her first job and volunteer opportunities, she always centered her experiences around working with children. Her previous positions as a special needs cheer team coach, a preschool teacher’s assistant, a special education classroom paraprofessional, and a summer camp counselor have all prepared and led her to her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Through her experiences, she has found that working as an SLP allows her to make a direct impact in the lives of the children that she works with. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, she loves seeing her clients grow and develop new skills week to week as well as creating individual relationships with each of her students. Sara says one of the most rewarding aspects of being an SLP is when her students or their parents report success stories back to her. Additionally, Sara has a specialized interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and has received Advanced Training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of moderate to severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Sara was born and raised in Orange County, California and she has a a dachshund-poodle mix named Banjo.
Sophie, MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
“The most rewarding part of my job is making connections with my students, whether it be while working on their goals or chatting with them about their life and what's going on with them. It definitely makes therapy more fun! The part of my job that is most inspiring is when my students with AAC devices make selections on their devices with more and more independence as they become more confident in using them. It's definitely a team effort , but it's amazing to see progress with AAC devices and seeing students find their voice and make their own decisions.”
Sophie grew up in Minnesota and earned her undergraduate and Masters Degrees from the University of Northern Iowa. She really enjoys spending time reading and being by the pool. She is dedicated to fitness and goes to the gym at 4am M-F. She is also into tennis! Her older sister introduced her to playing tennis with her then she was “hooked”.
Stefanie, MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Stefanie's experience includes ABA therapy as a registered behavior technician for a year, and completed speech therapy clinical practicums in an elementary school, middle school and early intervention clinic/tele-therapy. Her specialties include Applied Behavior Analysis, Articulation, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Early Intervention, and Speech Therapy. When asked the most rewarding part of her job, Stefanie said, “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see the growth in my students and watching how the skills they put so much effort into learning with me transfer over into their daily lives. I never thought hearing someone say "I want water" would make me so happy.”
Taylor J., MS, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Taylor K., MA, CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Taylor received undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of Northern Iowa. She has worked in a variety of pediatric/adult settings . She has experience working with Fluency disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, articulation disorders, language disorders, Dysphagia, impaired cognitive abilities as a result of a stroke or degenerative disease, Aphasia, and Dysarthria. Her area of concentration is working with the pediatric population, specifically children with complex communication needs (i.e., diagnosed with ASD, Down Syndrome, etc.).
T.J., BS, 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.