Our Team
Director / Speech-Language Pathologist
Janene Besch holds a Master’s degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California at San Diego. Janene is a member of the American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology (AAPPSPA), the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and was a recipient of the 2011, 2016, 2019, and 2022 ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study. Janene has considerable training in articulation, receptive and expressive language delay, stuttering, reading comprehension, dyslexia, and writing remediation. She is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs. Additionally, Janene has training in Social Thinking® by Michelle Garcia Winner, Talk Tools® for Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) . Janene also received her PROMPT-trained certificate in February of 2016. Before starting her own private practice, Janene worked in the Alexandria City Public School system at the elementary and preschool levels for 7 years and as a private speech contractor for 3 years. When she is not at work, Janene can be found paddle boarding, walking her dog, Dewey, or dreaming of her next travel destination.
Client Intake Coordinator/Speech-Language Pathologist
Celeste received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound and an additional Bachelor’s in Communication Science and Disorders from Utah State University. She completed her Master’s in Communication Disorders at Abilene Christian University. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia and Texas. Celeste has experience working with children aged 0-18 years with developmental delays, language deficits, autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, articulation and phonological disorders, pragmatic disorders, and feeding disorders. She is formally trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Melanie Potock’s “Your Feeding Tool Kit,” and in the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach. Additionally, Celeste is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs. She has experience in both the clinic and school setting where she collaborated with physical therapists, occupational therapists, general education and special education teachers. When Celeste isn’t working, she loves to swim, travel, and spend time with her family.
Northern Virginia Speech Therapy and Social Media Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist
Cara received both her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degree through Duquesne University’s 5-year Speech- Language Pathology program. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and relocated to Northern Virginia in 2016. Cara is licensed to practice in the state of Virginia, holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and was a recipient of the 2019 ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study. She has experience with both pediatric and adult populations in a variety of settings, which include: specialty school, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient pediatric and adult clinics. Cara has worked extensively with children with a variety of disabilities in the areas of articulation, phonology, expressive/receptive and pragmatic language disorders, auditory processing, fluency, childhood apraxia of speech, autism, and feeding disorders. Cara is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach, Talk Tools® “Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach,” Melanie Potock’s “Feeding Therapy: It’s Not Just about Swallowing,” The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, The SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants, and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and certified in the Simon Says Programs for Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. She has presented clinical research at PSHA (Pennsylvania Speech- Language-Hearing Association), SHAV (Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia), and ASHA and has guest lectured for a graduate level course at the University of Southern Florida. Cara is passionate about the field of speech-language pathology and helping children and their families!
Main Line Speech Therapy Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist
Megan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a minor in Special Education at The Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia. Additionally, Megan is a 5-time recipient of the ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study, most recently in 2021. She has experience with the pediatric populations, specifically in the public-school setting. Megan has evaluated and treated children with a variety of speech and language disorders including articulation/phonology, expressive/receptive language, pragmatic language, fluency, and autism. She is formally trained in the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach, PROMPT, as well as LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs. When Megan is not working, she loves to watch sports (especially all things Penn State), enjoys traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Outreach Coordinator/ Speech-Language Pathologist
Nikki earned her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Furman University. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia. Nikki has experience working in a pediatric clinical setting, with exposure to multidisciplinary collaboration and incorporation of movement and sensory integration strategies in order to advance speech and language goals. She has evaluated and treated a variety of speech and language disorders, while prioritizing collaboration with families to implement and adapt home-exercise programs. Nikki is formally trained in DIR Floortime® and the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol. She is also trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, written expression, and reading comprehension. When Nikki is not at work she enjoys writing and reveling in her love of Disney movies. She has a passion for serving children and helping them find their voice.
Operations Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist
Katie received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Virginia. Katie is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Katie has experience in providing speech and language therapy services to children from birth to 18 years of age in clinical and private school settings. She has experience working with children who have articulation/phonological, expressive and receptive language, fluency, phonological processing, pragmatic and feeding disorders. She is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, writing remediation, and reading comprehension. Katie is passionate about treating children with communication disorders using a holistic approach and working with families to support their children’s communication growth. When she is not working, Katie loves traveling and enjoying all things outdoors!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily received her Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication Disorders at the University of Virginia and continued her education at James Madison University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. Emily is licensed to practice in the state of Virginia and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Emily has experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders, including early intervention, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech disorders, and expressive-receptive language disorders. Emily is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach and is experienced working with a variety of AAC language systems. Emily has also been formally trained in PROMPT and is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, writing remediation, and reading comprehension. Emily has lived in Virginia for her entire life and loves spending time in the D.C. area. Her favorite part of working as an SLP is building meaningful relationships with children and their families. While she is not at work, she loves cooking, spending time with friends and family, and trying out new restaurants. Emily is excited to serve families in Virginia as a member of the OWLS team!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Rachel received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Bowling Green State University and her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from The University of Toledo. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist in the state of Virginia. Rachel has experience providing services to both adult and pediatric populations in clinical and school settings. She has experience working with a variety of speech and language impairments including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech disorders, and expressive-receptive language impairments. She’s had the opportunity to work alongside occupational therapists, physical therapists, and special education teachers where she developed her collaboration skills and gained experience integrating additional strategies into therapy. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she relocated to Alexandria, Virginia in 2020. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures, time with friends and family, walks with her dog, Link, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hannah earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at California State University, Chico. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia, California, and Tennessee. Hannah has experience working with both the pediatric and adult populations in a clinic setting and through use of a teletherapy service delivery model, where she has evaluated, treated, and provided parent education in language disorders, articulation/phonology disorders, fluency, voice, pragmatic language disorders, as well as childhood apraxia of speech and autism. Hannah has attended the Childhood Apraxia of Speech: The Kaufman K-SLP Methods and Behavioral Strategies to Build Successful Vocal Communication and The Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Practical Treatment Strategies conferences. She is currently receiving training through the Feed The Peds®: The Foundations of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing, as well as TOTS®: Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training. As an SLP, Hannah enjoys working with children and their families to help each child reach their full potential. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the city!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Nikki received her Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University at Buffalo. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed speech language pathologist in Virginia. Additionally, Nikki is an 8-time recipient of the ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study, most recently in 2022. Nikki has experience working with the pediatric populations, in both private practice and public school settings. She has evaluated and treated children with a variety of speech and language disorders, including articulation/phonology, expressive/receptive language, Autism, and fluency. She is PROMPT trained and has completed the Sensory Certificate Program and Meaningful Speech Course for gestalt language acquisition. In her free time, she loves creating speech therapy resources, reading, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ansley earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at East Tennessee State University. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia. Ansley has experience with the pediatric population in school and clinical settings. She has also had the opportunity to work alongside parents, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, which has allowed her to develop her collaborative and relational skills. Ansley has evaluated and treated children with a variety of speech and language disorders including articulation/phonology, expressive/receptive language, pragmatic language, fluency, feeding, and autism. She is formally trained in Talk Tools OPT. When Ansley is not working, she enjoys traveling, going to events in the area, going on walks, skiing, and spending time with her friends and family.
Meet Rachel!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Rachel is a proud double and received her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and Psychology as well as her Master of Science in CSD at the University of Virginia. Rachel is licensed to practice in the state of Virginia and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Rachel has experience working with adults and children with a variety of speech and language disorders, including early intervention, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), articulation and other speech disorders, and expressive-receptive language disorders. Rachel is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, writing remediation, and reading comprehension. Her favorite part of working as an SLP is creating a fun and trusting environment to build relationships with children and their families. While she is not at work, she loves baking, spending time with friends and family, reading, and going to [solidcore] classes.
Meet Faith!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Faith received both her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders as part of a five year program at Marywood University. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the states of Pennsylvania and Florida. Faith has experience in the assessment and treatment of pediatric clients ages 1-18 years with a variety of disorders including receptive-expressive language, pragmatic language, articulation/phonology, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), stuttering, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Faith is trained in the Lindamood Bell programs of Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing®. She has worked in various settings including schools, Early Intervention, clinic, and telehealth. Faith is passionate about empowering children with the tools they need to communicate successfully in their world and helping caregivers feel secure and involved along the way. She values a team-based approach and is accustomed to collaborating with other service providers including occupational therapists, physical therapists, reading specialists, and behavioral therapists. Her favorite ways to spend her free time are at the gym, at the beach, or at home with her dog and cat cheering on Philly sports!
Meet Gianna!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Gianna is originally from a small beach town in Connecticut and moved to Virginia in 2019. She attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for her undergraduate and master’s degree. She is licensed to practice in D.C. as well as Virginia. She has worked in various clinical settings with a variety of populations including both adults and pediatrics in acute care, in-patient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, teletherapy, as well as elementary schools. She also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, writing remediation, and reading comprehension. She is also trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach. Gianna’s favorite part of being a speech language pathologist is the relationships she builds with her children and families and helping them achieve their goals. When Gianna is not working, she is traveling, doing yoga or running, or making sourdough bread!
Meet Brittany!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Brittany received her Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Grand Valley State University and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Saint Xavier University. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Brittany has spent her career serving both pediatric and adult populations through early intervention, school-based services and in-patient rehabilitation. She has worked extensively with children ages birth-five in the home, daycare, and preschool setting. Brittany has experience evaluating and treating the areas of expressive/receptive language, pragmatic language, articulation/phonology, and fluency. Specific areas of passion include pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and furthering neurodiversity affirming practices. She is trained in The Pediatric Feeding Institute’s Mealtime Miseries: Management of Complex Feeding Disorders, Melanie Potock’s Feeding Development: Understanding the Spectrum of Eating in Children, The Hanen Centre’s 4 “I”s to Socialize™ and SPARK Communication™, The Early Start Denver Model, and Coaching in Early Childhood training program (Rush & Sheldon). Outside of being an SLP, Brittany enjoys doing Pilates, cuddling her baby and cats while reading a good book, and trying every coffee shop in town.