ABOUT THE FOUNDER of CASA Speech Therapy
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Education
Ebony Green, M.S., CCC-SLP received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. She then joined a highly selective national teacher corps known as Teach for America and committed four years to teaching in underserved communities. During her time in the classroom, Ebony taught bilingual elementary school students for two years and then taught Spanish at the high school level for two years. Ebony worked closely with other teachers and professionals at her school. She decided to pursue a career in speech language pathology after spending time in IEP meetings and working alongside the SLP and other special education staff at her school in Houston, TX. While in her final year of teaching Ebony began taking post-baccalaureate courses at Texas Woman’s university to learn more about speech language pathology and became an SLP-A. Ebony later moved to Arizona and completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Speech Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University and became an SLP. Now, Ebony is one of the best practicing therapists for autism services, bilingual speech services, and overall speech and language therapy! With her years of education and experience, she is proud and honored to now have CASA Speech Therapy.
Career in Speech Language Pathology
Ebony began working as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant after her Teach for America experience. She worked in both the elementary and high school settings over the years at the following campuses: Paideia Academy in Phoenix, American Leadership Academy in Gilbert, Vector Prep and Arts Academy in Chandler, Skyline Prep High School in Phoenix and Benjamin Franklin High School in Queen Creek. Ebony also began working in home health with clients aged 3-38, providing in-home speech-language therapy services after school and on the weekends. During this time Ebony started a social skills group to help 16 year old boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder work on socialization and peer interaction. During her Master’s program, Ebony completed her clinical practicum at a pediatric speech and language clinic in Mesa. Following her clinical practicum Ebony served the students at Legacy Traditional Academy in Chandler, AZ as the school SLP while concurrently working in home health and at All About Speech in Mesa, AZ. Ebony started CASA Speech Therapy, LLC with the vision to provide home, clinic and school based speech services to individuals across the valley in addition to providing language immersion camps, enrichment and parent education classes to clients and parents. Most recently, Ebony has served as a telehealth SLP for Kingman Unified School District and helps manage a caseload of over 100 students.
Specialized Experience
Ebony has experience working with children and adults who have articulation disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders and developmental delays such as autism, cerebral palsy and down-syndrome. Ebony is trained in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) including LAMP Words for Life Language System, Touch Chat and Go Talk programs. Ebony is also trained on The Speech-EZ® Apraxia Program specifically designed to improve speech intelligibility for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Ebony is experienced in conducting speech and language evaluations in English and Spanish including the Rosetti-Infant Toddler Scale, CELF, PLS, TOLD, OWLS, TOPS, CTOPP, CASL and many other speech evaluations. Ebony is also a certified Baby Signs Baby Sign Language Instructor.
Meet our exciting team of professionals!
SYDNEY CREDLE
Sydney is originally from New York and moved to Arizona with her parents 3 years ago. She recently graduated with her bachelors in Human Development and is currently in graduate school to get her Masters Degree in School Counseling at Grand Canyon University. In her free time she loves to cuddle with her cats, read and spend time with her family.
Office Manager
virginia cortez
Virginia has a background in business and management and speech language pathology. Virginia joined the CASA team in 2021 as CASA's assistant clinical director. It wasn't long that Virginia was promoted to Managing Director of Clinical Operations. Virginia is often the first point of contact for families that come to CASA and serves as the overseer of all of our therapies. Virginia enjoys going out to eat and spending time with her family during her free time.
Director of Operations
SHERRI JASTER
Speech Language Pathologist
Sherri Jaster M.S., CCC-SLP has been working with children for over 17 years. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood. She was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for several years before deciding to change her career path to earn her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University. Sherri has experience as an SLPA and SLP working with children of all ages and adults in various types of settings including schools, home health, early intervention and clinics. She is currently a Speech Language Pathologist whose passion is working with children and their families to build collaboration and relationships revolving around communication needs. Sherri’s main goals are providing families and teachers with resources and information to best help their children or students to learn and grow, while having fun and building great relationships. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, walking her dog, napping with her cat and cooking vegan meals.
LAKEISHA JOSEPH
M.S., SLP-A
Lakeisha is a speech language pathologist assistant who enjoys working with clients with sensory and feeding difficulties. Lakeisha is originally from Louisiana and enjoys spending time with her family when she isn't working in the schools or in the homes with her patients.
EDGAR SERRANO
Edgar graduated from Northern Arizona University in May of 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Sciences and Technology. He also completed a minor in Spanish. Edgar enjoys working with different populations, especially those who are bilingual. Throughout his undergraduate years he had the opportunity to associate with several speech-language pathologists who worked in different settings such as home- health, schools, clinics, and hospitals. As a result, he was able to obtain direct-therapy experience working with both monolingual and bilingual individuals ages 4-22 prior to obtaining his AZ Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license. He eventually plans to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a focus on bilingualism. In his free time, Edgar enjoys running, hiking, and learning foreign languages.
SLP-A
PEGGY HANNAGAN
My name is Peggy L. Hanagan. I have been a COTA for almost 8 years. At 38 years old, I decided to change my career path and went to Maria College in Albany, NY for my degree as an occupational therapy assistant. I love being a COTA. I enjoy working with clients of all ages to help them achieve goals and live their best life. My passion is working with children. I moved to beautiful Arizona in 2017. I am a wife, mother of 3 adult children and a grandmother to my 3 precious grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and being on the motorcycle with my husband.
COTA/L
EMILY STOTT
Emily moved to Arizona in 2018 from North Idaho. She received her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Brigham Young University in 2012. She became a licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant in Arizona in 2018. She enjoys working with a large spectrum of clients and is constantly striving to integrate new therapy techniques and evidence-based programs. When not at work, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and singing/playing music.
SLPA
SILVIA Perez
Silvia graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona. She has been working as a SLPA for over 4 years & has experience working with individuals with various disabilities. Silvia is also knowledgeable in AAC device use & modeling language for effective communication.
SLPA
TINA EDWARDS
After volunteering in the school setting for ten years, Tina decided to pursue her passion for working with children by earning her degree to become a licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has experience in a variety of settings including home based and school therapy, as well as mental health. She enjoys collaborating with families in the pediatric home health setting to provide a client-centered approach. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering her time as a support group facilitator for bereaved children.
COTA/L
JACOB JARZABEK
Jacob is a former English teacher who has been practicing speech therapy as an SLPA for the past 6 years. He has degrees from ASU and NAU, is an Arizona native, and is a father to one girl. Jacob currently serves students in rural areas of Arizona via teletherapy. He also serves our home health clients.
B.S, SLPA
PAMELA JEAN KARPELENIA
Pamela Jean Karpelenia, Born in Brenham Texas, currently living in Arizona. Attended Central Christian College in Kansas and received my SPL-A certification from EMCC. I’m a wife to a superhero husband, a mother of 4 including twins. I have and extensive background in the performing arts which I allow to enhance my therapy sessions. I also own a small Murder Mystery Theatre Company where I write, direct and produce shows. I’m so excited to be on the team!
SLP-A
CHRISTINE SANCHEZ
Christine Sanchez is an Occupational therapist practicing in pediatrics for 23 years. She graduated from Touro College in New York with a Bachelor’s of Science and Masters of Occupational therapy in 1997 and moved to Arizona in 2010. Through the years her scope of practice has a wide range of experience in pediatrics through home health, clinic based, and school settings with many disabilities. She specializes in treatment of pediatric clients (birth to 18 years) with an emphasis on SPD (Sensory Processing Disorders), SI (Sensory Integration) and Motor Learning theories. She enjoys educating families on Sensory processing disorders and related behaviors. She is a single mom of two kids at home. During her free time she enjoys sharing her knowledge about nutritional supplements and wellness, reading, spending time with her family and friends and loves a good hike exploring the landscape of Arizona.
OTR/L
Dianna Christensen
Dianna has lived in Arizona since she was 7 years old and is currently studying at ASU to become an SLPA. She is a movie lover, artist, and Disney fanatic! She has worked with children and students in various settings over the years, including elementary schools, preschools, and caregiving centers. She has a passion for helping children and believes that they teach us much more than we teach them.
Administrative Assistant
KAYLEE DUNNIGAN M.S.
Kaylee Dunnigan is originally from San Diego, CA and grew up surfing, competitive swimming, and diligently practicing the piano for music competitions all over San Diego County. My family and I are avid travelers and have visited almost all the US states as well as many Latin, Caribbean, and European countries. In 2007 I also had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Europe which was absolutely incredible to say the least. I received my bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, and then my master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. I moved to AZ in 2012 and have worked primarily in the schools, with additional work in home health and clinics. I have experience with many communicative disorders and diagnosis. My strengths are childhood language and literacy, fluency, and social skills/pragmatic language (specifically with adolescents). At home, my hobbies include spending time with my wonderful husband and our beautiful baby girl, exercising, digital creativity, refurbishing/DIY projects, and any activity related to water or the pool.
SLP
JAYNIE BELOAT M.S.
Jaynie is a Speech-Language Pathologist who is retired from the Mesa Unified School District. She holds the Arizona Department of Health Services license and the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Utah State University. She has 17 years of experience as a school-based SLP providing direct speech-language services to preschool and school-age children (articulation, language, and fluency). She also has 7 years of experience as a clinical instructor in Speech-Language Pathology for the Department of Communicative Disorder and Deaf Education at Utah State University supervising undergraduate and graduate students for onsite and offsite clinical practicums, as well as, teaching two courses including, School-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology and Clinical Processes and Behaviors in Communicative Disorders.
CCC-SLP
Nathan Servilican
Meet Nathan Servilican, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Nathan received his music therapy education at Arizona State University. From there he completed a year long internship at Mind-full Music Therapy Services, working with a wide array of clients and populations. After completing his internship he obtained private contracts with Native American Connections, a substance abuse facility. Aside from music therapy, he also is a professional musician, playing and recording with Native American flute trio, Nahdrahnee.
MT-BC
Alice Williams
Hello! Ms. Alice here hailing from Detroit, MI. I am the Mother of 2 boys and youngest of 5 siblings. I truly love being an SLPA. In my spare time you can find me enjoying a romance novel while wearing a sheet mask.
SLP-A
MattheW Huffhines
Matthew graduated with his masters degree in speech-language pathology from Emerson College in Boston MA and completed his undergraduate work at Arizona State University. He is originally from New Mexico and moved to Arizona in 2013 to attend school. Matthew enjoys helping individuals reach their full potential by providing the highest quality of services In Matthews free time he likes to enjoy the outdoors, family time and giving back to the Arizona community.
SLP
MEGAN GRISWOLD
Megan Griswold is originally from Indianapolis, IN. She recently graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in music therapy and became a board-certified music therapist in August 2021. She recently got married and a fun fact about her is that she used to live in a baseball stadium.
MT-BC
CASSIDY LINDBERG
Cassidy was born and raised in Gilbert, AZ. Cassidy had speech therapy as a child which motivated Cassidy to become a SLPA. Cassidys main mission as a SLPA is to be passionate and help clients become more independent. In her free time, Cassidy loves to go out in nature and explore new places in the valley.
SLP-A
Rebekah Hurst
Rebekah earned an associate of science in Deaf Studies and ASL before moving to Arizona. She subsequently worked for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She received her bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science from ASU in 2021. Rebekah directed school plays for 5 years at a local elementary school which gave her valuable experience working with a variety of students. Rebekah enjoys working with Pre-K through elementary-aged children. Her goal in each session is to teach through play so the child will enjoy their time in speech therapy. In her free time, Rebekah likes to travel and be with her husband and 3 children.
SLPA
Nicole Cryer
I currently work for CASA doing teletherapy for a school district, doing evaluations for the clinic, and working with clients in the clinic. I have my M.S. in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University and have over twelve years of experience in the field. I specialize in articulation, phonological processing delays, apraxia, stuttering, and expressive/receptive language delays.
I grew up in the Phoenix area and I have a 13-year-old son named Greyson. We have two sweet pups named Steve and Lucy. We love spending our time up in the mountains and at the beach.
I feel that communication and collaboration between specialists, teachers, and parents/guardians are essential for the growth of each child. You are welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to getting to know you and your child.
MS, CCC, SLP
CASA SPEECH
MISSION STATEMENT
CASA Speech Therapy believes that therapy begins at home. What this means is that our qualified staff aim to provide the best quality therapy for our clients in their natural environment while collaborating with caretakers. We believe that communication is an integral part of our lives and should be accessible to everyone! We are a culturally competent staff and hope to break language barriers that impede access to services. Our speech and language therapy services also include autism services such as autism speech therapy as well as bilingual speech services for our bilingual families!
Get Started Today
You know your child's challenges better than anyone! It's time to plug into a team of highly qualified therapists who will make YOU part of the solution. Whether you’re searching for autism services, bilingual speech services, or overall speech and language therapy, our team of therapists are eager to help your child grow!
Fill out this inquiry form and let's get the process started: