Meet the Team

Mackenzie is the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist at Speech Leap. She earned national ASHA certification after receiving her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland and her Master’s degree at the University of Georgia. After completing her graduate degree, Mackenzie was a travel therapist and worked in the public schools in Washington state, as well as Early Intervention in Philadelphia. Following her time as a traveling therapist, Mackenzie worked in an outpatient pediatric clinic and is experienced working with children with a variety of communication needs. She enjoys collaborating with families and other professionals in order to provide holistic intervention. Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys traveling, listening to music, reading, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her dog Atlas.

Elina Mehrabi is the first licensed occupational therapist to join our SpeechLeap team. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science from Towson University in December 2018. Elina started her career working with both adults and pediatrics with neurological and orthopedic conditions in an outpatient setting. She is enthusiastic to join us now to work with our young clients to enhance their performance and skills in their daily activities.

As a mother, Elina enjoys integrating play-based activities to make therapy fun and goal- oriented for children. By collaborating with Speech Pathologists in SpeechLeap, Elina will help provide a more comprehensive approach to facilitate our clients and families to achieve their goals.

Annissa is a Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her master’s degree from The George Washington University. She specializes in play-based therapy and DIRFloortime, focusing on child-led, neurodiversity-affirming interventions to build meaningful communication. She is an SOS-certified feeding therapist and has extensive experience implementing and supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Annissa is dedicated to supporting complex communicators in building language and literacy skills through multimodal and AAC-based approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys thrifting and exploring the vibrant food scene in Baltimore.

Bracha Goldfeiz holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University. Bracha brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Her journey includes extensive clinical fellowships and hands-on experience in various settings, including private practices, healthcare facilities and educational institutions. With a background in working with diverse populations, including children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and specific speech and language impairments, Bracha excels in conducting assessments and developing personalized treatment plans. Her passion for helping everyone find their voice shines through her dedication to implementing evidence-based interventions and collaborating closely with families and caregivers. Bracha’s expertise extends beyond pediatric care to include adult populations with cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. With strong communication skills, organizational prowess, and a compassionate approach, Bracha is committed to providing top-notch care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

I attended Loyola University Maryland where I received my Bachelors of Arts, as well as my Masters in Science in Speech- Language Pathology. My experiences include working with students; both in the public and non-public school setting. I have worked with students with varying levels of language abilities, including students who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to communicate. In addition, I have worked with students in various settings (i.e. online, inside the classroom, at their job sites). Through working with a variety of students across multiple contexts, I have learned to develop creative solutions and adapt therapy for every student’s individual needs. I have come to appreciate the importance of considering the whole child. It is essential for me to understand what each student is working toward in the classroom and/or at home to make therapy motivational and meaningful. Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughter and trying new restaurants.

Esther holds a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Yeshiva University. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Touro College. She is also a licensed Special Education Teacher who has worked with children of all ages. Esther received her Master’s in Special Education from Mercy College. Esther is the first therapist in our team who is a Wilson certified Reading Specialist. She integrates all three of her credentials to help her clients reach their potential. She has experience working with both children and adults. Her experiences include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Articulation Disorder, Phonological Process Disorder, Phonemic Awareness Disorder, Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders, Pragmatic Skills, Fluency, Down Syndrome, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia

Esther has experience working with people from many different cultures. She likes to collaborate with other professionals and integrate play-based therapy. She is a dedicated therapist and is a devoted professional who wants all her clients to succeed. During her free time, she likes to read, listen to music, and spend time with friends.

My name is Hannah Mauer and I am a Baltimore County native. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Linguistics and Tulane University in New Orleans. After college, I spent a year teaching English in Israel before returning to receive my Master’s Degree from University of Virginia. I currently work in a non-public school for autistic students. I am passionate about AAC and assistive technology as well as neurodiversity-affirming practice. My first priority during therapy sessions is to build meaningful connections with my students. I love collaborating with other professionals to provide the best care for each child. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, traveling, and hanging out with my dog.

Jess is passionate about helping children develop authentic, meaningful communication in ways that honor their individual strengths, interests, and ways of experiencing the world. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Hearing and Speech Sciences and Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed to practice in the state of Maryland.

Jess has experience providing evaluation and therapy across clinic, school, home, and teletherapy settings for children with a range of communication profiles, including autism, gestalt language processing (GLP), speech sound and phonological disorders, language disorders, social communication differences, literacy difficulties, stuttering, feeding needs, and motor speech disorders. Jess takes a neurodiversity-affirming, child- and family-centered approach to therapy. She believes communication intervention is most meaningful when children feel safe, understood, and genuinely engaged.

As a multilingual clinician, Jess is also passionate about culturally and linguistically responsive care. She provides services in English and Korean and uses her knowledge of Spanish and Mandarin to further support multilingual children and families. Outside of speech-language pathology, Jess enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring different cultures and languages, reading, and finding new creative outlets.

Rachel C, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATP, es una terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje bilingüe, certificada por la ASHA y con licencia en el estado de Maryland. Rachel también cuenta con la certificación de Profesional en Tecnología de Asistencia (ATP) y ofrece servicios de terapia tanto en inglés como en español. Le apasiona colaborar con las familias y otros profesionales clínicos para diseñar planes de tratamiento coherentes, eficaces y prácticos que preserven la curiosidad y el deseo innato de aprender de los niños. En el ámbito clínico, ha dedicado la mayor parte de su carrera a trabajar con niños autistas y neurodivergentes con comunicación mínima o nula, centrándose especialmente en aquellos con desafíos conductuales, usuarios de sistemas de comunicación aumentativa y alternativa (CAA) y hablantes nativos de español. Para consultar sobre servicios de terapia en español, puede enviar un correo electrónico directamente a la oficina administrativa y así establecer una vía de comunicación en español. ¡Fuera del trabajo, a Rachel le gusta leer, la repostería, las manualidades y hacer senderismo con su esposo y sus tres mascotas!

Especialidades clínicas: Evaluaciones y pruebas de CAA bilingües, programación y soporte de CAA, Trastorno del Espectro Autista, desarrollo del lenguaje bilingüe, PROMPT, enfoque de comunicación total, ABA, proceso del IEP (Programa de Educación Individualizada).

Rachel received her Masters of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor’s degree from Gratz College. She has experience working in a public school and nursing home/rehabilitation center but loves working with the pediatric population the most. Rachel has a specific interest and concentrated experience with expressive/receptive language delays and disorders, articulation, pragmatic, and fluency disorders. She incorporates fun activities and lessons into her sessions while targeting each client’s goals. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys listening to music and going on hikes with her husband and kids.

Rivka earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University and brings a wide range of clinical experience to the Speech Leap team. She has worked with both pediatric and geriatric clients in home-based, teletherapy, clinic, and school settings, providing personalized assessment and treatment for a variety of communication needs. Her experience includes articulation, receptive and expressive language, and fluency disorders. Rivka is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based care and takes a whole-client approach, prioritizing confidence, independence, and meaningful communication at every stage of therapy. During her free time, Rivka enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking walks, and listening to music.

Yittie (Rebecca) Rhine holds a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. She is certified by the American Speech Language Association (ASHA) and is licensed in the state of MD. She has been working in the field of speech language pathology for over 20 years and has experience working with children of all ages. While living in NJ, Yittie worked with preschool children diagnosed with ASD, apraxia, and developmental speech and language delays using a push-in model. She enjoyed collaborating with other professionals to run a specialized language group for children with language delays. Upon relocating to Maryland, Yittie spent 8 years working as a speech language pathologist for the Chelsea School in Hyattsville, MD where she provided speech and language therapy to support students in grades 9-12 with language-based learning disabilities. Yittie has also worked with school age children in local Baltimore area schools focuisng on remediating their articulation, language and social skills. She is excited to be joining the Speech Leap team and is looking forward to helping her clients achieve their speech and language goals. She enjoys incorporating crafts, literacy and a touch of humor into her sessions.

Shannon W. is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who is passionate about helping children find meaningful ways to communicate, connect, and participate in the world around them. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Shannon has experience working with children with a wide range of communication needs, including autism, speech and language delays, childhood apraxia of speech, social communication differences, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She has provided therapy in outpatient clinics, schools, early intervention, teletherapy, and interdisciplinary settings, partnering with families and other professionals to help children communicate with greater confidence and participate more fully in their everyday lives.
Shannon believes therapy should have a clear purpose while remaining flexible enough to follow each child’s regulation, interests, and motivation. She believes children learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and understood. Her therapy combines evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming practices with literacy, play, visual supports, and motivating activities to build communication skills that extend beyond the therapy room.
Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, gardening, and continuing to learn about the ever-evolving field of speech-language pathology. She feels honored to partner with families as they celebrate each child’s unique strengths and communication journey.

Sossi is an ASHA-certified, bilingual speech-language pathologist who speaks English and Amharic and is licensed in Maryland. She earned her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in May 2025. During her clinical externship at Kennedy Krieger Institute, she had the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team evaluating and supporting autistic children.

Sossi has experience working in both school and private practice settings and enjoys working with children. She is passionate about helping each child discover their own unique way to communicate. She has experience supporting children with language, articulation, and phonological disorders, with a special interest in autism, Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework.

Sossi believes that regulation comes before communication and that every child deserves to be heard and understood in their own way. She takes a child-centered approach, focusing on each child’s strengths, interests, and individual communication style. She strives to make therapy a fun and welcoming space while encouraging multimodal communication and celebrating every form of communication.

Outside of work, Sossi is a mom of two boys and enjoys spending time with her children and family.

Tehilla Peyamipour received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Yeshiva University and her Bachelor’s degree from Queens College. Tehilla brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, which she has gained from various hands-on clinical opportunities. Through clinical externships and extensive graduate level courses, Tehilla developed proficiency in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of each client. During her clinical placements, Tehilla had the privilege of working with diverse populations in various settings, including schools and private practices, across both virtual and in-person platforms. These experiences equipped her with the skills to address a wide range of communication disorders, such as articulation, language, and feeding disorders, as well as fluency and cognitive-communication impairments. What is unique about her clinical experience is that she has delivered therapy to clients of all ages, from infants with feeding disorders to adults with cognitive impairments. Tehilla is a dedicated therapist who strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. Her strong communication skills, empathy, and cultural competence allow her to foster a supportive therapeutic environment conducive to progress and growth. During her spare time, Tehilla enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Temima L. is a licensed, ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She graduated from Towson University with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology in May 2020. Temima has prior experience working with children of all ages and has most recently spent multiple years working with middle and high school students in the public school system. She is excited about joining the Speech Leap team and especially looks forward to working with families to support the therapeutic process. Outside of work, Temima enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and children.

Zahava began her career as a speech language pathologist forty years ago. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from The Pennsylvania State University and her graduate degree in Speech Pathology from Cleveland State University.
Zahava specializes in working with preschoolers who are late talkers or who have difficulty pronouncing speech sounds (phonological processes). She is a functional therapist who uses play-based therapy techniques to improve communication. She believes that children will increase their speech and language skills when therapy materials are interesting and engaging.
Zahava understands that parents are an essential part of the team in improving the speech and language skills of their children. She enjoys collaborating with parents to help alleviate the challenges they face.
Zahava enjoys reading books to children to promote literacy. She learned the value of reading books aloud to her own children who developed into life-long readers and now she reads many of those same books to her grandchildren.

Brocha earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University and her undergraduate degree in health science from Gratz College. Brocha initially focused her attention and skills in the adult population, working in skilled nursing facilities to empower individuals to reach their full potential and regain their independence. More recently, Brocha took her skill set to work with the pediatric population where she strives to create personalized and engaging treatment plans that cater to each child’s unique needs and goals. She is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that fosters independence, confidence, and overall well-being. Brocha recognizes that it takes a village to raise a child and therefore works in collaboration with the family and school to help her clients attain their goals. Outside of work, Brocha loves spending time with her daughter and enjoying the outdoors.

Chessa Taboada is a pediatric occupational therapist who has experience working with children with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Down Syndrome among others. She has been a school-based occupational therapist for two years and has recently joined the team to provide intervention in the clinical setting. She graduated with her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Towson University in December 2019. By working with parents, caregivers, and their children, Chessa aims to improve overall engagement and participation in daily activities in all of the settings–whether it’s in the school, at home, or in the community.

During her spare time, she enjoys going out to different restaurants and trying out different foods, traveling, hiking, and reading. She also enjoys taking pictures and making videos capturing the moments of her daily life.

Grace is a licensed and registered occupational therapist with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. She is passionate about early intervention and working with autistic children, particularly within the ABA settings, where she finds great joy in supporting children’s growth and development. Grace provides client-centered, evidence-based, and play-based interventions, believing that play and rapport with each child is the foundation of all learning and growth. As a lifelong learner, Grace is committed to staying current with research and best practices to provide the highest quality care. She values collaboration, working closely with both caregivers and a team of professionals to create individualized strategies that help children gain independence in the things they want to, need to, and have to do. Outside of work, Grace enjoys running, trying new exercise classes, cooking and baking, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Hadassah Sperling received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University and her undergraduate degree from Gratz College. Since completing her degree, she has worked with the pediatric population in our outpatient clinic as well as in local schools. Her goals are to ensure that each child feels heard, appreciated, and accomplished throughout sessions as they work towards their goals, aiming for a client-centered approach to help them succeed in their home and school occupations. Hadassah enjoys incorporating clients’ favorite activities in sessions so that they feel motivated and have fun. In her spare time, Hadassah enjoys listening to music, reading fiction novels, completing creative activities (diamond art, hook rugs), and spending time with her husband and toddler.

Renee Klawunder earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University. With over 8 years of clinical experience across multiple healthcare settings, including acute care, rehabilitation, and home health, she has developed a strong foundation in therapeutic intervention. Her experience includes working with children in the inpatient setting, which combined with her journey as a mother, has deepened her passion for pediatric therapy. Drawing from her diverse clinical background, Renee creates personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that place families at the center of the therapeutic process. She believes that successful therapy outcomes are achieved through strong partnerships with families and caregivers, ensuring therapeutic strategies become naturally integrated into daily routines. Her approach combines engaging play-based activities with professional expertise to help children build crucial skills for success at home, school, and in social settings. Renee brings a unique blend of clinical experience and personal understanding to her therapeutic approach. She is deeply committed to helping each child develop the skills and confidence needed for greater independence. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and continuously enhances her therapeutic skills through daily interactions with her own children.

Rivka Lavaddin earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Touro College in 2015. With extensive experience working with children with ADHD, developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and motor difficulties, she has provided therapy across schools, homes, and clinics. While Rivka has worked with adults at HASC (Hebrew Academy for Special Children) and in a nursing home setting, her true passion lies in pediatric therapy.
Using evidence-based interventions like sensory integration therapy and motor skills development, Rivka creates personalized therapy plans to help children succeed in daily activities at school, home, and in social settings.Driven by her passion for pediatric therapy, Rivka is committed to expanding her knowledge to ensure positive outcomes for every child.
In her free time, Rivka enjoys baking, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

Shira Kahn has worked in the field of Occupational Therapy for over 6 years. She received her undergraduate degree from Thomas Edison State College and her Masters’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. She has a wide range of clinical knowledge and experience including working in hospitals, SNFs, and outpatient settings with individuals with orthopedic and neurological conditions as well as with children with ASD and SPD. Her goals are to facilitate a client-centered approach and to incorporate treatments for her clients and their families to help them succeed in their everyday life and maximize their potential. Her caring personality helps her connect with her clients and create a great therapeutic environment.
When not in the clinic, Shira enjoys spending quality time with her husband and her two daughters. Some of her favorite things to do include cake decorating, ice skating and swimming.

Shoshana Soskil graduated from Towson University in 2019 with a Master’s degree in occupational therapy. She has since gained experience working with both the pediatric and geriatric population in a variety of settings, including home health, school-based, and, most recently, a skilled nursing facility. Shoshana is eager to positively impact the lives of children and their families as a member of the Speech Leap team. She believes in utilizing a client-centered holistic approach to actualize the innate potential of each child and to promote achievement of their goals. She looks forward to employing her creative and caring nature therapeutically to motivate each child and ensure each session is both enjoyable and productive. When not working, Shoshana enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, listening to podcasts or music, writing, and walking.

Ivy S., COTA/L is licensed within the state of Maryland and certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. She received her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science at Waynesburg University in 2016 and completed the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Community College of Baltimore County. She has worked in pediatrics since graduating in 2019 and joined the Speech Leap team in January 2026. Ivy has experience working with a variety of diagnoses, always with a goal to help improve quality of life for her clients through developing skills necessary for participation in their everyday activities. She enjoys providing a sensory-based approach and incorporating her knowledge of exercise physiology to help kids build strength through games and play.
Outside of work, Ivy loves spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, playing with her dog and cat, exercising, traveling and exploring the outdoors.

Peninah has a love for working with children building on her experience in a community preschool and extensive education and mentoring in pediatric occupational therapy. Peninah is creative in designing her therapeutic interventions focusing on graded skill development to reach each child’s goals. Peninah finished her OTA program six years ago. She has five grown children and volunteers for children with special needs in the community. In an earlier degree program she studied a year abroad in Seville, Spain which rounded out her understanding of a person’s cultural context. In her spare time Peninah loves to swim laps to relax and cook for family and friends.

Hadassah is the Offsite Liaison and Office Administrator at SpeechLeap. As both an administrative professional and the parent of children who have received therapy services, she understands the importance of making families feel welcome, informed, and supported every step of the way. She is excited to build relationships with families, schools, and clinicians and to help create a smooth, positive experience for everyone involved. Outside of SpeechLeap, Hadassah enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, reading, and serving her community as an EMS dispatcher.

Christina Candella is currently working towards her undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology at Towson University, with the hope of continuing her educational journey and receiving her master’s degree. She is very passionate about working with children and has interests in pediatrics, ASD and stuttering. Christina has experience with neurodivergent individuals and was a member of unified sports through Special Olympics in high school. She is very involved on campus at Towson, holding an executive position in her sorority and is an active member of NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Hearing Association). In her free time, Christina loves to travel, exercise, spend time outdoors, and be with friends and family.

Gabriella Carter has joined the Speech Leap Team as of May 2024. She is currently working towards her undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Towson University. She is hoping to continue her educational journey there with her master’s degree. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and going to the beach. Her goal in the next five years is to be a fully licensed speech language pathologist. Gabriella loves to travel and enjoys trying new hobbies and foods! She has experience working with neurodivergent children and adults. She was a part of the Best Buddies program at her high school. She is very passionate about working with children to help them advocate for themselves and give them a voice. Gabriella loves the warm welcome she has gotten from the Speech Leap team and is very excited to start!

Sara W. joined the Speech Leap team in fall of 2025 and has enjoyed getting to know all the therapists and clients in the clinic. She has experience working with both children and adults in general settings, and she interned with her high school’s Special Programs during her senior year, working closely with teenagers with Autism. Sara received her B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPPA) from Towson University in 2025 and plans to continue her education soon. She was an active member in Towson’s undergraduate chapter of NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Hearing Association) and is very appreciative of every connection she made in the SPPA department. In her free time, Sara loves to read, crochet, spend time with family and friends, and she enjoys attending concerts any chance she gets. She is very excited to continue her work in the Speech Leap office!

Cicely Hobson is the Billing Specialist here at Speech Leap; she is responsible for private insurance remittance, creating invoices, and charging copays.

Cicely first joined the Speech Leap team in 2018 and has thoroughly enjoyed working behind the scenes to meet the needs of our therapists and clients alike. From May 2019- May 2021, she served as Speech Leap’s Office Administrator, before moving back home to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, several hours from the clinic.

In 2019, Cicely graduated from Towson University with her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. After spending some time in the workforce, she plans to continue her education to gain her graduate degree. Cicely loves working with children of all ages and abilities and has cared for them in a variety of settings, such as daycare, home, and summer camp. As a future healthcare professional, she hopes to devote her career to helping children grow to their fullest potential through the collaboration of parents, professionals, and disciplines.

In her free time, Cicely enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking long walks with her dog, Benji, listening to music, and traveling.

-We are thrilled to welcome Cicely back to the Speech Leap team in this new role.