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.

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.

Dorna Reihani holds a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and an undergraduate degree from Thomas Edison University. Dorna is a passionate M.S. CF-SLP, who has recently joined our team. She is very honored and excited to be part of the Speech Leap team, and is ready to assist our patients in any way possible to enable them to communicate more effectively.

Dorna has taught in an auditory oral school in Brooklyn, New York for a number of years where she has helped a diverse group of students. Additionally, Dorna was a teacher for a few years in a special needs preschool in Baltimore where she has interacted with students with a variety of different physical and mental limitations. She is driven to apply her experience with pediatrics to the clinic. She loves to perform play based therapy, as well as family centered therapy since she understands the nature of each child and the relationship they have with family.

Dorna lives with her husband and three children whom she enjoys spending her time off from work with. Her hobbies include, exercising/dancing , listening to music, playing guitar, reading and baking among other things.

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.

Malikaa is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a M.S. from the University of the District of Columbia. With a passion for helping individuals of all ages, she has experience in working in schools, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and early intervention. Using a personalized, client-centered approach, Malikaa works to empower clients to overcome challenges and achieve their communication goals. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, crafting, reading, and spending time with family. With a commitment to fostering confidence and independence, Malikaa strives to create a supportive and engaging environment for all clients.

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.

Rachel is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and certified Assistive Technology Professional, holding both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University. During graduate school, she completed a federally funded training program (Project LINC) that provided her with specialized skills to best support Autistic learners. She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), licensed to practice in Maryland, and PROMPT certified. Rachel has extensive experience supporting children of all ages with complex medical and communication needs, including Autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, rare genetic syndromes, feeding disorders, visual impairments, and especially enjoys working with Gestalt Language Processors.

Rachel’s clinical experience prior to private practice includes working in multiple non-public special education schools serving diploma- and certificate-bound students from preschool through age 21, ABA centers, and on multiple AAC diagnostic teams. She is deeply passionate about helping individuals with disabilities select, acquire, and use assistive technology, including communication devices, visual supports, wheelchairs, and adaptive equipment. Her therapeutic approach is sensory-focused, child-led, and rooted in the belief that regulation comes before expectation. She prioritizes trust and connection, building sessions around each child’s interests and sensory needs to foster engagement, and believes fulheartedly in parent education- the parents and guardians are the biggest advocates for their child! Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling, reading, baking, hiking, and spending time with her two cats, her dog, and her family. She continues to mentor graduate students who are part of the ongoing Project LINC program at Towson Univeristy.

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.

Hi! My name is Taylin Leibowitz. Originally from New Jersey, I received my undergraduate degree in Linguistics from Rutgers University and moved to Baltimore where I received my Masters’ degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland. The focus of my career so far has been with adolescents and young adults on the Autism Spectrum, which includes working at an overnight camp for children and adults with special needs. I love being outside, reading, and traveling whenever possible!

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.

Mrs. Zahava Hochberg 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.
Mrs. Hochberg 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. Mrs. Hochberg believes that children will increase their speech and language skills when therapy materials are interesting and engaging.
Mrs. Hochberg 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.
Mrs. Hochberg 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.

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.

I received my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in August 2023. During fieldwork at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospitals’ outpatient clinic, I gained valuable experience working with children. Since then, I worked as a school-based therapist, supporting children with Autism, developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, and cerebral palsy. My interests lie in emotional regulation, pediatric feeding and eating disorders, and promoting foundational motor skills. I’m excited to build on my fieldwork experience and capstone in pediatric feeding disorders to help children expand their diet and increase mealtime participation. Overall, I am passionate about supporting children and their families in achieving success in daily tasks that are meaningful to them. I look forward to building strong relationships with my clients and incorporating their interests into therapy sessions. In my free time, I enjoy knitting, long walks, and listening to music.

Sassy received her Doctorate degree in occupational therapy in 2022 from MGH Institute of Health Professions Located in Boston. Since completing her degree Sassy has worked with the older population in skilled nursing facilities and in both outpatient and inpatient settings with individuals with neurological and orthopedic conditions. Sassy also has clinical experience working in home health and adolescent mental health. Sassy is passionate about working with children and giving them the skills, they need to feel empowered, it was through her previous work as an early intervention specialist and an ABA therapist working with children with ASD that led her to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy. Sassy loves building relationships with the children and families she works with and being part of their journey. She is excited to be part of the SpeechLeap family and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she works with.
In her spare time Sassy enjoys spending time with her family, pet dog Wynter, hiking, reading and traveling to new parts of the world.

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.

Tzippy recently joined the SpeechLeap company as an OT and is very excited to work with children to develop their fine and gross motor skills in an engaging and therapeutic manner. Tzippy received her undergraduate degree from Thomas Edison State College, with another Bachelors in Judaic Studies, as well as her Masters’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. As the youngest of 7 children, and growing up with a sibling with Autism, Tzippy personally understands the challenges, but also the amazing assistance OT sessions can help for this population.
She originally started working as a pediatric OT in the HeadStart preschools, as well as in smaller clinic settings. She strives to facilitate a client-centered approach and to incorporate simple but fun therapeutic treatments for her clients and their families to help them succeed in their everyday life and maximize their potential. She really strives to understand what motivates her young clients and incorporate this into her sessions to develop rapport and have an enjoyable time during therapy.
When not working, Tzippy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and her 2 young children. She loves seeing them develop and learn new skills, whether with baking, riding bikes, or reading stories.

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.

Yehudis is very excited to join the Speech Leap team. She graduated her COTA program at CCBC in 2015.  She has been working in occupational therapy with older adults across various settings including a retirement community, rehabs, and home health. Although new to pediatric OT,  Yehudis is a Mom and  has lots of experience working  with kids in multiple settings over many years, including teaching toddlers and working with kids of varying ages in summer camps. With her positive energy and upbeat attitude, Yehudis loves to be creative and help bring out the potential in every child.

Charity is thrilled to be joining the SpeechLeap family as Lead Office Administrator. Her background spans over 10 years in healthcare operations and administration, streamlining workflows, support clinical teams, and ensure a compassionate and organized experience for both families and staff. She shares a deep love for helping businesses reach their full potential and creating strong foundations that allow them to continue building for the future. Creating warm, efficient environments where everyone feels seen and supported is her passion.

Outside of work, she loves being a mom and spending time with her family, traveling, cooking large meals, and creating new hobbies with her daughter. She is also preparing to return to school to complete my degree in Business Management and Marketing, as continuing to grow professionally and personally is very important to her.

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!

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.