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Interested in joining our dynamic team? We are always looking for highly motivated, skilled clinicians to bring their love of pediatric therapy to our offices! To see our openings, click here.
Mariana Marchitto received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Development from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT. During her graduate studies she gained extensive experience working with a diverse caseload through pediatric outpatient rehabilitation facilities, specialty learning centers, public schools, university clinics, and telehealth experiences. She has worked with children with language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, voice disorders, and feeding deficits. She also has had experiences working with children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cleft lip and palate, and velopharyngeal dysfunction.
Mariana is particularly passionate about working with infants and children ages birth to five and values the importance of building strong relationships with her clients and their families. She strives to implement an individualized, holistic approach to therapy that involves families and caregivers in treatment to provide support and carry-over into their homes and everyday lives.
A few of Mariana’s additional trainings and certifications include:
Lively Letters + Sight Words You Can See
PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (Level I)
How to Identify and Treat the Sensory Component of Pediatric Feeding Difficulties
Building a Treatment Plan for Feeding Success: Tools for Your Toolbox
Adventures in Early Intervention: Navigating Goals, Strategies, and Families
Responsive Opportunity to Responsive Guidance in Pediatric Feeding Therapy: Considerations for a Responsive Use of Tools in Therapy
How Breastfeeding “Ties” Into Feeding Therapy
Picky Eating in the Preschool Classroom: MD & SLP Team Up to Solve the Problem
Picky Eaters vs Pediatric Feeding Disorders vs Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Using a Differential Diagnosis Decision Tree to Guide Intervention
Feed the Peds by Learning to Screen the Peds
Trauma and Feeding: Supporting Families at Mealtimes with a Trauma-Informed Lens
In her free time, Mariana enjoys being outside, hiking and playing games, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her dogs.
Sarah Aimone received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. Sarah has clinical experience working in a variety of settings including adult and pediatric outpatient facilities, public schools, and telehealth experiences. She has experience working with children with receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation and phonology disorders, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
Sarah is passionate about supporting her clients in communicating and expressing themselves through the most functional method that meets their individual needs. Sarah believes in the importance of incorporating the family into the therapeutic process to provide holistic care and support carry-over across environments. She is passionate about making therapy functional, personalized, and most importantly fun for her clients.
A few of Sarah’s additional trainings and certifications include:
AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding
Lively Letters + Sight Words You Can See
In her free time, Sarah loves to hike with her dog, cook delicious food, practice yoga, and spend time with her friends and family.
Marina Lajoie received her Bachelor’s dual degree in Cognitive Science and Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Connecticut. She has gained clinical experience working in a variety of settings including adult and pediatric outpatient facilities, inpatient hospital settings, public preschool and elementary schools, university clinics, and telehealth platforms.
Marina is excited about working with the pediatric population. She has worked with children of all ages who have articulation and phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, acquired brain injuries and pragmatic language deficits. She also has experience working with children who have medical diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. In addition to clinical experience, Marina has a strong research background where she utilized fMRI, EEG, and eye tracking technologies to analyze the psychological processes of language production and comprehension. Marina also recently participated in the Disney College Program where she was able to make magic for children from all over the world as an employee of the Walt Disney company. Marina strives to implement a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to intervention that is fun and engaging for her clients and accessible for caregivers.
A few of Marina’s additional trainings include:
Lively Letters + Sight Words You Can See
Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
The Meaningful Speech Course
Focus on gestalt language processing and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework
In her free time, Marina enjoys baking, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her new puppy, Baci!
Keirstyn Yaccarino received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Sacred Heart University. Keirstyn has clinical experience in various public school settings, serving students PreK- through high school. Keirstyn also has clinical experience serving students in a highly behavioral school setting, focusing on emotional regulation techniques. She has experience working with children and young adults in areas of expressive and receptive language, autism spectrum disorder, fluency, pragmatic language and articulation.
Cailin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University. Upon completing the undergraduate program, Cailin worked as a speech-language pathology assistant at a school. She then began the graduate program at Sacred Heart University where she received her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Cailin has experience in multiple settings including private practice, outpatient clinics, schools, birth to three, and teletherapy. She has worked with children with limitations in articulation and phonology, expressive and receptive language, fluency, voice, cognitive aspects of communication, social aspects of communication and various communication modalities.
Cailin is passionate about working with the pediatric population and guiding children to reach their individual goals. She believes that a play-based approach is essential in supporting children in their development of speech and language skills. Cailin believes in the importance of continuing education and looks forward to partaking in future courses and certifications.
Outside of work, Cailin loves to spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys going on walks with her two dogs, Bella and Grooty!
Danielle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication Disorders and Psychology from the University of Virginia and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has over 4 years of pediatric speech therapy experience across a variety of settings including the neonatal intensive care unit, home based early intervention, and private practice. She has worked with children of all ages with an array of diagnoses and has addressed language (analytic, gestalt, and pragmatic), phonological processing, articulation, AAC, fluency, motor speech, and feeding. She has specialized training in responsive feeding therapy and tube weaning, as well as in early intervention and early language development.
Danielle is passionate about child-led, play-based therapy that is intrinsically motivating and fun for the child. She loves learning what her clients are passionate about and ensuring that this is a part of therapy. She also cares deeply about holistic, family-centered care and parent involvement. Danielle believes in an interdisciplinary approach to treatment and enjoys working alongside other providers.
In her free time, Danielle loves traveling with her husband, spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and being outdoors.
Vanessa Harris received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT. She has clinical experience in a variety of settings, including university clinics, public schools, and outpatient pediatric specialty centers. She has supported children with language disorders, communication delays, articulation/phonological disorders, fluency disorders, social communication disorders, voice disorders and feeding/swallowing disorders.
Vanessa is thrilled to be working full-time with the pediatric population! She has worked with children of all ages in various capacities throughout her life including roles as a summer student facilitator at Wesleyan University and babysitting. Clinically, Vanessa has experience working with children, adolescents, and their families to establish, improve and maintain receptive/expressive language, pragmatic language, speech sound production, and overall functional communication. She strives to create lifelong connections with caregivers and employs a family-centered approach to speech and language intervention. Vanessa aims to educate, encourage and collaborate with caregivers to ultimately help her patients achieve their goals. She is passionate about continually expanding her clinical knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration, caregiver education and training, and providing home carryover strategies.
A few of Vanessa’s additional trainings include:
– Lively Letters + Sight Words You Can See
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her loved ones (including her dog Lola), watching movies, music and shopping.
Jamie Karas received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT. During her graduate studies, Jamie gained clinical experience across a variety of settings, including a pediatric acute care hospital, outpatient pediatric and adult clinics, public elementary and pre-school, and telehealth services. She has worked with children from birth through early adulthood with language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, hearing loss, voice disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. Additionally, she has had experience working with children with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, CHARGE syndrome, cleft lip and palate, and acquired traumatic brain injury.
Jamie is deeply passionate about facilitating fundamental communication and feeding skills with young children, while providing education and support to caregivers. She values interdisciplinary treatment and caregiver collaboration, as she believes in the magic of child-centered play based therapy.
A few of Jamie’s additional trainings and certifications include:
– AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding
In her free time, Jamie enjoys hiking, baking, exercising, and going for coffee with her family and friends.
Meredith Wilson received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN and her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. She has clinical experience in a variety of settings including pediatric and adult outpatient clinics, public schools, university, adult voice clinic, and autism clinics. She has provided therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, fluency disorders, ADHD, expressive and receptive language disorders, social language impairments, Down syndrome, articulation delays, phonological impairments, and childhood apraxia of speech.
Meredith is excited about working with the pediatric population! She has worked with children in a variety of capacities for 17 years including as a preschool teacher, nanny, and special education paraprofessional. She is passionate about meeting children where they are and working alongside parents and families to develop functional therapy goals. Meredith is adept at utilizing evidence-based strategies to integrate speech and language techniques into everyday routines and activities. She strives to treat every child as an individual and to help them reach their full potential through play-based, engaging, and hands-on experiences and activities.
A few of Meredith’s additional trainings and certifications include:
Diagnosis and Treatment of CAS Using Dynamic and Temporal Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
Evidence-Based Tips for Implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Using Dynamic Assessment to Reduce Bias and Identify Learning Potential
Using Video Modeling to Teach Play Skills in Children with Autism
In her spare time Meredith enjoys reading, exercising, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband, children, and two dogs.
Kelsey Chacho received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University, East Longmeadow, MA and her Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion Studies from Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT. She has clinical experience in an outpatient pediatric setting, as well as, a community-based adult mental health setting. During her fieldwork placements, she worked with various diagnoses, including but not limited to, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delay, sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective.
Kelsey has worked with the pediatric population for 9 years while attending school. She has experience with children of all ages. She is extremely passionate about building relationships with children and their families. She takes great pride in providing client-centered and innovative interventions to her clients. Kelsey understands the importance of evidence-based practice and being a lifelong learner. She wishes to hold specialty certifications in sensory integration, therapeutic listening, and feeding in the near future. As an occupational therapist, Kelsey works closely with her clients and their families to maximize functional independence in activities of daily living.
Additional trainings and certifications include:
Complex Feeding & Swallowing Problems in Children: Discover the Underlying Causes of Food Refusal for a More Targeted Treatment Plan
Therapeutic Listening: Listening with the Whole Body
Oppositional, Uncooperative, and Aggressive Behavior
Sensory Integration and Telehealth: How do we facilitate from a distance?
Integration of Persistent Reflexes
In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer, watching movies, and going to the beach.
Danielle Matos received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and her Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences from University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. She has clinical experience in school-based and outpatient pediatric settings. She has worked with children with a variety of diagnoses and abilities, including but not limited to, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, developmental delay, Down Syndrome, and sensory processing disorder.
Danielle has experience targeting sensory processing, handwriting, fine motor coordination, visual motor integration, visual perception, motor planning, and self-care/daily routine independence. She has received certification in Learning Without Tears (Handwriting Without Tears K-5) and Interactive Metronome. She is passionate about facilitating independence and helping children thrive in their natural environments. Danielle works closely with families to determine collaborative and dynamic treatment plans for each child.
Additional trainings and certifications include:
Developing and Implementing Effective Sensory Diets for Children and Adolescents
Interactive Metronome
Learning Without Tears (Handwriting Without Tears K-5)
Primitive Reflex, Sensory, and Motor Integration
Therapeutic Listening
Treating Torticollis
In her free time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, being outside, and listening to podcasts.
Rebecca Hale received her Master of Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University and during her schooling she fell in love with working in the pediatric setting. She has clinical experience working within a school system for children aged 3-5 years old who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, developmental/intellectual disabilities, and sensory processing disorders. She believes children should learn and experience the world in a naturalistic environment which encourages self-motivation before jumping in and making the activity functional. This helps children learn cause and effect, as well as how to master their environments on their own. With children, it is important to incorporate family/caregivers into each session so they can allow for the transfer of learning within their homes. She believes that having the caregivers involved in the process can allow them to understand what occupational therapists aim to succeed in each session.
Madeline received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science Studies from Bay Path University. She has experience in a variety of settings including outpatient facilities, geriatric memory-care units, school-based, telehealth, and community based organizations.
Madeline is passionate about providing child-centered therapy developed from each child’s unique needs and interests so they can confidently progress, access, and participate in all daily routines and activities. She believes in using a holistic and strength-based approach when collaborating with her kiddos, and all members of their families and care teams. Her favorite part about working in pediatrics is being able to support children of all ages and abilities within their natural environment in order to help them meet all milestones and thrive in every aspect of their lives.
In her spare time, Maddie loves to listen to podcasts, cook, scrapbook, and spend time with her friends and family!
Lindsey Heaton received her Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Western New England University in Springfield, MA and her Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in biology from Elmira College in Elmira, NY. She has clinical experience working in school-based therapy, as well as community-based mental health. Lindsey has experience working with individuals with various diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, and more.
Lindsey has worked with children of all ages within the pediatric population for the past 10 years. She believes in providing client-centered occupational therapy through meaningful activities to children and their families in a naturalistic environment. Lindsey has experience developing handwriting skills, fine motor coordination, sensory processing, and visual perceptual and visual motor skills. She is a lifelong learner and is interested in furthering her knowledge on the role of OT in feeding and hopes to pursue further certifications in sensory processing.
In her free time, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, knitting and reading lots of books.
Faina holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences in NJ, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from West Chester University in PA. Her clinical background encompasses diverse settings, including outpatient pediatrics, school-based pediatrics, and adult outpatient and hand therapy. Beyond her professional qualifications, Faina’s prior experience as a full-time nanny has provided her with valuable insights into working with children of varying ages along with their families.
Faina has experience working with children with a range of diagnoses, including autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, developmental delay/disorder, motor coordination disorders, sensory processing disorders, and more. Her aspiration at More To Say is to continually enhance her skill set and pursue specialized certifications in the future. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the interconnectedness of the child and their family, and also understands the importance of advocating for health and wellness to foster success and harmony in all facets of a child’s life.
In her free time, Faina enjoys exploring all that New England has to offer, indulging in cozy movie and TV show marathons, spending time with friends and family, and organizing. Two interesting facts about Faina is that she moved to CT from New Jersey and that her first language growing up was Russian!
Kristen is our Intake Coordinator in which she is responsible for coordinating evaluations with new families and providing education regarding services offered at More to Say. She ensures the intake process is easy and seamless from start to finish!
Kristen has worked in a variety of clinical and administrative settings including inpatient hospitals and outpatient offices. She is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician and volunteers with her father in her hometown.
Outside the office, Kristen enjoys spending time with her horses, providing equestrian lessons, and coaching an interscholastic equestrian team for middle school and highschool age children.
Miranda will be the first person to greet you when you walk through the door of our Branford office! In addition to completing the office admin work, she plans engaging activities and projects for the children in the waiting room. Miranda is a recent graduate from the University of New Haven, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences with aspirations of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
She has experience working with pediatrics by assisting with pre-k and grade school settings. She also has experience working in a supervisor position during her time in college where she completed admin work while supervising her peers and provided a high level of customer service.
In her spare time, Miranda enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and watching Netflix.
Avery will greet you in the afternoons and on Saturdays at our Oxford office! She is a recent graduate of the University of New Haven where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Sciences. She is currently enrolled in a masters program for Healthcare Administration.
She has experience working with children as a preschool dance teacher and a summer camp counselor.
In her spare time, Avery enjoys traveling to her family cottage in New Hampshire, spending time on her boat, and being with friends.
Shenella Hunte is the Patient Services Manager at More to Say. She has over a decade of experience in the dynamic world of healthcare. Throughout her journey, she has led cross-functional teams and oversaw daily operations to ensure exceptional patient care delivery. At More to Say, you will find her supporting patients and their families through responsive communication as well as leading the front office staff in the day to day operations.
Beyond the healthcare realm, she is an ardent traveler with a special place in her heart for St. Lucia, where she frequently visits family and immerses herself in the beauty of diverse cultures. She is a firm believer that exploring new destinations enriches our perspectives and connects us on a deeper level. She finds joy in hiking, cycling, and immersing herself in the wonders of nature. When outdoors, you will often find her in the garden, which she sees as a therapeutic escape from the demands of the professional world.
Reading and cooking are two of her cherished pastimes. Books transport her to different realms of knowledge and imagination, while cooking allows her to experiment with flavors and create delectable dishes that bring joy to loved ones. Amidst a fulfilling career, she is also a proud mom and a dedicated wife. She believes in the power of balance, and strives to create harmony between professional pursuits and the nurturing role she plays in her family.
Alexis has worked in a variety of administrative roles, notably in human resources, where her responsibilities have encompassed conducting instructional training sessions and overseeing talent acquisition. Within her role at More to Say, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of hiring and retention. She is dedicated to fostering strong professional relationships and creating a work culture that inspires and empowers employees to consistently deliver their best in their roles.
Outside of the office, Alexis enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter as well as traveling. She is a cheerleading coach for college students and a photographer in her spare time.
Michele is one of the amazing Billing Specialists on the More to Say team! With over 25 years of experience in the medical field, she brings much value and knowledge to the billing department. She enjoys using her experience to help families understand their benefits and coverage with their insurance plans. Within her role at More to Say, she specializes in insurance claims and payments.
In her spare time, Michele enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, and going out to eat!
Jocelyn will greet you in the afternoon at our Branford office! She loves working with children and has experience working as an assistant teacher at a daycare where she had the opportunity to create and implement learning activities. She also has experience working as a receptionist at a local animal hospital and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the animals each day!
In her spare time, Jocelyn enjoys being outdoors, going on hikes, exploring new places, going to amusement parks with her two children, and spending time with family and friends.
Olivia holds the position of Community Engagement Coordinator at More to Say. She is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing in 2019. Within her role at More to Say, Olivia shares information about the organization with the public through local events and social media channels, with a primary focus on fostering long-lasting relationships. Her efforts are geared towards showcasing the company’s values in alignment with our overarching mission of empowering all children to live happy, fulfilling lives, promoting their well-being and happiness.
Olivia is known for her positive demeanor and her commitment to making a meaningful impact in every interaction she encounters. Her motivation is firmly rooted in her desire to help others and create positive change. Continuing education and self-improvement are very important to her evident through her avid reading habits, her dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her willingness to embrace new challenges within the realm of fitness.