Therapists

Chris received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh. She received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University where she is currently a doctoral student. Prior to working at CITG, Chris worked at a pediatric private practice in the Chicago area where she frequently co-treated with physical and occupational therapists. She has over 20+ years experience working with children birth to early adulthood with autism spectrum disorder, apraxia of speech, auditory and language processing disorders, articulation, feeding problems, ADHD, executive dysfunction, learning disabilities including dyslexia and dysgraphia, motor speech disorders, orofacial myofunctional disorders, social/pragmatic language difficulties, and sensory processing disorders.

Chris is a certified myofunctional therapist (AOMT-C). She is also trained in: PROMPT Level I, Beckman Oral Motor, Beckman Oro-facial Deep Tissue Release, Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol, Oral Placement Therapy by Sarah Rosenfeld-Johnson, Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) for gestalt language processors, Floortime/DIR, SCERTS, PECS, Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) for AAC, Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method (MNRI®️) and the Affect-Based Language Curriculum (ABLC). She is also trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding program and the Sensory-Motor Feeding Approach by Lori Overland. Chris is a certified Phono-Graphix® reading therapist and trained in Story Grammar Marker (SGM), Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) and Visualizing and Verbalizing (V/V) and Talkies from Lindamood-Bell. She is also a certified Hanen More than Words® provider. In 2014, Chris completed the intensive Social Thinking® Clinical Training program with Michelle Garcia Winner at her clinic in San Jose, California. Recently, Chris completed training in the Neuro Strengths-Based Support for Autism (NSBSA) to provide neurodiversity-affirming care for CITG clients. She lives in Maryland with her husband, Zimmy, two children and prickly pet hedgehogs. Contact Chris at chrishwang@citgspeechtherapy.com.

Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science Disorders from James Madison University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from George Washington University. Sarah has immense experience as a feeding therapist and is trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding program, Food Chaining Program, Get Permission Approach to Feeding, AEIOU Feeding Approach and the Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding from Lori Overland. Prior to working at CITG, she worked with children from birth to 3 years through the Fairfax and Arlington Infant and Toddler program. She also has experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders, apraxia of speech, feeding problems, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, executive dysfunction, auditory processing difficulties, and articulation and language disorders. Sarah is trained in: Orofacial Myology from International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), PROMPT Level I, Tethered Oral Tissues Speciality Training (TOTS), Beckman Oral Motor, Beckman Oro-facial Deep Tissue Release, Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) for gestalt language processors, Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol, Social Thinking® from Michelle Garcia Winner, Floortime/DIR, Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) for AAC, Talk Tools Tongue Tie Treatment, PECS, SCERTS, Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method (MNRI®️) and The Affect Based Language Curriculum (ABLC). She lives in Virginia with her husband and three sons.

Jill received her bachelor’s degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University. Jill has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with a variety of diagnoses and communication differences including Autism, developmental delays, social communication differences, apraxia of speech, learning disabilities, executive functioning differences, auditory processing challenges, literacy disorders, language disorders, and articulation disorders. She frequently collaborates with other professionals such as occupational therapists, teachers, and psychologists and values a team approach. She is trained in: PROMPT Level I, Beckman Oral Motor, Social Thinking® from Michelle Garcia Winner, Lindamood Bell's Visualizing & Verbalizing Program, the Affect-Based Language Curriculum (ABLC), Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol, Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) for gestalt language processors, and Talk Tools' Oral Placement Therapy and the Sensory-Motor Approach for feeding and motor speech disorders. Jill previously worked at the Ivymount School in Rockville, Maryland and as a home-based, instructional team member. She is licensed to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia and lives in Maryland with her family.

Stephanie received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Spanish from Gettysburg College and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University. Before joining CITG, Stephanie worked as an SLP in Montgomery County Public Schools, serving students in Pre-K through high school, and working closely with physical and occupational therapists to coordinate treatment. She has extensive experience assessing and treating individuals with the following diagnoses: articulation and language disorders, autism spectrum disorders, a variety of syndromes and genetic disorders, developmental delay, apraxia of speech, language processing disorders, pragmatic/social language disorders, and learning disabilities. She is trained in PROMPT Level I, Social Thinking® from Michelle Garcia Winner, Talk Tools’ Oral Placement Therapy and Teaching Speech to Non-Vocal Individuals, oral myofunctional therapy (OMT), Edythe Strand’s Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Learn Play Thrive, and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) for AAC. Stephanie is also a certified Phono-Graphix reading therapist. She is a bilingual speech-language pathologist who speaks Spanish and is licensed to practice in MD and DC. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family in Maryland.

Veronica has been a practicing speech-language pathologist since 1999 after graduating with her masters degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Veronica began her career in New York City where she developed a strong interest in working with the early intervention and preschool populations. She has extensive experience working with children who have diagnoses including autism, apraxia, developmental delay, receptive-expressive language delays, motor impairments, prematurity, a variety of genetic diagnoses and feeding disorders. Veronica’s experience also includes running social skills groups for children aged 3-5. Veronica has completed multiple trainings in oral-motor/feeding disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, language development and play. She is PROMPT certified. She is also trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding program, Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking®️ curriculum, Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method (MNRI®️) and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) for gestalt language processors. Veronica is licensed in Virginia and Maryland. Veronica lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter and golden retriever, Scout.

Naomi received her Bachelor’s degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from University of Maryland and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Yeshiva University. She has experience working with children in private practices and elementary and middle schools in New Jersey. In Chicago, she worked at private practices providing therapy alongside occupational therapists. Naomi has experience assessing and treating individuals with the following diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, receptive and expressive language disorder, dyslexia and dysgraphia, selective mutism, Down Syndrome, childhood apraxia of speech, cognitive impairments, articulation and social pragmatic language disorder. She is trained in executive functioning techniques and Social Thinking® from Michelle Garcia Winner. Naomi has also worked extensively with AAC systems such as Proloquo2GO, Tobii Dynavox and WordPower. She currently lives with her family in Maryland.

Kelsey received her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University. In addition to working at CITG, she is also a speech language pathologist at The Frost School in Rockville, MD. She has worked with preschool to adult clients in schools, hospitals, and private practice settings. Kelsey also provided therapy for preschoolers in child care and home environments. She has experience evaluating and treating children with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, social pragmatic language disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, Fragile X syndrome, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities and phonological disorders. Kelsey is trained in: PROMPT Level I, Social Thinking® from Michelle Garcia Winner, and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) and Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention. Kelsey lives in Maryland and is licensed to practice there.

Joni received her bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and Deaf Studies at Ithaca College and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Montclair State University. In addition to working at CITG, she is also a speech language pathologist with the Maryland Public School System and an early intervention therapist. Joni has worked with children from birth to 21 years in home, teletherapy and school settings. She has experience evaluating and treating children with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders, receptive and expressive language delays, learning disabilities, executive dysfunction, nonverbal and limited verbal communication, developmental disabilities, and speech delays. Joni has experience with Augmentative and Alternative Technology (AAC) including Proloquo, Total Communication approach and American Sign Language (ASL). She is trained in PROMPT Level 1 and has a Certificate for Teaching Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) from New York State. Joni is licensed to practice in Maryland and New York. Currently, she lives in Maryland with her fiance and their two cats.

Mya received her bachelor’s degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences and Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University. Mya has worked with children from 12 months to 18 years in school, home, outpatient clinic, telehealth, and private practice settings. She has experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, genetic disorders, Down syndrome, pragmatic language difficulties, reading disorders, oral and written language disorders, feeding challenges and speech sound disorders. Mya is trained in Orton Gillingham Plus Literacy, Floortime/DIR, SCERTS, Hanen, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding and AEIOU Feeding Approach. She is trained to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-II (ADOS-II). She is licensed to practice speech language pathology in Maryland and Virginia. Mya lives in Maryland with her husband, son, and two fur babies. When Mya is not working she enjoys hiking and traveling.

Maura received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish at Washington University in St. Louis and her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Northwestern University. Before joining CITG, Maura practiced as an itinerant bilingual speech-language pathologist (Spanish/English) in a public school system north of Houston, Texas for two years, serving students ranging in age from three to eighteen. The evaluations and therapy were conducted at homes and at various schools across the district. Then for fourteen years, she worked at a Washington D.C-based private practice, serving students from age two to eighteen. At this practice, Maura frequently evaluated and treated children with reading and writing disorders, speech sound processing deficits, stuttering, autism spectrum disorder, delayed speech and language development, language disorders and articulation disorders. For the past three years, Maura worked at a private school in Rockville, MD, providing therapy to students in the upper elementary and middle school grades with autism, multiple disabilities and language and articulation disorders. At the school, she also led small group instruction in reading comprehension and whole class instruction in pragmatics/social skills. Maura frequently collaborated with teachers, social workers, occupational therapists, a vision specialist and a behavioral specialist at the private school. Maura is certified in the Phono-Graphix reading program and holds dual certification in Washington D.C. and Maryland. In her free time, she enjoys outings and road trips with her Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle mix) named Annabelle. Maura also loves traveling, hiking, singing and tennis.

Victoria received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of New Mexico and her masters degree in Communicative Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University. In addition to working at CITG, she is a Speech-Language Pathologist with the public schools in New Mexico. Victoria has worked with children from age 12 months to 18 years old in school, telehealth and private practice settings. She has experience working with children with language disorders, developmental delays, genetic disorders, pragmatic language, stuttering, articulation and feeding challenges. Victoria is a bilingual speech-language pathologist who speaks Spanish. She is licensed to practice Speech-Language Pathology in Maryland, New Mexico, and California. She lives in New Mexico, with her husband and pet cat, Kylo. When Victoria is not working she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding and traveling.

Devon received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences from Loyola University Maryland. Before joining CITG, Devon worked as a SLP at a hospital in New Jersey, working with pre-term and newborn infants to age 17 in the outpatient and NICU settings, with a focus on pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Devon has worked with children from birth to 17 years old in school, home, outpatient clinic, telehealth, and inpatient/outpatient hospital settings. She has experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses including childhood apraxia of speech, feeding/swallowing disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, cleft palate, VPI disorders, various syndromes and genetic disorders, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, stuttering, and pragmatic language difficulties. Devon has experience working closely with occupational and physical therapists to facilitate optimal therapy outcomes. She is trained in DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing), AEIOU Systematic Approach to Pediatric Feeding and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) for gestalt language processors. She is licensed to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. She spends her free time adventuring throughout Bethesda with her boyfriend, Beau, and Mini Bernedoodle, Baron.

Tom received his bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University and his master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from George Washington University. Before becoming an SLP, Tom worked as a technical writer for a law firm, focusing on helping people collect disability payments. He was also an ice-hockey coach for a special needs program called The Monarchs. Within speech-pathology, he has gained experience working with a wide range of clients across several private practices and school settings. Tom has experience assessing and treating individuals with the following diagnoses, but not limited: to autism spectrum disorder, fluency disorders, receptive and expressive language disorder, articulation delay/disorder, accent modification, and social pragmatic language disorder. Tom has worked extensively with the autism community developing social skills and providing writing support to his older clients. He also published a research paper called “What Stutters Say About Stuttering” to extend his knowledge of patient-centered care. He currently lives with his fiancee in Bethesda, MD.

Katie received her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland focusing her studies on pediatric speech-language intervention and pedagogy. She has worked in schools and outpatient clinics in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. She has worked with children from 18 months to 18 years old and enjoys the fun and challenges that come with every age and stage. She has extensive experience working with children with articulation and language disorders, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, apraxia of speech, pragmatic/social language disorders, and learning disabilities. Her therapy style is typically play-based and child-led. She strives to incorporate her students' unique interests, abilities, and personalities to tailor their therapy experience to their unique selves. Katie lives in Chevy Chase, MD and loves spending time outside with her dog, Sally, thrifting for vintage clothing and trying new restaurants and recipes.

Howida is the Office Manager at CITG. She studied Early Childhood Education and Special Education at Montgomery College and University of Maryland. Howida has over 20 years experience caring for children from birth to 18 years old with the Montgomery Childcare Association, Marriott Headquarters Childcare Center as well as her own childcare center. Prior to working at CITG, Howida owned an in-home childcare center for 15 years working with local and Marine Corp families. She is fluent in Arabic and is CPR and First Aid Certified. Growing up, she was a caregiver for her younger brother who had cerebral palsy. She enjoys using her years of personal and working experience to help our staff and CITG families.

Julian is an administrative assistant at CITG. He graduated from Katherine Thomas School in June 2021. He is currently at the GTP program of Montgomery College which he started at in September 2021. Julian has worked at CVS Pharmacy and volunteered for 3 summers at Edlavitch Jewish Community Center helping people in need. He looks forward to helping the clients of CITG in any way that he can.

Isabel is an administrative assistant at CITG. She goes to school in Rockville, Maryland. Isabel runs her own errand running company. She is very excited to work at CITG. For fun, Isabel likes to hang out with her parents, watch TV shows and play UNO.