We are a Pediatric and Adult Speech Therapy and Audiology practice. We are dedicated to helping children and adults successfully improve their hearing, feeding, speech and language challenges. The ability to communicate effectively is critical and is the foundation for relationships with other people. In children it is the primary tool for learning and a key to a successful education. The first five years of life are an extremely crucial time in children's development; therefore, early intervention services are crucial for children with speech and language delays.
In Adults acquired or progressive disorders of communication can be devastating. Whether the loss of communication is from a stroke (CVA) or brain injury (TBI), or deteriorates slowly due to a progressive disease (Parkinson’s disease), there is always a major impact on the life of the individual and those around them. However, there are many strategies and therapies that can make communication easier for individuals and their loved ones.
If you are concerned about your loved ones feeding skills, their ability to make themselves understood (articulate sounds/words), the way they express themselves verbally, their ability to follow directions and/or their understanding of what's said to them, don't hesitate to contact us at Small Talk Therapy.
We are a Pediatric and Adult Speech Therapy and Audiology practice. We are dedicated to helping children and adults successfully improve their hearing, feeding, speech and language challenges. The ability to communicate effectively is critical and is the foundation for relationships with other people. In children it is the primary tool for learning and a key to a successful education. The first five years of life are an extremely crucial time in children's development; therefore, early intervention services are crucial for children with speech and language delays.
In Adults acquired or progressive disorders of communication can be devastating. Whether the loss of communication is from a stroke (CVA) or brain injury (TBI), or deteriorates slowly due to a progressive disease (Parkinson’s disease), there is always a major impact on the life of the individual and those around them. However, there are many strategies and therapies that can make communication easier for individuals and their loved ones.
If you are concerned about your loved ones feeding skills, their ability to make themselves understood (articulate sounds/words), the way they express themselves verbally, their ability to follow directions and/or their understanding of what's said to them, don't hesitate to contact us at Small Talk Therapy.
Our Team
Small Talk Therapy is a diverse team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists and hearing aid dispensers, and child development specialists.
Speech Pathologists
Summer Baker
M.S. / CCC-SLP
Summer Baker is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder and CEO of Small Talk Therapy, Inc. In 2015 Summer opened Small Talk Therapy as a minority woman owned Business. Small Talk Therapy is a rehabilitation center that provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, physical therapy, child developmental services, socialization groups, and audiological services. In 2021 Summer opened a second Small Talk Therapy location.
Summer has been practicing speech therapy since 2005. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Summer attended CSU-Fresno for her Bachelor of Science degree and CSU-Northridge for her master’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders. She works with patients across the lifespan. Summer has had success in treating individuals with disabilities and delays including, Autism, late-talkers, Specific Language Impairments, Dysphagia, Aphasia, Articulation and Phonological disorders, Stuttering, Pragmatic and Social delays, and Verbal Apraxia of Speech. Summer is trained in PECs implementation, is a pediatric feeding therapist with SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Certifications and Feed the Peds certification.
Before Small Talk Therapy, Summer worked for 16 years in the public-school setting on a multi-disciplinary team where she provided assessments and direct therapy to children.
Stephen Baker
M.S. / CCC-SLP
Stephen has been practicing speech therapy since 2013. He is a member of the
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). He attended
California State University- Northridge for both his bachelor’s in Business
Administration and his master’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders.
Currently, Stephen provides speech/language services in private practice,
hospital, and public school settings. He has experience with working on multi-
disciplinary teams where he has provided assessments and direct therapy to
children. He has worked in birth to 3, elementary, middle school, and clinical
settings. He has worked with children with various disabilities including autism,
speech/language impairments, fluency/stuttering, hearing impairments, and other
health impairments. Stephen has had success in treating individuals with
disabilities and delays including, Autism, late-talkers, Specific Language
Impairments, Articulation and Phonological disorders, Stuttering, Pragmatic and
Social delays, and Verbal Apraxia of Speech. In Stephen’s private practice he
services the populations of birth to adult. In the hospital setting, Stephen provides
diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing
impairments in adults secondary to a variety of disorders including CVA,
traumatic brain injury, degenerative neurological diseases, head and neck
cancer, and encephalopathy.
Kathryn Bacon
M.Ed. / CCC-SLP
Kate received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communicative Disorders and Speech Language Pathology from the University of Virginia. She holds a license by the state of California, Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a current member of the ASHA. Kate has been practicing speech-language pathology since 2017.
Kate has worked with children from birth to preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school. She has also worked with adults in multiple settings. Kate provides direct therapy in the areas of articulation, phonology, fluency, pragmatics (social communication), language, and cognition. She treats clients with a variety of disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, stuttering, apraxia, language impairments, articulation and/or phonological delays, ADHD, and other health impairments.
Kate specializes in working with children with feeding disorders and is a trained provider for the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding disorders.
When Kate is not working, you can find her at LAX catching a flight for her next trip, trying new recipes, or working on her latest hand embroidery.
Erica Lockshin
M.S. / CCC-SLP
Erica earned her BA as well as her M.S. Degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences at CSU, Northridge. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and has been working in the field since 2011. Erica is currently working in a public school setting with the preschool population, conducting evaluations and providing direct therapy. She is provides bilingual evaluations for students Pre-K-8th Grade. Erica has worked in pre-school, elementary, middle school, and clinical settings. She has worked with children with various disabilities including autism, speech/language impairments, fluency/stuttering, hearing impairments, and other health impairments.
Linzy Knaster
M.A. / CCC-SLP
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Linzy has been practicing speech pathology since 2015. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a current member of ASHA. She is licensed in the states of California and Pennsylvania.
She received both her Bachelor's Degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences, and her Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology from San Jose State University. Linzy has experience working with children 18 months to 18 years old in the clinical and nonpublic school setting. She has worked with children with a variety of disabilities on a range of skills including, receptive and expressive language, articulation, pragmatic skills, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Prior to joining the Small Talk team, she worked in a nonpublic school where she was part of a multidisciplinary team supporting students with severe speech and physical impairments who use AAC to become active and engaged members of their communities and educational programs. Linzy is a pediatric feeding therapist with SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Certification.
When she isn’t working, Linzy enjoys being outside, reading, cooking, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.
Shereen Green
M.S. / CCC-SLP
Shereen Green has been a speech-language pathologist since 2011 and has worked in school and private practice. Shereen’s experience includes the evaluation and treatment of children and young adults with articulation, pragmatic, cognitive, fluency, and expressive/receptive language disorders in the school, clinic, and medical setting. She also has experience working with children with autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss and Deafness. She has a background in American Sign Language, Listening and Spoken Language and uses her knowledge and experience in these areas to address each patient’s individual needs.
Shereen received her undergraduate degree in communicative sciences from the San Diego State University and earned her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the California State University, Northridge. She holds a Speech-Language Pathology Service Credential, as well as a license by the state of California, Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a current member of the ASHA. Shereen’s goal in working with you and your family is to support each individual in achieving his or her individual goals in a fun, positive, family-oriented manner, while ensuring that all patients leave feeling proud and confident in their speech, language, and communicative skills.
Vera Cornavaca
B.A. / SLPA
Vera Cornavaca is a Licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant in the state of California. She graduated in 2017 with her Bachelors of Arts in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Los Angeles. She received her SLPA certification at Loma Linda University in 2018.
Prior to working as a SLPA, Vera was an in-home behavior interventionist working with clients with a variety of disabilities that included Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and ADHD. During her SLPA certification, Vera was an intern here at Small Talk. She enjoyed working closely with all the therapists, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective clinician.
Vera enjoys working hard to bring joy, laughter and success to every child during the speech session. She hopes to continue her education and pursue her masters degree in Speech Language Pathology.
In her free time, Vera enjoys spending time with her son, cooking new meals, and staying active.
Edith Flores
B.A. / SLPA
Edith Flores is a bilingual licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and Child Development Specialist. She
earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Fullerton. Edith has experience working in the public high school setting as well as in the private clinic setting. She has experience working with children with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disabilities, and language delays. She
enjoys creating unique and individualized experiences for all clients and their families. Edith looks forward to earning a Master’s degree in the future in order to further pursue a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Lyndsey Frederick
A.A.S. / SLPA
Lyndsey Frederick is a licensed Speech and Language Pathology Assistant in the state of California. She earned her A.A.S degree in 2019 from Chemeketa Community Collee, graduating with Honors and Dean's list after having her son who is special needs and nonverbal. Lyndsey is currently applying and studying to take her C-SLPA certification through the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
She has experience in early intervention and pediatric speech therapy ranging in a wide variety of disabilities and disorders. With her professional and personal experience, she wants to give families the support and skills to meet their goals.
During her off time Lyndsey loves spending time with her family and traveling.
Kathleen Venne
B.A. / SLPA
Kathleen Venne has been a SLPA since 2003. She graduated from California State University with a B.A. in Ancient History and Pasadena City College with an A.A. in Communication. Kathleen was involved with the California Speech-Language Hearing Association early in her professional career. As a student she received awards for Superior Achievement and Service. She was named outstanding SLPA for District 7 in 2010 and represented the Southern California SLPA's on the CSHA Board of Directors from 2008-2010.
Kathleen has an extensive background in a variety of work settings. Her hospital experience includes training RNS on swallowing precautions and screening for swallowing disorders to prevent aspiration. She has done both clinic and home-based intervention for stroke, TBI and Autism. Her therapy experience includes children in a non-public school setting with severe behavioral issue and rare genetic disorders.
When Kathleen is not working, she would be studying ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs or going on archeology digs in the Southwest.
Melissa Fryer
A.A.S. / SLPA
Melissa Fryer is a licensed Speech and Language Pathology Assistant in the state of California. She
earned her A.A.S. degree in 2021 from Chemeketa Community College. Melissa worked in the Westside
Union School District for 2 years while completing her Certification for SLPA. While working in the school
district she guided special needs children and help them integrate into a standard education classroom.
Melissa graduated with honors and was on the Deans list every semester and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Melissa was inspired to enter this field because she has a nonverbal special needs nephew. In her spare time Melissa enjoys crafting, fishing, rockhounding and camping with her family. Melissa is a mother of 5 children and has 2 grandchildren and counting.
Dale Stone
M.A. / CCC-SLP
Coming soon!
Carmen Escobar
Coming soon!
Audiologists and
Hearing Aid Dispensers
Jamie Ross
Au.D. / CCC-A
Dr. Jamie Ross received her Doctorate degree from A.T.Still University Arizona School of Health Sciences in Mesa, Az in 2004. She received her Masters degree from California State University, Northridge in 1987 and her undergraduate degree is in Communicative Disorders. Dr. Ross holds certifications of Clinical Competence from American Speech and Hearing Association and American Academy of Audiology. She is licensed by the state in Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing. Her professional affiliations include American Academy of Audiology, American Speech and Hearing Association and Educational Audiologist Association. She has practiced Audiology for the past 26 years as an Educational Audiologist for Palmdale School District and Los Angeles County Office of Education. She has also practiced privately testing children and Veterans for the past 12 years in the Antelope Valley.
Darrell Duncan
A.S. / Hearing Aid Dispenser
Darrell received his state license in Hearing Aid Dispensing from the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board in 2018. Darrell has volunteered and studied at a local hearing aid company in the months leading up to and after obtaining his license. Prior to joining the field of hearing aids, Darrell earned an Associate Degrees of Science, Cum Laude, at Antelope Valley College. In addition, Darrell has studied and learned American Sign Language to help facilitate communication for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
In his free time Darrell enjoys all video games and watching Japanese Anime.
Occupational Therapists
Jessica Shlager
M.A. / OTR/L
Jessica received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University in 1998. She is licensed in the state of California. Jessica has been practicing since graduation in 1998 with time off for raising her two children.
Jessica has worked in many different settings including the Developmental Centers, school setting, adult neurological setting, early intervention, and physical disability utilizing her specialized training in Myofascial Therapy and ergonomics, which earned her a Governor’s award for her work.
Currently, Jessica works part time providing OT services to children in a clinic. She treats clients with a variety of different skill sets or areas of need. She has worked with children who have disabilities and delays due to Autism Spectrum Disorder, prematurity, drug exposure in utero, physical disabilities like cerebral palsy and much more.
When Jessica is not working she enjoys spending time with her 15 and 19 year old children, reading, paper crafting, album making, taking walks with her 2 dogs, and going on hikes and adventures with her husband of 23 years.
Loretta Reust
M.A. / OTR/L
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Loretta Reust has been an occupational therapist for over 30 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. While at USC, she participated in a comprehensive practicum in sensory integration at the Ayres Clinic in Torrance.
Loretta has practiced occupational therapy in a variety of settings, from the neonatal intensive care unit to outpatient rehabilitation. In the acute hospital setting, Loretta worked with adults and children recovering from traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, and cerebral vascular accident. In the home and pediatric clinic settings, she has worked with infants and children with developmental delay, genetic abnormalities, feeding difficulties, autism and sensory processing disorders. Loretta likes teaching, and while her two children were growing up, she presented workshops for preschool teachers and parents on fine motor development and sensory integration. Loretta specializes in teaching caregivers to utilize sensory strategies during their children’s daily routines.
During her leisure time, Loretta enjoys reading, sewing, hiking, yoga, and riding bikes with her husband. She often leads the singing at church, and she sings soprano with the Santa Clarita Master Chorale.
Kelcy Parrish
M.S. / OTR/L
Kelcy has been practicing occupational therapy since 2019. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from California State University, Northridge in 2015 and her Master’s Degree from Stanbridge University in 2019.
Kelcy has worked in various settings during her school internships and professional practice including acute inpatient, pediatric outpatient, and early intervention home health. She has experience working with a vast age range of clients from birth to her oldest client at 93-years old. She has experience working with a variety of disabilities including developmental delays, genetic conditions, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and orthopedic surgeries. Kelcy enjoys incorporating a holistic approach to her client’s treatments and involving family members in sessions as often as she can!
When not with clients, you can find Kelcy with her husband and her newborn! She enjoys extreme sports and the great outdoors. Kelcy is an avid snowboarder who sneaks away to Mammoth any chance she gets and loves to go camping in the desert for dirtbike riding.
Ann DeMuth
M.A. / OTR/L
Coming Soon!
Amy Koh
Ph.D. / OTR/L
Coming Soon!
Renee Graham
M.A. / OTR/L
Coming Soon!
Child Development
Service Providers
Annessia Smith
Child Development Specialist
Annessia attended California State University Northridge. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She worked 9 years in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis. During this time, she received her certification as an Applied Behavioral Analysis Technician. While working in the ABA field, she has worked with all ages from age 3 to adulthood. She provided treatment for individuals with a range of different disorders including Autism, Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome, and more. Sessions were provided in a multiple settings such as in home, clinic based and in the community.
Jackeline Tovar
Child Development Specialist
Jackeline Tovar has an associate's degree in child development, a bachelor's in counseling, and a master's in human services/family counseling and marriage. Jackeline has worked in a school district for more than 20 years, and her experience includes working with groups to one-on-one working with on their individual goals.
Admins
Shannon Fox
Office Manager
Shannon Fox is the office manager for Small Talk Therapy. She brings over seven years of administration experience in office management, human resources, and accounting. Shannon assists in the development and implementation of company policies and procedures; manages and oversees the administration of HR policies, programs and practices. Prior to joining the Small Talk Therapy team, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration. Before that Shannon worked within the public education system for 23 years and the majority of those years were in special education.
In Shannon's spare time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, exercising, reading and spending time with her family & fur babies.
Oscar Ramirez
Front Office Receptionist
Coming Soon!
Angelica Sebastian
Healthcare Virtual Assistant
Angelica is a licensed Physical Therapist in the Philippines. Her qualities include being dedicated, dependable, hardworking, and passionate with her work.
Angelica has extensive experience working as a Physical Therapist in a private hospital, and has handled various administrative tasks such as organizing and systematizing files, research, and has customer service experience both in an office setting and from a remote location.
Merging all her experiences together with her training, good communication skills and passion with the healthcare industry.
In her free time she makes sure to cook for her nieces, dance Zumba, and play with her dogs.
Hector Salinas
Administrative Assistant
Hector is our Administrative Assistant in the Santa Clarita clinic. He is a Surgical Technologist with a background in healthcare claims management. He comes to Small Talk Therapy after having spent 7 years as a stay-at-home dad raising his daughter and son alongside his wife. Hector’s an avid distance runner and cyclist enthusiast. In his free time he enjoys recreational activities with his family.
Cassandra Watts
Front Office Receptionist
Cassandra has been working in customer service/admin work for the last 15 years. Doing multiple different job types; customer service, date entry, medical insurance, paralegal, and administrative assistant. She was able to be a stay-at-home mom to her two young children for 5 years. Her latest job is with Pediatric Therapy of Santa Clarita as the Administrative Assistant. Her favorite part working at a pediatric therapy facility is being able to interact with the children and parents, and to see them grow. It's truly rewarding to be a part of a company that feels like family. When Cassandra is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, reading, and going to the beach.
Barbara Elliott
Office Manager
Barbara has enjoyed working with children since she started babysitting as a teenager. While attending CSU, Northridge, she worked at the Los Angeles County Library in Valencia performing story times and assisting with summer reading programs. After graduating from CSUN with her bachelor's degree in Psychology, Barbara and her husband became foster parents and have since adopted two beautiful children. She worked in early intervention and was the group coordinator for a small local clinic for five years before moving into the office when the office manager retired.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoys hiking at the lake with her family, reading and playing soccer.
Araceli Aguero
Front Office Receptionist
Coming Soon!
Aileen Angeles
Healthcare Virtual Assistant
Aileen earned a degree in Physical Therapy at St. Jude College Manila, Philippines, graduated in 1999. Aileen gained work experience as a claim adjudicator in the United Arab Emirates for a decade.
With over ten years of experience with customer care and Claims management, she has perfected the art of multi-tasking, active listening, and problem-solving.
Aileen takes pride in a focus on professionalism, patience, and a "people first" attitude.
She always strives for flawless output and embraces new
concepts and methods.
Aileen is inspired daily by her husband and their two children. In her free time, Aileen likes to play with her dog and watching Netflix with her family.
