Owner, Clinical Director
PROMPT Trained
Hanen Certified
Fluent in ASL

Kelli, owner and lead speech-language pathologist, treats all Little Hands clients like family and celebrates their milestones as enthusiastically as if they were her own children!

She primarily works with children ages zero to five. Her specialty areas include spoken language and sign language development for children who are Deaf/ hard of hearing, feeding and swallowing disorders, and children with complex medical needs.

Kelli received her master’s degree at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C, and has been continuing her education ever since. Kelli is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a two-time ASHA ACE award recipient. Kelli has additional training in:

• Listening and spoken language development from the Central Institute of the Deaf
• American Sign Language (ASL) and acquisition of a signed language in children who are Deaf/hard of hearing
• Hanen Certification in the It Takes Two to Talk program
• Therapeutic feeding and swallowing programs including the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach, Catherine Shaker’s pediatric and NICU courses, and orofacial myofunctional therapy.
• PROMPT, an approach used in the treatment of apraxia.
• DIRFloortime trained
• Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) for autism and developmental disabilities.

Kelli is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and passionate about providing children who are Deaf/hard of hearing access to language. She leads a family support group in Loudoun called Loudoun’s Bilingual ASL families. Kelli lives in Brambleton, VA with her husband and three sons.

“The close relationship I build with parents and caregivers helps guide and empower them with the tools and confidence essential to helping their children.”

Assistant Clinical Director
Speech-Language Pathologist
LAMP Certified Professional
PROMPT Trained
Fluent in Spanish

Amanda first became interested in speech pathology at the age of five when her brother received speech therapy for a language delay. She has always been interested in working with people and absolutely adores playing with children and watching them develop. Her journalism background, coupled with her speech training, has allowed her to solidify her love of words, language and helping others.

Amanda has experience with children with various needs in both private and public school settings conducting individual and group therapy and working through the IEP process. She has participated in various trainings including PROMPT, PECS, DIRFloortime, Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking, Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP), TalkTools oral placement therapy, Beckman Oral Motor, Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars, several childhood apraxia of speech trainings and a course on executive functioning. Amanda is fluent in Spanish and has facilitated bilingual meetings, evaluations and therapy sessions.

Amanda received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish from New York University and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from George Washington University. She is a member of ASHA and is licensed to practice speech pathology in Virginia.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys exploring Loudoun County with her husband, three daughters and dog, and cheering on a variety of sports teams (Go Yankees!)

“It’s so much fun seeing kids in their natural environment and being able to assist in the improvement of their communication skills. I love playing games with kids, but most importantly I love giving them a voice!”

Clinical Manager
Speech-Language Pathologist

Christiana developed a desire to become a speech-language pathologist after working in a middle school special education classroom in her hometown in Illinois. She was inspired by the way the speech therapist differentiated her approach with each child to improve their communication.

She has worked within the education system in Palm Beach County, FL and Charles County, MD with preschool to high school age students with a wide range of speech and phonology disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, stuttering, AAC users, autism spectrum and Down syndrome. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities and has experience providing Portuguese assessments in the Palm Beach county school district for families and children who spoke Portuguese. Christiana received her communication disorders undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and graduate degree from Florida State University.

In her free time, Christiana enjoys trips to beaches and waterfalls, reading, meditation and spending time with her family.

“I love being a part of the unique journey each child and their family take towards communication development and fostering a relationship that helps each person better communicate.”

Clinical Manager
Speech-Language Pathologist
PROMPT Trained
Hanen Certified
Infant Feeding

Gillian is an experienced speech-language pathologist having 20+ years in a variety of pediatric environments including hospitals, private settings, early intervention and schools. Having supervised a team of SLPs in a pediatric hospital, she is experienced with children with medically-complex needs from NICU to teens including feeding and swallowing and cleft lip/palate. Gillian has a special interest in speech disorders, feeding and swallowing, and early speech and language development. She is experienced in working with children with apraxia, hyper-nasal speech, oral motor/oral myo-functional disorders and early intervention.

Gillian earned her master’s degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is PROMPT, PECS, SOS and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities trained and early intervention certified. She has been trained in the Hanen method for communication development in the 0-5 population and DIR/Floortime. As a current and past ASHA ACE award recipient for continuing education, she has additional training in feeding and swallowing, childhood apraxia of speech, resonance disorders, oral myo-functional disorders and NDT. Gillian also has extensive social thinking training.

Gillian is working towards her certification in oral myofunctional therapy through AOMT. She is experienced with tongue tie assessment, infant feeding and has specialized training in tube feeding.

She lives in Ashburn and enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and lovable goldendoodle.

“As a partner in their journey, I enjoy collaborating with families to facilitate functional skill development in their children. The most rewarding part of my day is sharing in the joy and celebration of a child achieving a new skill.”

Speech-Language Pathologist
LAMP-Trained

Katie was first introduced to speech-language pathology as a child, as she received speech-language services in elementary school. She was inspired by her former SLP’s ability to create a fun and engaging learning environment and strives to do the same for her clients! In both school-based and clinical settings, Katie has experience working with children ranging from school-age to adolescence with diagnoses including speech sound disorders, dyslexia, expressive and receptive language disorders, autism and voice disorders.

Katie received her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from George Washington University, and her bachelor’s degree in speech-language-hearing sciences from Loyola University Maryland. In her free time, she enjoys being with friends and family, reading and trying out new coffee shops in the DMV.

“I love connecting with my clients and creating sessions that are engaging and relevant to them!”

Speech-Language Pathologist
PROMPT Trained

A lifelong Loudoun County resident, Angie decided to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist in high school after seeing her younger brother with Down syndrome receive both early intervention and private speech-language therapy from infancy. She has experience working with toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children in public schools and private outpatient clinical settings. She enjoys working with children with articulation and phonological disorders including apraxia, expressive and receptive language disorder, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and picky eating.

Angie received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech-language pathology from Missouri State University. She is PROMPT and DTTC trained, approaches used for apraxia of speech, as well as in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) for autism and developmental disabilities.

Angie lives near Lovettsville with her husband, son, daughter and dog.

“I love celebrating all the little growing moments with kids and their families.”

Speech-Language Pathologist
Preschool Language
35 Years Experience

For over 35 years, Dawn has been working with preschool and elementary aged children in the Cerebral Palsy Center in upstate New York, the early intervention program in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties and the Fairfax and Loudoun County public schools. Dawn has experience with children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and apraxia. She especially enjoys working with preschool children with language delays, with an emphasis on augmentative communication and pragmatics.

Dawn received her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from the State University of New York in Geneseo and received her master’s degree in speech pathology from Syracuse University. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities.

Dawn lives in Herndon, VA with her family and enjoys gardening, the beach and traveling.

“I love that moment when I connect with a child and see that sparkle in their eyes and joy on their face! Learning is always more successful when it’s fun!”

Speech Language Pathologist
Clinical Fellow

Sami first became interested in speech-language pathology while working with an elementary school SLP as a part of the Teacher Cadet Program in high school. She has worked with clients throughout the lifespan with speech sound disorders, language disorders, autism, hearing loss, fluency disorders, apraxia of speech, AAC, and genetic disorders.

Sami is passionate about using neurodiversity-affirming practices with a child-led approach to create fun, engaging sessions while incorporating clients’ interests and targeting goals in a naturalistic and functional way.

Sami obtained her bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders as well as psychology and master’s degree in speech-language pathology from James Madison University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and trying out new hobbies.

“I love forming meaningful connections with my clients and their families. Working with the whole family as a team, incorporating clients’ interests into therapy, and utilizing play in sessions helps to create intrinsic motivation and helps children learn and grow!”

Speech-Language Pathologist
Early Intervention Specialist

Jocelyn has worked with children of all ages and has experience as a speech-language pathologist in the public school system. She received both her master’s degree in speech-language pathology and her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Northeastern University in Boston.

Jocelyn is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), is licensed to practice speech pathology in Virginia, and is early intervention certified through the state of Virginia. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities.

Jocelyn lives in Loudoun County and in her spare time loves hiking and spending time with her family.

“I am passionate about helping families build on their child’s strengths to improve their communication skills!”

Speech-Language Pathologist
AAC Specialist

Katie comes to Little Hands Pediatric Therapy with eight years of experience as a Loudoun County Public School middle and high school speech-language pathologist and three years as a specialized instructional facilitator for assistive technology. She has treated children for language, articulation, stuttering, voice disorder and children with conditions including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Katie is especially passionate about working with children with behaviors, multiple disabilities and AAC users. Katie coaches teachers, parents and staff in choosing and implementing AAC systems that allow children to say whatever they want, whenever they want, to whomever they want.

Katie received her bachelor’s degree in English from Mary Washington University and her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Longwood University. She has taken introductory PODD.

“When designing treatment, I believe in an individualized approach that considers the needs and preferences of the child and the people who communicate with them.”

Speech-Language Pathologist

Erika has worked with children from toddlers to teenagers both in school and clinical settings. Her expertise is in kids with receptive and expressive language disorders, ASD, picky eating and executive functioning issues.

Erika received her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Washington and her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Arizona. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities. She is a member of ASHA and holds a license to practice speech-language pathology in the state of Virginia.

Erika lives in Leesburg with her husband and four young children. In her free time she loves reading, traveling and being outdoors with her family.

“I am passionate about helping children learn communication skills by following their lead in their own environment. I love to work with families and show them that meaningful language learning can be fun for everyone!”

Speech-Language Pathologist

Samantha first became interested in speech-language pathology after working with children with special needs in her community in Northern Virginia. She has worked with clients throughout the lifespan with diagnoses including speech sound and language disorders, autism, apraxia of speech, AAC users and genetic disorders.

Samantha focuses on using a child-led approach and incorporating their interests to target goals to create fun and engaging sessions. She is interested in working with children with early language and speech sound acquisition with various diagnoses.

Samantha obtained her bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders and master’s degree in speech-language pathology from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading and traveling.

“I am passionate about working with children to help increase communication and explore the world around them. I enjoy seeing children grow and learn to communicate their thoughts!”

Occupational Therapist
Handwriting Without Tears
Therapeutic Listening
Kinesiotaping

Lindsay is a board-certified, state-licensed pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She has worked in a variety of settings including acute care, subacute rehabilitation, schools, private practice and pediatric outpatient rehabilitation. Lindsay has worked with children with sensory processing disorders, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, rare genetic disorders, developmental motor delays and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities. She also leads many of our Education for Educators services in Ashburn schools advising teachers and staff.

Lindsay graduated from James Madison University and lives in Brambleton with her husband and three children.

“Working with children is rewarding and fun. The reward isn’t just seeing the child improve and succeed – it’s seeing that their success improves the entire family’s quality of life.”

Occupational Therapist

Sam has experience working with children and adolescents in outpatient pediatrics, the school system, pediatric primary care, daycares and a variety of summer camps. She has evaluated and treated children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, feeding difficulties, fine motor and visual motor delays, social and emotional regulation deficits and global learning disabilities. She is also familiar with incorporating the DIR/Floortime model into treatment.

Sam enjoys serving individuals and their families across the lifespan and had the privilege to do so internationally at the conclusion of her graduate program. Sam attended a therapy mission trip to an orphanage in Jamaica working with children and young adults with a variety of cognitive, physical and neurological conditions, as well as providing education to their caregivers.

Sam earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Radford University in December of 2019. She is trained in Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention as well as Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities.

Sam grew up in the Shenandoah Valley. She enjoys spending time in the great outdoors by running, hiking, backpacking, cycling, gardening and walking her dog.

“I am passionate about forming meaningful connections with clients and their families. I value the importance of providing individualized, engaging and fun therapy for children of all ages to promote holistic development!”

Occupational Therapist

Sally is a creative, bright and enthusiastic therapist who is passionate about helping children and families reach their goals. She has experience working with children with ASD, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders, developmental disorders and feeding difficulties. Sally has worked with kids of all ages at clinics, homes, schools and daycares. As a former athlete, she loves incorporating fun exercises during therapy sessions.

Sally earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Saint Joseph’s University and her bachelor’s degree from Yale University. She is in the process of obtaining her DIR floortime certification and has a special interest in feeding therapy. Sally is fluent in Korean and is able to use Chinese (Mandarin) at an intermediate level.

During her free time, Sally loves to cook, check out cool new restaurants and make crafts.

“As an occupational therapist, I pursue the hidden potential in everyone so they can unlock their most fulfilling lives.”>

Occupational Therapist

Natalia is a kind, creative, determined and compassionate therapist who is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. She has experience working with children with ASD, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders and developmental disorders. Natalia has worked with children of all ages at outpatient clinics and with adults in the acute care setting. Natalia has a special interest for early intervention, feeding and medically complex diagnoses.

Natalia obtained her master’s in occupational therapy from James Madison University. (Go Dukes!) She speaks both Spanish and English fluently. Natalia prides herself on her patient advocacy, meticulous critical thinking and empathetic communication in fostering strong relationships with her clients along with their families and supporters.

During her free time Natalia loves to read, dance, cook, hike and travel!

“Working as an OT is not just a job; it’s a calling to unlock the limitless potential and joy in every child, fostering growth, independence, and resilience one small triumph at a time.”>

Occupational Therapist

Katie has experience working with children and adolescents in both the outpatient and hospital settings. She has evaluated and treated children with a variety of diagnoses such as fragile x syndrome, PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, feeding difficulties, fine and gross motor delays, emotional regulation difficulties and developmental delays. She has received her DIR Floortime Basic certificate and strives to provide relationship-based, client-led therapy.

Katie loves the holistic approach to occupational therapy and assisting clients with the things they want to do, need to do or are expected to do in their daily lives. She loves getting creative and keeping sessions interactive and fun.

Katie earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Shenandoah University in December of 2020. She grew up in northern Virginia and loves being outdoors, travel, cooking, staying active and loving on her two dogs!

“There is nothing better than helping children learn meaningful life skills through their primary occupation: PLAY! It is so rewarding watching a child grow while smiling and having fun.”

Occupational Therapist
Handwriting Without Tears
Therapeutic Listening

Brittany is personable, engaging, creative and aims to make therapy sessions holistic and fun all while inspiring children to be their best selves. As a clinician, she has worked with children in outpatient clinics, school settings, occupational therapy summer camps and group therapy. She has experience working with children ranging from birth to adolescence with conditions including autism, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, genetic conditions, cerebral palsy, TBI and CVI. She is familiar with providing therapy within interaction groups using the DIR/Floortime model with preschool-aged children.

Brittany received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Ithaca College. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) for autism and developmental disabilities.

Brittany lives in Purcellville, and enjoys gardening, skiing, biking, hiking and spending time with her husband, daughter and dog.

“I believe that therapy for all kids should include a little dose of FUN. True learning occurs when a child is motivated and interested, and adding a bit of fun does just that!”

Occupational Therapist

Kristina is extremely passionate about working with children. She was previously the lead OT at Kennedy Krieger Institute Center for Autism and Related Disorders. She has worked in multiple school systems where she has evaluated and treated children with behavioral and sensory challenges, fine motor deficits, visual processing difficulties and learning disabilities.

She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of NC – Greensboro and her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Towson University, specializing in pediatrics. Kristina has been trained in The Alert Program, The Zones of Regulation, Learning Without Tears (school readiness and writing) and Handwriting Without Tears (K-5.) Kristina is also a published author in the American Occupational Therapy Association’s clinical magazine, OT practice.

In her spare time Kristina enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her husband and four children.

“I see the whole family as part of the team. Every relationship and every interaction is an opportunity for children to demonstrate their therapeutic achievements. My role is to help them to be the best version of themselves.”

Occupational Therapist

Tracey has extensive experience with infants, preschoolers, school-age children, teens and adults. She has worked in nearly all settings from inpatient, outpatient, clinic, school and home and has supervised both level I and II fieldwork students. She excels in working with children with a wide range of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, learning disabilities, fine and gross motor delays, visual motor integration deficits and feeding disorders.

Tracey received her bachelor’s of science in occupational therapy from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. She has specific coursework and training in the following programs: Handwriting Without Tears, pediatric yoga, astronaut training, building blocks for sensory integration, SOS feeding, pivotal response training, Wilbarger deep pressure protocols, therapeutic listening, integrated listening systems, Floortime, myofascial release, NDT handling techniques, Bal A Vis X, sensory integration theory, Praxis test administration, interactive metronome, oral placement therapy, interoception, and Kinesiology taping. She holds her CPMT- Comprehensive Pediatric Massage Therapist Certification and is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities.

“It is a privilege to partner with a family to create the best life for their child.”

Physical Therapist
Early Intervention Specialist

Abby is a licensed physical therapist who most recently served families through Fairfax Infant and Toddler Connection, the health department and the Infant Development Program. Abby received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University in Durham, NC. Following graduation, she worked in the Child Life Department at Duke Children’s Hospital. She then received her master’s in physical therapy from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where she received training in various pediatric settings including inpatient, outpatient, public school systems and early intervention. She has taken several Floortime Institute Classes.

Abby has experience working with families who have children from birth to young adult to address needs related to developmental and gross motor delays, balance and coordination, strength and endurance, hyper- and hypotonia, and joint hypermobility. She has worked with children with diagnoses including torticollis, toe walking, autism, developmental coordination disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders and other neurological conditions.

Abby lives in Leesburg with her husband and four kids who all enjoy staying active through community sports and recreation.

“I love working with families to help children reach their movement and fitness goals. When we move, we can learn more, explore more and interact more with our environment, family and friends. I want to set our kids up for a lifetime of healthy movement!”

Board Certified Clinical Specialist Pediatric Physical Therapy
Early Intervention Specialist

Katie received her master’s of science in physical therapy from Boston University and her doctoral degree in physical therapy from Shenandoah University. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy.

Katie has over 14 years of pediatric experience primarily in the school setting. She enjoys working with all children but has a particular focus of working with children with cerebral palsy and complex disabilities. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities. Katie also serves as the treasurer for the American Physical Therapy Association of Virginia’s pediatric special interest group.

Katie grew up living up and down the east coast and currently lives in Ashburn. She enjoys working out, traveling and going to Disney World.

“I love taking the time to build relationships with children and their families to help them reach their full potential.”

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Infant Specialist

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapist

Niki received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Gonzaga University and her Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Niki has over a decade of experience in pediatric physical therapy in a variety of settings including acute care, neonatal intensive care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient clinics. Niki has extensive experience treating children with gross motor delays, torticollis, hypotonia, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and general developmental delays and enjoys working with families to help meet family and patient goals. Niki is experienced with orthotics, adaptive equipment and is certified in kinesiotaping for children.

Niki has grown up all over the world including living in Asia and the Middle East and loves traveling and trying new foods. Niki is also a huge college sports fan and loves her ZAGS!

“Being able to share in the smiles and sense of accomplishment when patients and families achieve their goals is the greatest honor and privilege.”

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Early Intervention Specialist

Shannon has over 10 years of experience working with young children including eight years in the public school system teaching a special education preschool class. She has worked with children with varying abilities and conditions including autism, developmental delays, genetic conditions, global delays, language delays and sensory processing disorders.

Shannon received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Radford University in early childhood and early childhood special education. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities.

Shannon is a Northern Virginia native growing up in Fairfax County. She now lives in the Winchester area with her family and two dogs. She enjoys working out, hiking, singing and traveling.

“I love being a part of each child’s growth and development and seeing that switch flip when they are successful! I am so happy to work as a team with the family in their natural environment and celebrate those successes with them.”

Kimberly began her career at Little Hands Pediatric Therapy in the spring of 2016 and enjoys working with our warm and wonderful team to help families. She graduated from George Mason University with her bachelor’s degree in marketing and worked as a hospitality event planner for NASCAR and IndyCar racing teams for over 13 years.

Kimberly lives in Loudoun County with her husband and daughters.

“I love getting to know each family personally, learning their needs and placing them with the best therapist for their child. Seeing the positive impact that therapy has on their family is wonderful!”

Assistant Office Manager
Speech-Language
Pathologist Hanen Certified
PROMPT Trained

Before joining Little Hands Pediatric Therapy, Judy worked for 10 years with special education preschool students within Montgomery County Public Schools. She has a wide range of experience treating speech-language delays and disorders in children with Down syndrome, autism spectrum, cerebral palsy, apraxia, cleft palate, hearing loss and a variety of neuro-genetic disorders.

Judy received her master’s degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Judy holds the certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed to practice in Virginia and Maryland. She is PROMPT-trained, certified in the Hanen It Takes Two to Talk program and is trained in AAC, visual phonics and basic sign language. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) AAC for autism and developmental disabilities. In addition, Judy has worked with adults seeking accent modification and is certified with the Institute of Language and Phonology.

Judy moved to Ashburn a few years ago and enjoys nature walks, photography and art.

“Every person, no matter how small, deserves to experience the power of connecting through language! It is an honor and a joy to be part of the process and to share the journey with families.”