Our Team of Speech-Language Pathologists
Janene Besch
Director / Speech-Language Pathologist
Janene Besch holds a Master's degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California at San Diego. Janene is a member of the American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology (AAPPSPA), the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and was a recipient of the 2011, 2016, 2019, and 2022 ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study. Janene has considerable training in articulation, receptive and expressive language delay, stuttering, reading comprehension, dyslexia, and writing remediation. She is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs. Additionally, Janene has training in Social Thinking® by Michelle Garcia Winner, Talk Tools® for Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) . Janene also received her PROMPT-trained certificate in February of 2016. Before starting her own private practice, Janene worked in the Alexandria City Public School system at the elementary and preschool levels for 7 years and as a private speech contractor for 3 years. When she is not at work, Janene can be found training for half marathons, walking her 110-pound dog, Diego, or dreaming of her next travel destination.
Melissa adler
Client Intake Coordinator/ Speech-Language Pathologist
Melissa Adler received both her Bachelor’s degree and her Master's degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University. Originally from McDonough, GA, Melissa holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in the states of Georgia and Virginia. Melissa has experience working with children with a variety of developmental disabilities in the areas of oral motor, apraxia of speech, augmentative and alternative communication, articulation, and language in the private practice setting. She has been formally trained in the Beckman Oral Motor, Talk Tools®, PROMPT, LiPS®of the Lindamood-Bell® programs, and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapy approaches. Melissa has experience working in a multidisciplinary private practice where she collaborated with occupational and physical therapists to implement sensory integration strategies and determine how to meet the physical needs of children (e.g., appropriate seating and adaptive equipment). She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and helping them reach their fullest potential.
Cara Loughran
Northern Virginia Speech Therapy and Social Media Manager/ Speech-Language Pathologist
Cara Loughran received both her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degree through Duquesne University’s 5-year Speech- Language Pathology program. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and relocated to Northern Virginia in 2016. Cara is licensed to practice in the state of Virginia, holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and was a recipient of the 2019 ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study. She has experience with both pediatric and adult populations in a variety of settings, which include: specialty school, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient pediatric and adult clinics. Cara has worked extensively with children with a variety of disabilities in the areas of articulation, phonology, expressive/receptive and pragmatic language disorders, auditory processing, fluency, childhood apraxia of speech, autism, and feeding disorders. Cara is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach, Talk Tools® “Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach,” Melanie Potock’s “Feeding Therapy: It’s Not Just about Swallowing,” The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, The SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants, and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). She has presented clinical research at PSHA (Pennsylvania Speech- Language-Hearing Association), SHAV (Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia), and ASHA and has guest lectured for a graduate level course at the University of Southern Florida. Cara is passionate about the field of speech-language pathology and helping children and their families!
NIKKI seaman
Outreach Coordinator/ Speech-Language Pathologist
Nikki Seaman earned her Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor's degree in Education from Furman University. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia. Nikki has experience working in a pediatric clinical setting, with exposure to multidisciplinary collaboration and incorporation of movement and sensory integration strategies in order to advance speech and language goals. She has evaluated and treated a variety of speech and language disorders, while prioritizing collaboration with families to implement and adapt home-exercise programs. Nikki is formally trained in DIR Floortime® and the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol. She is also trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, written expression, and reading comprehension. When Nikki is not at work she enjoys writing and reveling in her love of Disney movies. She has a passion for serving children and helping them find their voice.
Megan Larsen
Main Line Speech Therapy Manager/Speech-Language Pathologist
Megan Hassan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a minor in Special Education at The Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia. Additionally, Megan is a 5-time recipient of the ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study, most recently in 2021. She has experience with the pediatric populations, specifically in the public-school setting. Megan has evaluated and treated children with a variety of speech and language disorders including articulation/phonology, expressive/receptive language, pragmatic language, fluency, and autism. She is formally trained in the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach, PROMPT, as well as LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs. When Megan is not working, she loves to watch sports (especially all things Penn State), enjoys traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
KATIE McLaughlin
Speech-Language Pathologist
Katie McLaughlin received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The Pennsylvania State University and her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Virginia. Katie is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Katie has experience in providing speech and language therapy services to children from birth to 18 years of age in clinical and private school settings. She has experience working with children who have articulation/phonological, expressive and receptive language, fluency, phonological processing, pragmatic and feeding disorders. She is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, writing remediation, and reading comprehension. Additionally, Katie is trained in Meaningful Speech’s Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) course for gestalt language processors. Katie is passionate about treating children with communication disorders using a holistic approach and working with families to support their children’s communication growth. When she is not working, Katie loves traveling and enjoying all things outdoors!
CELESTE TRAVELSTEAD
Speech-Language Pathologist
Celeste Travelstead received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound and an additional Bachelor’s in Communication Science and Disorders from Utah State University. She completed her Master’s in Communication Disorders at Abilene Christian University. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia and Texas. Celeste has experience working with children aged 0-18 years with developmental delays, language deficits, autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, articulation and phonological disorders, pragmatic disorders, and feeding disorders. She is formally trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Melanie Potock’s “Your Feeding Tool Kit,” and in the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach. She has experience in both the clinic and school setting where she collaborated with physical therapists, occupational therapists, general education and special education teachers. When Celeste isn’t working, she loves to swim, travel, and spend time with her family.
Emily Harris
Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily received her Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication Disorders at the University of Virginia and continued her education at James Madison University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. Emily is licensed to practice in the state of Virginia and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Emily has experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders, including early intervention, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech disorders, and expressive-receptive language disorders. Emily is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach and is experienced working with a variety of AAC language systems. Emily has also been formally trained in PROMPT and is trained in LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs for dyslexia, writing remediation, and reading comprehension. Emily has lived in Virginia for her entire life and loves spending time in the D.C. area. Her favorite part of working as an SLP is building meaningful relationships with children and their families. While she is not at work, she loves cooking, spending time with friends and family, and trying out new restaurants. Emily is excited to serve families in Virginia as a member of the OWLS team!
Rachel stose
Speech-Language Pathologist
Rachel received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Bowling Green State University and her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from The University of Toledo. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist in the state of Virginia. Rachel has experience providing services to both adult and pediatric populations in clinical and school settings. She has experience working with a variety of speech and language impairments including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech disorders, and expressive-receptive language impairments. Rachel is formally trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach. She’s had the opportunity to work alongside occupational therapists, physical therapists, and special education teachers where she developed her collaboration skills and gained experience integrating additional strategies into therapy. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she relocated to Alexandria, Virginia in 2020. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures, time with friends and family, walks with her dog, Link, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Hannah Vaughan
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hannah Vaughan earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at California State University, Chico. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia, California, and Tennessee, and was a recipient of the 2023 ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study. Hannah has experience working with both the pediatric and adult populations in a clinic setting and through use of a teletherapy service delivery model, where she has evaluated, treated, and provided parent education in language disorders, articulation/phonology disorders, fluency, voice, pragmatic language disorders, as well as childhood apraxia of speech and autism. Hannah has attended the Childhood Apraxia of Speech: The Kaufman K-SLP Methods and Behavioral Strategies to Build Successful Vocal Communication and The Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Practical Treatment Strategies conferences. She has also completed Feed The Peds®: The Foundations of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing training, TOTS®: Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training, and is formally trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP). As an SLP, Hannah enjoys working with children and their families to help each child reach their full potential. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the city!
Caileigh Snowdon
Speech-Language Pathologist
Caileigh Snowdon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a minor in Special Education at Appalachian State University and her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Radford University. Caileigh has experience working in a variety of settings, which include: schools, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient pediatric, and adult clinics. Caileigh’s experience in pediatric clinical settings provided her with experience and knowledge in evaluation and treatment in a variety of speech and language disorders including articulation/phonology, receptive and expressive language, fluency, augmentative alternative communication, autism, and social/pragmatic language. Caileigh values strength-based intervention that connects children with their families and environments to create functional and meaningful experiences. When Caileigh isn’t working, she enjoys going on long walks and traveling to see her family in North Carolina.
Morgan Brittain
Speech-Language Pathologist
Morgan Fawbush received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University and her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Kansas. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia and Kansas. Morgan has experience evaluating and working with children who have articulation, expressive and receptive language disorders, fluency, phonological processing, pragmatic, and apraxia disorders. Additionally, she has experience working with children who use AAC devices for communication. She is formally trained in the LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, and Visualizing and Verbalizing® of the Lindamood-Bell® programs. Morgan used a total communication approach with the children she works with. In her free time, Morgan enjoys exploring the area, searching for the best ice cream sundae, and playing with her two dogs, Sarge and Goose.
Nikki Hunjan
Speech-Language Pathologist
Nikki Hunjan received her Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University at Buffalo. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed speech language pathologist in Virginia. Additionally, Nikki is an 8-time recipient of the ASHA ACE Award in recognition of continued professional study, most recently in 2022. Nikki has experience working with the pediatric populations, in both private practice and public school settings. She has evaluated and treated children with a variety of speech and language disorders, including articulation/phonology, expressive/receptive language, Autism, and fluency. She is PROMPT trained and has completed the Sensory Certificate Program and Meaningful Speech Course for gestalt language acquisition. In her free time, she loves creating speech therapy resources, reading, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Belinda Hanes
Speech-Language Pathologist
Lindy is a proud ‘Double Duke’, receiving both her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University. Lindy is an ASHA and VA licensed CCC-SLP with clinical experiences including an interdisciplinary outpatient pediatric clinic, an adult inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and university clinic serving both adults and children. Her clinical interests include early intervention, stuttering and fluency, and speech-sound disorders. Lindy is most excited to get to build meaningful relationships with your child and family! In her free time, Lindy loves cooking new and childhood-favorite recipes, eating at nearby restaurants, and visiting her family in Delaware and Texas
Alexa Bitar
Speech-Language Pathologist
Alexa earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology as well as her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at Kent State University. Alexa has experience evaluating and treating children with articulation, expressive and receptive language, fluency, and social programatic disorders. Also, she has experience working with AAC and autism. Alexa values intervention that is collaborative with families as well as functional and meaningful to the child’s life. In her free time, Alexa enjoys going to cycle classes, listening to podcasts, and traveling to new destinations!
