Andrew's Gift
KAILEY
LEHMAN
M.A., CF-SLP
Kailey Lehman is a Speech Therapist at The Vista School in Hershey, PA. Kailey’s passion while working with her students is to help them find the best Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices and tools in order to help them communicate effectively. Kailey earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Deaf Studies and American Sign Language and her Master of Arts degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado.
KRISTEN
ARNOLD,
M.S., OTR/L
Kristen obtained her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in 2012. She was employed by TherAbilities Pediatric Therapy Services immediately after graduation, and enjoyed being part of their interdisciplinary team in both the clinical and school-based settings until shifting focus to spend more time at home with her two young sons. Kristen is currently seeing a handful of private pediatric clients through a clinic located in Carlisle, PA, as well as working with Andrew's Gift as part of their Literacy Project. She enjoys the diversity of experiences found in working with a pediatric population, and values a strengths-based approach when working with clients and their families. She believes that the incorporation of technology can be a significant means of utilizing individual strengths and interests to promote engagement in meaningful activities and social relationships.
SHANNON
WALTERS,
M.A., L.B.S., BCBA
Shannon spends her time with her three children, husband and two dogs. She has worked with those with special needs, focusing in autism, for over 10 years, and loves to work with technology, communication, and ABA to improve the lives of her students and their families. Shannon is currently a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working for the Red Lion School District. In her free time she loves to read, watch her kids play soccer and hang out with the family. She is still waiting for her letter from Hogwarts.
AMANDA
PENDLETON, M.Ed., BCBA
Amanda is a teacher at heart and began her career in Special Education at The Vista School, where she worked for 11 years collectively, teaching both students and staff. Amanda spent 3 years living and working in Paris, France as a consultant in schools for students with autism and enjoyed the opportunity to help further ABA practices internationally. She currently works on an IU Training and Consultation team as a Special Education Consultant. Amanda serves as the Clinical Coordinator of iPad Training and loves to plan iPad Giving Days to give a meaningful experience for the families and faculty. She loves traveling, is an amateur potter, and can’t imagine life without cats or superheroes.
BARBARA
WEBER,
M.S., CCC-SLP, BCBA
Barb is a speech/language pathologist and a board certified behavior analyst with more than 30 years of experience working with people with autism and their families. She has extensive experience in using technology to support communication and is coauthor of a book about helping families with young children with autism. Her work focuses on collaborative processes to help people with autism communicate within their families, community and daily life.
ASHLEY
SNYDER,
M.ed
Ashley has worked in the education of students with various disabilities for over 18 years. For the last 11 years, she has worked as an assistive technology specialist. Ashley has undergraduate degrees from Lock Haven University and a Masters degree from Penn State University. She is the proud mom of two young children.
ANDREA
MERLO,
B.A., OTR/L
Andrea Merlo, B.A., OTR/L, is a 1991 graduate of Elizabethtown College with a B.A. in English (concentration in professional writing). She completed coursework and certification in Occupational Therapy in 1996. Andrea has specialized in school based practice for 21 years. She holds a certification in Sensory Integration from WPS. Her career path has allowed her to develop an extensive background in autism, sensory processing/self-regulation, transition preparation, and inclusive practices working with students in kindergarten through the age of 21. Andrea has utilized IPAD and computer based supports to promote students’ independence with daily school and home based routines.
ABBY
HASSINGER,
M.S., CCC-SLP
Abby graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University and her Master’s from Florida State University. At FSU she participated in a grant focusing on early childhood communication and the role that AAC devices can aid language development. She currently works in early intervention where she provides services to children from birth to three in surrounding counties. Abby’s focus is on supporting early speech and language development for children and their families, feeding/swallowing, autism and AAC. She splits her time between being a clinician and a clinical supervisor to new graduates who are completing their Clinical Fellowship.
HEIDI
Petschke,
OTR,L
Heidi is a pediatric Occupational Therapist with 28 years experience working with children and adults and their families and caregivers. Her interest in Assistive Technology began early in her career when she saw the profound impact that single switch technology had in giving people with physical challenges the means to actively engage in play, leisure, self-care and learning activities. As technology has advanced, so has her passion for helping people learn to use both simple and complex tools to maximize their engagement with the world around them.
LAUREN
Walter-Turner, M.Ed.,SLP
Lauren earned a degree in Psychology from Millersville in 2002 and began her career in at The Vista School as behavior support staff. Her experiences there sparked an interest in supporting communication skills and led her to pursue a Masters Degree in Speech & Language Pathology. She has worked with individuals with Autism for 15 years, working in both private and public school settings as well as programs for adults with a primary focus of supporting communication. She is also the proud and busy mother of 3 young children, a son and twin girls.
CHRISTINE
Kuhl,
M.Ed.,SLP
Christine is a Speech-Language Pathologist who received her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees at Bloomsburg University. She is working towards obtaining an Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate to enhance her knowledge in the area of AAC. She is working as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist at Lebanon School District. She works with students K-12 with a passion of working with students in Autistic Support and Life Skills programs. She enjoys collaborating with classroom teachers, families, and other specialists to promote functional communication in multiple environments. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and coaching soccer, reading, and spending time with her family.
ARIANA
Graham,
M.S.,CCC-SLP
Ariana Graham is a Speech/Language Pathologist whose caseload at Central Dauphin School District consists of a diversity of students and currently includes three elementary Autism Support classrooms. Her caseload at Goepfert Speech Associates includes clients ages birth to adult with a variety of diagnoses. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her B.A. degree at Loyola University Maryland, majoring in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology and minoring in Special Education. There she achieved the First Year, Sophomore, Junior, and Overall Senior Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Departmental Awards as well as Phi Beta Kappa and National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association Honor Society membership. Ariana completed her M.S. degree at Purdue University with a specialization in Autism and AAC. She completed her Master’s Thesis, “Experimental Evaluation of an iPad-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication Program for Early Elementary Children with Severe, Non-verbal Autism,” with Dr. Oliver Wendt’s AAC Research Lab and has presented at local, state, and national conferences. Her comprehensive clinical experience includes an ABA Autism Center, AAC Evaluation and Intervention Team, and Autism Diagnostic Team.
BECKY
McVaugh,
M.S.,OTR/L
Becky obtained her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Elizabethtown College in 2005. After working at The Vista School, she has been an Early Intervention provider for the last 14 years, supporting
children and families in their natural environments with a focus on children with autism. Becky also works with the literacy project through Andrew’s Gift supporting the implementation of technology in autism classrooms. She is thankful that technology can be easily accessed to
assist children (and adults) in communicating more efficiently, engaging with others and building social relationships, managing daily tasks and routines, and becoming more motivated learners.
ELIZABETH
Siddle
Elizabeth Siddle is a Behavior Consultant at The Cornerstone Agency of Pa, Inc. working with Teams & Adult Individuals to utilize skills for successful communication and behavior at home and in the community. Knowledge and experience with iPad and PC applications to support communication & behavior goals is a passion of hers. She values the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals in this field to grow AAC awareness and acceptance for all individuals. Elizabeth likes all things tech and if there is a glitch with a device, her motto is bring it on!
FERNA
Campbell
Salon Receptionist to Executive Assistant -Ferna got her start in the beauty industry, guiding woman on their skin-care/make-up routines at a cosmetics counter and also ran the front desk of a salon. She realized what she enjoyed most and excelled at was building and maintaining relationships, providing support and solutions. Ferna assists with managing processes, schedules/events and communications for Andrew’s Gift. During the day, Ferna is an Executive Admin to the VP for a home health/hospice organization, just recently married and is a mother of two.
FERNA
Campbell
Salon Receptionist to Executive Assistant -Ferna got her start in the beauty industry, guiding woman on their skin-care/make-up routines at a cosmetics counter and also ran the front desk of a salon. She realized what she enjoyed most and excelled at was building and maintaining relationships, providing support and solutions. Ferna assists with managing processes, schedules/events and communications for Andrew’s Gift. During the day, Ferna is an Executive Admin to the VP for a home health/hospice organization, just recently married and is a mother of two.
OLIVIA
Aloisi
M.S.,CF-SLP
Olivia earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Salus University, in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. As a speech-language pathologist, Olivia has found the most professional satisfaction working with pediatric clients including children with autism spectrum disorder and speech sound disorders. She currently works full-time as a speech-language pathologist in Chambersburg, PA at Keystone Pediatric Developmental Center. Olivia hopes to continue her career in this field in order to empower parents and families to facilitate language growth and communication.
DIANA
Mitchell
B.S., OTR-L
Diana is an Occupational Therapist with more than 30 years working in schools. She graduated in 1991 from Elizabethtown College with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy, and since has worked with students ages birth to 21 in Maryland, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Diana currently provides both Occupational Therapy and Autistic Support services in the schools. She is a mom of 2 grown children, and a grandmother of 2. Diana has recently joined the faculty of Andrew’s Gift and is excited to be a part of such a worthwhile organization.
TAYLOR
Grenier
M.S., OTR-L
Taylor graduated from Misericordia University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program with a pediatric specialization. After graduation, Taylor became a travel Occupational Therapist, where she got to work short-term, contract jobs all over the country in the home, school, and medical settings with clients of all ages. This experience led her to find her true passion, working with individuals with Autism (and their families!). Taylor is excited to continue to expand her knowledge and ability to help her clients achieve their fullest potential.
ERIKA
Amaya-Rojas
M.S., CCC-SLP
Erika Amaya-Rojas obtained her bachelors in speech language pathology in Colombia, South America. She later completed a specialization in audiology and a master's degree in speech and language pathology in Panama City. Since she received her degree as a speech therapist, Erika has worked in the clinical audiology field diagnosing hearing problems in clients of all ages. In 2010, she began her work in early intervention, providing services to children and their families in Spanish and/or English to facilitate language growth and communication development for her clients.
COURTNEY
Bentzel
M.S., CCC-SLP
Courtney earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders with a minor in Deaf studies at West Chester University. She continued on to receive her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Salus University. Courtney currently works full-time at The Vista School with Middle School students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her favorite part about being a speech therapist is working with children and giving them a way to communicate with their loved ones.
KRISTIN
Melnyck
M.S., CCC-SLP
Kristin received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University with a minor in human development and family studies and master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Bloomsburg University. She loves working in specialized areas of her field and getting to problem-solve unique situations.
JESSICA
Eppig
COTA/L
Jessica graduated in 2018 and has been an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Vista Autism Services since then. Her passion is special needs and she’s worked with ages 6-21, even before going to college. She says the best part of her job is bringing lasting independence within self-care to individuals to give them more control over their body, and providing relief to their caregivers when each individual obtains that independence. In her free time, Jessica loves to read and attend comic cons in Cosplay each year.
MEGAN
MacNair
M.S., OTR/L
Megan graduated from Elizabethtown College's Master of Occupational Therapy Program. Following graduation, Megan became a school based occupational therapist in Lititz, PA working with students in grades K-12. Megan has a passion for connecting with her students and providing ways to support their independence both within the classroom and beyond. In her free time, Megan loves to run and hike with her dogs and spend time with friends and family.
LAURA
Savastano
M.S., OTR/L
Laura graduated from Elizabethtown College with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. After graduating, Laura worked at the Vista School for a few years in the middle school before switching to the public school system. Currently, Laura’s caseload at Central Dauphin School District consists of student K-12 with 5 Autism Support classrooms. Laura’s favorite part of her job is watching students finally succeed at something you have been working on for a while. Laura has utilized assistive tech with multiple students to support skill development and help the students become more engaged.
MEGAN
Gehman
M.A., CCC-SLP
Megan is a speech and language therapist who has clinical experience in public schools, private schools, and outpatient therapy. She graduated from Temple University in 2017 with a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the University of Maryland, College Park in 2019 with a M.A. in Speech Language Pathology. Since starting her career she has grown passionate about Assistive Technology and giving access to communication for all. For the past three years, Megan has worked in K-5th grade Autism Support Classrooms. Megan believes that everyone has and deserves a voice. It is her mission to help individuals find their voice and use it functionally.
AMANDA
Edwards
M.S., CCC-SLP
Amanda earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Psychology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She continued on to receive her Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Therapy from Queen Margaret University in Scotland. Amanda enjoys helping her students find their voice to be able to communicate with those around them. Amanda currently works at The Vista School in Hershey, PA.
LUCILLE
Wakefield
M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Lucille received her bachelors degree from the university of Richmond majoring in Spanish. She atttended Temple University for her Masters Degree. Lucille has worked in a variety of settings, but has always been drawn to working with those with Autism. She has worked in the Lebanon School District as a speech-language pathologist for over 15 years. Currently she works as an Itinerant Autistic Support teacher and speech therapist in the district's Autistic Support classrooms. In her free time Lucille loves to read, quilt, and spend time with her family including her 2 dogs, Beau and Masey (who is becoming certified as a therapy dog).
TERRA
Murphy
M.S., OTR-L
Terra obtained her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College in 2011. After graduating, she became a school based Occupational Therapist, and has worked with local school districts throughout Dauphin and Lancaster counties. Most recently, she has joined Derry Township School District, where she provides services to students in elementary and middle school. She values working as part of a team to problem solve and integrate strategies to support students across all school environments.
JILL
Bricker
M. Ed
Jill attended Franklin & Marshall College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in American History and English. She continued her education at Eastern University where she obtained a Masters in Multicultural Education and became a certified teacher for the state of Pennsylvania. Over the past three decades, she has worn the hat of K-8 classroom teacher, stay-at-home to her three now-grown children, Child Life Assistant at Hershey Children’s Hospital, and most recently, Special Instructor and Certified Infant Massage Instructor with Dauphin and Cumberland Perry’s Early Intervention program.
HOLLY
Sottiaux
MS CCC-SLP
Holly received her M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2016. Holly has spent the majority of her time as an SLP in pediatric settings. This has included experience in special education preschool, early intervention, and outpatient pediatrics. Holly currently works at Growing In Motion and Early Bird Therapy, providing both outpatient services and home or daycare based early intervention services. Holly strives to meet children and families where they are and provide neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed care. Holly loves to expand her knowledge and recently obtained a Basic Certificate from ICDL in DIR-Floortime. When she isn't doing something speech-related, she's probably spending time with her partner and pets.
LORI
Blantz
STEM and Technology
Lori attended West Chester University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education She continued her education at Penn State University where she obtained a Masters in Special Education, and Supervisory Certificate in Special Education. Lori also attended Millersville University to obtain certificates in Mathematics, Elementary and Early Childhood Education and Principal K-12. Finally, she received her Instructional Technology Specialist certificate online at Clarion University. Over the past three plus decades, she has worn the hat of K-12 classroom special education teacher, Elementary Computer Science teacher, Supervisor of Special Education teachers and currently the Supervisor of STEM and Instructional Technology for Special Education teachers at Lancaster Lebanon IU13. She has two grown children and three adorable pets that keep her very busy.
FABIOLA
Torres-Gratacos
M.Ed.
Fabiola has a Master’s Degree in Special Education, with a concentration in preschool and early childhood populations. She worked in Early Intervention for the past 3yrs as a Bilingual Service Coordinator for children birth to three. She taught in private school for 10yrs in Puerto Rico. Fabiola actively pilots’ an innovative program, “Ready for School, Ready to Succeed”, in the Harrisburg School District as an Educational Liaison. Fabiola also works part-time with Aspirations Early Intervention Agency as a Special Instructor who focuses on behavior and speech. She is fully bilingual English/Spanish; Spanish being her native language. Fabiola has training and experience in general child development, autism, behavioral/social/adaptive needs, and communication delays. Fabiola is a mother of two children and in her free time enjoys teaching Spanish to both children and adults. Helping families and children navigate diagnosis and overcoming difficulties is one of the most fulfilling experiences of her work with Early Intervention. She continues to participate in ongoing professional development.
MOLLY
Clemson
MS CCC-SLP
Molly earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Misericordia University in 2023. Molly currently works with pediatric clients in early intervention and an outpatient speech and language clinic. She has training in D.I.R. Floortime and sensory integration and enjoys incorporating these practices into sessions. Molly has experience working with children with autism, expressive and receptive language difficulties, articulation and phonological disorders, augmentative communication needs, and childhood apraxia of speech. She is passionate about working with the pediatric population and loves making therapy functional and fun! In her free time, Molly enjoys hiking, reading, playing tennis, spending time with her family and friends, and spoiling her silver lab (Mizlee).
MADISON
Wetzel
MS CF-SLP
Madison is a speech and language therapist who has clinical experience in early intervention, private schools, and outpatient therapy. She graduated from Towson University in 2019 with a B.S. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and in 2023 with a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology. Madison loves building strong connections with families, caregivers, and children to assist in the development of functional and achievable goals. Madison’s hobbies include traveling, hiking, kayaking or spending time outdoors.
MARIA
Giamba
MS OTR/L
Maria graduated from Elizabethtown College with a Bachelors in Health and Occupation and a minor in Cognitive Science. She also completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College. She provided services in the school environment, working with grades K-12 in a variety of schools and classrooms. Additionally, Maria currently works in Early Intervention providing OT services for families and children 0-3 years old. She completed basic DIR certification through ICDL. She holds various trainings in sensory integration, praxis and motor planning, as well as visual and vestibular processing. She also has experience supervising Level II Fieldwork students. Maria worked in a pediatric outpatient clinic in Ecuador and is passionate about prioritizing and utilizing culturally competent/sensitive approaches in practice. She has experience working with a variety of children with different diagnoses and challenges, including feeding, visual midline shift, ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing challenges, and utilizing social/emotional and sensory approaches to support children with OCD and Anxiety. She aims to use a strengths-based approach to assist children and families in finding independence, confidence, and joy in their daily lives and meaningful activities. Maria is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and working with the team to educate/coach families to facilitate children's growth, learning, and confidence to do what they want and need to do! Andrew’s Gift is an opportunity to grow in these skills and support families in the community, through growing in AAC and technology skills to support a family’s success and independence. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, being with loved ones, baking, learning and listening to other people's passions/stories, and visiting new places.
Katelyn
Frontz
MS CCC-SLP
From a young age, Katelyn has been passionate about helping children. Her days of Sunday school helper, babysitter, and teacher helper lead her to speech language pathology. She has been working as a school-based SLP since 2011-always supporting at least once Autistic Support classroom. She loves working with students, staff, and families to highlight a strengths based approach for meeting the unique needs for all of her students. Communication is an SLPs specialty, but she enjoys learning about and collaborating with other professionals to help support her students with a holistic approach. She is currently working on a part-time basis so she can spend time raising her two sons. Her husband and sons enjoy hiking, traveling, reading, camping, dirt track racing, and playing various real and made up games. Katelyn will also be a consultant for the Literacy Program
MEGAN
Pioszak
MA CCC-SLP
Meg’s career as a pediatric speech-language pathologist has been unique! Born and raised in Michigan, received her undergraduate degree at Northern Michigan University and her graduate degree at Central Michigan University. She married a Marine, and since then has practiced in Michigan, California, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Her setting background has been just as varied and includes outpatient pediatrics for a large hospital, home health, private practice working closely with OTs and PTs, Early Intervention, and currently, a public elementary school focused in the fully-contained autism classrooms. She strives to learn from, and listen to, the neurodivergent community and use her experiences in her practice. Meg is passionate about treating Pediatric Feeding Disorder and advocating for neurodiverse inclusion and acceptance.
