ABOUT US

Are you looking for the right person to work with your child who has Autism?

Are you trying to find a therapist who knows how to help your child overcome Apraxia?

Does your child use an AAC device to communicate?

Our team of experts can help!

Meet The Team

All of Speech Point's staff has dual certification in speech/language and behavior analysis!!

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Andréane Gaulin, M.Sc., CCC-SLP, BCBA

Clinical Director

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
P.R.O.M.P.T. Trained, Bridging Trained
Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
Pivotal Response Training
Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)

Languages other than English

French

Andreane received a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Laval University, Canada. She holds her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association).

She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2014. She specializes in providing speech and language therapy to children on the Autism spectrum that have moderate to severe deficits and that engage in challenging behaviors.

Andreane is recognized by Apraxia-Kids for advanced training and expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She completed the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Intensive training institute at Dusquesne University in 2018.

She continuously receives training in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to support her clientele. One of her favorite approach is language acquisition through motor planning (LAMP). She is a member of special interest group SIG 12, Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Melissa Minhas, M.S., CCC-SLP, RBT

Assistant Clinical Director

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist
Registered Behavior Technician
Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
P.R.O.M.P.T. Trained
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
Hanen- It Takes Two To Talk
PECS Level 1 Training

Languages other than English

Melissa received her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She holds her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association).

Melissa has over 7 years of clinical experience working with children from ages 1-18 as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her areas of interest include: early intervention, alternative and augmentative communication, childhood apraxia of speech, and speech disorders.

She is trained in implementing DTTC and P.R.O.M.P.T. for children with childhood apraxia of speech. Melissa is
recognized by Apraxia Kids for advanced training and expertise in childhood apraxia of speech.
She completed the Apraxia Kids Bootcamp training at Duquesne University in 2023.

Andrea Manghiuc, M.A., CCC-SLP, RBT

Speech-Language Pathologist

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist
Registered Behavior Technician
Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
P.R.O.M.P.T. Trained, Bridging Trained
Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol
Trained in orofacial myology through IAOM
Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)
Advanced DTTC training with Dr. Edy Strand
Research-Reliable Clinician in administering DEMSS and DTTC

Languages other than English

Romanian

Andrea completed both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communicative Disorders at California State University, Fullerton. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association)

Andrea has almost 10 years of experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders in the private practice setting.

Her areas of expertise and passion are working with children with motor speech disorders, children with Autism, and in early intervention. Andrea is PROMPT: Bridging trained. She is recognized by Apraxia-Kids for advanced training and expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She completed the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Intensive training institute at Dusquesne University in 2021.

In 2022, Andrea attended an advanced DTTC training in Colorado.

Andrea is also an active clinician in a childhood apraxia of speech research study conducted through Marquette University. In 2022 Andrea received extensive training from SLP researchers in Dallas, TX in how to conduct research-reliable evaluations and therapy in order to treat children who present with childhood apraxia of speech using the DTTC treatment approach.

Andrea competed the extensive orofacial myology training from the international association of orofacial myology (IAOM) in 2020.

Yee Man "Eunice" Lo, M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
P.R.O.M.P.T. Trained
Social Thinking Curriculum - Michelle Garcia Winner

Languages other than English:

Mandarin, Cantonese

Eunice is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist who finds passion in serving the pediatric population.

She completed her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association).

Eunice has 10 years of clinical experience working with children from ages 1 to 18, in a variety of settings like school district, outpatient facility, and private practice. Her area of expertise is working with children on the Autism Spectrum. She is trained in implementing DTTC for children with childhood apraxia of speech.

Eunice completed the Social Thinking curriculum from Michelle Garcia Winner.. She enjoys teaching her clients and families how to improve social and pragmatic skills using this program.

Alexis "Lexi" Diaz, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist

Trainings:

P.R.O.M.P.T. Trained
Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
Hanen- It Takes Two To Talk

Languages other than English:

Alexis received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Cal State Fullerton and her Master of Science degree from Pacific University in Oregon.

Alexis is a Speech-Language Pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She has several years of experience in pediatric clinics; predominantly working with children on the spectrum ages ranging from 1-18 years old. Her areas of interest include working with early intervention, Autism, AAC, and Speech Sound Disorders in addition to actively pursuing the completion of her RBT training in order to enhance her expertise in behavior techniques.

Alexis takes pride in her capacity to foster connections, promote collaboration, and inspire families to apply and share their acquired knowledge in therapy, fostering a collective sense of community participation.

Kristina Gidenko, M.A. CCC- SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)

Languages other than English:

Romanian

Kristina completed both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at California State University, Fullerton. She is a Speech-Language Pathologist currently holding a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She has presented past research work along with her research colleagues both at the ASHA and CSHA Conventions in 2018.

Kristina has 3 years of experience working both with the pediatric and adult population in the clinical setting and in-patient, hospital setting. She has predominantly worked with children between the ages of 18 months and 16 years, diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, language impairments, and speech sound disorders. She has experience working as an ABA therapist both in the home and clinical settings. Additionally, Kristina has completed the DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing) training from the Once Upon A Time Foundation.

Kristina is passionate about developing meaningful relationships with her clients and their families to create effective, individually tailored therapy sessions using evidence-based methodologies.

Natasha Sherwood, M.A., CF-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)

Languages other than English:

Natasha is a speech-language pathologist currently in her clinical fellowship year. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Fullerton, and her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University Long Beach.

She has experience providing speech and language treatment to both the pediatric and adult populations; and has several years of involvement in providing Applied Behavior Analysis services in both pediatric clinics and in-home settings for children and young adults diagnosed with Autism. Her primary areas of interest include early intervention, AAC, Autism, and pediatric feeding/swallowing. She is intrigued by all areas of speech and language and desires to continue to receive training and certifications throughout her career. Natasha is trained in implementing DTTC for children with Apraxia of Speech and is currently completing her RBT training to grow her skillset regarding behavior techniques.

Natasha is passionate about fostering meaningful connections with her clients and families. She prides herself in providing an abundance of parent and caregiver education and training to aid in the generalization of skills across all settings.

Katie Billings, M.S., SLPA

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Credentials:

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Speech- Language Pathologist (AUG 2024)

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)

Languages other than English:

Katie is a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University Fullerton and is pursuing her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Maryville University, which she will complete in August 2024.

Katie brings seven years of diverse experience in treating speech and language disorders in children aged 18 months to 15 years. She has worked in both school settings and private pediatric clinics. Her special interests include early intervention, autism spectrum disorder, speech sound disorders, and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Katie utilizes evidence-based practices to effectively implement targeted therapy interventions. Katie is trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), enhancing her ability to provide specialized interventions for children with apraxia of speech.

Katie is passionate about early intervention, using play to enhance communication and social skills. She creates engaging, effective therapy sessions tailored to each child’s needs. She is deeply committed to nurturing collaboration and building valuable relationships with her clients and their families. Her client-centered approach ensures therapy is customized to harness each child's unique strengths and interests.

Rachel Brazeal, B.A., C-SLPA, RBT

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Credentials:

Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Registered Behavior Technician

Trainings:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy

Languages other than English:

Rachel is a certified speech-language pathology assistant and a Registered Behavior Technician. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders at Cal State Fullerton.

Rachel started her career working as a behavior interventionist for a behavioral health agency.

As a team member of Speech Point, she maintains a double certification in order to provide the best treatment possible to children with Autism. She specializes in integrating the principles of ABA into her therapy sessions in order to supports children's participation and progress in speech and language. Her area of interests include working with children with autism, children with motor speech disorders, alternative and augmentative communication and social and pragmatic skills.

She has been working at Speech Point since 2018. She obtained the C-SLPA certification from ASHA, keeping up with the highest industry standards for speech-language pathology assistants.

Tameka Baccus

Administrative Director

Credentials:

Business Administrative & Communication
Meeting & Events Coordinator
Customer Service Specialist

Tameka Baccus joined the team at Speech Point in February of 2020 bringing over 13 years of experience to her role as Administrative Director. She oversees the day-to-day administrative function of Speech Point’s operations and serves as a liaison of the clinic’s office services, scheduling and correspondence, accounting, records management, and marketing departments. She maintains accounts payable, receivable and monthly billing accuracy. She assists in the development of the company policies and procedures.

As the Walk Coordinator for the 2022 & 2023 Orange County Walk for Apraxia, Tameka aspires to be a voice in our community to spread awareness of childhood apraxia of speech, while raising funds to support the mission of Apraxia Kids.

Tameka shares a common vision of excellence to ensure each client receives optimal treatment to foster warm business relationships. Her efforts have resulted in a clear increase in the efficiency and productivity of the clinic to impact the lives of our community.