Lisa Smith ~ MACCC/SLP
Lisa graduated with her master’s degree from the University of Buffalo over 20 years ago and is the owner of The Aspen Center. She is also the creator of the Building BLOCKS preschool aged language enrichment program. Lisa’s experiences go beyond preschool to include medical settings such as the ICU and various school systems. Despite working in these amazing settings; Early Intervention continues to be her true love. Lisa’s time and education in Speech Pathology has led her to become a skillful practitioner for Apraxia, Autism, Sensory Integration, feeding issues, and Developmental Delays that effect speech and language development. Lisa has been trained in PROMPT therapy and utilizes this approach with many of her clients. Lisa has worked in interdisciplinary teams for years and has gained experience from teachers, occupational and physical therapists to better serve the whole child and family. Lisa has an 11 year old daughter and lives in Raleigh.
Karla Compton ~ M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Karla is the Program Director for the Aspen Center and is from Raleigh and currently lives in Apex with her husband, son and dog. She is a graduate from North Carolina Central University receiving her Masters Degree in Communications Disorders. She graduated specializing in culturally responsive early intervention and assistive technology. Her experience includes: working in a skilled nursing facility, various elementary schools in Wake, Durham, and Wilson counties, as well as working in a preschool specializing in assistive technology for infants and preschoolers. Karla has experience working with children with articulation and phonological delays, expressive and receptive language disorders, apraxia and autism, and is specially trained in PECS. She also has experience and specific training in ESL, as well as accent modification. Karla is an empathetic therapist who strives to have fun and engaging sessions that help children reach their full potential.
Jenna Meehan ~ M.S., OTR/L
Jenna has been a member of the Aspen family since 2015. She is a New Jersey native and a second generation pediatric occupational therapist. She graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 2009 with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She has practiced occupational therapy in New Jersey, Virginia, and North Carolina. She has worked in a variety of settings including public and private schools, vocational rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, sensory integration clinics and Early Intervention. In 2012, Jenna earned a graduate certification for Applied Behavior Analysis through Penn State University. Jenna has always had a passion for learning about different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives to provide the best child and family centered care. “I am proud to be able to work collaboratively with children, their families, and colleagues to build upon their strengths and guide them to their goals.” Jenna lives in Durham with her husband, son, daughter and dog.
Danielle Doll, MS, CCC-SLP
Danielle received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Appalachian State University. Go App! She discovered her true passion for working with children during practicum placements in a preschool language classroom as well as an elementary school setting. A practicing therapist since 2012, she has worked in both a private practice serving children in a clinic and their natural environment, as well as a public elementary school serving a caseload of children with a wide variety of needs and abilities. While in the public schools Danielle served on the Augmentative and Assistive Technology Team. Her primary focus and passion is serving young children with communication disorders and teaching through play while encouraging family members to be active participants in their child’s growth. When not working Danielle loves to be outside, spend time with family and friends and try new recipes from Pinterest. Danielle lives in Apex with her husband Christopher and spoiled dog Cooper.
Jamie Smith, ITFSC
Jamie moved to Raleigh 12 years ago to receive her undergraduate degree and has made Raleigh her home. While attending Meredith College, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Child Development. She focused her degree in Child Development and student teaching experience on working with severe and profound special needs children. After graduating from Meredith, She completed volunteer work and a practicum at Duke Hospital through a continuing education program at Meredith College. While at Duke Hospital, she discovered that she had an ability to build a quick rapport with families and children. She also found a passion for helping families and children cope with their hospital experience while also increasing developmental growth, especial in social/emotional behavior.
Jamie has spent the last eight years working with both typical and atypical children in a childcare setting and with developmental therapy in a school and home setting. Experiences include: Developmental Delays, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Communicative Disorders, and Behavioral Therapy.
Kate Melillo, MEd, CCC-SLPMs. Kate is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Preschool Teacher. She is originally from New York and currently lives in Apex with her husband, young son, and two dogs. She is a graduate from North Carolina Central University, receiving her Master’s Degree in Communications Disorders, and she attended UNC-Chapel Hill for her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Exercise and Sports Science and teaching certificate for Birth-Kindergarten Education. During graduate school, she was part of a special interdisciplinary training grant to prepare SLPs in treating children with developmental disabilities funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Her experience includes: working in preschool and elementary schools in Durham and Wake County Public Schools, a preschool specializing in assistive technology for infants and preschoolers, Murdoch Center with adults with intellectual disabilities, a pediatric private practice, as well as working in a group setting for adults with neurogenic disorders. Kate has experience working with children with autism and related developmental disabilities, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, articulation and phonological delays, expressive and receptive language disorders, and apraxia. Prior to becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist, Kate was a preschool teacher in inclusive classrooms in the U.S., China and Bahrain. She also studied autism for several years in a research setting with a focus on transitions. Kate has an interest in social skills development and loves teaching children through play.
Yonit Schoolman – Paraprofessional
Yonit is originally from Israel. She graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in French and a Paralegal certification, but quickly realized she wanted to work with kids. She worked as a paraprofessional in a preschool classroom in Wake County for nine years. During that time Yonit received her Early Childhood Education Credential from Wake Technical Community college. She has experience working with kids with Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and various developmental delays. She lives in Raleigh with her husband and two sons, both of whom are on the autism spectrum.