Melissa is a California licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State).

 

Melissa has experience supporting children and families across a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, in-home services, and teletherapy. She has worked with children presenting with a wide range of needs, including expressive and receptive language delays, speech sound disorders, autism-related communication differences, early language development challenges, and neurologically based communication needs.

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She is especially passionate about working with emerging communicators—children who communicate using few words, are not yet speaking, or needing support with developing functional communication skills. Melissa is dedicated to helping families better understand and connect with their child's unique communication style while fostering meaningful connection in everyday routines.

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Her approach is neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, and family-centered. She believes every child deserves support that honors their individuality, interests, and natural ways of engaging with the world. Melissa works collaboratively with families to create supportive, engaging experiences that build confidence, connection, and communication growth.