Administrative Virtual Assistant

Mallory Sullivan, M.S. CCC-SLP

Mallory Sullivan is a virtual assistant with The Private Practice Assistant, where she supports Speech & Language for Kids, LLC in the day-to-day operations of the business through administrative and organizational tasks.

She is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Illinois and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Mallory earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013 and her Master of Science from Eastern Illinois University in 2015. She has worked for 10 years in the public school setting, serving preschool and elementary-aged children with a variety of communication needs.

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With her background in speech-language pathology, Mallory brings a unique perspective to her role as a Virtual Assistant. Her clinical experience allows her to understand the needs of both therapists and families, making her especially effective in supporting practice operations and overall workflow. She is highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to helping the practice run efficiently and smoothly.She takes pride in being a dependable and thoughtful support to Jennifer and the SLP team.

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In her free time, Mallory is a busy mom to boy/girl twins and enjoys spending time with her family and friends while keeping up with the energy and joy that comes with raising young children.

Speech Language Pathologist

Abby Anderson, M.S. CCC-SLP

Abby is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist based in the Chicago suburbs of Illinois.  She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Elmhurst University in Illinois and a Certificate in Telehealth from the American College of Education.  She also works as an elementary school speech-language pathologist-- at the elementary school she attended!  Abby has a wide variety of experience working with children in the areas of articulation, expressive/receptive language, fluency, and pragmatic language.   

Abby has always known she wanted to work with kids, which gave her the opportunity to have wonderful experiences working with children ages 2-21 in both the clinical and school settings while in graduate school and into her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Abby highly values the rapport between her clients and herself so each child can feel comfortable and confident to pursue their unique learning process at the pace they require to learn.  She believes her role is to create an environment that sparks inspiration so that kids feel empowered to learn and provide opportunities for kids to learn the specific speech and language skills they need to thrive.  Abby is also passionate about developing collaborative and understanding relationships with families. Outside of speech therapy, Abby enjoys listening to music, traveling, reading books, and spending time with family.

Speech Language Pathologist

Emily Klipstein M.A. CCC-SLP

Emily is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Illinois and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Emily also works as a speech-language pathologist in the early childhood/elementary school setting and also has experience working with adults in skilled nursing facilities. She has a wide range of experience working in the areas of articulation/phonology, expressive and receptive language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), stuttering/fluency, cognitive-communication, and pragmatic language. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area. 

Emily’s love for the field of speech-language pathology continues to grow every day. She believes that the first step in a successful therapy journey is building a trusting relationship between the child, family, and herself.  She is an empathetic and committed therapist that prides herself in the connections she builds with others. She strives to make therapy sessions engaging by catering sessions to the interests of the child as well as functional by ensuring goals relate to the child’s everyday life. Emily is passionate about ensuring all children have access to communication. If you live in the Chicagoland area, she will travel to your home!

In Emily’s free time, she enjoys reading, doing yoga, traveling, trying new restaurants with friends and family, and going for long walks/bike rides. She is looking forward to working with your child and helping them meet their goals!

Speech Language Pathologist

Carlie Martin M.S. CCC-SLP

Carlie Martin is a state licensed and nationally certified pediatric speech-language pathologist. As a New England Native, Carlie received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island. She received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of New Hampshire with a focus in pediatrics.

Carlie is dedicated to providing evidence based, quality intervention to children ages birth to school-aged in their homes, daycares, or preschools. She works closely with parents and other team members including occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, feeding specialists, and special educators to facilitate a multi-disciplinary approach centering around a child’s interests, daily routines, and natural interactions. Carlie is passionate about targeting functional communication through play, connection, and collaboration.

Outside of work, Carlie loves to spend time traveling with her Fiancée, Brian, or hiking with her dog, Sawyer.

Speech Language Pathologist

Anna Davis MHS, CCC-SLP

Anna is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist based in the northern suburbs of Chicago. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri, where she also competed as a Division I student-athlete on the swim team. Her strong background in Communication Science and Disorders, along with a secondary focus in Psychology, fuels her passion for helping children build confidence and meaningful communication skills.

Anna also currently works at an elementary school, where she supports students in grades 2–6 with a variety of speech and language needs, including autism and other communication disorders. She has also served as a case manager and therapist for preschool students, working closely with families and school staff to support children from diverse backgrounds. Her experience includes both school and clinical settings, with a strong foundation in AAC, expressive/receptive language, social communication, articulation and phonology.

Anna believes that successful therapy starts with a strong connection between the child, family, and therapist. She is passionate about creating a safe and engaging space where children can grow at their own pace and feel empowered to express themselves. She values collaboration with families and educational teams to ensure each child receives well-rounded, personalized support.

Outside of speech therapy, Anna enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She’s excited to continue making a positive impact in the lives of the children and families she works with!

Speech Language Pathologist

Megan McCraren, M.S. CCC-SLP

Megan is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist licensed in Illinois and Washington, with 10 years of experience across pediatric settings, including schools, outpatient clinics, and private practice. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her graduate degree from Elmhurst University.

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Originally from the north suburbs of Chicago, Megan spent the past six years living and practicing in Seattle, Washington, before recently returning to the Chicago area to be closer to family. She is passionate about supporting children and their families in developing meaningful communication skills and has experience working with children of all ages and a wide range of communication needs.

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Megan has extensive training in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and has a special interest in working with children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), as well as those with feeding challenges. She values collaboration with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to support each child’s communication journey. Her therapy approach emphasizes play and incorporates each child’s interests to build connection and foster meaningful growth.

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Outside of work, Megan enjoys hiking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her son and her dog, Westley. She is excited to be back in the Chicago area and embracing all the seasons ahead!

Speech Language Pathologist

Violette Shearer, MHS, CCC-SLP

Violette Shearer is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Illinois and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She provides services in English and Spanish. She received her Bachelor's degree from Marquette University in Wisconsin, and also completed a double major in Spanish for the Health Professions. She received her Masters degree from Governors State University in Illinois. Violette also works as an Early Childhood teacher and speech language pathologist in a Preschool through kindergarten building. She has experience working with adults in skilled nursing facilities, and children and teenagers in the private clinic settings. She has a range of experience working in the areas of articulation/phonology, expressive and receptive language, stuttering/fluency, cognitive communication, and pragmatic language.

She has experience working with children with hearing loss, Down-syndrome, Autism spectrum disorder, speech language impairments,
intellectual disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and developmental delays.  Violette has experience translating in English and Spanish. Violette really enjoys working with children of all ages. She incorporates care and fun into her speech therapy sessions, and recognizes the importance of building rapport with clients and families.

Violette brings energy and enthusiasm to each therapy sessions, and cares about the client and their family. She feels that it is important to incorporate the interests of the child into each
and every therapy session and makes sure each child feels cared for and supported. Violette will travel to your home and will also provide therapy services virtually.

Violette currently resides in the Mount Prospect area with her fiancé. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, traveling, gardening, visiting new places, traveling, sight-seeing in Chicago, crafting, going to the Mount Prospect library, and spending time with friends and family. She is always looking to participate in more activities in her free time! She feels very fortunate to be a part of the Speech and Language for Kids team and is looking forward to working with you and your child.

Speech Language Pathologist

Carly Frantum, M.S. CCC-SLP

Carly is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist based in Chicago, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Rush University.

Carly has experience with the pediatric population across a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, homes, and outpatient rehabilitation clinics. She currently serves as a full-time Speech-Language Pathologist with Chicago Public Schools, providing services to K–8 students. She works with children who have needs in articulation, expressive and receptive language, pragmatic language, and stuttering/fluency. Carly also has a special interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including speech-generating devices, as well as pediatric feeding therapy.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Carly is passionate about expanding her clinical knowledge and providing evidence-based, individualized care. She values collaboration with occupational therapists, physical therapists, educators, and families to support each child's success. Carly believes in building meaningful relationships with her clients and their families and takes a holistic, child-centered approach that recognizes each child's unique strengths and needs.

Outside of providing therapeutic services, Carly enjoys indoor cycling, spending time with family and friends, taking walks outside, and reading!

Speech Language Pathologist

Erin Stoulp, M.S. CCC-SLP

Erin is a ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist based in Libertyville, Illinois. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and her Master’s degree from Saint Louis University.

With over eight years of experience, Erin has worked with children from 10 months to 22 years old in a variety of settings. She currently serves students ages 5–11 at an elementary school, providing individualized speech and language support. Erin specializes in phonological disorders, articulation, language development, and fluency. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, strong relationships, and a commitment to helping children become confident, effective communicators.

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In addition to her clinical work, Erin is the author of Speedy's Adventure, a speech-focused children’s book created to support families in building speech and language skills at home. She is passionate about bridging the gap between therapy and everyday life, empowering parents to take an active role in their child’s communication journey. In her free time, she continues to write and develop more children’s books that combine fun storytelling with speech and language development.

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Erin is also a mom to three young children—Cameron (3), Colton (2), and newborn Easton—Erin brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She enjoys spending time with her family exploring parks, visiting zoos, and discovering new adventures. Whether at home or in the therapy room, Erin is dedicated to helping children feel seen, heard, and supported.

Speech Language Pathologist

Robin Pasowicz, M.A. CCC-SLP

Robin Pasowicz is an ASHA- Certified Speech-Language Pathologist licensed in Illinois. Robin attended the University of Iowa for both her undergraduate and graduate studies (Go Hawks!).

Since graduating, Robin has worked with individuals aged 12 months to 22 years in private practice, traditional schools, therapeutic day schools, collaborative ABA clinics, and via teletherapy. She has experience supporting kids of all abilities targeting expressive and receptive language, articulation/phonological disorders, social pragmatic language, stuttering/fluency, and implementing AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices. Robin prioritizes flexibility and connecting with clients and families by using a personalized, play-based approach. Her goal is to help kids build real-life communication skills in a way that feels natural and empowering.

Robin resides in Mount Prospect and is ready to support families in her community and surrounding suburbs. When she isn't helping your child thrive, you can find her cooking and listening to records with her husband, playing with her two young children, or cuddling up with her dog and a book. 

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Speech Language Pathologist

Jenna Scheumann, M.A. CCC-SLP

Jenna Scheumann is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. She currently practices in Illinois, but is also licensed in New York. For her undergraduate degree, Jenna attended Purdue University and graduated with her masters degree from Indiana University in 2021. In addition to working directly with families in the home, she works as a school-based speech language pathologist with preschool to elementary age students. Since joining the field, Jenna has worked extensively in the areas of expressive/receptive language, pragmatic language, articulation, and fluency. She also has experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and enjoys finding the best communication system to suit her students needs. 

As a clinician, Jenna enjoys continuously collaborating with the individuals in the child’s life who know them best, such as caregivers, clinicians, and teachers. Jenna is a firm believer that a team-based approach is the most effective way to create meaningful change and progress. Additionally, she strives to tailor sessions around each child’s individual interests to create an environment that feels safe and enjoyable. Jenna believes there is always more to be learned and is continually seeking out professional learning opportunities to further her knowledge of the field. 

Jenna is a new resident to the northwest side of Chicago and enjoys exploring her neighborhood when off the clock. She also loves reading her way through her ever-growing booklist, running, gardening, and being the fun aunt to her two nephews and niece!

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Speech Language Pathologist

Emma Smith, M.A. CCC-SLP

Emma is an ASHA certified SLP from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. She earned her undergraduate degree at Michigan State University and Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at University of Toledo. She moved to Chicago 2 years ago and has since worked in both therapeutic pediatric clinic and school settings. Emma has experience working with a variety of language needs, including expressive/receptive language delays, phonological and articulation disorders, Autism, and AAC.

She enjoys working alongside families to best support the child and create functional goals with a focus on connection and engagement. She is excited to bring fun into sessions and continue doing what she is most passionate about.

In her free time, Emma enjoys going for walks, reading, cooking, as well as binge watching the newest show.

Speech Language Pathologist

Erika Murphy, M.H.S. CCC-SLP

Erika is a Speech-Language Pathologist who is passionate about helping children find their voice, build confidence, and develop the communication skills they need to connect with the world around them.

She earned her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Missouri and has experience working with children and families in pediatric clinics, hospitals, schools, and multidisciplinary settings. She has experience working with children from infancy through elementary school who have a variety of speech, language, communication, feeding, and developmental needs. Her clinical experience includes supporting children with expressive and receptive language delays, speech sound disorders, fluency, AAC, feeding challenges, autism spectrum disorder, and genetic disorders. She is also trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding.

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She believes that every child is unique and that therapy should be individualized, engaging, and meaningful to each child and family. She values building strong relationships with both children and their caregivers and enjoys working collaboratively with families and other professionals to help children make progress toward their goals.

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Outside of work, she lives in Glen Ellyn with her husband. She loves spending time outdoors, running, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with friends and family.

She looks forward to getting to know clients and their families and partnering with them along the way. She feels it is such a privilege to be a part of a child’s growth and development, and looks forward to celebrating their progress, big and small, together!

Speech Language Pathologist

Sarah Wu, EdS M.A. CCC-SLP

Sarah Wu EdS MA CCC-SLP is an ASHA-certified bilingual speech language pathologist who has worked with children and families for nearly twenty years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Northwestern University. She also earned an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL and Bilingual focus from National Louis University. Sarah is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership through an online program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Sarah’s full time role is as an Assistant Professor of Practice at Lewis University, where she teaches graduate level courses and prepares future speech language pathologists in their clinical experiences. Her work in higher education keeps her connected to evidence-based practices and effective approaches to teaching and learning.

Sarah has extensive experience supporting children across preschool, elementary, and middle school settings, particularly multilingual learners who speak both English and Spanish. Her clinical work focuses on helping children develop stronger expressive and receptive language, improve speech sound production, and communicate more confidently in their daily lives. She believes therapy should be family centered and tailored to each child’s strengths, needs, and cultural background.

Speech Language Pathologist

Cara Figarotta, M.S. CCC-SLP

Cara is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist who is recently based in the city of Chicago, IL. Cara's most recent experience includes working as a full time speech-language pathologist servicing K-8 elementary aged students in the school setting as well as working as a full time early intervention speech-language pathologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Science at Bloomsburg University and her Master of Science at Salus University. In addition to working full time with Speech and Language for Kids, Cara provides PRN services at an outpatient clinic and will also begin working full time for Chicago Public Schools beginning in August 2026. Cara has been practicing for three years and has a wide variety of experience working with the pediatric population amongst various environments including the home setting, daycare setting, academic setting and outpatient rehabilitation setting. She directly works with children presenting with needs in their articulation, expressive, receptive,pragmatic language skills, motor speech, fluency and voice. Cara also has vast experience funding speech generating devices to children of need of finding their voice and preferred method of communication. 

Cara is always seeking new opportunities to grow, learn and continue to strive to be the best clinician she can possibly be. She enjoys collaborating with occupational therapists, physical therapists and families alike to ensure the best quality of care. Cara values building positive rapport with her clients and families alike and focuses on using a holistic whole-child approach. Outside of providing speech and language therapy services, Cara enjoys spending time outside, playing piano, trying new restaurants and exercising.