About - The Speech, Language & Learning Center

About Us

becky brown

M.S., CCC - SLP

co-owner
Speech Language pathologist

In 2004, I received my Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Murray State University. I have enjoyed working at the Speech, Language & Learning Center since 2006. I have worked in a variety of settings which include skilled nursing facilities, hospital, school system, home health, early intervention, and private practice. I am licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). I was promoted to Co Director of the Speech, Language & Learning Center in 2015. In 2016 and 2019, I was presented the Award for Continuing Education (ACE) by the Continuing Education Board (CEB) in recognition of continued professional study. I am also a member of the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (TASSLP) and was elected as the TAASLP Member-At-Large Executive Council from 2018-2020. I live in Columbia with my husband, Cory, two daughters, and our black lab, Baylor. During my free time, I enjoy reading mysteries, kayaking, and watching my girls play sports. “I absolutely love being a Speech Language Pathologist and am so thankful I am able to work with children and their families in order to improve their feeding and communication skills.”

Areas of Expertise:

SOS Approach™ (Sequential Oral Sensory) To Feeding: Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders®
Autism-Certified ADOS-2® Diagnostician
Oral-Motor and Speech Disorders
Picture Exchange Communication System™ (PECS)
Orofacial Myology
VitalStim™ therapy for dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
AAC-LAMP® Training
Interactive Metronome®

Kylie Mansfield

M.S., CCC - SLP

co-owner
Speech Language pathologist

I am very thankful and thrilled to have worked towards becoming the co-owner of the Speech, Language, and Learning Center of TN. I have loved working at the SLLC since 2013 in both our Columbia and Lawrenceburg offices. I have worked in several different settings including skilled nursing facilities, school systems, and private practice. I am licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and hold a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Although adults are precious and a joy to work with, my heart has always been in the pediatric population.

I have dreamed of becoming a mom since I was little as well as working in an environment where I can help other children learn and grow. I not only am thankful that God has provided me with a stable job, but thankful that I enjoy going to work and seeing my co-workers, clients, and families every day. After working with children who suffer from communication and feeding difficulties for several years, I realize how easy it is to take these things for granted and how important it is to appreciate the little things in life.

My husband and I live in Lawrenceburg where we both grew up. We have a daughter, three sons, and 2 furry friends that we enjoy so much! We enjoy spending every minute we have as a family and teaching our children the important things in life. As co-owner of the SLLC of TN, I strive to guide and support my co-workers and family each and every day!

Areas of Expertise:

Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Therapy®
Pediatric Feeding
Pediatric Language
Autism-Certified ADOS-2® Diagnostician
AAC-LAMP® Training
Interactive Metronome ®
Apraxia
Picture Exchange Communication System™ (PECS)
Pediatric Speech Disorders

Teri Barnes

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Teri grew up in Southeastern Ohio and has lived in many different states due to her husband’s work. She settled in the Franklin area in 2009. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Science Disorders with a Minor in Business from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL in 2005. She received her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science in May of 2010 from Tennessee State University. She completed her clinical fellowship year working in skilled nursing and rehabilitation, as well as, in a pediatric outpatient clinic. She has worked evaluating children aged birth through 5 years of age. Worked treating early intervention children in the home setting, treating children of all ages in the school setting, school for Autism, and working with patients of all ages in the outpatient setting.

Teri is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Tennessee and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association. She can speak some Spanish and knows American Sign Language. She has supported many Spanish-speaking and ASL clients and their families in fostering improved communication. She loves working with children of all ages and has a special place in her heart for pediatric patients. Teri’s clinical experience includes treating and evaluating individuals with phonological disorders, articulation disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, apraxia, fluency disorders, voice disorders, pediatric feeding difficulties, dysphagia, hearing impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and a variety of neurological disorders, dysarthria, aphasia, auditory processing disorder, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, a variety of developmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. She received additional training in the use of AAC communication (i.e., LAMP, PECS, Tobii Dynavox, GoTalk, etc.).

Teri currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband and two soft-coated wheaten terrier fur babies, Piper and Finley. She enjoys antiquing, painting, and gardening. She reads avidly, loves being outside, and enjoys spending time at the lake with her family.

beth benson

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

I love working with children. I come from a family of educators and always knew that I wanted to work with children and education. I am very lucky to have the best of two worlds. I have over 27 years of experience working in public schools. I currently teach a language based preschool program within the Lawrence County Schools for preschool children. Being a speech language pathologist offers me keen insight when helping children reach their maximum potential. I have also worked at the Speech, Language, and Learning Center for 27 years where am able to focus on providing direct speech and language intervention with children and also able to help parents and children transition from the private setting into a public school setting. I received my undergraduate training and degree from Middle Tennessee State University and my Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Tennessee State University. I have completed extensive courses in Autism through TRIAD at Vanderbilt University and Nova Southeastern University. I am also licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). I enjoy spending time with my family

Areas of Expertise

Early Intervention
Language disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Social-Language groups
Augmentative Communication
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)®
Beckman Oral Moor Assessment and Intervention®

Catherine Burchell

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

I am a proud native of Columbia, Tennessee. As a child, I received therapy at the Speech, Language & Learning Center for a speech and language disorder. It has been a joy to begin my career at the same place that helped me greatly. I'm a 2016 graduate of the University of Alabama with Bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders and received my Masters in Speech Pathology from Tennessee State University. I have always loved helping others, and I am blessed to be working at such a wonderful place that allows me to do that!

Areas of Expertise:

SOS Approach™ (Sequential Oral Sensory) To Feeding: Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders®
AAC-LAMP Training

Caitlin Curnock

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hi! I am originally from Illinois where I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Saint Xavier University in 2019, and my Master’s in Speech Language Pathology at Illinois State University in 2021. Since graduating, I have enjoyed working in the school system and the clinic settings. I moved to Tennessee in the summer of 2021, and now live in Columbia with my husband and our puppy, Pepper. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and hiking with my family. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work at The Speech, Language, and Learning Center, and I love working with children to help them learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Kaylee ODell

M.S., CF/SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hey y’all! My name is Kaylee O’Dell, and I am so excited to be working as a speech language pathologist clinical fellow at the Speech, Language, and Learning Center! I was born and raised in Tennessee, and currently live in Franklin. In 2020, I graduated from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders. I loved Harding so much that I decided to stay for graduate school and achieve my Master of Sciences in 2022. I have always loved working with children and believe that helping others is part of God’s calling for me. Being a speech language pathologist has allowed me to utilize my strengths and continue to grow my passion for helping others. Working with children has taught me the importance of patience and the significance of being a good listener because they always teach me something new! I am a strong believer in the importance of communication to promote each child’s quality of life, and I am excited to be working at a place that shares the same values.

Kristen Sanders

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

I was born and raised in Piqua, Ohio just north of Dayton. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Harding University in May of 2011 and my Master of Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology (also from Harding University) in May of 2013. After graduate school, I moved to Murfreesboro, TN where I worked for Murfreesboro City Schools for 4 1/2 years. I joined the team at The Speech, Language, and Learning Center in January of 2018 and currently work part-time at the Lawrenceburg office. I have really enjoyed learning and growing in the private practice setting. I love the one-on-one time with clients and communication with parents that I did not always get to have in the school setting. Seeing the tremendous progress my clients make over time is why I love my job and enjoy coming to work every day at the SLLC! My husband and I currently live in Elkton, TN with our sweet little boy, girl, and 3 cats.

Areas of Expertise

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition (ADOS-2) trained evaluator
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) training
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (AAC LAMP) training
Reading with TLC Lively Letters training
Apraxia training
Articulation and Phonological Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders

Sonya Sleem

M.a., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hello! I have been a speech language pathologist for a long, long time and it has been such fun! I have helped many people across the age spectrum with Speech, Language, Cognitive and Swallowing disorders. My SLP path started way back in May, 1990 when I graduated from University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa with a degree in Communication Science and Disorders. I later graduated from Kent State University in Kent Ohio with my Master of Arts in Speech Pathology December, 1992 and started my first job in a skilled nursing facility. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings. From hospitals, subacute rehab centers, assisted living facilities, home-health, private practice, outpatient clinics and public and private schools, I have had the privilege of working just about everywhere SLPs can! This has allowed me to find my true joy which is working with Speech, Language and Learning Disorders in pediatric populations in both outpatient clinics and virtual school based settings. The progress I see working with school age children and teens in both of these settings is amazing and something I love being a part of. I am also married and have two young adult sons who grew up way too fast! My family recently moved from FL and are enjoying being Tennesseans. In my private time I can be found baking plant based/vegan cupcakes, brownies and scones. When I retire from "SLPing", I hope to open a vegan bakery.

Carly Truex

M.S., CF/SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hi! I’m Carly. I am originally from Georgia. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I received my Master’s degree in Communication Science Disorders from Tennessee State University in 2023. During graduate school, I gained experience working with a vast variety of children and adults in the public school system, skilled nursing facility, and university clinic.

I could not be more excited to be an SLP here at the Speech Language and Learning Center! Getting to take part in a child’s growth and watching their communication skills flourish is something I feel so fortunate to be able to do. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build a relationship with your child and I can’t wait to help them reach their speech and language goals.

Neena Young

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

I was born and raised in northern Illinois and moved to Tennessee for college in 2001. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2005. I received my Master of Science degree in Speech-Pathology and Audiology from Tennessee State University in May of 2008. I have over 14 years experience working with individuals from birth to geriatric.

I have also worked in medical settings such as acute care, NICU, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. Being able to help people enjoy the food and conversations they love has been very rewarding. The best part of my job, I would have to say, is seeing improvement (big or small) and building relationships with my kiddos and their parents. I hold my Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and am licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences.

My husband and I currently live in Santa Fe, TN with our two amazing kids and we stay active within the community in both Santa Fe as well as in Columbia. You can usually find me at the baseball park or on the basketball court watching my kids do what they love and cheering them on.

Elizabeth Brown

BS, SLPA

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Hello, I am Elizabeth Brown! I graduated from Ole Miss with my degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and a minor in psychology in 2017. Go Rebels! Previously, I have worked with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and in the school setting. I love getting to connect with each child, and learn their special interests to incorporate into therapy. I fell in love with this field of work because I am able to assist those with an array of communication and literacy needs, and am blessed to watch them flourish as they reach various goals, big and small, that will impact them for a lifetime.

After college, I moved back to the incredible community that raised me, Loretto, TN. I live with my two English bulldogs (Reb and Dixie) and three cats (Magnolia, Maple, and Winnie).

I currently work in both the Lawrenceburg and Columbia offices. I love having the opportunity to impact and pour into the community and surrounding communities that raised and molded me into who I am. I am so lucky to get to be a part of the incredible SLLC team!

Emily Keenum

SLPA

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Hi! My name is Emily. I received my Bachelors in Communicative Disorders and Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2019. I began my career as a speech language pathologist assistant at the Speech Language and Learning Center soon after graduation. I love this field because I have the opportunity to better children's lives by improving their areas of communication, language, social pragmatics, Autism, articulation, and literacy. I am so thankful for the relationships I have built with my patients and their families, and I hope to continue making a difference.

Betsy Davis

OTD, OTR/L, CPAM

occupational therapist

I received my undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Science with a focus in Exercise Science and Physical Wellness from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN in 2013. Following my undergraduate work, I pursued and graduated with Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, TN in 2016. Throughout my education, I was afforded many learning opportunities and experiences with various ages and populations including adult inpatient rehabilitation, adult acute and outpatient care, and pediatric acute and outpatient care. I began my career working in adult rehabilitation and dementia care at a local skilled nursing facility. After two years in that adult rehabilitation, I was happy to be afforded the opportunity to transition into the pediatric setting. I joined the Speech Language and Learning Center team in 2018. What a blessing it has been to be apart of a wonderful team of therapists, who share the same professional goals of reaching and helping the kiddos of our community. I am continuously motivated by consistently seeing my patients achieve their goals and reach ultimate functional independence.

I am clinically certified by the National Board of Occupational Therapy, licensed by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. My husband and I are natives of Franklin, TN, however we have enjoyed living in Columbia for the past nine years. We are fill our time outside of work by parenting (and trying to keep up with) our two daughters: Delyla (4 years) and Amelia (10 months), snuggling with geriatric fur baby, re-watching “The Office” episodes, playing board games, listening to our vinyl collection, spending time with family and friends, and catching up on what little sleep that we get now.

Areas of Expertise:

Sensory Processing and Integration
Behavior Management and Modification
Leadership in Education of Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
Physical Agent Modality Certified-Electrical Stimulation and Thermal Agents (PAMs)
Interactive Metronome® Certified Clinician
Certified Car-Fit© Consultant

Alexandra Fletcher

MSOT, OTR/L, CPAM

occupational therapist

I am originally from Old Bridge, New Jersey, and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Kean University in 2016. I then moved all the way to Nashville, Tennessee to receive my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Tennessee State University! I worked at the Speech, Language, and Learning Center as a graduate student in 2018 and started working here once I graduated at the beginning of 2019! My husband and I got married in 2020 and the same year we moved here to Columbia, TN! We live with our 2 dogs, Penny and Annie and our cat Binx. We recently welcomed our son Watson into our family in March of 2022!! I love working with kids because each day is a new adventure and I get to help make a big difference in their lives.

Areas of Expertise:

Primitive Reflex Integration
Visual Motor Integration
Physical Agent Modality Certified-Electrical Stimulation and Thermal Agents (PAMs)

MacKenzie VanderBloomen

OTD, OTR/L

occupational therapist

I was originally born and raised in Wisconsin and received my bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitative Science from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2017. I moved to Nashville in 2019 to pursue my graduate studies at Belmont University and completed my Doctor of Occupational Therapy in 2022. I was a clinical student at Speech Language Learning Center during the fall of 2021, and it was then that I discovered my passion for working with children. I currently reside in Nashville with my fiancé and our 3 cats Micky, Marty, and Monty. We will finally be getting married in September of 2024 after meeting many, many years ago in high school! I enjoy working with kids because of their creativity, humor, and unpredictability in the best ways.

Jenny Orlando

OTR/L

occupational therapist

Hi! My name is Jenny Orlando and I am an Occupational Therapist. I received my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy degree in 2021 from Clarkson University. I grew up in a small town in Northern New York and moved to Columbia Tennessee after I graduated. I love to play with my dog Bandit, watch football (Go Pack Go), learn songs on the piano, and eat good food! My favorite part about being a Pediatric Occupational Therapist is that I get to help improve children’s daily lives and foster their development. I have a strong passion for working with kids and I am so excited to join the team here at The Speech Language and Learning Center.

Denise Cargan

BBSc, COTA/L, DIR-FT

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

I received my Associate Degree from Delaware Technical and Community College to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and currently sit on their OTA Program Advisory Board. I also have my Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University. I worked for many years in Special Education in the school system with children from various backgrounds and age groups. I realized that each child had their own set of challenges and I put their needs first while working alongside them. This love and enjoyment of working with children was my drive to pursue academic interests for a career in Occupational Therapy and implement its holistic approach to treat the “person as a whole”. Before moving to Tennessee, I received extensive training as a clinician from A Total Approach, a well-known specialty pediatric clinic in Pennsylvania. While there, I worked with children with Sensory Processing Disorder and various pediatric developmental and cognitive disorders. I truly believe in family-centered therapy and assisting each individual child to reach their fullest potential through a team approach. I am passionate about highlighting children’s strengths and abilities through a natural, holistic therapeutic method and using an individualized approach when treating attention, sensory, regulation, or learning disabilities.

Areas of Expertise:

ADOS™-2 - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule™
DIR®/Floortime™ Certified Practitioner
The Listening Program®
Quickshifts®
Interactive Metronome®
Handwriting Without Tears
FORBRAIN®
Cellfield® Intervention

Maddie Washburn

COTA/L

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

In 2018, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science at Middle Tennessee State University. I went on to pursue my career at Nashville State Community College, where I received my Associate’s Degree in May 2020 in order to become a Certified Occupational

Therapy Assistant. I could not be more excited to continue my journey of helping children reach their full potential in various aspects of their life. I am passionate about helping all children develop the skills necessary to overcome everyday challenges/obstacles they each may face. I

enjoy the outdoors, athletics, time with family/friends, and staying active. Murfreesboro, TN has always been home to me and is where I currently reside.

Courtney James

COTA/L

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

In 2018, I received my Associate’s degree from Columbia State. I went on to Nashville State once being accepted to the OTA program, where I received my Associate’s Degree in May 2021 to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I am originally from Loretto but now reside in Lawrenceburg, TN. I enjoy spending time with my friends/family and attending UNA baseball games. I joined the SLLC team in 2022 as an Occupational Therapist Assistant. I enjoy helping children increase their independence and overcome obstacles in their everyday lives. It’s an amazing feeling to be working in a career that I am so passionate about!

Carla Clayton

Billing Manager

I began working at the SLLC almost 25 years ago. I was a stay-at-home mom with 2 children before I began at the SLLC. Prior to that I worked at First Farmers & Merchants Bank in Columbia for 11 years. I am currently the Financial & Billing Manager for both the Columbia & Lawrenceburg Offices. My duties include but are not limited to filing Insurance claims, billing out to patients, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, collections, researching Insurance issues and numerous other jobs. I have enjoyed working here and meeting new families that have passed through our doors. I live in Lawrenceburg with my husband. I have 2 grown children, Abby who is an Occupational Therapist and Adam who is a Meteorologist.

Chelsie Roberson

Office Manager

I was given the opportunity to become an administrative assistant at the Speech, Language, and Learning Center in Lawrenceburg in August 2017, since I have become the Office Manager. Before joining the center, I was a stay-at-home mom. I graduated from Columbia State Community College in 2019 where I received my associate degree in Medical Informatics. However, I am so excited to be a part of the SLLC family. My responsibilities include: referrals, doctor’s orders, and managing data & files, and other clerical duties. I live with my husband, little girl (Tinley) and son (Bransten) in Lawrenceburg, TN. I enjoy spending time and making memories with family and friends.

Brandi alderson

Front Desk Coordinator

Hello! My name is Brandi Alderson. Believe it or not, I was born and raised right here in Columbia, TN! I have three children and a wonderful husband. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, gardening, reading and doing science projects with my youngest son, Avery. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up! I look forward to meeting you at the Columbia office. Thank you SLLC of TN for such a warm welcome!

Elba Rios-Ramsey

Bilingual Front Desk Coordinator

Hello! I am a native New Yorker who visited Tennessee 30 years ago and decided to relocate soon after. My husband and I currently live in Columbia with our three children and granddaughter. We are a close knot family that enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, and exercising together. I graduated from Columbia State Community College in 2018 with an Associates Degree in Humanities/Foreign Language. I am thrilled to be working at the SLLC of TN that helped my son overcome his speech challenges 18 years ago! My position as Bilingual Front Desk Coordinator will allow me the opportunity to assist the professionals at the SLLC of TN in providing the best services to children and their families. I look forward to meeting you!

Amy Stuart

Front Desk Coordinator

Hello! My name is Amy Stuart. I am very excited to join the SLLC family. I recently moved to Tennessee 7 months ago from Louisiana. I moved there in 2016 and grew a love for Cajun country. I quickly adapted to the amazing food and culture and consider it home still. I am originally from The Bronx, New York. I ventured south after my husband and I married and we started a family. I am a blessed mom of two amazing daughters. Emily is 10 years old and Abigail is 7 years old. Our pups Fiona & Ruby keeps us busy along with the kids. In my free time I love reading books, exploring a yoga class, or traveling to someplace new. My newest hobby is rowing at Row House in Cool Springs. I have as of today 647,026 meters rowed since I joined in August. I will be rowing my first half marathon with the crew on 2/25/23. I am excited to get to know everyone here and help in any way I can at SLLC.

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