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

Lesley carraway

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

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.

Carly Goodrich

M.S., CCC - 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.

Payton Guthrie

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hi! I'm Payton Guthrie! I received my Bachelor's at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) in 2018. I then went on to obtain my Master's in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 2020. I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama but spent most of my time in South Florida. I moved to Tennessee in 2020 to complete my clinical fellowship in Clarksville. I have always enjoyed pediatrics and have worked in a variety of different settings ranging from the school system, hospital, and outpatient private clinics. My favorite part of being an SLP is not only making a difference in the lives of my patients but also their families'. Communication truly makes life beautiful!

Sydney Hollars

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hello! I’m Sydney Hollars. I completed my clinical internship here at the Speech Language and Learning Center in February 2023. I’m excited to return to SLLC, now working as a Speech Language Pathologist, Clinical Fellow. I was born and raised in Brentwood, TN. I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 2018. I then worked as a Speech Language Teacher in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System for three years before attending graduate school. I received my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2023 from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama. During graduate school, I gained experience working with various children and adults in the public school system, a skilled nursing facility, private practices, and the university clinic. As a child, I received speech and language services, and I’m excited that I can now give back and help children that struggle with communication just like I did.

Sara Mashburn

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hi, I’m Sara Mashburn. I am from Fayetteville, TN. I received my bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology from Middle Tennessee State University and my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Graduate school provided me the opportunity to work with both children and adults in a variety of settings (school system, university clinic, in-patient hospital, outpatient clinic, and home health). In my free time, I enjoy watching UT sports (Go Vols!), reading books, listening to music, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. I am so excited to begin my career as a CF-SLP here at SLLC! I look forward to helping your children learn, grow, and reach their goals. I am also eager to learn new things from your children!

Sarai Sockwell

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hi! I’m Sarai. My husband and I live here in Lawrenceburg (where we grew up!) and have 3 amazing children. In 2018, I earned my M.S. in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Tennessee and have been an SLP ever since. I am licensed by the TN Board of Communication Disorders and hold a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. My first job was here at the SLLC in Lawrenceburg, where I learned my foundation for practicing as an SLP from many highly educated women. My main experience is with the pediatric population, but I have also experienced skilled nursing facilities, ICUs, and med-surg hospital floors. All of this prepared me for my best job yet – being a mom! I took a few years off to focus on my children and began home-schooling. The gift of staying home with my children has shaped me greatly, and I am returning to therapy with a renewed sense of joy and appreciation for children’s resilience and for teaching them. I am thrilled to be back at the SLLC to continue helping you and your children succeed!

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.

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.

Ashley McBride

SLPA

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Hi! My name is Ashley McBride. I received my Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Middle Tennessee State University in May of 2024. I began my career as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant at The Speech, Language, and Learning Center of TN. I am currently working towards my Master’s degree to become a Speech Language Pathologist. I completed a clinical rotation at an Elementary school in the Spring of 2024 where I discovered my passion to help children enhance their communication and language skills. I am very excited for all the children I will meet and the relationships I will grow with their families. I am so thankful to help make a difference in their lives and watch them flourish in the areas of speech and language and become confident in themselves.

Maddie Snider

SLPA

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Hi! My name is Maddie Snider, and I am a Speech Language Pathology Assistant! I recently graduated from Middle TN State University with my undergraduate degree in August and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree at Faulkner University. My passion for this field began with the encouragement of my mom and aunt, who inspired me to explore communication sciences – and I have loved it from the very start! I’ve had the privilege of gaining hands on experience while working with a variety of individual during clinicals and observations. The best pat of being an SLPA is that there is always something new to learn. Every day brings an opportunity to grow and help others share their voice! I truly believe that God has stood beside me throughout my entire journey, guiding me to use my gifts by serving and supporting individuals and their families here at he SLLC of TN!

Krista Wilson

SLPA

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

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

MOT, OTR/L, CLC

occupational therapist

I am originally from Central 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 graduated in 2018 and began working here in 2019! My husband and I got married in 2020 and the same year we moved here to Columbia, TN! We now live with our two lovely boys and our two dogs and a cat. I received my CLC in 2022 to help moms feeding their babies and in 2024 became a tongue tie specialist through the TOTS program. 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
Lactation Counseling
Tethered Oral Tissue Specialty
Physical Agent Modality Certified-Electrical Stimulation and Thermal Agents (PAMs)

Tabitha Williams

OTD, OTR/L

occupational therapist

I attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and received my Bachelor of Science with a focus in Exercise Science in 2015. I later returned to UTC to attend graduate school and received my Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree in 2020. Throughout my education, I completed my clinical fieldwork assignments in a variety of settings including skilled nursing, inpatient mental health, home health, school-based pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, and outpatient pediatrics. Since graduation I have gone on to gain 5 years of experience in outpatient pediatrics across a variety of clinical settings due to my husband’s previous military career. I am certified by the National Board of Occupational Therapy, licensed by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy, and a member of the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association.

I am originally from East Tennessee, but moved to Summertown in 2022 to be closer to my husband’s family. We have one son, Bodhi (15 months) and one dog, Rebel (12). Outside of work I love hiking, camping, rock climbing, crocheting, doing puzzles, reading, and baking. I am excited to join the team of therapists at the Speech Language and Learning Center in Lawrenceburg as an Occupational Therapist. I look forward to helping kids develop lifelong skills to increase their independence at home, school, and in the community!

Areas of Expertise:

Primitive Reflex Integration
Interactive Metronome® Certified Clinician
Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding

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

Courtney Brewer

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 Jackson

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.

Amber Rose

Front Office Coordinator

I was given the opportunity to join The Speech, Language and Learning Center of Columbia in May of 2024 as Front Office Coordinator. Prior to joining the SLLC, I worked at a dental office for several years as patient coordinator and billing/insurance coordinator before taking a break and being a stay at home. I am also a licensed cosmetologist, which I still practice part time when I am not busy with work or family. My responsibilities here include but are not limited to referrals, insurance, managing files and other clerical duties. I have enjoyed being a part of the SLLC team and meeting all the families that come through our office. I live in Ethridge with my husband (Jeremy) of 22 years and we have three children (Jordan, Aimee, and Jacob). In my spare time I love to bake and spend time with family and friends.

Natasha Chortyk

Front Office Coordinator

I began my journey with the Speech Language and Learning Center as an Administrative Assistant in Columbia in May 2024. After earning my bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I returned to SLLC as the Front Office Coordinator at our Murfreesboro location. Before joining SLLC, I worked in public education, where I gained valuable experience supporting children in a school setting. Those experiences continue to shape my approach to creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment to help our clients and team thrive.

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