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.

Lisa Germano

M.S., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Hi. I'm Lisa Germano, born and raised in New York and recently moved to Tennessee with my wonderful husband and our two fur-babies. I am fortunate to have over 16 years of experience working with a variety of populations in the field of speech and language therapy. I have worked in various school settings and clinical settings. Being able to help a child and their family increase their abilities to communicate is what I strive to accomplish. I am dually licensed by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences as well as by New York State. I hold my Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Areas of Expertise

P.R.O.M.P.T. Introduction (PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) and Bridging
S.O.S. (Sequential Oral Sensory) Feeding Therapy
Early Start Denver Model Training for Autism
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) training
AAC training (i.e., Dynavox, Proloquo2go, TouchChat, etc.)
Apraxia Therapy
Articulation and Phonological Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Auditory Processing Therapy

Payton Guthrie

MS, 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

MS, 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.

Laura Nabours

M.a., CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

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

Carly Truex

MS, 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.

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.

Hailey Jacoby

MCD, CCC - SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Sara Mashburn

CF - 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!

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.

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

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 Bonk

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 Hatch

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

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!

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.

Alissa Watson

COTA/L

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

In 2021, I received my Associate’s degree in science at Volunteer State Community College. I went on to pursue my degree at Nashville State Community College, where I graduated with my Associate’s degree in May 2024 to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant! I have known I wanted a career working with kids from a very young age, so this job is a dream come true for me. I was a student at Speech Language Learning Center in the Spring of 2024; I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to pursue my passion of helping children become more independent surrounded by therapists who helped me further my education. In my free time, I enjoy reading, time with family and friends, spending time outside, and snuggling my fur baby, Luna. I love that I get to spend everyday making a difference in kids lives, and all of the unexpected twists that come with it!

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.

Serena Scheller

Front Office Coordinator

Serena is a SoCal native loving life in Middle TN. She's had over a decade of working in customer and client services from church offices to banking, healthcare, real estate, and more. She also has 15+ years volunteering and working with kids from birth-18, so she felt blessed when SLLC reached out looking for someone to help with the Murfreesboro office. She makes it a goal to greet all the kiddos who come in, and she strives to make it a welcoming environment from their first visit. She's thrilled to be here to help kids and families get into the groove of therapy with the best team of therapists!

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