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

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

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

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

Jenny Orlando
OTR/L
occupational therapist

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

Chelsie Roberson
Office Manager

Brandi alderson
Front Desk Coordinator

Elba Rios-Ramsey
Bilingual Front Desk Coordinator

Amy Stuart
Front Desk Coordinator