Kidmunicate Staff

Pam Drennen MS CCC-SLP is the VP Director of Clinical Services Speech at Kidmunicate. Pam has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland.  She received the Aaron and Lillie Straus grant to work with children with Down Syndrome at the Loyola College Speech and the Language Clinic in Columbia, MD during her graduate studies. Pam also did a Fellowship at the McAuley School for Exceptional Children where she also worked with kids who have Down Syndrome. Pam provides evaluation and treatment for a variety of speech/language and communication disorders.  She has experience working with children with hearing loss, autism, Down Syndrome, a cleft palate, developmental delays, Apraxia of speech, auditory processing disorders, fluency disorders, oral motor/feeding issues as well as children with augmentative/alternative needs. Pam uses a multimodality approach when working with children using sign language and/or picture communication (PECS, Proloque2go app) while promoting verbal communication.

Pam is a member of the American Speech and Language Hearing Association and she is Prompt® trained. She organizes a monthly meeting for the Kidmunicate staff and other Speech-Language Pathologists to discuss trending topics.  She also provides speech/language in-services for local Pre-schools. She lives in Devon, Pa with her husband Rob and her three children.

Deb Sampson, VP – Managing Director of Kidmunicate. Deb has dedicated the last twenty years to provide services to children with special needs.  She has provided one-to-one intervention to children in need of Behavioral Rehabilitative Services as a model for parents and school personnel, liaising with a variety of professionals including doctors, therapists (including speech-language therapists), psychologists, and social workers.  Deb spent several years as Director of an Early Learning Center where her responsibilities were administration, staff management, communication, and compliance duties.  She has taught in the classroom, on the field, and in the gym. Deb leads the Kidmunicate staff of the operation managers and insurance billing specialists.

Deb has a BA in Organizational Communications from Farleigh Dickinson University. She is married to her pilot husband of 26 years who is an Air Force veteran. She has two grown children.

Eileen Krieg MS CCC-SLP grew up in the Midwest where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois. She then moved out to the east coast to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. During her graduate studies, Eileen had the opportunity to work in a variety of therapy settings including outpatient, early intervention, and both public and private schools. She also completed a master’s thesis entitled: “A Systematic Review of Treatment Options for Children Who Stutter”, which was presented at the 2011 New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention. Upon graduation, Eileen received an “Excellence in Research” award for her work on a variety of research endeavors.

Eileen is knowledgeable when it comes to working with children of all ages and stages of development. She has a wide range of evaluation and treatment experience including the areas of: Autism, genetic disorders, apraxia of speech, phonological disorders, fluency, auditory processing disorders, developmental delay, expressive/receptive language disorders, social skills deficits, and augmentative/alternative communication needs.

Eileen is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Eillen was the first Speech-Language pathologist to join the Kidmunicate staff. She lives in West Chester, Pa with her husband and two daughters.

Danielle Kreis MS CCC-SLP received both her B.S. and M.S. from Pennsylvania State University. In graduate school, she was a co-author of a published study titled “AAC technologies with visual scene displays and “just in time” programming and symbolic communication turns expressed by students with a severe disability.” Danielle has since worked exclusively in pediatric private practice working with children ages 10 months to 24 years covering all populations and diagnoses. Her specialties include evaluation and treatment related to augmentative and alternative communication devices and social/pragmatic communication.

Sandi Spuhler MS CCC-SLP received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Syracuse University and her M.S. in Speech and Language Pathology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She specializes in pediatric and adolescent speech-language evaluations and therapy with clients ranging from two to seventeen years of age. She served as a Speech-Language Pathologist for a New York City public elementary and middle school for six years and has been working in private practice since 2010.

During October 2016, Sandi completed Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking Clinical Training Program which afforded her the opportunity to enhance her ability to address the treatment and educational needs of individuals with a broad range of social and communication challenges. Sandi is passionate about helping her clients understand and navigate the social world around them.

Sandi currently provides speech and language-related services for a Pennsylvania Approved Private School for Special Education. Sandi is Pennsylvania licensed and ASHA certified. Sandi was the second speech-language pathologist to join the Kidmunicate staff.

Erin Giovanni, MS CCC-SLP received her bachelors degree from Loyola University, Baltimore, MD and her graduate degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. During her graduate studies, Erin developed clinical skills in both out-patient and school settings, where she treated children with articulation, phonology, and language based disorders.  Erin completed clinical internships at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where she developed clinical skills in the areas of feeding disorders and dysphagia across the life span.  Erin pursued her interest in feeding and swallowing after her graduate studies when she worked at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.  There, Erin evaluated and treated patients ranging from infants to adults with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.  Erin worked extensively with pediatrics in the NICU, nursery, and PICU, as well as in the out-patient setting, where she provided clinical and instrumental feeding and swallowing assessments and therapy. Erin has continued to expand her knowledge by taking additional coursework in the areas of pediatric feeding disorders and dysphagia.

Erin left the hospital setting to raise her three children and is now excited to join the Kidmunicate team.  Erin is a member of the American Speech and Language Hearing Association and holds New Jersey and Pennsylvania licenses.

Jayna Becker, MA CCC-SLP received her Bachelor’s of Health Science from the University of Florida and her graduate degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Temple University. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.

Jayna has worked in a variety of clinical settings including private practice, public schools, charter schools, and Early Intervention (both home-based and preschool). In addition to working at Kidmunicate, Jayna currently works for the Philadelphia School district and was the Speech Coordinator for an overnight Special Needs Camp where she oversaw graduate student clinicians.

Jayna enjoys working with a variety of populations and has evaluation and treatment experience in the areas of Autism, AAC, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, speech sound disorders, fluency, Social Communication, early literacy, and overall language development. She also has experience working with individuals with Down syndrome and Prader Willi Syndrome. Jayna has received extensive continuing education in the areas of AAC, along with courses on Selective Mutism, counseling families, literacy development, and Social Language treatment with the school-age

Jessica Robinson MS CCC-SLP  completed her undergraduate studies (B.S.) at Stockton University in Speech Pathology and Audiology with a minor in French and a graduate degree at Syracuse University (2010). She is ASHA certified and holds a license to practice in Pennsylvania. She also holds her Level II PDE Instructional Certificate in PK-12, Speech and Language Impaired. 

Following her graduate studies, Jessica has worked in a variety of settings including; inpatient hospitals, intermediate units, school districts, and charter schools amassing experience within the lifespan. Most recently, Jessica has spent time in the public school systems, working with children diagnosed with articulation disorders, phonological disorders, intellectual disabilities, apraxia, fluency, feeding, AAC, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and genetic disorders. Jessica has served as a mentor for new and prospective SLP’s, an SLP-A supervisor, and an Augmentative and Alternative Communication consultant for schools.

Jessica believes that given the right interventions, support, and environment, every client can make progress towards their goals and that everyone on the team has an important voice. Jessica has a variety of certifications and training including; VB-MAPP, visual phonics, Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), structured teaching, and Universal Design to Instruction. Most recently she received certification for Myofunctional Therapy via SimonSays Speech for completing the Tongue Tips, Tiny Tongue Tips, and Thumbs Up! programs as well as Gestalt Language Processing/NLA framework and Augmentative Alternative Communication+Gestalt Language Processing from Meaningful Speech. 

Jessica is looking forward to helping your child meet goals and make meaningful progress!

Erika Keller MA CCC-SLP completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology at West Chester University. She has spent her career thus far working in public and non-public schools throughout Chester County. She lives in West Chester with her husband and two young sons.

Erika provides evaluation and treatment for various speech/language and communication disorders.  She has experience working with children with autism, developmental delays, fluency disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, expressive/receptive language disorders, social skills deficits, and augmentative/alternative communication needs. Erika prioritizes building a strong connection with her patients which allows her to better understand their unique needs and to build an effective therapy program. Her therapy sessions are filled with positive energy, movement, and play!

Erika is a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of Pennsylvania and is an active certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

Keri Luckanavage, M.A., CCC-SLP joined the Kidmunicate family in April of 2024 and works exclusively in the Kennett Square office. She received a B.S. in Human Development from Virginia Tech and an M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Temple University. Keri has since worked with children ages birth to 21 in various settings, such as schools, pediatric specialty care centers, and private practice, covering all populations and diagnoses. Currently, Keri predominantly works with elementary-aged children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, orthopedic impairments (such as cerebral palsy), other health impairments, autism, dysphagia, and hearing and/or vision impairments such as CVI. Her specialties include evaluation and treatment related to functional communication, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), expressive and receptive language disorders, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and social/pragmatic communication. Keri is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has training and experience with Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treating CAS, and gender-affirming voice therapy. Keri enjoys attending conferences for continued education such as the Outside the Box Conference for families, educators, and professionals of complex learners who are Deaf-Blind, Deaf, Varying Hearing Status, Blind, Visually Impaired, and/or Autistic. Keri is licensed both in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Colleen Arehart, M.A., CCC-SLP  received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University, with a major in Psychology and minors in theater and Spanish. She graduated with the distinctions of Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She studied abroad in Spain to deepen her understanding of Spanish language and culture. Colleen earned her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language-Hearing from
Temple University. During her graduate studies, she worked as a graduate student research assistant in Temple’s Bilingual Language Laboratory, supporting a study related to early literacy skills in Spanish-English bilingual speakers. Her graduate practicum experiences included an adult rehabilitation hospital, a private school for children with dyslexia and other learning differences, and a Head Start preschool. Her professional experiences include work in outpatient therapy, a private school for children with language learning differences, and a public school during extended school year (ESY) programs. She has also enjoyed supervising
graduate student clinicians and new professionals completing the clinical fellowship year (CFY).

Colleen has experience evaluating and treating a variety of speech and language needs, including articulation and phonology, receptive language, vocabulary and word-retrieval, expressive language, morphology, syntax, pragmatic (social) language, figurative language, reading comprehension, and writing development. She has experience working with children with language learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism and is trained in several LETRS modules. Colleen has specialized interests in vocabulary, syntax, and abstract language skills, including inference and problem-solving skills.

Colleen is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. She lives with her husband and their three children in Montgomery County.     

Judy Head, M.A., CCC-SLP grew up in the Midwest and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Earlham College. After college, she moved to Philadelphia and earned her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Temple University. While at Temple, Judy was selected to be in the Hispanic Emphasis Program. She also completed an optional master’s thesis in stuttering. After graduating, she worked in early intervention for KenCrest Services. While at KenCrest, Judy, as part of a team, presented her research results at the National American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention (Atlanta, GA 1991) titled: “The Effect of Seating Position on Language Testing Results.”  Around the time Judy’s daughters were born, she moved to Chester County and worked for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), also in early intervention. Judy provided speech therapy for the first CCIU Autism Spectrum Disorder classroom at the Child Development Center in Coatesville. After taking some time off to be at home with her daughters, she worked for Easter Seals, providing home therapy for birth to three-year-olds before starting to work for the Octorara Area School District. For the past 15 years, Judy has been providing speech therapy at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.  

Judy has experience evaluating and treating a broad range of communication disorders, especially in the areas of literacy, child language disorders and articulation development. This includes children who struggle due to issues in speech fluency, apraxia, and neurodivergence. Because each child has unique needs, Judy believes in utilizing a variety of modalities and approaches to improve communication skills in children. 

Jessica McMullen, MS CCC-SLP completed her undergraduate studies at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and her graduate degree at Salus University. Jessica has experience with both adult and pediatric populations in a variety of settings including adult TBI inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, preschool education centers, elementary education centers, and pediatric private practices. She has experience evaluating and treating adults and children with a variety of diagnoses including experience with cognition, voice, articulation and phonology, receptive and expressive language, pragmatics, and assistive technology. She most recently served as a Speech-Language Pathologist for a public elementary school in Wilmington, DE, and is currently also employed at an elementary charter school in Philadelphia. 

Jessica prides herself on providing a caring and supportive environment for all clients and families, taking time to understand clients’ individual and unique treatment needs. She is always looking to learn new skills and be exposed to new experiences! 

Jessica is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. She presented at the 2022 ASHA Convention on her team’s research and analysis “Autism Peer Education: Increasing Autism Awareness in Young Elementary School Students”.

Melana Paternoster, M.S., CCC-SLP

Melana Paternoster is a passionate and dedicated Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist who received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Master’s Degree from Saint Mary’s College – Notre Dame, Indiana. 

Melana specializes in evaluating and treating Gestalt Language Processors (GLP) using the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework. She holds a consulting position with Marge Blanc, the founder of the Communication Development Center (CDC) and researcher behind NLA for GLPs. Other areas of expertise include articulation and phonological disorders, language delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), sensory integration, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Melana believes that every child has the potential to communicate effectively and strives to create a positive and engaging therapeutic environment.

With a strong focus on individualized treatment plans, Melana collaborates closely with families and caregivers to ensure that therapy is tailored to each child’s unique needs and strengths. She emphasizes the importance of play-based therapy, integrating fun and interactive activities to motivate children and make learning enjoyable.

In addition to her clinical work, Melana is committed to raising awareness about speech and language development, specifically with Gestalt Language Development. She frequently conducts workshops and presentations at national (AHSA), state (PSHA), and community-based levels. Her presentations are tailored for parents and educators, providing valuable resources and strategies to support children’s communication skills at home and in the community.

Melana is a firm believer in the power of teamwork and often collaborates with other professionals, including occupational therapists, teachers, and other team members to provide comprehensive support for her clients. Her warm and approachable demeanor helps create a trusting relationship with children and their families, fostering a positive therapeutic experience.

Samantha Michael, MS CCC-SLP is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in the State of Pennsylvania. She joined the Kidmunicate family in September 2021 and currently works in the Wayne office.

Samantha has a variety of certifications and trainings including: PROMPT trained, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing trained, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy trained, VB-MAPP trained, and Gestalt Language Processing trained. She also holds her Level II PDE Instructional Certificate in PK-12, Speech and Language Impaired. Samantha is knowledgeable in working with children with autism, developmental delays, fluency disorders, phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, expressive/ receptive language disorders, social skills deficits, and augmentative/alternative communication needs. She has a functional approach to therapy and enjoys working alongside parents to formulate plans to best support the children she works with. Samantha uses a total language approach to communication, finding and using the right communication methods for each child.

Kelly Kurnz MA CCC-SLP received her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Penn State University in 2012.  After teaching intensive special education for three years, she developed a passion for communication in the classroom and decided to pursue a career in Speech-Language Pathology.  She received her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from West Chester University in 2018, where she completed practicums working with students and adults with a variety of diagnoses including autism, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, and a variety of communication disorders.  She has been providing speech-language services for students grades K-8 in several schools throughout Montgomery County, treating a variety of diagnoses including articulation and language disorders, fluency disorders, and pragmatic language disorders.  Her therapy sessions are full of positive energy and are enhanced by her knowledge gained as a classroom teacher.  Kelly is a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of Pennsylvania and is an active certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

Natalie McGonigle, M.A., CCC-SLP joined the Kidmunicate family in April of 2021 working exclusively in the Kennett Square office. She received both her B.S. and M.A. from West Chester University. Natalie has since worked with children ages birth to 21 in various settings, such as schools, early intervention, and private practice, covering all populations and diagnoses. Her specialties include evaluation and treatment related to apraxia, speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and social/pragmatic communication. She identifies as a neuro-divergent affirming therapist. Natalie is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is PROMPT® Trained. Natalie is licensed both in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Sarah Reed, MS CCC-SLP received her bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from LaSalle University. Sarah has experience working with children from birth through age twenty-one in a variety of settings, including an outpatient center, a K-8 private special education school, and with preschool special education students throughout Montgomery County both individually and in groups.

Sarah has experience evaluating and treating children with a variety of diagnoses, including expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation, and phonological processing disorders, expressive language delay, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and developmental language disorder. She has worked with a variety of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and encourages utilizing a total communication approach that accepts and uses all forms of communication. She is currently completing continuing education related to the Natural Language Acquisition framework for working with children who communicate with delayed echolalia. Sarah is a proponent of child-led and play-based therapies whenever possible.

Sarah is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. She lives in King of Prussia, PA with her husband and son.

Kelly McHugh M.A., CCC-SLP has an undergraduate degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After earning her master’s degree, Kelly lived in Houston, Texas to complete her clinical fellowship at a pediatric private practice. Shortly after obtaining her ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, Kelly returned to her hometown of Lancaster, PA where she worked in the PA Public Education System (K-12 schools) for five years. Kelly has worked with children diagnosed with feeding/swallowing disorders, TBI, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, language impairments, articulation/phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and various genetic disorders. 

During her graduate studies, Kelly had the opportunity to work with the AAC Institute in Pittsburgh through their ICAN Talk Summer Camp. This experience inspired her to specialize in AAC and pursue additional training in the communication systems LAMP Words for Life, Speak for Yourself, and Tobii Dynavox Snap Core First. Kelly utilizes a Total Communication Approach which combines verbal speech, signs, gestures, and low/high tech AAC to promote functional communication skills. She is currently pursuing continuing education in Gestalt Language Processing and is excited to learn more about incorporating Gestalt with AAC.

Renee Vardouniotis, M.A., CCC-SLP, received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the Pennsylvania State University (2000) and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from New York University in 2002. Following her graduate studies, Renee worked in public schools on Long Island, NY, for 13 years and worked in Early Intervention. In 2015, she moved back to Collegeville, PA, with her husband and 2 children and worked at Tredyffrin-Easttown School District for 8 years. Renee has experience evaluating and treating children of all ages, with a variety of diagnoses including Down Syndrome, autism, expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation and motor speech disorders, pragmatic language disorders, and developmental delays. She also has experience providing teletherapy.   

Renee is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Pennsylvania and is an active certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  

Amy takes many plans including Aetna, Blue Cross, and Cigna. If you have questions before scheduling, feel free to call Amy directly at (484) 919-1027 or email [email protected] for more information.  I also teach Tummytime! Method and Infant Massage classes.  I look forward to meeting you and your baby.