KATIE DAVIES, M.S., CCC-SLP, OWNER

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Undergraduate education: James Madison University

Graduate education: James Madison University

Why speech as a career? I have always found such joy in working with children. When thinking about career options, I thought the job description of a pediatric speech-language pathologist seemed to perfectly align with my interests and strengths. I then kept meeting speech-language pathologists who all seemed so passionate about their career no matter what setting they worked in. After doing a little job shadowing and starting college classes within my major, I knew I picked the right field for me! I love that I am in a profession where there is always something new to learn. There is nothing more rewarding than helping children improve their communication skills and watching their confidence increase as a result.

Special interests: I am passionate about working with all children and families and love the variety within the field; however, speech sound disorders are my favorite area to treat.

Hobbies: I enjoy trying new restaurants and going to new places with friends and family, walking my Bernese Mountain Dog, volunteering for Ronald McDonald House, and taking gym classes (especially hot yoga!)

ERIN SHUMATE, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hometown: Roanoke, VA

Undergraduate education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Graduate education: James Madison University

Why speech as a career? I have always had a passion for working with kids, as well as a strong interest in psychology. In college, I took Linguistics 101 as a Gen Ed course and fell in love with learning about language and speech sounds. I figured out that becoming a Speech Pathologist was the best way to combine these three interests into a rewarding career that gives back to the community.

Special interests: I truly enjoy working with all types of communication delays and disorders. I do have a particular passion for working with the ASD population and AAC devices.

Hobbies: I enjoy cooking, going on walks, going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and planning my wedding!

Amanda Kurtz-Tuck, M.Ed., CCC-SLP

Hometown: Pocomoke, MD

Undergraduate education: Georgetown University

Graduate education: University of Virginia

Why speech as a career?: Language has always fascinated me so I majored in Linguistics and Psychology before earning my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I also enjoy helping people, so becoming a speech-language pathologist was a natural way to marry those two interests.

Special interests: Pre-literacy, literacy development, dyslexia, writing, executive functioning.

Hobbies: Yoga, baking, embroidery, and exploring new places

JOYANNA STRUZZIERI, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hometown: Midlothian, Virginia

Undergraduate education: Longwood University

Graduate education: Longwood University

Why speech as a career? A friend of mine experienced a traumatic brain injury, so I could see how she relearned to make decisions and talk with others through speech therapy. I also helped a friend with cerebral palsy become an Eagle Scout for Boy Scouts by helping him communicate through alternative and assistive technology. I have always been interested in how the mind works so I chose this field to help others learn how to make their own connections and achieve all that they can.

Special interests: I enjoy working with a variety of disorders. I have done extensive training in fluency and I also enjoy working with building language/language organization.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading and hiking with my family and my dog.

JOANN R. CULLOP, M.ED., CCC-SLP

Hometown: Vienna, Virginia

Undergraduate education: James Madison University

Graduate education: University of Virginia

Why speech as a career? I have always been interested in child development and like the clinical aspect that speech language pathology offers that is different from education.

Special interests: I am curious and interested in all aspects of communication. My current favorite part of this job is helping children learn during engaging activities!

Hobbies: I love to travel with my family and friends and I love to read books of all kinds!

Kathy Alter, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Undergraduate education: James Madison University

Graduate education: James Madison University

Why speech as a career? I have known that I wanted to be a speech-language pathologist since I was 13 years old. The idea of helping children learn to talk was very appealing.

Special interests: I have developed many areas of interest over the years and enjoy incorporating literacy skills into all of my therapy sessions. I am particularly interested in working with very young children that are non-verbal, developing reading and literacy skills, and unraveling complex articulation disorders.

Hobbies: Weaving, walking, and traveling

SAMANTHA MARTIN, PharmD, Billing & Office Administrator

Hometown: Fairmont, WV

Undergraduate Education: West Virginia University

Graduate Education: West Virginia University

Why work at Speech Connections? As a former speech parent, I always left our sessions so impressed by the encouraging environment, kindness, and work ethic displayed by each therapist here at Speech Connections. I am very honored to be a part of this incredible team and help other families feel just as welcomed and valued throughout their speech journey.

Hobbies: cooking & baking, puzzles, reading, staying busy with my husband, our 3 boys, and Sheepadoodle.

JENNA MARCHETTI, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hometown: Fairmont, WV

Undergraduate education: West Virginia University

Graduate education: West Virginia University

Why speech as a career? I knew I wanted to work with children early on and found speech-language pathology as the perfect opportunity to focus on specific skills that would help children engage and communicate with the world around them.

Special interests: I enjoy working with the earliest language learners and late talkers. I find it very rewarding to implement the parent coaching strategies I learned using The Hanen Centre’s programs for parents in order for families to feel confident in supporting their child.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, spending time outside with my family, and taking our three dogs for walks.

Team

We’re so excited that you’ve come to learn a bit more about us and our passion for speech! Click on a staff picture below to learn about how each of us found our path to Speech Connections and why we’re so committed to our work. We look forward to helping you and your child. When you’re ready to schedule a 20 minute, complimentary screening, contact us.