NATALIE NEAL M.A. CCC-SLP
+ Speech-Language Pathologist, Owner & Clinical Director
Natalie began Small Talk OC in 2007 with the intent of creating a warm and caring environment specializing in individualized and family-centered therapy. Natalie loves working with children because it gives her an excuse to play well beyond her childhood years! She is passionate about her work, and thrives on creating a fun and nurturing environment to enhance children’s confidence and communication skills. She is inspired and receives so much joy from the families she works with.
Natalie has specific training in PROMPT and Oral Placement Therapy for treating motor speech disorders and sensory-motor feeding challenges. She also has training in DIR/Floortime Method which promotes child development through respectful, playful, and joyful engagement.
Natalie is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and a Professional Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
HEATHER KIPP M.A. CF-SLP
+ SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST, CLINICAL FELLOW
Heather joined Small Talk OC in 2018 as our very first SLPA. She has since completed her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in speech-language pathology. Heather has special training in educationally based speech and language therapy through our Non-Public Agency (NPA). Heather is an advocate for each and every one of her students and is excellent at focusing her clinical skills through an educational lens to positively impact academic success.
Heather is a California licensed Speech-Language Pathologist completing her clinical fellowship experience and is well on her way to earning a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
JENNA GOSCHA, B.A. MT-BC
+ BOARD CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST
Small Talk OC is thrilled to have board certified music therapist, Jenna, leading our music therapy program. Music therapy offers children unique opportunities to build confidence and communication through song and movement. Children are drawn to Jenna’s magnetic voice and toe tappin’ tunes.
Music is a multimodal experience that naturally encourages engagement through play in a success oriented environment. Research shows that music encourages socialization, facilitates self expression, enhances speech/language and motor development, and so much more. Jenna is passionate about using music to enrich the lives of others and is excited to begin working with your child!
skottlynne roney M.S. CF-SLP
+ SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST, CLINICAL FELLOW
Skottlynne "Skottie" is our dynamic speech-language pathology clinical fellow. She completed her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in speech-language pathology. Skottie has specific training in motor speech disorders, phonological disorders, social skills, and Early Intervention. She has completed advanced training in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) approach to improve communication, including articulation and intonation and even facial expression.
Skottie is a California licensed Speech-Language Pathologist completing her clinical fellowship experience and is on her way to earning a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Skottie is dedicated to building rapport with every child. She capitalizes on each child’s interests to develop individualized, highly motivating therapy activities. Skottie’s energetic personality, coupled with an acute clinical eye, brings about a wonderful momentum to her therapy sessions!
LIZETH TORRES B.A. ATS
+ ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Lizeth is a Certified Assistive Technology Specialist (ATS) who has over a decade of experience working with children in the public school setting and private/home setting on topics relating to Assistive Technology (AT), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and educational technology. Her specialties include evaluations of AT and AAC needs, modifications, adaptations, accommodations, accessibility, iOS applications, and communication partner training. She is an expert in assistive technology as it applies to the educational experience, including reading, writing, use of computer applications/extensions and software, and adaptive equipment to meet educational needs. Lizeth is passionate about maximizing the strengths of the individuals she works with and helping them reach greater independence through technology!
Samantha holland SLPA
+ BOARD-CERTIFIED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Samantha "Sam" is our dynamic speech-language pathology assistant. She is licensed with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board and is currently pursuing her degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in speech-language pathology. Sam has specific experience working in early intervention. She is passionate about building relationships with both her clients and their families and capitalizes on the power of these connections to promote engagement, communication, and positive behaviors. Sam provides an inviting, caring, creative, and energetic space for children to express themselves.
Combining her therapeutic experience in both private practice and public schools with her experience as a VIP tour guide for Disney, Sam brings a unique skill set to the Small Talk OC Team. Her passion for working with children is contagious and her clients can’t wait to see “Miss Sam” each week!
jesseca perez M.S. CCC-SLP
+ SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST, sensory trained therapist
Jesseca is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. She has special training in sensory regulation, natural language acquisition, and gestalt language processing. Jesseca is skilled at assessing each client based on their unique sensory preferences, patterns, and self-regulation skills. Jesseca's therapy sessions are dynamic as she excels at implementing effective and productive therapy using sensory regulation methods.
Jesseca’s outgoing personality is magnetic and she instantly builds rapport with both the children she works with and their families!