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Chidera Oyeka, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the owner of Unscripted: Social Communication Therapy, a private practice based in San Jose, California. She brings years of experience working with adolescents and adults to help them build authentic communication, confidence, and independence across real-life settings. Chidera earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San José State University and has clinical experience in schools, private practice, and teletherapy. Her work focuses on supporting individuals ages 12 and up who are navigating social communication challenges, pragmatic language differences, and executive-function skills that impact daily life, learning, and relationships. Her therapy approach is neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, and highly individualized. Each session blends evidence-based strategies with practical application—helping clients transfer skills from structured practice to natural, everyday conversations. She believes that communication should feel natural, flexible, and empowering—not scripted. Chidera partners closely with families, educators, and other professionals to ensure continuity of care, and she is passionate about creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their communication goals with confidence and authenticity. Unscripted offers both mobile and teletherapy services throughout California, making therapy accessible and flexible for busy students, young professionals, and adults seeking to improve social connection, communication, and self-expression.

Over the course of my career, I found myself gravitating toward supporting families and individuals who were less able to communicate their needs. This led me to seek additional training to gain a deeper understanding of how to assist my clients in more complex aspects of our scope of practice such as reading/writing, feeding, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). In my free time, you can catch me learning new methods, playing with my plethora of animals, or sitting outside getting some much needed Vitamin D as I catch up on a good book.

About Shine Health & Wellness

At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, California, patients receive comprehensive wellness services for a wide range of health conditions. Kimberley Shine, MD, offers her patients unmatched expertise and extensive one-on-one care.

As a student at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Shine was surprised to discover that the curriculum focused on each organ system separately. Her coursework also defined health solely through the absence of disease. However, Dr. Shine knew there had to be more to the practice of medicine than these traditional methods.

Dr. Shine realized that the doctor-patient relationship is the foundation of medicine. She understood that it's essential for patients to feel that they can trust their physician. In turn, physicians must listen to their patients and validate their patients’ feelings.

After spending more than a decade as a family medicine doctor, Dr. Shine decided to develop a practice that reflects her own values. She discovered integrative and functional medicine and quickly incorporated these core concepts into her practice.

Dr. Shine knows that it's not enough to simply treat symptoms as they arise. Instead, doctors must work together with patients to identify the root cause of their health problems. At Shine Health and Wellness, this close doctor-patient relationship is at the core of Dr. Shine's work. She takes pride in helping patients feel educated and empowered by their health care decisions.

Today, Dr. Shine is proud to be a part of a thriving practice that includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. Along with the rest of her team, Dr. Shine strives to provide each patient with personalized, evidence-based medical care that improves their quality of life.

Hayley Willmore is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. She is completing advanced training in vocology through the University of Utah’s Vocology Institute and the National Center for Voice and Speech. With extensive experience in hospitals, neuro-trauma units, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized voice and swallowing centers, Hayley has developed a comprehensive skill set to support individuals with a wide range of voice, swallowing, and upper airway-related challenges.

 

Complementing her clinical expertise, Hayley is deeply involved in her community through music. She has taught private singing lessons, helping students develop healthy vocal techniques and achieve their musical goals. She also served as a music director for children's musicals, guiding young performers and creating enriching artistic experiences. With over 12 years of professional voice training and a background in musical theater, Hayley has performed in chamber choirs, ensembles, and musicals at both collegiate and professional levels. Her musical knowledge, combined with her clinical training, allows her to approach voice therapy from a unique, holistic perspective.

 

Hayley has contributed to voice therapy research and presented her work at the Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference. Her commitment to evidence-based practice, combined with her artistic and clinical background, informs her personalized approach to care. Whether supporting professional singers or individuals with complex voice disorders, Hayley is dedicated to helping each person reach their full vocal potential and reclaim confidence in their communication and overall well-being.

Hayley Willmore is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. She is completing advanced training in vocology through the University of Utah’s Vocology Institute and the National Center for Voice and Speech. With extensive experience in hospitals, neuro-trauma units, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized voice and swallowing centers, Hayley has developed a comprehensive skill set to support individuals with a wide range of voice, swallowing, and upper airway-related challenges.

 

Complementing her clinical expertise, Hayley is deeply involved in her community through music. She has taught private singing lessons, helping students develop healthy vocal techniques and achieve their musical goals. She also served as a music director for children's musicals, guiding young performers and creating enriching artistic experiences. With over 12 years of professional voice training and a background in musical theater, Hayley has performed in chamber choirs, ensembles, and musicals at both collegiate and professional levels. Her musical knowledge, combined with her clinical training, allows her to approach voice therapy from a unique, holistic perspective.

 

Hayley has contributed to voice therapy research and presented her work at the Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference. Her commitment to evidence-based practice, combined with her artistic and clinical background, informs her personalized approach to care. Whether supporting professional singers or individuals with complex voice disorders, Hayley is dedicated to helping each person reach their full vocal potential and reclaim confidence in their communication and overall well-being.

Hayley Willmore is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. She is completing advanced training in vocology through the University of Utah’s Vocology Institute and the National Center for Voice and Speech. With extensive experience in hospitals, neuro-trauma units, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized voice and swallowing centers, Hayley has developed a comprehensive skill set to support individuals with a wide range of voice, swallowing, and upper airway-related challenges.

 

Complementing her clinical expertise, Hayley is deeply involved in her community through music. She has taught private singing lessons, helping students develop healthy vocal techniques and achieve their musical goals. She also served as a music director for children's musicals, guiding young performers and creating enriching artistic experiences. With over 12 years of professional voice training and a background in musical theater, Hayley has performed in chamber choirs, ensembles, and musicals at both collegiate and professional levels. Her musical knowledge, combined with her clinical training, allows her to approach voice therapy from a unique, holistic perspective.

 

Hayley has contributed to voice therapy research and presented her work at the Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference. Her commitment to evidence-based practice, combined with her artistic and clinical background, informs her personalized approach to care. Whether supporting professional singers or individuals with complex voice disorders, Hayley is dedicated to helping each person reach their full vocal potential and reclaim confidence in their communication and overall well-being.

Hayley Willmore is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. She is completing advanced training in vocology through the University of Utah’s Vocology Institute and the National Center for Voice and Speech. With extensive experience in hospitals, neuro-trauma units, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized voice and swallowing centers, Hayley has developed a comprehensive skill set to support individuals with a wide range of voice, swallowing, and upper airway-related challenges.

 

Complementing her clinical expertise, Hayley is deeply involved in her community through music. She has taught private singing lessons, helping students develop healthy vocal techniques and achieve their musical goals. She also served as a music director for children's musicals, guiding young performers and creating enriching artistic experiences. With over 12 years of professional voice training and a background in musical theater, Hayley has performed in chamber choirs, ensembles, and musicals at both collegiate and professional levels. Her musical knowledge, combined with her clinical training, allows her to approach voice therapy from a unique, holistic perspective.

 

Hayley has contributed to voice therapy research and presented her work at the Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference. Her commitment to evidence-based practice, combined with her artistic and clinical background, informs her personalized approach to care. Whether supporting professional singers or individuals with complex voice disorders, Hayley is dedicated to helping each person reach their full vocal potential and reclaim confidence in their communication and overall well-being.

Mandi has over ten years of experience working as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). After receiving her Master's Degree from Northwestern University, she began working as an SLP in the elementary school setting, and soon added pediatric therapy clinic work as well. Mandi is passionate about helping children communicate effectively so that they can build relationships, share ideas, learn, and grow.

Mandi is a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who prioritizes connection over compliance and works to ensure that her students and clients feel comfortable, safe, and seen. She utilizes a total communication approach to teach children self-advocacy skills including expressing their wants and needs effectively. In her free time, Mandi enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and doing agility with her two dogs.

Mandi's areas of expertise include:
Autism and ADHD
Articulation and phonological disorders
Apraxia of speech
Functional communication
AAC and other communication modalities
Receptive/expressive language delays and disorders
Pragmatic language deficits

Jeanette has been working as a speech-language pathologist since 2016, with experience in clinic, Early Intervention, and school settings. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Southern Illinois University, and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Illinois State University. She is a bilingual therapist fluent in Russian.

Jeanette’s favorite part of being an SLP is the variety of working with different childhood ages, needs, and backgrounds. She prioritizes working with the whole family to carry over skills outside of therapy sessions and promote confident communication. She has experience evaluating and treating a variety of communication disorders, including speech sound disorders, language delays and disorders, fluency disorders, and social communication disorders. She has particular interest and experience in working with Stuttering and other types of disfluent speech, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Developmental Language Disorder, and early Language Delays.

Jeanette regularly furthers her learning and prioritizes professional development as new challenges and needs arise. She is continuously evaluating what works and doesn’t work for each child and researching new treatment strategies to best meet clients’ needs and make expected progress.

Jeanette grew up in Vernon Hills and currently lives in Dundee with her husband two young sons. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, reading, and exploring all the features the suburbs have to offer.

Joanna is a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist with 10 years of experience helping children develop strong communication skills. After earning her Master's degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Joanna is passionate about creating a positive and fun therapy environment. She works closely with families to ensure each child reaches their full communication potential.

In addition to speech and language therapy, Joanna has experience providing feeding therapy to children who struggle with oral-motor skills, picky eating, or difficulties with chewing and swallowing. Using a gentle, individualized approach, she helps children build confidence and comfort around food, promoting healthier eating habits and reducing mealtime stress for families.

Outside of work, Joanna enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and young son.

Whether addressing speech delays, articulation issues, or language comprehension, Joanna is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.

Areas of interest include:

• Articulation and speech sound disorders

• Language delays and disorders

• Feeding therapy (oral motor skills, picky eating, swallowing difficulties)

• Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)

• Social communication and pragmatic language skills

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

• Stuttering and fluency disorders

Annalise has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist for over 10 years, focusing on treating adolescents and young adults in the school setting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University and her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University. She understands the importance of working with families to help generalize skills outside of therapy sessions.

Her areas of expertise include:

● Articulation and Phonology
● Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
● Social Communication
● Expressive and Receptive Language
● Autism Spectrum Disorder
● Dysphagia
● Fluency

In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places with her husband and two boys, baking, staying active, and spending time with friends.

Lauren received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Elmhurst University. For the past two years, she has worked in the private practice setting, where she enjoys partnering closely with families to create meaningful, personalized therapy plans. Lauren is passionate about fostering supportive relationships and empowering families throughout every step of the therapeutic journey.

Lauren is passionate about incorporating neurodiversity-affirming practices into her treatment approach, ensuring that each child’s strengths, preferences, and individuality are honored throughout the therapeutic process. She is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where children feel confident and understood. Lauren finds great joy in watching each child grow, build new skills, and develop into the best version of themselves.

Areas of Expertise:

• Gestalt Language Processing
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Incorporating Sensory and Regulation Strategies
• Articulation and Phonological Disorder
• Expressive and Receptive Language Delays
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Fluency Disorders
• Pragmatic Language Disorders

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and takes every opportunity to be outdoors when the weather is warm. Her greatest passion is dancing, which she has been doing for the past 23 years. She currently teaches dance classes and helps coach a competition dance team, sharing her love of movement and mentorship with the next generation of dancers.

Mikayla Valdez, M.S, CCC- SLP, attended San Jose State for her undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. In June of 2023 Mikayla received her Master’s of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. 

Mikayla has clinical experience in the areas of speech sound production, language intervention for early childhood and elementary aged children. She has had the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups as well. Throughout her experiences she has found a passion for early intervention, utilizing a child lead and play based approach for early language development. When she is not working she enjoys hiking local trails, baking, and spending time with friends and family. 

Michelle Jellen M.S., CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow at Strategies for Success. Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in English from UC Santa Barbara and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Baylor University. 

Michelle has experience working in the school setting, private practice, and skilled nursing and has enjoyed working with a range of ages. She has a particular interest in child-led, play-based therapy and enjoys connecting with children and their families. In her free time, Michelle likes going on local adventures with her husband and two children, doing yoga, walking, and reading.

Joan Black, MS, CCC-SLP brings decades of clinical experience, teaching, and mentorship to her work at High Quality Home Therapy. She is also an instructor in the Speech and Language Pathology Program at Southern Connecticut State University, where she is dedicated to preparing future clinicians through thoughtful, experience driven instruction.

Joan is widely recognized for her expertise in working with individuals with autism, complex medical needs, and gestalt language processing. She has extensive experience supporting clients of all ages, including those who communicate through echolalia, scripts, and other gestalt based language patterns. Her clinical approach focuses on helping individuals progress toward self generated, meaningful communication in a way that is both supportive and individualized.

Her work also includes experience with apraxia, sensory and regulatory challenges, developmental delays, and complex communication needs. Joan blends evidence based practices with a compassionate and highly personalized approach, ensuring that each client feels understood, respected, and empowered throughout their care.

As an educator and mentor, Joan is known for her depth of knowledge, dedication, and ability to guide clinicians in developing strong clinical reasoning and patient centered care. She is passionate about shaping thoughtful and well rounded professionals who make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Joan continues to mentor fellow clinicians, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and advocate for neurodiversity affirming practices that honor each individual’s strengths and communication style.

In her free time, Joan enjoys spending time with family and friends and values maintaining balance, bringing that same grounded and positive presence into all aspects of her work.

Joan Black, MS, CCC-SLP brings decades of clinical experience, teaching, and mentorship to her work at High Quality Home Therapy. She is also an instructor in the Speech and Language Pathology Program at Southern Connecticut State University, where she is dedicated to preparing future clinicians through thoughtful, experience driven instruction.

Joan is widely recognized for her expertise in working with individuals with autism, complex medical needs, and gestalt language processing. She has extensive experience supporting clients of all ages, including those who communicate through echolalia, scripts, and other gestalt based language patterns. Her clinical approach focuses on helping individuals progress toward self generated, meaningful communication in a way that is both supportive and individualized.

Her work also includes experience with apraxia, sensory and regulatory challenges, developmental delays, and complex communication needs. Joan blends evidence based practices with a compassionate and highly personalized approach, ensuring that each client feels understood, respected, and empowered throughout their care.

As an educator and mentor, Joan is known for her depth of knowledge, dedication, and ability to guide clinicians in developing strong clinical reasoning and patient centered care. She is passionate about shaping thoughtful and well rounded professionals who make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Joan continues to mentor fellow clinicians, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and advocate for neurodiversity affirming practices that honor each individual’s strengths and communication style.

In her free time, Joan enjoys spending time with family and friends and values maintaining balance, bringing that same grounded and positive presence into all aspects of her work.