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Anne has over 30 years of experience as a Pediatric Speech - Language Pathologist. Anne earned her Bachelor and Master of Science in Speech Pathology at Marquette University.

Anne is trained in SOS feeding, food chaining, Arfid, and Get Permission approach feeding, oral motor, apraxia of speech, auditory processing, articulation and phonology, therapeutic listening, executive functioning, early intervention, social and pragmatic language, and is DIR certified. She enjoys working with infants and children of all ages and believes in building on each child's strengths and interests to improve their communication and feeding skills.

In her free time, Anne enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, two cats, and her friends. She loves to travel and go to the thater.

Eileen brings over 20 years of clinical experience to HQHT, having built her career across some of the most dynamic and demanding settings in speech-language pathology. From early intervention and private practice to the New York City Department of Education, she has spent decades showing up for children, adolescents, and adults with the same level of care, precision, and heart.

Eileen earned her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from New York University in 2005 and her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Cum Laude, from Manhattan College in 2000. Her clinical training included placements at Stamford Hospital, the Westchester Center for Educational and Emotional Development, and the NYU Speech and Hearing Clinic, giving her a strong foundation across medical, educational, and community settings from the very start of her career.

Over the course of her career Eileen has developed deep expertise in language disorders, executive functioning, literacy, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, social communication, articulation, fluency, childhood apraxia of speech, and cognitive-communication. She is also highly skilled in AAC consultation, parent coaching, and educational consultation, making her an invaluable resource for families navigating complex communication needs.

Eileen holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), is PROMPT trained, Is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol and Is licensed in both Connecticut and New York. Before her career in speech-language pathology, she worked as a Marketing Coordinator at Estée Lauder, a background that speaks to her natural ability to connect with people, communicate clearly, and think creatively.

Eileen is the kind of clinician who makes every family feel heard and every patient feel seen. Her warmth, thoroughness, and collaborative nature make her a joy to work with, and she is truly proud to bring her expertise and passion to the HQHT team.

Yamela works with clients across the lifespan. She has extensive experience in school settings, supporting students in developing strong communication skills, improving speech and language abilities, and building confidence in the classroom and beyond. Yamela combines evidence-based strategies with a personalized, playful approach, creating therapy experiences that are both effective and enjoyable. She partners closely with families, teachers, and school teams to support ongoing growth and wellness, empowering children to reach their full potential at home, school, and in the community.

Karine Rocha de Benedicto, M.S., C.C.C. is our supervising speech therapist. Karine joined our team in 2021 and has helped a number of people earn their certificate of clinical competence in speech and language pathology as well as created the training modules for our SLP Assistants and Aides. Karine currently provides telehealth speech language pathology services to patients of all ages and diagnoses. She is licensed in Connecticut, California and Florida.

A graduate of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Karine’s passions include aphasia, dysarthria, and cognitive communication disorders. Passionate about making an impact in the lives of her patients, Karine strives to provide them with person-centered quality care that empowers, enhances, and supports development, preservation and rehabilitation of communication cognition and social and emotional skills. Karine does an amazing job of meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their individual goals.

In her free time Karine enjoys reading, photography, walks in the woods and spending time with family! She is the proud of aunt of two beauties!

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.

Samantha holds a TSSLD certification, equipping her to effectively support school-aged children, while her background in voice rehabilitation and swallowing safety ensures comprehensive care for adult populations. Her therapy style is flexible and creative, blending structure with innovation to meet each client’s unique needs.

Deeply committed to ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive care, Samantha strives to make therapy empowering and accessible. She is passionate about helping clients strengthen their communication, build confidence, and foster meaningful connections.

Samantha earned her B.A. from Iona College and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, with high honors, from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

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.

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.