Carol A. Briggs, M.S., CCC-SLP

carol.briggs@abilitiesinfo.com

Carol Briggs, founder and administrator of Abilities, has dedicated the last 24 years to serving the needs of families in the Baton Rouge Community. Carol received her Masters in Communication Disorders from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1981. After working three years in the Mississippi public school system and home health, she relocated to Baton Rouge where she continued to work with the developmentally disabled through various agencies. In late 1986, Carol began Abilities. Carol's commitment to excellence and her dedication to her staff as well as the families they treat continue to provide the foundation for Abilities. She continually brings new intervention techniques to the Baton Rouge area, allowing parents to have choices in treatment approaches. Carol currently provides training and support to staff speech pathologists and occupational therapists, fostering excellence in their treatment skills.

With extensive continuing education, Carol has treated children with a variety of disorders. While the majority of her training is in Autism intervention, Carol has participated in training for oral motor intervention, augmentative communication, apraxia intervention, auditory processing, and sensory integration. Carol has particular interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders and continues to gain continuing education in this area allowing her to mentor to staff therapists and students. Carol has presented on numerous occasions locally, regionally and nationally over the past 20 years. Topics of presentation have included augmentative communication and treatment for Autism.

Carol has been awarded the ACE (Award of Continuing Education) twice from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for her extensive continuing education. In 1998, she was awarded The John E. Robinson Award from the Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association for Outstanding clinical contributions to the field of Speech Language Pathology. She was named Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals in 1998. Carol is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Louisiana Speech and Hearing Association.

Amy Arledge, M.A., CCC-SLP, Therapy Manager

amy.arledge@abilitiesinfo.com

Amy Arledge joined Abilities in January, 1999. She holds a B.A. degree from Louisiana State University and an M.A. degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeast Louisiana University. Prior to moving to Baton Rouge, Amy worked as an SLP in the Richland Parish School System in Rayville, LA. Amy is a certified Fast Forward® provider, incorporating phonemic awareness intervention into her treatment of children with auditory processing impairments who are also at risk for reading disorders. Amy has had continuing education training in oral motor assessment and intervention which she uses extensively with the children she treats. Amy is also trained in the use of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). Amy enjoys using the augmentative/ alternative training package with autistic and apraxic children on her caseload to initiate conversation and communication of wants and needs.

Perhaps Amy's most rewarding professional activity has been the development of the Social Language Skills Group Program offered at Abilities. Amy has utilized her unique skills to develop sequential, engaging, appropriate, and highly meaningful social skills- enhanced activities that can be utilized with a wide range of age groups. She has adapted these activities for typically developing children as well as those with Asperger's and Down Syndrome. The children participating in Amy's Social Language Skills Groups come away with skills that can have a truly positive impact on their lives.

Barbara Germany, M.A., CCC-SLP

barbara.germany@abilitiesinfo.com

Barbara Germany was the first staff Speech-Language Pathologist to join Abilities in 1987. She holds a B.A. degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Specialty from Southeastern Louisiana University and an M.A. degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Louisiana State University. Barbara has participated in extensive continuing education which has earned her two ACE awards (Award of Continuing Education) from the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association for her achievements.

Barbara's extensive training includes the assessment and intervention of oral motor and articulation disorders, auditory processing deficits, and reading/language/writing deficits. She is trained in the Lindamood® Phoneme Sequencing Program (LiPS) and uses these principles successfully in our Making Sense of Sounds program to treat children with reading and writing deficits. Barbara is also trained in the Picture Exchange Communication System.

Barbara initiated our in-school therapy delivery service model and developed our School Speech, Language and Hearing Screening program. She has developed an extensive networking system in the schools by providing information to teachers and administrators and coordinating each child's therapy program with their classroom demands.

Judy David, M.A., CCC-SLP

judy.david@abilitiesinfo.com

Judy began her association with Abilities in 1996 while still working as a full-time SLP in the Ascension Parish Public School System. Since that time, Judy has retired from the school system with 20 years of service, twelve of which were served as a Pupil Appraisal team member. Holding both B.S. and M.A. degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from LSU, Judy brought to Abilities a wealth of Knowledge on dyslexia, Language-Learning Disabilities, phonemic awareness and written language assessment and intervention. She is a member of the International Dyslexia Association. Judy is also certified as a Fast ForWord® provider and has had training in oral motor assessment and intervention techniques. An intense interest in language-based reading disorders led Judy to training in the Lindamood® Phoneme Sequencing Program (LiPS) which she has utilized to develop the "Making Sense of Sounds for Reading and Spelling" program plus level 2 of "Ready, Set, Write!" program for written language offered exclusively at Abilities. Judy's strong diagnostic skills and her insatiable thirst to learn more about the nature of communication disorders add up to true success for the children she treats.

Margaret Reed, M.A. CCC-SLP

margaret.reed@abilitiesinfo.com

Margaret Reed holds both B.A. and M.A. degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Louisiana State University. Prior to joining the staff at Abilities in 1995, she worked as an SLP at Gonzales Primary School and the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation serving the pediatric population. Margaret's work at Abilities has focused on children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. She has developed our Adaptive Response Training program which is an individualized program to assist children with carryover of skills gained in therapy to other settings. Margaret is deeply concerned about the functional use of communication for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Margaret has obtained extensive training in Autistic Spectrum Disorders, apraxia, oral motor, feeding disorders and Fluency disorders. She is certified in Fast ForWord®, Interactive Metronome® and is trained in the use of the (PECS) Picture Exchange Communication System. Margaret goes beyond the therapy room and shows genuine dedication to her clients and their families.

Amanda Adams, M.A. CCC-SLP

amanda.adams@abilitiesinfo.com

Amanda Adams joined the Abilities staff in May 2010. She holds both B.A. and M.A. degrees in speech-language pathology from Louisiana State University. She is a member of the Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA) and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Amanda believes in a family-centered therapy style, which provides her clients with skills that carry beyond the therapy room. She is strongly committed to focusing on the needs of each child while helping families acquire the tools necessary to become strong members of their child’s learning and therapy team. Amanda greatly enjoys watching children gain positive self-esteem through the acquisition of improved communication skills. Amanda is trained in the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and is eager to continue receiving experience and formal training in a range of diagnostic and treatment methods for children with various communication disorders.

Shannon Wheeler, M.S., CF-SLP

shannon.wheeler@abilitiesinfo.com

Shannon joined the Abilities staff in August, 2011. She completed her final clinical affiliation and gained experience at Abilities during the summer of 2011, where she was supervised by Amy Arledge, M.A. CCC-SLP and Margaret Reed, M.A. CCC-SLP.

Shannon attended Southeastern Louisiana University for undergraduate and graduate school. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology. Her areas of interest include: language disorders in infants, toddlers, and adolescents, literacy, and autism spectrum disorders. She believes that the use of visual supports, parental involvement, and multiple exposures to ideas are important are important to enhance a child’s full communication potential.

She feels blessed to become part of the Abilities’ staff and give her full potential to every child and family!

Brittany Falcon, M.C.D., CF-SLP

brittany.falcon@abilitiesinfo.com

Brittany joined the Abilities team in May 2011. She holds a B.A. degree from Louisiana State University and a M.C.D. from Louisiana State University Health and Science Center. She is a member of Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA) and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Brittany has a strong commitment to improving communication with all the children that she treats.

Morgan Juncker, Therapy Tech

morgan.juncker@abilitiesinfo.com

Morgan joined our staff as a Therapy Tech in May 2010 after volunteering at Abilities for several months. She is currently attending Louisiana State University as a Kinesiology major. Morgan’s career plans include studying Occupational Therapy following her undergraduate program. Morgan has experience with Roller Typing and the Fast Forward Program. She enjoys assisting our therapists and helping kids succeed in any way that she can. Morgan’s desires include finishing school and pursuing a career at Abilities as a licensed Occupational Therapist.

Katie Daigle, ST Tech

katie.daigle@abilitiesinfo.com

Katie is currently a senior at LSU majoring in Communication Disorders. She joined Abilities as a Therapy Tech in August 2011 after volunteering in the summer preschool camp. Following graduation in May 2012, she plans to attend graduate school for Speech-Language Pathology. Katie previously worked in a setting where she gained experience in ABA therapy. She is looking forward to interacting with children and learning from the therapists at Abilities.

Caress Tureau B.S., SLPA

caress.tureau@abilitiesinfo.com

Caress re-joined the Abilities team in February 2011 as a licensed speech assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University and completed all supervised clinical hours for licensure through the State of Louisiana as a speech assistant. While a student at Southeastern Louisiana University, Caress received experience at Abilities assisting with the Social Language Skills Group Program, Fast Forward®, the Adaptive Response Training (ART) Program, the Preschool Program, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and invaluable experience working with therapists and children. Caress is passionate about learning and desires to give children the functional communication skills needed to build confidence and success.

Amy Fuselier, LOTR

amy.fuselier@abilitiesinfo.com

Amy Fuselier piloted the occupational therapy program at Abilities for Speech and Language in 2000. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1995 from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Amy is certified to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and has had extensive training in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Prior to joining ASL, Amy worked in an outpatient pediatric hospital setting where she treated children with cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, and Fragile X Syndrome. Amy currently specializes in treating children ages 2-21 with Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Developmental Delay.

Amy is a certified Interactive Metronome® Provider and is trained in Handwriting Without Tears and Loops and Other Groups writing programs. Amy is also trained in the use of PECS- Picture Exchange Communication System and Therapeutic Listening. She has incorporated the How Does Your Engine Run? The Alert Program for Self-Regulation in individual and group settings, as well.

Amy has presented locally and regionally on topics including use of a team approach for evaluating and treating children with sensory, language, and learning difficulties, using innovative therapy approaches and technology in the treatment of children with Sensory Processing Disorders, and handwriting remediation. In addition, Amy works closely with parents and teachers by providing on-going in services and consultation related to fine-motor skill development, handwriting, and sensory processing for carryover of learned skills at home and in the classroom.

Amy's holistic, team approach strongly influences her ability to create positive changes in the lives of the children she treats.

Jill Pipsair, MOT, LOTR

jill.pipsair@abilitiesinfo.com

Jill Pipsair joined the Abilities staff in May, 2007. She holds a B.S. degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University and an M.S. degree in Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Jill has experience working with adults and children with various diagnoses and has a special interest in working with young children. She believes that early intervention and education of parents and teachers are the most important components. Jill is a certified Interactive Metronome provider and has worked with children and adults to help to improve accuracy, timing, motor planning, attention, and focus. She is trained in the handwriting program, Handwriting Without Tears, PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System, and iLS - Integrated Listening Systems. Jill has also had training in the How Does Your Engine Run? Alert Program, used for Self-Regulation. Jill has had extensive training in the treatment of children with Sensory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as training in The Floortime Approach to treatment focusing on the continuous flow of interaction between a child and another person in all areas of life. Jill's love for children and commitment to ongoing education reflect her overall dedication and passion. She is fun, enthusiastic, and devoted to involving the children in motivating, meaningful activities which will help to develop overall skills related to academic performance, self care, play and social interaction. Helping to develop these skills will promote independence and self-confidence to allow the child to excel at home and at school, and to build meaningful relationships with family and peers.

Meghan Poche, MOT, LOTR

meghan.poche@abilitiesinfo.com

Meghan joined the Abilities staff in August, 2011. She holds a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She has extensive training in the Handwriting Without Tears program and effective treatment of the dyspraxic or clumsy child. Meghan is passionate about working with children and providing them with the skills required to be independent and successful in their home and school environments.

Leah Waters, OT Tech

leah.waters@abilitiesinfo.com

Leah is a graduating senior at Louisiana State University working towards a degree in Pre-Occupational Therapy. She will be applying for OT school in the spring of 2011. She has been working with us since June of 2010. Leah enjoys working with children and helping them learn. She also volunteers for the "to Highland with Love" Reading Friend Program. She is excited for the opportunity to grow and learn at Abilities.

Jenni Falke, MOT, LOTR

jenni.falke@abilitiesinfo.com

Jenni is a graduate of LSUHSC, New Orleans Campus, in Occupational Therapy. She joined the Abilities team in April 2011. She completed her final clinical affiliation at Abilities where she was supervised and mentored by Jill Pipsair, MOT, LOTR and Amy Fuselier, LOTR. Working with children has always been her passion; so she is extremely excited to be able to join the Abilities team. Jenni became a pediatric therapist because she feels childhood interventions make the most significant impact on the development of life skills. Jenni is committed to continuing to learn and grow as an occupational therapist.

Carrie King

carrie.king@abilitiesinfo.com

Caroline Lee King began her teaching experience by homeschooling her own five children, then teaching at a Classical School in Baton Rouge for another ten years. Through her experiences, Carrie has been able to research and implement a variety of academic curricula, including Lindamood-Bell and Barton Spelling. Carrie brings to Abilities a wide range of academic specialties, and has a passion for helping struggling readers with early decoding and language skills. She is proficient in teaching math skills from primary grades through Algebra I. Carrie finds that, in an ever-increasing maze of activities and school subjects, Abilities provides a quiet place where children can come to get that little extra help needed to bring their subjects into focus, or a more intense tutoring environment to help the struggling student reach his/her potential.

Brittany Gudaitis

brittany.gudaitis@abilitiesinfo.com

Brittany holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida and she is completing her M.S. degree in Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University. Before moving to Louisiana, Brittany worked extensively with the autism community in Florida where she specialized in visual supports and ABA therapy. She worked directly with children and adults with autism to promote independence and success in the classroom, home, and work environment. Brittany uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with clients to effectively achieve behavior, academic, and social goals. She believes the key components of a successful behavioral intervention are patience, perseverance, consistency, and hope.

Aubrey Guedry, Patient Services Coordinator

aubrey.guedry@abilitiesinfo.com

Aubrey joined the Abilities staff in 2007. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and continues to gain advanced knowledge in child development through continuing education coursework. Aubrey has 12 years of experience working with children. She taught children at Broadmoor Baptist Church’s Early Learning Center, where she also organized and planned summer camp activities, created a children’s library, and created multi-sensory lesson plans for the children. Aubrey continued to work with children assisting in the Abilities Aim for Success Preschool for several years. Aubrey loves working in early intervention and brings such enthusiasm and compassion to the children of Abilities. Aubrey recently accepted a new opportunity at Abilities as Patient Services Coordinator. Aubrey enjoys being able to develop direct relationships with all of our clients and families by greeting them with a smile upon their arrival.

Caroline Harpole, Scheduling Coordinator

caroline.harpole@abilitiesinfo.com

Caroline Harpole joined the Abilities staff in October of 2009. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. Throughout her college career, and since then, Caroline has had many different educating and rewarding experiences working with children of all ages. Previously she held a position at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, AL with the Child Life Department. She also has experience assisting in a NAEYC accredited Early Learning Center classroom. Caroline is excited to be a member of the Abilities team, and enjoys working in all the different areas that Abilities has to offer. She looks forward to learning more from her interactions with the therapists, teachers, and especially the children!

Danielle Denham, Client Services Representative

Danielle.Denham@abilitiesinfo.com

Danielle Denham joined the Abilities team in February 2011. She holds a B.A. degree in Christian Education from Biola University in Southern California. Prior to moving to Louisiana with her husband, Danielle worked with children and adolescents with various behavioral disorders as an assistant teacher and mental health mentor. She is passionate about children and their success. Danielle is eager to use her talent and skills to contribute to the success and growth of Abilities by coordinating marketing and business development activities.

Christi Rushing, Insurance Coordinator

christi.rushing@abilitiesinfo.com

Christi Rushing joined the Abilities team in September 2010. She comes from an extensive medical billing background of 15 years. Christi attended Louisiana State University and Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing, and is the proud mother of an active two year old. Christi is excited about her career here at Abilities and is committed to helping our families with all their insurance needs.

Serina LeBlanc, Billing and Insurance

serina.leblanc@abilitiesinfo.com

Serina joined the Abilities team January 2011. Serina has been married for fourteen years and has three children. She graduated in 2004 as a Medical Office Specialist, and has worked in the medical field for seven years. Serina has spent three years working with medical billing and coding. She is very excited to join the administrative team at Abilities, assisting our families with their insurance and billing needs.