YOUR CHILD’S SUPPORT TEAM
Scroll to view: OFFICE TEAM | SPEECH-language + feeding
social/emotional | audiology | motor team
Office Team
SARAH MYERS, MA, CCC-SLP/L
POSITION: Founder & Speech Language Pathologist/Feeding Therapist
SPECIALTIES: Apraxia of speech, speech articulation deficits, phonological deficits, expressive and receptive language disorders, literacy disorders, social-pragmatic deficits, autism spectrum disorder, stuttering/fluency, global developmental delays, auditory processing disorder, various genetic/chromosomal disorders, dysphagia, and feeding deficits
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Master’s of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders with Honors from Indiana University; Extensive training in feeding and swallowing therapy, apraxia of speech, and motor speech disorders
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Growing up with a family member with cerebral palsy, Sarah has always been a natural when it comes to working with individuals with disabilities. This special relationship shaped her childhood in many ways and likely explains her intuitive nature for quickly building meaningful connections with her clients and their families.
FUN FACT: Sarah is quite the singer---she studied vocal performance in college and has even sang on the stage at Carnegie Hall! Did you know that music can even be incorporated into speech therapy sessions? Growing up practically attached to her toy karaoke machine and Fisher Price cassette player, it is not surprising that Sarah found her passion in a career rooted in communication!
IN YOUR FREE TIME: When Sarah isn’t running the show at Way to Grow, you might find her spending time with her husband, toddler, and newborn twins, listening to podcasts, traveling around the Midwest, and spoiling her nieces and nephews!
RANKINGS:
Speech Therapy ★★★★★
Athletic ability ★☆☆☆☆
Laughing louder than anyone else ★★★★☆
CONTACT: Contact Sarah directly at smyers@WaytoGrowPediatrics.com.
La’Creasha "Cre" Griffin
POSITION: Administrative Director
SPECIALTIES: Medical/Office Assistant (i.e.- answering 1,001 questions about insurance!)
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Completed Medical Assistant program at Midwest Technical Institute in 2010
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Although Cre primarily focuses on keeping the behind-the-scenes of the business running smoothly, she has an undeniable passion for supporting families and serving children. For Cre, this isn’t just work; it is personal. First hand, she watched her niece get diagnosed with hearing impairments and benefit from therapy. Also, her youngest son, Bryston, struggles with letter sounds and dyslexia. He is currently receiving speech therapy support.
FUN FACT: Dedicated and persistent (and maybe a little crazy?!) would be a few good words to describe Cre! A few years ago, she participated in a 7 mile long obstacle course to test her strength and challenge her stamina. It took hours to complete in miserable weather conditions. She was even close to hypothermia, but crossed the finish line with a proud smile on her face!
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Outside of work, Cre spends most of her time with her family, often showcasing her famous cooking skills. She likes to be involved in the community by volunteering at the Midwest Food Bank...and also goes Salsa dancing for fun!
RANKINGS:
All things office ★★★★★
Sleep ★☆☆☆☆
Customer Service ★★★★★
CONTACT: Contact Cre directly at lgriffin@WaytoGrowPediatrics.com.
Paula Patty
POSITION: Administrative Assistant
SPECIALTIES: Customer Service/ Scheduling
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Over 30 years office experience! Most recently in the dental field, licensed insurance agent, numerous coaching and continuing education opportunities.
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Paula and her husband have 4 grandchildren and 2 of them are receiving speech therapy. She has seen the joy that finally being understood brings. She finds it amazing to see the progress each time she visits them in Wisconsin or they come to Grandma and Papa’s house.
FUN FACT: Paula and her twin sister are published authors of “The Most Amazing Harvest- The Man Behind The Story.” They have also started speaking to groups about the journey and all the God-incidences they had along the way.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Paula spends most of her free time with family and friends. She has 2 grown children (daughter and son) and a daughter at home in college.- She has a close group of 12 friends from High School that take girls trips each year. She has recently learned to play Mah Jong.
RANKINGS:
Prayer Warrior ★★★★★
Arts & Crafts ★★☆☆☆
Task master of all things office ★★★★★
CONTACT: Contact Paula directly at ppatty@WaytoGrowPediatrics.com.
Angela “Angie” Anderson
POSITION: Office Manager
SPECIALTIES: Customer Service
EDUCATION & TRAINING: BS in Education WIU, Macomb, IL; MA Counselling in Education NAU Flagstaff, AZ
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Angie has always been, at heart, a teacher. She spent several years teaching both remedial and regular education in Arizona before emigrating to the UK. In the UK Angie found her way back into teaching by opening her own fabric retail business and teaching sewing classes. Angie is happiest when she can be of service to others...with a smile!
FUN FACT: Angie is the youngest child of 7 and proud Aunt to 18 nieces and nephews and Great Aunt to 20, and Great Great Aunt to one and counting. She spent half her life living in England. She has just returned to her home area in the states this year.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: At the top of Angie's list is spending time with family and friends. She also loves creating and crafting with textiles; embroidery, quilting and sewing. Currently she's rebuilding a floor loom that was gifted to her and is excited to take on this new rug making challenge.
RANKINGS:
Organization ★★★★★
Excercising ★☆☆☆☆
Cheerfulness ★★★★★
CONTACT: Contact Angie directly at aanderson@WaytoGrowPediatrics.com.
Talisa Enuenwosu
POSITION: Administrative Assistant
SPECIALTIES: Coding/Billing, Administration, Legal
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Professional Medical Coder/Biller, Paralegal, Licensed Cosmetologist
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? As a part-time coder/biller at Way To Grow Pediatric Therapy, Talisa combines a profound appreciation for healthcare with a technical skill set. Talisa is motivated by the opportunity to support pediatric therapy services through meticulous coding and billing processes, ensuring that families receive the care they need. With a commitment to accuracy and efficiency, Talisa embraces the role as a vital contributor to the team, utilizing her coding expertise to streamline financial operations and contribute to the overall success of Way To Grow. This part-time position aligns seamlessly with Talisa's career goals while allowing her to make a meaningful impact on the intersection of healthcare and technology.
FUN FACT: Talisa, with over 25 years of honing her craft of doing hair as a hobby, embarked on formal education in September 2022. In a short span, she secured a top 6 spot in Sport Clips Battle of the Hair National Competition for men's cuts, claimed 2nd place in Tricoci University of Beauty Culture's Beauty Blitz among 15 campasus for the textured hair category, and was the runner-up in the Peoria Hair & Fashion Showcase Braid Battle. Recently licensed, Talisa humbly celebrates these achievements as milestones in her ever-evolving journey in the world of hair.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: In her leisure moments, Talisa finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, cherishing quality time with her son and two daughters. Family holds a special place in her heart, and she relishes the moments spent hanging out and creating lasting memories with her loved ones.
RANKINGS:
Detail oriented ★★★★★
Folding laundry ★☆☆☆☆
Family enthusiast ★★★★★
CONTACT: Contact Talisa directly at talisae@waytogrowpediatrics.com.
Speech-Language + Feeding
Lauren Deppe MA, CCC-SLP/L
POSITION: Speech Language Pathologist + Community Outreach Liaison
SPECIALTIES: Receptive and expressive language delays, articulation deficits, phonological deficits, voice disorders, autism spectrum disorder, social-pragmatic deficits, stuttering/fluency disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), delivering therapy to Spanish speaking families
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Master of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science with an emphasis in speech-language pathology and minor in Music (Vocal) from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; training in flexible and rigid laryngeal endoscopy
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? It all began during a viewing of Signing in the Rain - the movie with Debbie Reynolds. Silent movies are suddenly planned to be talkies, and a diction coach is hired to help transform the leading lady’s nasal Jersey accent into a refined timbre for the film. Now, that’s comedy! But Lauren took it seriously. “Why can’t I do that? Why can’t I help people learn to speak the way they want to speak?” Fast forward 20 years, and here Lauren is with that same desire - to help others find their voice. A person’s voice is a deep part of who she is; the expression of herself to the world around her. Whether by vocal instruction, voice therapy, or speech-language therapy - it is Lauren’s goal to help others find and love their voice - and grow to share it with their world.
FUN FACT: Lauren has a whole other resume built for her semi-professional career in musical theatre! You might have seen her on stage locally at The Scottish Rite Theatre, Corn Stock Theatre, Peoria Players, or Eastlight. Some of her favorite roles include Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Rosamund (The Robber Bridegroom), Jovie (Elf), Amber Von Tussle (Hairspray), and Sharpay Evans (High School Musical 2)! These days, you might catch Lauren on TV, Sundays at 10 am on HOI ABC leading worship with her church, Grace Presbyterian, through their aired program “Grace Alive”.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: If Lauren’s not in a therapy session, chances are high that you’ll find her at a local coffee shop journaling. If not there, she’s probably visiting one of her eleven nieces and nephews, decorating her 1930s home, or thrifting with her boyfriend (who she met at one of those aforementioned coffee shops)!
RANKINGS:
Making lattes ★★★★☆
Sending birthday cards on time ★☆☆☆☆
Speech Therapy ★★★★★
Brittany Hoffmire MS, CCC-SLP/L
POSITION: Speech Language Pathologist & Feeding Therapist
SPECIALTIES: Articulation of speech, phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, social-pragmatic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, stuttering/fluency, AAC, overall global developmental delays, apraxia, hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, and various genetic/chromosomal disorders.
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from St. Ambrose University; Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Science and Disorders from Northern Illinois University.
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Growing up, Brittany’s mom did in-home care for a couple with cerebral palsy. Brittany became fascinated with the couple’s AAC device at an early age and knew she wanted to learn more about helping others find their “voice”. Being diagnosed with Selective Mutism as a child also motivated Brittany to pursue a career that has been an integral part of her life. Brittany loves working with children and their families to build relationships and celebrate milestones
FUN FACT: Brittany enjoys watching movies from the 80’s and 90’s. Her favorites include: Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, and Beetlejuice. You may also see her sporting fun socks with those movies on them.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: During Brittany’s freetime, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her family. She loves to be outside where she can enjoy nature, especially while camping. Brittany also loves attending baseball games and visiting local coffee shops with her husband. In her spare time, you can find her spoiling all of her nephews!
RANKINGS:
Cooking ★★★★☆
Athletic ability ★☆☆☆☆
Speech Therapy ★★★★★
Kellie IVIE, MS CCC-SLP
POSITION: Speech Language Pathologist
SPECIALTIES: Dyslexia, articulation deficits, phonological deficits, expressive and receptive language disorders, social-pragmatic deficits, autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, stuttering/fluency, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), global developmental delays, and various genetic/chromosomal disorders.
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from St. Ambrose University; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Ambrose University; Trained in See the Sound: Visual Phonics.
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Kellie always knew she wanted to pursue a career that involved helping others. Growing up, she worked a lot with kids during summer camps and babysitting, which only strengthened her desire to work with the pediatric population. Once she started working with children and young adults with special needs, she knew she wanted to become a speech language pathologist so she could help others find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
FUN FACT: Kellie loves to travel. She has been to Ireland, Italy, England, Whales, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, and several states throughout the US. A few places she wishes to visit someday include Hawaii, California, Australia, and Greece.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: In her free time, Kellie enjoys spending time with her fiance, family, and friends. Some of her favorite things to do include playing with her dog, spoiling her nieces and nephews, reading, trying new coffee shops, and traveling.
RANKINGS:
Speech Therapy ★★★★★
Liking Winter ★☆☆☆☆
Drinking Coffee ★★★★★
Audiology
Dr. Joanna Capobianco, aUd.,ccc-a
POSITION: Audiologist
SPECIALTIES: Pediatrics, Auditory Processing Disorders, Educational Audiology
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Doctorate in Audiology (AuD.) from Illinois State University 2010, Bachelors of Science in Audiology from Illinois State University 2006, ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-A)
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Joanna’s Why is pretty simple, she loves working with children and seeing them thrive. Joanna prides herself on her patience, her ability to communicate & support children and families. Joanna loves being an advocate for kids by making sure they receive the best hearing healthcare possible, no matter their situation.
FUN FACT: Joanna is an Army Veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: In Joanna’s free time she enjoys thrift shopping, “Let’s face it, I love a good deal”. Joanna also enjoys camping in the summer months with her husband, 2 boys and 2 weiner dogs.
RANKINGS:
Pediatric Rockstar ★★★★★
Auditory Processing Guru ★★★★★
Most likely to lose car keys ★★★★☆
Motor Team
Tara DeWolfe, PT, DPT, CNT, CLC
POSITION: Physical Therapist, Developmental Specialist, Certified Lactation Counselor
SPECIALTIES: Infant development, developmentally supportive care to facilitate milestones and functional skills, trauma informed care approach for infant follow-up post hospitalization, neuromotor or movment concerns, developmental delay, torticollis,, brachial plexus injury, Down syndrome and other chromosomal or genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, other birth related concerns, drug exposure in utero and any history of medically complexities.
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Doctorate of Physical Therapy, St. Ambrose University; Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Minor: Biology, St. Ambrose University
CERTIFICATIONS, CREDENTIALS, POST-DOCTORATE SPECIALIZATION: Illinois Early Intervention Specialist Credential; Caring Essentials Quantum Caring Institute: Transformation Program- Trauma Informed Care Approach; Certified Lactation Educator; Prechtl’s Method on General Movement Assessment Certification; National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Developmental Care Specialist Designation; Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) Certification
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Babies have always been Tara‘s passion and source of joy. As a small child she always knew she wanted to care for babies. As a mother of 6, with an extensive background in developmentally supportive care, Tara hopes to share a message that empowers families and facilitates bonding as they are supporting their child’s next developmental milestones. She loves celebrating each milestone just as she does for her own children!
FUN FACT: Tara’s father was the farmer in The Most Amazing Harvest story that went viral back in 2015, where all the farmers came together to harvest his crops in one day as he was in hospice with cancer.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: If she’s not running after her own babies, you are likely to find her at a local coffee shop! She will take most anyone up on a coffee date! She also loves spending time with her family, going for walks, and wondering where it is that she left her phone this time!
RANKINGS:
Balancing all the things ★★★★☆
Cooking ★☆☆☆☆
Physical Therapy ★★★★★
Drew Leathers, OTD, OTR/L
POSITION: Occupational Therapist
SPECIALTIES: Sensory integration, sensory regulation, sensory diet, fine motor deficits, handwriting and grasping, emotional regulation, visual motor skills
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Bachelors of Psychology and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Drew first realized that he wanted to be an Occupational Therapist when he got his first job at a summer camp for people with special needs. He quickly fell in love with helping children learn how to play in different and exciting ways. To this day, there is no better feeling for him than making a child smile and laugh.
FUN FACT: Drew did his Doctoral Capstone in Park City, Utah where he created an adaptive camping program and aided instructors in other programs including adaptive skiing, adaptive rock climbing, and adaptive mountain biking.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Drew has a lot of hobbies. If he's not at work, you might find him training for a marathon, hiking, reading, writing, or climbing.
RANKINGS:
Occupational Therapy ★★★★★
Organizational skills ★☆☆☆☆
Fun ★★★★★
Hannah Schultz, OTD, OTR/L
POSITION: Occupational Therapist
SPECIALTIES: Pediatrics, Sensory Processing Disorder/Autism Spectrum Disorder, oral processing, occupational therapy in the dentist office
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Hannah worked with the Penguin Project, a play for children with different abilities and their mentors, where she realized her passion for learning through play. She had the opportunity of working at a summer camp specifically for people ages 8-88 with physical and emotional diagnoses. It was here that she learned about occupational therapy and how to help others enjoy every day activities no matter their diagnoses. Hannah finds joy in helping children participate in whatever activities make their light shine brightest.
FUN FACT: Hannah finds her happiness outdoors. She loves to travel and has completed her clinical fieldwork on each coast! One day hopes to open a camp for children with different abilities, to help them engage in various outdoor activities no matter their diagnoses.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Hannah spends most of her time outside, exploring a new city, or with friends, family, or her cat Pippin. She grew up in the area and loves to find the best spots in Peoria to read, hike, and drink coffee.
RANKINGS:
Occupational Therapy ★★★★★
Ability to keep a plant alive ★☆☆☆☆
Lover of Coffee ★★★★★
Kaelie Venvertloh, PT, DPT
POSITION: Physical Therapist
SPECIALTIES: Pediatric gross motor delay, delayed walking in infants, gait abnormalities including toe-walking and in-toeing, torticollis and plagiocephaly, primitive reflex integration, NICU developmentally supportive care
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Doctor or Physical Therapy, Maryville University of St. Louis; BS of Health Science, Maryville University of St. Louis;
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Kaelie has always enjoyed seeing children grow and learn new things. During her clinical rotations in physical therapy school, she was introduced to the world of pediatric therapy. She found that she was able to help families empower their children to improve their mobility and function in order to be able to be active participants in their daily routines, classrooms, and communities. It brought Kaelie so much joy to be able to celebrate with these children and families as they progressed towards their gross motor goals!
FUN FACT: Kaelie loves to explore new and local restaurants. If it was up to her, she would never eat at the same restaurant twice!
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Kaelie enjoys going on long outdoor walks and exercising. She loves spending time with her husband, son, and their 2 dogs. She also expresses her creativity with new Cricut projects.
RANKINGS:
Boy Mom ★★★★★
Ability to parallel park ★☆☆☆☆
Pumpkin Spice Latte Connoisseur ★★★★★
Kristi Cochran, COTA/L
POSITION: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
SPECIALTIES: Fine motor, Visual motor coordination, Sensory modulation and regulation, motor planning, handwriting
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Associates in Applied Science, Associates in General Education, NBOCT Certification
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Kristi’ has always had a passion for working with and helping children grow. When searching for what she wanted to do as a career she stumbled upon the Occupational Therapy program and knew instantly that OT would be the perfect fit!
FUN FACT: Kristi’s oldest son is an Occupational Therapist.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: In her free time Kristi enjoys reading, going for walks, and spending time with her family. Especially her new granddaughter!
RANKINGS: