Front Office Staff

Cassie Scott, Billing and Office Manager
Email: cassie@frii.com
Joanie Cook (not pictured), Front Office Assistant
Email: joancook@frii.com

Ann L. Pendley, Ph.D., CCC-SLP;
Owner/Director
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
Past President, Colorado Speech-Language Hearing Association
Email: pendley@frii.com

When graduating from high school in Long Beach, California, I looked over a list of professions associated with medicine, noted how varied speech-language pathology was and knew from then on what I wanted to do. I got my master's degree at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, and my Doctorate in Communication Disorders from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I have worked with all ages and nearly all types of speech, language, swallowing, cognitive, voice, and communication issues throughout my varied experiences. I've enjoyed developing programs, therapy techniques and materials. I am fortunate to be able to work with such a fun and talented group here at SLSC. I hope that the children and adults I work with know how much I enjoy them, their progress, their humor, and how they challenge me. I currently serve on a committee with the Board of Directors of the Colorado Speech-Language-Hearing Association. When not trying to keep up with the demands of a private practice, I enjoy tennis, weight training, yoga, riding my bike, or taking a nap in the hammock.

Cindy Peak, M.S., CCC-SLP:
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
Email: peak@frii.com

Although Cindy is "Retired" she is staying on with us for Special Training and General Inspiration.

I attended graduate school at Colorado State University and received a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I fell in love with Ft. Collins and its community. My background was primarily in the schools providing speech and language therapy to preschool through high school students. I have worked in classrooms with students with autism and language learning issues. I also enjoyed supervising student teachers. I taught elementary Spanish for 5 years, using my knowledge of normal language acquisition to teach a second language. After returning to the Ft. Collins area I was excited to join SLSC. When not working, I enjoy hiking, theatre, watching movies and doing stained glass work.

Linda Everett, M.S., CCC-SLP:
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
Email: LindaSLP@frii.com

I received my Master’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from East Tennessee State University.  I have experience and interest in providing speech-language therapy to children and adults with challenges related to: receptive and expressive language, phonology, articulation, Social Thinking, feeding/swallowing and voice.  I have worked with early intervention agencies doing home-based speech therapy while providing parent training.  I also worked in the public schools with all grade levels and a large variety of diagnoses.  I am also experienced with high- and low-tech Alternative Augmentative Communication devices.  I believe that there is a way to overcome any communication challenge and I enjoy the process of finding what works for each unique person.  I like to try new foods, hike, play games and train my dogs.

Amanda Keare, M.A., CCC-SLP:
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
Email: AmandaSLP@frii.com

We are excited to have Amanda join our group of outstanding therapists. Amanda’s specialties include: American Sign Language (ASL), neurological disorders (stroke, TBI, swallowing), literacy, articulation, language, accent modification, and a broad spectrum of communication concerns. She speaks Spanish, German, and is fluent in (or signs) ASL. She will be mentoring in voice/vocal fold disorders and augmentative communication devices.

Jessica Sorgani, M.A., CF-SLP:
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
Email: JessicaSorgani@frii.com

We are very pleased that our intern, Jessica Sorgani, has graduated to “clinical fellow.” She has gained broad knowledge and experience with literacy, voice, vocal fold dysfunction, augmentative communication (& speech generating) devices, apraxia, autism spectrum challenges, and much more. Jessica obtained her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Illinois State University. After conducting research on the novel topic of the vocal effects of beatboxing, she knew she wanted to work at a speech-language clinic that also specialized in voice therapy. In addition to her interest in voice, she received fulfillment and gratitude from working with children – no matter the speech or language delay. She is enthused to be a pediatric specialist and help children make communication gains through play- and structured-based therapy. Her training in the picture exchange communication system (PECS) from the Children’s Center for Autism is valuable to SLSC. She feels privileged to live in this wonderful community and use her skills to assist adults and children in becoming better communicators. Jessica enjoys painting, yoga and relaxing at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Brian Heskin, M.A., CCC-SLP:
Stuttering Specialist
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist

Website: http://www.stutteringtherapycenter.com
Email: stc@mywdo.com

As a Person Who Stutters (PWS), I entered the field of speech-language pathology in 1993 having earned a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Northern Colorado. My private practice, Stuttering Therapy Center, is focused exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of stuttering in children and adults. The Specialty Interest Board of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association has recognized me as a Specialist in Fluency Disorders.  Since 1995, I have worked with Peter Ramig and Associates and since then have been associated with SLSC as a private practitioner. I am also a full-time speech-language pathologist in the Loveland School District.  For questions/consultation regarding stuttering:  970-232-6863 .

WeeHands with Amanda
Sign Language Instructor

Website: http://www.weehandswithamanda.com
Email: amanda@weehands.com

Sign Language Classes for Mommy and Daddy...and Baby, too! Since 2001, WeeHands has taught thousands of families and caregivers across Canada and the United States. We teach you how to use American Sign Language with your wee one throughout the day. We teach you the signs and strategies you need and you teach your wee one at home through songs and fun, motivating language-based activities! For more information contact Amanda at (970) 495-1150 ext. 306.

Blythe LaGasse, MM, MT-BC, NMT:
Music Therapist

Website: http://www.summitmusictherapy.com
Email: blythel@summitmusictherapy.com

Blythe LaGasse is the Director of Summit Music Therapy Services. Blythe is a Fellow of Neurologic Music Therapy and has a clinical background in providing Neurologic Music Therapy services to adults and children with neurological and developmental disabilities. For questions contact Blythe at (970) 372-9956.

Molly:

Ball, ball, did I hear ball, ball...

Emma:

I'm "Emma the Wonder Dog."