About
We provide speech, language, feeding, and occupational therapy for children and adults. Using a client-centered approach, we work closely with clients and their families to identify their goals and deliver individualized therapy to achieve lasting results. We believe speech and occupational therapy should be convenient, functional, and fun! By building trust and familiarity with our clients, we can work together to create a therapy plan that allows us to see progress and growth in amazing and unexpected ways.
Why our adult and pediatric therapy approach at Leading Therapy Home is unique:
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We focus on skills where they are most naturally occurring. Research tells us that we learn best in our natural environments. Therefore, our services take place where our patients are most comfortable, allowing them the security to learn and practice new skills in the settings that matter most.
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Online and in-home speech and occupational therapy are easier to schedule and save time. There is no driving or waiting; we reduce the burden on families by coming to their doorstep. The added convenience adds up to more consistent therapy and faster progress.
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Family members and caregivers can organically participate in speech and occupational therapy sessions which facilitates a greater understanding of the therapists' goals and techniques, greater carryover, and greater progress.
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Our priority is our patients, not standardized testing scores. We pride ourselves in developing strong connections with our patients and their families to develop goals and treatment approaches based on what's impacting their lives the most. This is where the change happens, and to us, this is what is most important.
Meet Our Team
Speech-Language Pathologists
Christi O'Donovan
Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist
Christi received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Loyola University Maryland and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Northeastern University. After working in a pediatric outpatient clinic, Christi started Leading Therapy Home as a way to provide high quality care with tremendous emphasis on functional communication skills.
Christi strongly believes in an organic and family-centered approach to enhancing communication. Her ability to connect, listen, and empower clients and their families is the foundation of her therapy. With an understanding that children learn best when they are engaged in fun and motivating activities, Christi's sessions have included therapeutic playdates, making slime, working with siblings to make pizza, and scavenger hunts in the backyard.
Christi specializes in feeding therapy, AAC, early intervention, motor speech disorders, and providing parent trainings. Christi has specialized training in PROMPT, Social Thinking, and a certification in early intervention.
In her free time, Christi loves spending time with her husband, two young children and their scruffy rescue dog.
Kimberly Sprague
Clinical Director, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kimberly received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from State University of New York at Plattsburgh, and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University. Over the past 11 years, Kimberly has gained experience working with children of all ages, though the majority of her experience has been with children ages 2-5. Kimberly’s areas of interest and expertise are in early language development, articulation and phonological disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech.
Having worked in both outpatient and public school settings, Kimberly has seen first hand the advantages to family involvement in treatment. She believes that communication and collaboration with families benefits everyone involved, and creates an environment where children can develop and generalize their communication skills seamlessly. Kimberly enjoys working with parents and family members to create fun and motivating treatment, while also showing families the abundant opportunities for building and developing communication skills in everyday activities.
When Kimberly is not working, she is spending time with her boyfriend, their 10 and 3 year old daughters, and their very large chocolate lab. She enjoys reading, exercising, and doing various projects around their fixer upper home.
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Katherine "Kate" Cully
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kate received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies with a focus in Child Development and a minor in Child Psychology at Syracuse University. She received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Northeastern University. She has been a certified Speech-Language Pathologist since 2008 and has spent most of her career working in outpatient rehab clinics with pediatric and adult patients, as well as working at school contracted sites and a skilled nursing facility. Kate joined Leading Therapy Home in Spring 2019 where she loves working with expressive and receptive language, social communication, and articulation disorders.
Kate’s personable and friendly attitude helps build a trusting and comfortable rapport with both her patients and their families. She feels it is important to work with families in order to provide successful carry-over of newly learned skills. Her approach to therapy is knowing the importance of finding the right balance between flexibility and structure for each child in order for them to reach their full potential in language and communication.
When Kate is not working, she is spending time with her husband and two young children. She also enjoys cooking, skiing, going to the beach, and traveling.
Katie Dougherty
Speech-Language Pathologist
Katie received her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. After working in a long-term acute care hospital working with adults, an outpatient clinic working with adults and pediatrics, and a pre-k - 8th-grade public school, Katie joined Leading Therapy Home where she works with children and teens experiencing speech, language, and literacy challenges. In the spring of 2018, Katie received a Level 1 Wilson Reading certification.
Katie is dedicated to supporting communication through play and engagement with those important to them. She has experience treating childhood apraxia of speech and developmental speech and language disorders. When working with school-age children with reading and literacy disorders, she works to empower her clients with self-advocacy skills and helps them understand their strengths and unique gifts.
In her free time, Katie enjoys being active by running, biking, and hiking. She coaches an elementary school running team, Girls on the Run. Katie also loves food - cooking, trying new restaurants, and watching Chef's Table.
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Michelle Clapp
Speech-Language Pathologist/Early Intervention Specialist
Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Ohio University. Michelle is a “seasoned” therapist, with over 20 years in the field of early intervention and 40 years overall working in a large variety of settings. There is nothing that gives Michelle more pleasure than being on the floor with her little ones, engaging them and their parents in play activities that encourage them to want to sing, make silly sounds and use their language to express themselves. Communication should be fun and Michelle works hard at having fun with her clients, no matter what their age.
Michelle believes that family, friends and caregivers are all a part of the learning process and that anything and everything are language opportunities. She loves talking to parents about how to be their child’s number one advocate. She enjoys sharing stories and ideas from raising her own children and is always interested in others’ approaches, ideas and silly stories.
In her free time, Michelle spends time gardening, bird watching, meditating, and listening to music. Her favorite holiday is Halloween and she even got married on October 31st! She lives in a cute little house with her spouse, special needs stepdaughter, Jennifer, and two special needs cats, Howard and Zoe.
Sara Burns
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sara received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in an ABA center with a large preschool program and has spent the last 8.5 years gaining extensive experience working with children with a large variety of speech and language disorders in private clinic setting. Sara’s areas of interest include early language learners, fluency disorders, social communication and speech sound disorders. However, most of all she enjoys working with families who are excited to become part of the therapy process and meeting new patients who she continues to learn from every day! Before she began a career in speech-language pathology, she studied psychology and Spanish at Boston College, both of which also helped her become the clinician she is today.
Sara’s approachable and patient demeanor supports strong family relationships. She is passionate about providing children and families with opportunities to reach their full potential. Sara finds a wonderful balance of productivity and motivation in her sessions and loves getting down on the floor to find creative ways to connect with children during her therapy sessions.
When she’s not working as an SLP, she’s spending time with her husband and two young children at their home in Quincy, MA. Cooking, traveling and enjoying the outdoors with her extended family is her favorite way to spend time off.
Erika Eckman
Speech-Language Pathologist
Erika received her bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing, as well as Psychology from Elmira College and her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College. Erika has gained extensive experience programming and implementing alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices after working at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, as well as working with individuals between 18months and 21. Erika’s areas of interest are in AAC, feeding, articulation and phonological disorders, and cognitive therapy.
Working in both outpatient and specialized school settings, as well as growing up with her sister who is non-verbal autistic, Erika values and understands the importance of collaboration with families and supporting them on their journey to communicate with their child. Erika encourages an open communication environment to ensure families feel comfortable using their resources at home to optimize their child’s language development. Erika promotes meeting the child at their current level and expanding the child’s skills at their own pace.
In Erika’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and dog, Vader. She enjoys spending time outdoors, doing puzzles, redecorating the house, and trying new restaurants.
Maureen Baker
Speech-Language Pathologist
Maureen received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Towson University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. She has over 8 years of experience working with children and adults in both inpatient rehabilitation and school-based settings. Maureen enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities. Her areas of interest include expressive and receptive language development, articulation and phonological disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication skills.
Maureen believes that children learn and retain skills best when they can play in their natural environments. From singing songs and sharing stories, to making crafts and exploring outside, she is dedicated to supporting children's communication success through fun, engaging experiences. Her positive attitude and friendly personality help foster strong connections with clients and their families. Maureen encourages family involvement in therapy and enjoys helping parents find practical ways to incorporate language learning opportunities into everyday activities and routines.
In her free time, Maureen enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She also enjoys running, baking, reading, and traveling.
Catherine Tehan
Speech-Language Pathologist
Catherine received her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a focus in Developmental Disabilities and Health Services and a minor in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She received her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College. Catherine is a board certified Speech-Language Pathologist who has gained extensive experience working with children and their families across a variety of speech and language disorders in a private clinic setting. Catherine's areas of interest include early language development, articulation and phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, as well as social communication disorders.
Catherine values collaboration with families and allied professionals to ensure therapy is as functional and individualized as possible. She loves finding ways to engage with clients and their families through play, singing songs, books, as well as resources at home to optimize her clients' gains. Catherine is passionate about forming trusting and supportive relationships with her clients and empowering families to reach their unique and personal goals.
When Catherine is not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, trying out new restaurants, and spending time near the ocean at her home in South Boston.
Julianne Trudeau
Speech-Language Pathologist
Julianne received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Marywood University in Scranton, PA. Over the past 12 years, she has worked in public schools, private practice, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, but her niche is definitely in pediatrics. Julianne has gained experience working with children of all ages, though the majority of her experience has been with children ages 2-9. Her areas of interest and expertise are in early language development, phonological disorders, AAC, and childhood apraxia of speech.
Julianne strongly believes in the importance of developing a solid rapport with both children and their families. She enjoys using her fun and flexible personality to engage children in various activities to improve their overall functional communication skills.
In her most recent position, Julianne worked as the Director of Speech Services for an ABA company and is excited to continue her journey working alongside BCBAs and BTs. A child’s success depends on a cohesive team and that involves a joint effort. My goal is to balance our fields of expertise and collaboration to produce the best programs for each child as an individual.
In her free time, you can find Julianne on a beach or in her local Target. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Jake, and her daughters, Reagan and Mackenzie.
Hanna Glazer
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hanna received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Vermont and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Loyola University Maryland. After working in a k- 8 grade non-public school and a subacute pediatric hospital in her home state of Maryland, Hanna joined Leading Therapy Home. Hanna has gained experience working with children of all ages with a variety of speech and language disorders. Hanna’s areas of interest include early language development, articulation and phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, augmentative and alternative communication, and cognitive communication disorders.
Hanna believes in the importance of using a client-centered approach and incorporating the family in treatment for best outcomes. She loves building rapport through incorporating the child’s play interests to make therapy fun and functional for both the child and family.
When Hanna is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, reading, and exploring the New England area.
Occupational Therapists
Wendy Lam
Lead Occupational Therapist/Certified Early Intervention Specialist
Wendy earned her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She has since gained 20 years of experience working with adults and children in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation, early intervention, school systems, and pediatric sensory integration clinics.
Wendy is a certified early intervention specialist and genuinely enjoys working with infants, toddlers, and young children. She has training in feeding intervention including Dr. Kay Toomey’s Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding. She is a licensed provider for The Listening Program, Therapeutic Listening and Advanced Therapeutic Listening, and Integrated Listening Systems (iLs). Wendy has certification in Brain Gym, Brain Gym with Special Needs, and Bal-a-vis-x programs. She is skilled with the Astronaut Training Program and the Learning Without Tears handwriting program.
Wendy has specialized training in CranioSacral Therapy and has a passion for incorporating techniques within her treatment sessions as appropriate to facilitate optimal function and wellness. She believes that each individual has unique insight into his/ her own health and plays a key role in guiding the direction of intervention.
During her free time, Wendy enjoys reading, watching movies, journaling, going on nature walks and hikes, exploring new restaurants, connecting with her friends and family, and discovering the simple wonders in life.
Devon Casey
Occupational Therapist
Devon received her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Science and her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. She has experience working within both clinical, outpatient, and school-based settings. Devon enjoys working with children of all ages to address gross and fine motor skills, visual and perceptual skills, sensory processing abilities, self-regulation and executive functioning skills, and participation in age-level feeding and self-care tasks. She joined Leading Therapy Home in July 2020.
Devon strives to create positive and meaningful, therapeutic relationships with all of her clients and their families. She uses play and evidence-based treatment approaches to support skill development and generalization. Devon strongly believes that parent involvement and working within a child’s natural environment can foster improved engagement, participation, and overall progress or development. She emphasizes parent coaching and consultation during all of her treatment sessions. Devon has specialized training in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding, Handwriting Without Tears, Brain Gym, Therapeutic Listening, Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), Bal-A-Vis-X, and the Social Thinking Curriculum.
During her free time, Devon enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, practicing yoga, reading, and watching movies.
Brianne Hebert
Occupational Therapist
Brianne received her bachelor’s degree in Motor Development Therapy from Bridgewater State University and her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University. She has experience in both residential and outpatient pediatric settings. She has also worked with adults in skilled nursing facilities.
Brianne enjoys working with children of all ages and is passionate about helping
children and families to reach their highest level of independence through addressing areas including fine motor, visual motor/visual perceptual, sensory processing, self-regulation, activities of daily living, motor planning/praxis, and executive functioning skills. Brianne enjoys building relationships, problem
solving through challenges, and watching the growth of each individual child while providing client-centered interventions. Her favorite occupation is play because she believes the best learning happens when having fun.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Some of her
favorite things to do are shopping, going out to eat, playing volleyball, and being outside in the nice weather.
Meredith Daly
Occupational Therapist
Meredith received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in sociology from Bridgewater State College, and her master’s degree in Occupational from New York University (NYU). Over her professional career, Meredith has worked with children between the ages of 2-22 in long-term rehabilitation/habilitation settings as well as in the public school system. She has also worked with adults in acute rehab and skilled nursing facilities. Meredith enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities to address motor skill development and has a particular interest in visual perceptual skill development as well as the use of assistive technology to build independence in daily routines and activities (including play!).
Meredith enjoys connecting with clients and their families and has seen the importance of family participation in goal setting and therapy. It is wonderful to watch the incredible impact that play and learning in a natural environment can have on a child’s growth and development.
In her free time, Meredith loves being active and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys golfing, the Red Sox, traveling, and taking walks with her dog, Daisy. Meredith's claim to fame is her knowledge of Disney World!
McKenzie Dunphy
Occupational Therapist
McKenzie received her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Science and master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. She has experience working with children and families in early intervention, in-home therapy services, and intensive rehabilitation in a pediatric clinic. McKenzie grew up as the oldest of 7 children and has loved working with children since a young age. Her interest in occupational therapy began after volunteering in the NICU and she became passionate about supporting children and families throughout their daily lives.
McKenzie really values OT’s holistic views and client centered approach to address functional skills and development. She loves all things OT from sensory and motor development, to feeding and adaptive technologies. McKenzie finds so much joy in building relationships with families while helping kiddos reach their full potential through play and engagement in their natural environments.
In her free time, you can find McKenzie walking the beach with her pup, Tilly, catching the sunset, or planning her next travel adventure! When she’s not off traveling, she loves to spend time outdoors with her friends and family!
Kaci McKeen
Occupational Therapist
Kaci received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Ithaca College with a minor in geriatrics. Although since graduating in 2013, she has worked exclusively with pediatrics in both outpatient and school-based settings. Kaci maintains a passion for working with children and young adults with specific interests in sensory processing and modulation, and fine motor, as well as mental health.
Over the years, Kaci has acquired skills in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding, Learning Without Tears Program, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional trainings. She believes that the positive and trusting relationships built between families and therapists are crucial for client progress and success. Kaci’s favorite activities in sessions involve creative crafts, mindfulness, and functional ways to target skill development.
In her free time, Kaci enjoys spending time with her family. She loves running, hiking, gardening and art projects.
Get started with one of our amazing speech or occupational therapists today!
Leading Therapy Home provides speech therapy and occupational therapy to clients in the South Shore area. Contact us today to discuss your concerns, get your questions answered, and determine the best next step for you, your child, or your loved one.