Meet the Staff
ADMINISTRATION
Kyle Swift, Chief Executive Officer
Kyle Swift has served as the Chief Executive Officer at Texas Hearing Institute since 2019. Prior to joining the THI team, Kyle spent more than 13 years in hospital administration, serving in hospitals in both Texas and Arkansas. Most recently, he was the CEO at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, Texas.
Kyle received his Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Texas A&M University. He currently serves on the advisory board of The Health Museum in Houston, Texas, and is the incoming Vice President of the National Association of Speech and Hearing Centers. An avid runner, he and his family enjoy traveling and almost all things outdoors.
Amanda Martin, Executive Assistant to CEO/Human Resources
AUDIOLOGY
Jennifer Wickesberg-Summers, Au.D, CCC-A, LSLS Cert. AVT, CH-AP
Director of Audiology
Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
Dr. Wickesberg joined Texas Hearing Institute’s Audiology Department in 2006. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Oklahoma State University, her Master of Science in Audiology from the University of North Texas and her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Florida.
Dr. Wickesberg currently serves as the Director of Audiology at Texas Hearing Institute. She is a Pediatric Audiologist and a Certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. Dr. Wickesberg continues to specialize in both fields with a focus on cochlear implants, as well as listening and spoken language milestones for children identified with hearing loss. Her love of music and literacy has influenced her recent therapy focus to include an emphasis on melody as an integral part of early intervention for infants and children. Utilizing music therapy experiences as a vehicle to engage the entire family, she encourages a fun and motivating way to improve a child’s communication skills, building a strong neural foundation within the brain from infancy.
In addition to her clinical work, she shares her expertise and dedication to spoken language outcomes at the state, national, and international level; recruits and trains fourth-year Au.D. externs; and mentors other aspiring listening and spoken language professionals.
Dr. Wickesberg also lends her expertise in Pediatric Audiology to the LoneStar LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program, teaching one of their 16 core disciplines. Its mission is to prepare future leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities (ASD/ND), increase the rate of accurate diagnosis in Texas, empower families to be an active participant in their child’s treatment plan, and to improve ASD/ND service delivery.
She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), holds her certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist with the AG Bell Academy, and is a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology and the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Jessica Spiro, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-AP
Assistant Director of Audiology
Pediatric Audiologist
Cochlear Implant Clinic Program Manager
Dr. Jessica Spiro joined Texas Hearing Institute’s Audiology Department in 2012. She received her Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Spiro is passionate about equity in pediatric hearing healthcare. She provides clinical services including pediatric hearing evaluations, auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluations, hearing aid evaluations and fittings, and cochlear implant services. Dr. Spiro also manages the Texas Hearing Institute’s cochlear implant program.
Dr. Spiro previously worked as an educational audiologist in Aldine Independent School District.
Tylar McDaniel, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-AP
Pediatric Audiologist
Melinda Webb School Audiology Manager
Dr. Tylar McDaniel joined Texas Hearing Institute's Audiology Department in 2021. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder and her Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) with a pediatric specialization from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. McDaniel is passionate about early intervention and providing well-rounded audiologic care and support to all of her patients and families. Dr. McDaniel provides pediatric hearing evaluations, natural sleep auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, hearing device evaluations and fittings (including traditional hearing aids and bone conduction technology), and cochlear implant services. She additionally serves as the Audiology Manager for the Melinda Webb School and manages a Remote ABR testing program that expands access to audiologic care to more rural areas of Texas. She is clinically certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). Outside of audiology she enjoys doing yoga and spending time with her two cats.
Sarah N. McAlexander, Au.D., CCC-A, PASC, ABAC, CH-AP
Pediatric Audiologist
Dr. Sarah McAlexander is a pediatric audiologist with Texas Hearing Institute. She obtained her Doctorate of Audiology from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2021, specializing in Early Identification and Management of Children with Hearing Loss. She additionally completed coursework in interdisciplinary care for children with multiple disabilities as a Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellow. Dr. McAlexander completed her Bachelor of Science in Disability Studies and Child Studies at Vanderbilt University in 2017. She received additional training in advanced cochlear implant programming through the Institute for Cochlear Implant Training in 2022.
Dr. McAlexander currently manages Texas Hearing Institute’s ABR program, ensuring all infants seen at THI receive timely access to diagnosis and intervention services in accordance with CDC guidelines. She holds clinical certifications from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA CCC-A) and the American Board of Audiology (ABAC). She holds an additional Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification through the American Board of Audiology (ABA) and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). Dr. McAlexander actively contributes to the audiology community on both the state and national level. She serves as the chair-elect of the Student Academy of Audiology Advisory Committee for AAA, volunteers for various committees involved in organizing the annual AAA conferences, and sits on the Board of Trustees for the AAA Foundation. She holds a position on the Texas Academy of Audiology (TAA) Board of Directors as the current Secretary/Treasurer. Dr. McAlexander is deeply involved in advocating for equitable access to pediatric audiology services and early intervention for children with hearing loss across Texas, collaborating closely with the TAA Legislative Issues Committee and Pediatric Audiology Working Group. She has presented at various audiology conferences, including the annual American Academy of Audiology (AAA) conferences and the annual Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) conferences; and her research on newborn hearing screening has been published in the International Journal of Audiology. She is passionate about legislative issues and advocacy in audiology, early hearing detection and intervention, and research.
Outside of audiology, Dr. McAlexander is a massive fan of Taylor Swift and sings with a barbershop quartet.
Kendra Huskey, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-AP
Pediatric Audiologist
Dr. Kendra Huskey joined Texas Hearing Institute in November of 2022 after three years as a clinical audiologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She graduated with her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2019 and with her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin in 2015. While working on her doctorate, Dr. Huskey was a Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellow. She completed additional interdisciplinary coursework and clinical practicum experiences related to providing comprehensive care to neurodiverse children and their families. She is a certificate holder in Audiology precepting through the American Board of Audiology (ABA) and has completed advanced coursework in cochlear implant programming through the Institute for Cochlear Implant Training (ICIT). Dr. Huskey is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) and is passionate about sign language, Deaf Culture, early access to language, and family-centered care. She provides clinical services including pediatric hearing evaluations, auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluations, traditional and bone-conduction hearing aid evaluations and fittings, and cochlear implant evaluation and programming.
Brooke Tilton, Au.D., CCC-A
Pediatric Audiologist
School Hearing Screening Coordinator
Dr. Brooke Tilton is a pediatric audiologist at Texas Hearing Institute providing well-rounded audiological and interdisciplinary care. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and her Doctorate in Audiology from Lamar University. Dr. Tilton has worked closely alongside Texas Hearing Institute’s audiology department since 2021, as a 3rd year audiology student followed by completing her 4th year audiology externship, and finally joining the team of clinical audiologist after graduation. She additionally serves as the School Hearing Screening Contact for Texas Hearing Institute and assists with Texas Hearing Institute’s social media for the audiology team.
Her overall passion of audiology stems from her personal experiences with chronic ear infections since she was younger. Her experiences with fluctuating hearing loss have fueled her desire to follow her dream and pursue an audiology degree to help others as her audiologist and ENT helped her. Dr. Tilton is passionate about being an advocate for hearing health and providing educational resources to families impacted by hearing loss of various degrees. As a Houston native, Dr. Tilton is passionate about giving back to the community and striving to positively impact the families that visit Texas Hearing Institute!
Conner Bowers, Au.D., CCC-A
Pediatric Audiologist
Dr. Conner Bowers joined the audiology team at Texas Hearing Institute in 2024. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University in 2012. After completing her fourth-year externship at Yale New Haven Hospital she received a Doctorate in Audiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2017. Dr. Bowers completed additional interdisciplinary coursework and clinical practicum experiences related to providing comprehensive care to neurodiverse children and their families as a Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (LEND) trainee. She has completed advanced coursework in cochlear implant programming through the Institute for Cochlear Implant Training (ICIT). She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology from the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.
Her interest in early language acquisition and literacy fuels her love for working with d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. Dr. Bowers' clinical interests include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and auditory brainstem response testing.
Dalia Padilla
Audiology Assistant
Dalia Padilla is a native Houstonian. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from the University of Houston Downtown. She started working at Texas Hearing Institute in 2021 as a Patient Care Coordinator, later earned her Audiology Assistant License, and completed additional coursework in hearing conservation (CAOHC). As an audiology assistant, Dalia assists with hearing evaluations, school screenings, administrative work, Spanish interpretations and guidance on hearing technology maintenance and care. She is passionate about providing equal access to audiological care, empowering those who use hearing technology, and educating people on the importance of hearing health.
Nancy Maher
Audiology Administrative Team Manager
Nancy Maher joined THI’s team in 2015. She has over 15 years of experience managing people and streamlining processes and procedures. She also helps provide Spanish interpretation to families that visit THI.
Jennifer Martinez
Patient Care Coordinator
Jen has worked at Texas Hearing Institute for over 10 years. As a Patient Care Coordinator, Jen oversees a wide array of responsibilities, including scheduling appointments, managing the day-to-day operations of the clinic, providing Spanish interpretation services, and handling various administrative tasks with precision and efficiency.
Jasmin Calvillo
Patient Care Coordinator
As a patient care coordinator, Jasmin collaborates with our healthcare providers to arrange appointments and to ensure patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care. She also helps provide Spanish interpretation to families that visit THI.
Jacquelin Kutz, M.S.
4th Year Audiology Extern
Jacquelin Kutz is an Audiology Extern at Texas Hearing Institute. She received her non-clinical Masters in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC and her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Minor in Sign Language Interpretation from Baylor University in Waco, TX. She will graduate with her Doctorate in Audiology from Gallaudet University in May of 2025. Jacquelin is passionate about providing pediatric patient-centered and family-centered care in her patients’ preferred language and mode of communication.
Sydney Huthnance, B.A.
4th Year Audiology Extern
Sydney Huthnance is an Audiology Extern at Texas Hearing Institute. Sydney previously completed a clinical rotation at Texas Hearing Institute as a third-year audiology student and is excited to continue working at Texas Hearing Institute for her fourth-year externship. She is currently completing her Doctorate of Audiology at The University of Texas at Austin and received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Louisiana State University. Sydney is excited to spend her externship working with pediatrics, and she is passionate about early identification and intervention.
Jaxquelin Kutz, Au.D.
Pediatric Audiologist
Sydney Huthnance, Au.D.
Pediatric Audiologist
Marissa LeDoux, M.S.
Sydnee Grigsby, B.S.
DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING
Mary Collins Raun, Director of Development and Marketing
Jennifer Cate, Grant Writer
Schoenstatt Nichols, Development Manager
Tim Kelly, Marketing Manager
Tim Kelly is excited to join Texas Hearing Institute as the new Marketing Manager. With a background in nonprofit marketing and digital marketing strategy, he’s passionate about connecting people to services that truly make a difference. Tim was drawn to Texas Hearing Institute's mission and the life-changing impact it has on families across Texas. When he's not working on campaigns, Tim loves exploring Houston’s art scene, experimenting in the kitchen, and supporting local restaurants. He looks forward to working alongside the team to help more people discover the care they deserve.
Katie Westman, Sr. Graphic Designer
Chelsea Wade, Donor Engagement Officer
Cindy Cortinas, Donor Database Manager
FRONT DESK
Erika Blanco, Front Desk Receptionist
Emily Murillo, Front Desk Receptionist
INSURANCE AND BILLING
Nicole Miller, Senior Revenue Cycle Manager
April Martinez, Billing Specialist
Melissa Rangel, Scheduling Coordinator
MELINDA WEBB SCHOOL
Kasie LeBlanc, M.S., LSLS Cert. AVEd
Director of Education
Kasie LeBlanc joined Texas Hearing Institute in 2016 where she has held multiple positions, including classroom teacher and educational liaison. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Deaf Education from Washington University in 2011. Kasie is also a certified listening and spoken language specialist. In addition to sitting on multiple state and national level committees, she is an Adjunct Professor for the Houston Cohort of the Deaf Education and Hearing Science Program for the University of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio, a partnership between UTHSCA and Texas Hearing Institute. Kasie has also spoken at the Alexander Graham Bell Convention and the Statewide Conference for Educators of the Deaf.
In her current role as Director of Education, Kasie provides teacher mentoring, transition support to students and families and develops and implements research-based curriculums for students. Kasie has a passion for early literacy, self-advocacy, and parent empowerment.
Diana Dehler, M.Ed., LSLS Cert. AVEd
Assistant Director of Education
Diana joined the Melinda Webb School in 2013. She received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Louis University in 2010 and a Master of Education in Deaf Education from Utah State University in 2012. Diana has a passion for working with families of young children with hearing loss and supporting their child’s journey through acquiring listening and spoken language. As the LEAP teacher, Diana teaches toddler students enrolled in our part-time program and provides auditory verbal support to parents through bimonthly parent sessions. She also provides mentoring to first-year teachers, and mentors Melinda Webb School teachers working toward their Listening and Spoken Language Certification.
Diana has presented at the EHDI Annual Conference and AG Bell Symposium. During her time at the Melinda Webb School, Diana has taught toddler, pre-K, and kindergarten students. She has also supervised graduate students in their student teaching placements at the Melinda Webb School.
LaToya Martin, M.Ed.
Teacher of the Deaf
LaToya joined the Melinda Webb School in 2008. She received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Lamar University in 2005 and a Master’s in Deaf Education and Hearing Science from UT Health Science Center in 2008. LaToya has a passion for cultivating her student’s listening and spoken language skills and preparing them to transition into a mainstream classroom.
LaToya and has been featured in Voyage Houston. While pursuing her graduate degree, LaToya was an Associate Teacher at Sunshine Cottage in San Antonio.
Gracie Baltazar
Teacher of the Deaf
When Gracie was almost 2 years old, her family discovered that she was born deaf. Gracie's mom moved immediately to Houston Texas where Gracie was able to attend the Melinda Webb School. At age 3, Gracie received her first cochlear implant and asked for a second one when she was 9 years old. After discovering her passion for advocacy and working with the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing community, Gracie went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Gracie joined the Melinda Webb School in the Fall of 2022 as a Teacher of the Deaf for Toddlers.
Belinda Mendoza, M.Ed.
Instructional Specialist, Teacher of the Deaf
Belinda joined the Melinda Webb School in August 2016. She received a Master’s of Deaf Education and Hearing Science from UT Health San Antonio in 2017. Belinda has a passion for helping children with hearing loss reach their full listening and spoken language potential, and she is currently pursuing her certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist from the AG Bell Academy.
Megan Gerlach, MDEHS, CED
Teacher of the Deaf
Megan joined the Melinda Webb School in 2016 as an Associate Teacher and was promoted to Language Teacher in 2020. She received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Ohio University and a Master’s in Deaf Education and Hearing Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. Megan has a passion for educating toddlers through play and songs.
Anam Syed, M.DEHS, CED
Teacher of the Deaf
Anam joined the Melinda Webb School in 2020. She received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston in 2016 and a Master of Deaf Education and Hearing Science from the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. She has a passion for language acquisition in deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Anam is an active member of AG Bell.
Bre'Anne White
Preschool Academic Teacher
Bre'Anne joined the Melinda Webb School in 2020. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston in 2020. Bre’Anne has a passion for education with an emphasis on populations with special needs.
Javiya Gray, CDA
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
Ms. Javiya joined the Melinda Webb School in 1992, in the Extended Day Program. She received her Child Development Associates (CDA) certification from The Council for Professional Recognition in 2000.
She has extensive experience working with kids, including being a Counselor and Director of the Summer Day Camp Program and Extended Day Program, and teaching Art.
Ms. Javiya has a passion for early childhood development and is committed to helping students and families during those crucial, formative years. She is involved in the NAEYC, as well as the TAAEYC.
Sophia Talavera, M.DEHS, CED, Teacher of the Deaf
Teacher of the Deaf
Sophia joined the Melinda Webb School in August 2022. She received her Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston, and a Master’s of Deaf Education and Hearing Science from UT Health San Antonio. Sophia is dedicated to helping children with hearing loss and their families develop listening and spoken language skills.
SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES
Amy Cantu, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Listening Spoken Language Specialist
Director of Speech Services
Amy Cantu joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2007. She received a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston in 2007. Amy is passionate about the assessment and treatment of hearing loss and is involved in the TSHA Business Management Committee.
Amy has also spoken at both state and national conferences about the assessment and treatment of hearing loss and been featured in the International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders on the topic of dual language versus English-only support for bilingual children with hearing loss who use cochlear implants and hearing aids. She has mentored undergraduate and graduate students and professionals in the development of spoken language in children with hearing loss and has taught classes at the University of Houston on the topic of pediatric hearing loss.
Peyton Stephens, M.S. CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
Assistant Director of Speech Therapy Services
Texas Outreach Coordinator
Peyton joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2012. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Texas at Dallas. Peyton received her Clinical Certificate of Competence from ASHA in 2011 and her Listening and Spoken Language Certification as an Auditory – Verbal Therapist in 2015. Peyton is passionate about helping children with hearing loss and collaborating with other professionals. She is involved in our Speech Improvement Committee, Outreach and Grant Planning, and our Texas Hearing Institute Rewards and Recognition Team.
Peyton has spoken at The National CMV Conference, Alexander Graham Bell Convention, Statewide Conference for the Education of the Deaf (SWCED), the American Speech and Hearing Association Convention and the Texas Speech and Hearing Association Convention. She currently serves and the Chair of the ASHA Committee on Medicaid, the TSHA State Advocate for Reimbursement and is a member of the SWCED Planning Committee.
Daena Busby, Speech Clinic Coordinator
Hannah Birnie, MSP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hannah joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2020. She received a Master’s in Speech Pathology with a specialization in Auditory Verbal Therapy from the University of South Carolina in 2016. Hannah is passionate about working with children, empowering families, collaborating, and educating others about listening and spoken language outcomes for children with hearing loss.
Tricia Costouros, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Tricia joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in July of 2024. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University in Glendale Arizona. Tricia has clinical experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum who communicate using alternative methods such as speech generating devices. Tricia’s additional experience includes sensory feeding therapy in which she works with children to increase tolerance and exposure to new foods, giving families the tools they need to continue improving mealtimes at home. Prior to coming to the Texas Hearing Institute, Tricia worked as part of an interdisciplinary team in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism. Tricia feels passionately about helping children express their voice and personality while empowering families to connect and communicate with their children.
Paula Crucianelli, M.A.-CCC-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Paula joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2024. She received a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Maine in 2022. Paula is passionate about hearing loss and Listening and Spoken Language. Prior to joining THI, Paula was a Speech Language Pathologist at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.
Hanna Dickson, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hanna has been with Texas Hearing Institute since 2007. She received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Houston. Hanna is passionate about helping caregivers of children with hearing loss navigate their journey toward a listening and spoken language outcome for their child.
At Texas Hearing Institute, Hanna is involved in LSLS mentorship, speech and language evaluations, and aural rehabilitation services. She is a member of the AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Hanna has lectured on developing spoken language and auditory skills in children with hearing loss at multiple conventions and has contributed to peer reviewed research on bilingual children with hearing loss.
Olivia Fearon, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Olivia joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2022. She received a master of science degree in communication disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas in 2021. Olivia is passionate about empowering her patients and families through education and advocacy to ensure they are getting access to the services they deserve.
Libby Flores, B.A.
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (Spanish)
Libby joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2022. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Houston in 2010. She is a member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as an Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology.
Libby brings experience in working with bilingual [Spanish] children in the clinic, school, and home health settings. She is passionate about guiding families on how to utilize, nurture, and foster hearing and language growth in their home language. She strives to ensure bilingual families understand all relevant information and strategies to reach their goals.
Amy Huddleston, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Amy joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2016. She received a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2016 and was certified as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist in 2019. Amy is passionate about helping kids with hearing loss reach their full potential for listening and spoken language through education and training, as well as empowering their families. Amy coordinates Texas Hearing’s Project L.E.A.D. program and serves as a committee member for the Speech Improvement Committee and the Enrollment Committee for the Melinda Webb School. Amy has also spoken at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention.
Jana Murdock-Krenek, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jana joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2022. She received a Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Lamar University in 1999. Jana is passionate about helping children communicate effectively and empowering parents to be amazing language models and advocates for their children. Jana is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and holds a certificate of clinical competence. She is also a member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Jana uses Signed Exact English and Pidgin Signed English to help children reach their listening and communication potential. Jana also works for a Regional Day School Program for the Deaf in their total communication classrooms.
Lunell Martin, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Lunell Martin joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2018. She received a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2017. She also majored in Human Development and Family Services. Lunell is passionate about helping children reach their full potential, along with educating and helping families navigate communication options while creating an environment for the child to bond with their family and thrive. She is a remote SLP – based in Port Lavaca, TX.
Prior to coming to the Texas Hearing Institute, Lunell has experience in early childhood education, as a school based SLP and private practice working alongside occupational and physical therapists.
Kelsey McKey, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kelsey joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2019. She received a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from University of Houston in 2019. Kelsey is passionate about working with children and helping families understand more about hearing loss. She is involved in the Buddies at Texas Hearing program and Project L.E.A.D.
Kelsey Perez, M.Ed.-CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kelsey Perez joined Texas Hearing Institute’s Speech Clinic in 2024. She received a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Nevada State University in 2023. Kelsey is passionate about working with children of all abilities, educating families, and supporting communication in all forms. Kelsey is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Kelsey uses American Sign Language (ASL), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and a total communication approach to provide the language building blocks for effective communication.
Ashley Persaud, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ashley Persaud joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2024. She received a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University. Ashley is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and holds a certificate of clinical competence.
Prior to joining the Texas Hearing Institute team, Ashley worked in a variety of settings including public schools, private practices, and acute care hospitals servicing a broad range of diagnoses including cognitive, communicative, and feeding/swallowing disorders across newborn/infant, pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
Mona Yaacoubi, M.A., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Mona joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2021. She received a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2021. Mona is passionate about helping kids with hearing loss achieve optimal listening and spoken language outcomes, as well as empowering English and Arabic-speaking families as they navigate their child's hearing loss journey. She is involved in the cochlear implant team at Texas Hearing Institute and is a member of the AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Elizabeth Teague, M.S., SLP - Intern
Speech-Language Pathologist - Intern
Elizabeth joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2024. She received a Masters of Science in Speech Pathology from Lamar University in 2024. Elizabeth is passionate about working with children and families to achieve their communication goals and ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed!
