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.
Toni Jennings, Au.D., CCC-A, ABAC, CH-AP
Assistant Director of Audiology
Dr. Jennings joins the Audiology Department of Texas Hearing Institute as a pediatric audiologist and Assistant Director of Audiology. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Master of Arts in Audiology from Louisiana Tech University. Her Doctorate in Audiology is from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, School of Audiology, now known as Salus University. She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC-A), holds board certification through the American Academy of Audiology (ABAC), and is a certified preceptor (CH-AP).
Prior to joining THI, Dr. Jennings served a diverse patient population as senior audiologist with the University of Texas Medical Branch, and provided clinical education to numerous audiology and medical students and residents. She has participated in various local and national teaching, mentoring, and organizational activities, and has extensive clinic experience in all aspects of Audiology including Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Auditory Processing (APD) evaluations, vestibular testing, and amplification devices (hearing aids, osseo-integrated devices, and cochlear implants).
Dr. Jennings loves working with others to promote hearing health, language access, and educational success. She takes an individualized approach to each interaction; recognizing the value of personalized goals, client and family participation, and ongoing clinical education and research initiatives.
Jessica Spiro, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-AP
Cochlear Implant Clinic Program Manager
Pediatric Audiologist
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.
Brooke Tilton, Au.D.
Pediatric Audiologist
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.
Her overall passion of audiology stems from personal experiences with chronic ear infections since she was younger. Her personal experiences with fluctuating hearing loss has fueled her desire to follow her dream and pursue a degree in audiology in order 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!
Madalyn Keeslar, Au.D.
Pediatric Audiologist
Dr. Madalyn Keeslar is a pediatric audiologist at Texas Hearing Institute. She completed her Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Dr. Keeslar completed her audiology externship at Norton Children’s Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Keeslar is a certified Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellow and has received specialized training in interdisciplinary services for individuals with developmental delays.
She is passionate about helping patients and families navigate their hearing loss journey by providing well-rounded audiological and interdisciplinary care.
Tylar McDaniel, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-AP
Pediatric Audiologist
Dr. Tylar McDaniel received her Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) with a Specialization in Pediatric Audiology from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Dr. McDaniel completed her Audiology externship at Texas Hearing Institute and joined the Audiology Department after graduation. She is extremely passionate about hearing healthcare and is excited to continue supporting the children and families at Texas Hearing Institute on their hearing journeys.
Kendra Huskey, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-AP
Dr. 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. She completed her audiology externship at the University of California in San Francisco in 2019. 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, as well as their families. Dr. Huskey is also a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) and is passionate about sign language, Deaf Culture, early access to language, and family-centered care. Dr. Huskey 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. She loves cats, arts/culture events, live music, and exploring the diverse Houston culinary scene.
Sarah N. McAlexander, Au.D., CCC-A, ABAC, CH-AP
Dr. McAlexander is a pediatric audiologist with Texas Hearing Institute. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2021 with a specialization in Early Identification and Management of Children with Hearing Loss and her Bachelor of Science in Disability Studies and Child Studies from Vanderbilt University in 2017. She received additional training in advanced cochlear implant programming through the Institute for Cochlear Implant Training in 2022. Dr. McAlexander provides clinical services at Texas Hearing Institute, including pediatric hearing evaluations, auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluations, hearing aid evaluations and fittings, and cochlear implant services. She is clinically certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA CCC-A) and the American Board of Audiology (ABAC). She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology (TAA). She currently volunteers for AAA as a member of the Student Academy of Audiology Advisory Committee, the Learning Module Subcommittee, and the Research, Clinical, and Teaching Posters Subcommittee. 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.
Fallon Bernard, Au.D., CCC-A
Fallon Bernard is a pediatric audiologist with Texas Hearing Institute. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from University of Memphis in 2023. During her time at the University of Memphis, she was a certified Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellow and received specialized training in interdisciplinary services for individuals with developmental delays. She completed her audiology externship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is passionate about establishing genuine and strong relationships with the patients and families she serves. She finds joy in bringing her enthusiastic nature and devotion to early intervention to positively support the overall mission and values of Texas Hearing Institute.
Janna Hines Orr, Audiology Extern
Janna is currently a 4th year audiology student at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. She is originally from South Carolina and holds an Associate's in Early Care and Education from Midlands Technical College (2017), as well as a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia Southern University (2020). She is interested in pediatrics and research and is a part of the pediatric specialty elective track at WashU.
She is excited to complete her 4th year at Texas Hearing Institute and work with the children and families seen at the clinic. Additionally, Janna will serve as the President of the National Student Academy of Audiology for the 2023-2024 school year.
Karly Siffermann, Audiology Extern
Karly Siffermann is a 4th year Doctorate of Audiology extern from the University of Arizona. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders from the University of Redlands. Karly was a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellow and has received specialized training in interdisciplinary services for individuals with developmental delays.
Karly is committed to her career path as a pediatric audiologist through implementation of best practices including family-centered care and improving access to quality hearing health care. She is also passionate about promoting self-advocacy skills in adolescents with hearing loss. Her research includes developing and implementing a self-advocacy framework and guide for the clinical audiologist.
Nancy Maher, Audiology Administrative Team Manager
Jennifer Martinez, Patient Care Coordinator
Dalia Padilla, Patient Care Coordinator
Development and Marketing
Mary Collins Raun, Director of Development and Marketing
Jennifer Cate, Grant Writer
Katie Westman, Sr. Graphic Designer
Schoenstatt Nichols, Development Manager
Misael Morales, Development and Marketing Coordinator
FAMILY SERVICES
Stacie Terhark
Educational Liaison
Stacie Terhark joined Texas Hearing Institute in 2023. She received a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2010, a Master of Deaf Education from Vanderbilt University in 2017, and a Graduate Certificate in DeafBlindness from Texas Tech University in 2022. Stacie is a certified Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellow and has received specialized training in interdisciplinary services for individuals with developmental delays. Stacie supports families across 21+ districts in the greater Houston area in her role as the educational liaison. She leads the Buddies at Texas Hearing program and coordinates the parent support and education groups.
Prior to coming to coming to Texas Hearing Institute, Stacie worked as a classroom teacher and itinerant teacher in the public school system, focusing her work on students who were DeafBlind or had multiple disabilities.
FRONT DESK
Jose Cepeda, Billing Specialist Team Lead
Erika Blanco, Front Desk Receptionist
Jamie Campos, Front Desk Receptionist
INSURANCE AND BILLING
Pamela Atherton, Revenue Cycle Manager
Jasmine Brown, Billing Specialist
Trina Kidd, Billing Specialist/Claims Research/Credentialing
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, LEAP Co-Teacher, Teacher of the Deaf
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.
Sarai Velasquez, B.S.
Childcare Specialist, MWS Coordinator
Ana Rodriguez, MWS Secretary
Sheri Middleton
Librarian
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.
Lillian Dominguez, M.DEHS, CED
Teacher of the Deaf
Lillian Dominguez joined the Melinda Webb School in 2020. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Houston Baptist University in 2015, a post-Baccalaureate degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston in 2017, and a Master of Deaf Education and Hearing Science from UT Health San Antonio in 2020. Lillian has a passion for helping children with hearing loss and language development. She is an active member of AG Bell.
McKenzie Gard, Teacher of the Deaf
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.
Sophia Guerrero
Teacher of the Deaf
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.
Ciara Aluko, Preschool Academic Teacher
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.
Esperanza Guerrero, Teaching Assistant
Sophia Talavera,
Leap Co-Teacher
Sophia graduated from the University of Houston in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor's of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is currently enrolled in the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Master's of Deaf Education and Hearing Science program and expected to graduate in Spring 2024.
Shantell Horn
Toddler Teaching Assistant
Elizabeth Bustillo
Toddler Teaching Assistant
Arlene Mora
Preschool Teaching Assistant
Sharinia Marshall
Preschool Teaching Assistant
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.
Clint Barbee, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Clint Barbee joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2022. He received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin in 1999, and also received a Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2004. Clint is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and holds the certificate of clinical competence. He is also a member of Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology.
Prior to working at Texas Hearing Institute, Clint primarily served his hometown community as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the public school setting for 18 years, where he specialized in augmentative and alternative communication assessments and trained school staff, parents, and students how to use assistive technology to maximize a student's potential to communicate effectively.
Michelle Bayne, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Michelle Bayne joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2021 to launch a speech therapy program for children without hearing loss. She received a Master of Arts from The University of Oklahoma in 2009. Michelle is passionate about maximizing the potential of children through a family centered approach for the assessment and treatment of pediatric speech and language disorders. A strong emphasis is placed on education and training of caregivers to promote generalization of a child’s skills to their environments.
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.
Daena Busby, Speech Clinic Coordinator
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, 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.
Joanna Santos, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Joanna joined Texas Hearing Institute's Speech Clinic in 2022. She received a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2020. Joanna is passionate about working with Spanish/bilingual speaking families, helping families understand their child’s diagnosis, and early intervention.
Joanna has also spoken at Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention.
Joanna has previous outpatient experience working with bilingual families with a focus on early intervention and Autism.
Peyton Stephens, M.S. CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Cochlear Implant Speech Clinic Coordinator, Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
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, and the Texas Speech and Hearing Association Convention.
Prior to coming to the Texas Hearing Institute, Peyton worked for two and a half years in Richardson ISD as a school-based speech language pathologist.
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.
