Speech Therapy
Speech therapy focuses on helping children develop effective communication skills, essential for success in daily activities, play, school, and social interactions. It involves the therapeutic use of language, speech, and social communication techniques to enhance participation in family, educational, and community settings.
The primary goal of pediatric speech therapy is to support children with speech delays, language disorders, and other communication challenges. Through personalized treatment, therapists work to improve speech clarity, language comprehension, and social interaction, empowering children to express themselves confidently and engage with the world around them.
Children 0 – 20 Years Old
At New Beginnings, we are dedicated to providing individualized care that focuses on meaningful improvements in your child’s speech and language development. Every child is unique, and our mission is to tailor therapy to their specific needs, ensuring significant progress that builds both skills and confidence.
To maximize outcomes, all therapy sessions are one-on-one—there are no group sessions. We also offer bilingual therapy in English and Spanish, helping children communicate effectively in their primary language or develop new skills in a second. Our goal is to empower every child to succeed in all areas of life.
Our team uses evidence-based techniques and the latest advancements in speech therapy to create engaging, results-driven sessions. Whether addressing articulation, language delays, fluency, or other communication challenges, we focus on making therapy both effective and enjoyable. By fostering a positive and encouraging environment, we help children develop the skills they need to express themselves confidently in everyday life.
Family Based Intervention
At New Beginnings, we emphasize family-based intervention, encouraging parents to actively participate in their child’s therapy sessions. Your input is essential, and we collaborate closely to ensure the therapy plan aligns with your child’s unique needs and goals.
We also provide parent and family education, equipping you with strategies to support your child’s progress beyond therapy sessions. With these tools, you can reinforce their development at home and in school, maximizing growth and ensuring long-term success in communication and everyday interactions.
To enhance the therapy process, we use technology, including a mobile app that gives families access to patient goals, homework, schedules, caregiver training videos, and direct communication with their child’s therapist. This allows for seamless coordination, ensuring the therapy process continues at home and questions are addressed in real-time.
Therapy When and Where You Need It!
At New Beginnings, we provide therapy services when and where you need them. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with Saturday appointments based on therapist availability. To accommodate your family’s needs, we offer Telehealth options for added flexibility.
Our therapists work closely with you to find the best time for sessions, ensuring therapy fits into your schedule. You can also choose to have your child’s therapy at one of our two convenient eastside El Paso locations, making it easier to access the care they need.
We use technology to enhance the therapy process, including a mobile app that allows families to manage therapy schedules seamlessly and communicate directly with their child’s therapist, ensuring a smooth and coordinated care experience.
Meet Our Speech Therapists
Monica Tullius
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
A licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for over 30 years, Monica has been in private practice for the last 16 years. She is the Clinical Administrator and Owner of the New Beginnings Pediatric Speech Therapy Services, PLLC clinics where she supervises and leads a team of Speech Pathology Clinicians.
Prior to opening her private practice, Monica was a Speech-Language Pathologist in the public school system for many years. She also has experience in pediatric Speech Therapy in home health, charter schools, and private schools. She has worked with children with an array of needs, such as: Autism Spectrum, Language Disorder, Augmentative Communication, Voice Disorder, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Articulation Disorder, Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome, Stuttering, Hearing/Visual Impairment, and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD).
She loves changing the lives of her patients! Monica received her Orofacial Myofunctional training through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT).
Monica is an active Member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Texas Speech Language Hearing Association, and a Member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS). She is a past Secretary of the EI Paso Speech and Hearing Association (EPSHA).
Christine Ramirez Adame
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
Christine is a bilingual Certified Speech-Language Pathologist who is compassionate and shows caring for each one of her patients. Before coming to New Beginnings and serving as our Rich Beem Clinic Director, she worked for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
She is very interested in Tethered Oral Tissues (TOT’s) and the problems they can cause for posture,
Christine is interested in advancing her knowledge of sleep and OMD’s to better help children and parents who may not even realize that TOT’s may negatively affect the entire body system. She is a member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS).
Stephanie Escobar
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Stephanie Escobar is a bilingual certified Speech-Language Pathologist who graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 2019. She is the Clinical Site Director at the Zaragoza location and specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), with a focus on Gestalt language processing and literacy-based intervention.
Throughout her career, Stephanie has worked in both school and private settings, providing compassionate and evidence-based care to children with autism, early language delays, developmental disabilities, articulation, and language difficulties. She has dedicated countless hours to professional development, continually refining her skills to better serve her patients and community.
Stephanie is passionate about creating adapted books in both English and Spanish to foster positive literacy experiences and loves to incorporate child-led therapy in her sessions, ensuring that each child’s unique needs and interests are at the heart of their communication journey.
Daniella Anchondo
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Daniella earned her bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas at El Paso. She earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Emerson College in Boston, MA.
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, Daniella shows an interest in feeding, dysphagia, and increasing language abilities. Daniella believes in shaping therapy sessions with each child’s abilities and needs in mind to help them achieve a better quality of life.
Daniella also understands the importance of collaborating with other disciplines, such as Occupational Therapy, to help generalize speech and language skills. Her ultimate and overall goal is to provide exposure and a stimulating learning environment where children of all backgrounds can relate to and improve their daily communication skills.
In her free time, Daniella enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling, and spoiling her dogs.
Jordan Orozco
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jordan Orozco is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Feeding Therapist who works with infants, toddlers, pre-school and school-aged children to help support their unique feeding and swallow difficulties. Jordan understands the various complexities that come with feeding/swallowing and the stressors that may impact parents/caregivers when their children are not eating well. Jordan believes that children deserve to feel confident and comfortable during mealtime. Jordan chose to pursue a career as an SLP because she believes that the ability to communicate and safely feed/swallow are two of the most intimate experiences one can have, and every child deserves that opportunity. Jordan holds a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Texas at El Paso. Jordan is passionate about the El Paso community and has pursued a career as a pediatric speech-language pathologist to not only serve children in the community but their families as well. Jordan holds training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach, which is a nationally and internationally recognized clinical program in helping children develop an improved life-long relationship with food. Jordan also holds training certificates in feeding 6–16-month-old infants and feeding children on the Autism spectrum.
Katelyn Vera
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Katie is a home grown El Paso native and UTEP graduate. She became a Speech-Language Pathologist because she aspired to have a career dedicated to helping many people. Katie has focused her career thus far in the pediatric population in the specialty areas of dysphagia and food aversion therapy. Katie feels that eating not only provides nutrition for a growing child but should also be an enjoyable experience for a child and their family.
Her professional goal as a feeding specialist is to work with a child and their family to identify and treat eating difficulties by increasing oral-motor skills and acceptance of foods in order to provide proper nutrition and alleviate stress during mealtimes.
Katie has training in the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach, a nationally recognized feeding program for children with sensory issues.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Victoria Chacon
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Victoria Chacon is a Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has an interest in the areas of feeding, dysphagia, and increasing her patient’s speech and language skills. Victoria, or “Tori” as we like to call her, is also fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). She enjoys implementing ASL skills with children who are not able to verbally communicate. Tori has worked with children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and speech and language delays. Aside from the skills she has gained over her experience as an SLP, she is interested in expanding her skills in the area of feeding and dysphagia. She was able to be trained in assessing and treating Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) at New Beginnings, which is a restriction of frenas (tongue, lip, cheek ties) that can affect the way an individual speaks, eats, and swallows. Prior to choosing this career, Tori knew she was interested in working with children. She chose this path because she got to be a crucial part in a child’s journey when working towards a better quality of life. Tori believes it is important to work closely with patient families and other disciplines, and to build rapport with her patients and their parents/caretakers to assist with a higher success rate or great outcomes. Tori states, “It is such a reward to be able to see the children’s progress and to hear their families express how happy they are to communicate with their children in a way they weren’t able to before.”
Jazmin Lopez
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jazmin is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and proud graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies in 2016. Starting her career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, she gained valuable hands-on experience and the confidence to transition into her current role as a skilled evaluating clinician, completing her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2023.
She has a passion for working with individuals across their lifespans and has experience treating various communication and feeding/swallowing disorders. Jazmin is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment where therapy is practical, playful, and fun. She believes every client deserves personalized care, and she strives to make each session impactful and enjoyable.
She aims to empower each individual to achieve their fullest potential in communication and beyond.
Kristin Oldknow
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristin is a highly qualified speech-language pathologist with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. As a military spouse, she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge through working in diverse states and settings, allowing her to adapt her expertise to a wide range of therapeutic environments.
Kristin is a strong advocate for family-centered and multidisciplinary approaches, ensuring that children receive comprehensive care to reach their fullest potential. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys quality time with her family and exploring new destinations through travel.
Annette Barron
M.S. SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Annette is a native El Pasoan who received her Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso. She obtained her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license and has worked in pediatric speech therapy in home health, and for the last seven years in a private practice setting. Annette has worked with children with various needs such as: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Accent Reduction, Aphasia, Apraxia, Articulation Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder (DD/ADHAD), Autism Spectrum, Cluttering, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and Stuttering. She recently graduated with her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is currently working on achieving her Auditory Verbal Therapy certification and plans to get further trained in feeding therapy.
Annette enjoys working with children and providing them with the skills needed to let their voice be heard. She believes in early intervention and working with families to improve and increase a child’s communication skills. Annette values the verse “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (Heb. 10:24 NLT). She is a past secretary of the El Paso Speech and Hearing Association. New Beginnings is happy to have Annette on their amazing team!
Jessica Ortiz
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Jessica is a proud El Pasoan who graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso, with a Bachelor’s of Linguistics and minor -n speech language pathology in 2015. She earned the Cum Laude honors and graduated as the outstanding Linguistics major.
Jessica worked as a behavioral interventionist at ACES for about 2 years and in the home health setting with mainly military families. She is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist assistant who enjoys working with children. She believes that in order to provide a great service, first you need to prioritize the patient’s and family’s needs. There are 3 values that reflect who Jessica is as a therapist; Respect, she respects the family’s religion, beliefs and priorities. Innovation, she’s always willing to learn to provide the best service to all of her patients and finally Love. She loves every single one of her patients and she believes that love makes a big difference in each child’s success. She loves being the person they see as a friend but also person who they want to learn from. Jessica decided to study speech-language pathology while working as a Behavior Interventionist, since she realized that most of her clients struggled to communicate their needs and wants which would trigger their behaviors. She saw the importance of communication whether it was using words, signs, or picture exchange symbols.
Delia Gomez
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Delia is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who has experience treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Apraxia, receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological impairments.
She has over 7 years of experience working for the El Paso community. She has additional experience working with adults with various neurological impairments and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on cognition, aphasia, apraxia, and dysphagia. Delia received her Bachelors and Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Delia strongly believes in a family centered approach, as she recognizes the essential role families play in the growth and development of their child. Delia aspires to integrate individualized treatment techniques in order to assist her patients, by using their strengths in order to facilitate the learning process.
She understands it is important to adapt to every individual. Delia takes inspiration from the following quote of Ignacio Estrada, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
Andrea Rodriguez
M.S. SLP-Intern
Speech-Language Pathology Intern
Andrea graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor’s in Rehabilitation Sciences and a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology with a Bilingual Certificate. She is passionate about helping children develop their communication skills and reach their full potential. She specializes in working with young children who face a variety of speech and language challenges. Her approach is tailored to each child’s unique needs and strengths, using evidence-based practices and engaging techniques to make therapy both effective and enjoyable.
Andrea believes in creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel confident to explore and improve their communication abilities. In addition to her clinical work, she stays actively involved in professional development to bring the latest research and strategies into her practice. She is excited to partner with you and your child on this journey toward communication and greater confidence. Please feel free to reach her if you have any questions or if you’d like to learn more about how you can work together to support your child’s growth. She is looking forward to meeting you!
Leilani Chehedeh
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathology
Leilani is a highly skilled and compassionate speech-language pathologist with a strong commitment to helping individuals of all ages overcome communication challenges. Her diverse career spans schools, hospitals, and private practice, where she has provided personalized therapy to children, adults, and seniors.
Leilani is dedicated to delivering evidence-based, tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the highest standard of care. Passionate about empowering her clients to reach their full potential, Leilani is recognized for her patient-centered approach, blending professional expertise with empathy and encouragement to foster meaningful progress.
Teresa Serena
M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Teresa Serna is a dedicated Intern Speech Language Pathologist – CF and Feeding Therapist who is passionate about empowering children through speech/language and feeding therapy. She approaches therapy with a focus on child-led play, recognizing the importance of understanding each child’s sensory system. Teresa believes that behavior is not just behavior—it’s communication, and by helping children feel regulated and secure, she enables them to express their true potential. With a strong interest in feeding therapy, Teresa is committed to helping families navigate the complexities of feeding challenges. She understands how overwhelming feeding issues can be for both children and their parents, and her goal is to provide compassionate support throughout the process.
Teresa also has a deep passion for working with neurodivergent children. She believes in meeting children where they are and tailoring therapy to their unique needs. By using a multimodal approach to communication, Teresa helps each child find the most effective way to express themselves, ensuring their voices are heard in the way that suits them best.
Through her work, Teresa aims to foster not just improvement in speech, language, and feeding but also greater confidence and connection between children and their families. She is committed to building a supportive, individualized therapy environment where every child can thrive.
Teresa has training in the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach and Inside Out Sensory Training, and Ampcare.
Wensdae McNeely
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathology
Wensdae holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Speech Pathology and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has extensive experience providing services to children with articulation and phonological disorders, oral motor deficits, autism spectrum disorder, expressive and receptive language delays, and pragmatic deficits.
As a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist and member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Wensdae is passionate about enhancing her expertise in feeding and dysphagia. She values a collaborative approach, working closely with families and healthcare professionals to ensure the effective generalization of therapy goals outside the clinic. Wensdae is committed to creating safe and comfortable environments where children can thrive, believing this fosters successful outcomes. Her greatest reward is witnessing the transformative impact of her work, helping children communicate and improving the quality of life for them and their families.
Albina Pando
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Hello! My name is Albina. I graduated with my bachelor’s in Communication Disorder from New Mexico State University in the summer of 2020. As a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant, working with kids is my passion.
My favorite part of working with kids is being capable of helping them find their voice and being able to watch the them grow and meet their goals. Working with different disorders has helped me grow and become more creative.
I’m so excited to be part of the New Beginning’s team and to continue to work with many amazing children, families, and therapists.
Gabriela Gallegos
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Gabby is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in December 2013. Gabby has over 9 years of experience working in the El Paso community. She has experience treating pediatric patients with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, fluency (stuttering) disorders, Autism, articulation disorders, and language disorders.
Gabby believes in the importance of play therapy and how it deeply it impacts the advancement of a patient’s progress. She loves creating interactive and engaging play therapy by using books, toys, arts and crafts, technology and many other objects as a part of language intervention to help stimulate language development. Modeling correct sounds, syllables, words and language for a child during age-appropriate play therapy to enable the child to speak and to be able to understand what they are saying. Most importantly providing and teaching parents strategies for their child as homework. Gabby believes in helping parents to work on carry-over strategies to enhance speech production in their child’s daily routines at home.
“I teach kids to talk back, because everyone deserves a VOICE!” is Gabby’s mantra.
Norma Medina
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Norma is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant with over 6 years of experience in pediatric care. She received her Bachelors in Multidisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas at El Paso in December 2013. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas she was always interested in the education and well-being of children.
As a college student her jobs always consisted of working with children, including daycares and with the YWCA as an after-school program leader.
This led her to truly value the significance of a child’s experience as they grow and being part of that foundation towards a healthy, loving upbringing.
Norma believes love and compassion are essential to providing functional language and speech therapy as well as fostering effective communication with family members through personalized counseling and education.
Janette Gomez
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Janette Gomez is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant. Janette received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso with a major in Linguistics and a minor in Speech-Language Pathology in 2017. Janette has specialized in pediatrics, and has experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, and Down Syndrome.
Janette has a love for languages as she knows 7 languages, including American Sign Language. Janette believes that communication is a beautiful thing, and everyone deserves to be heard.
When Janette is not helping children with their speech, she is usually Salsa dancing or taking care of her two dogs. Janette is passionate about her job and helping family members collaborate with their children, as she believes teamwork makes the dream work.
Janette has attended the American Speech Language and Hearing Association Congress multiple times, to continue her education and better help her patients.
Carla Rodriguez
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Carla Rodriguez is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Carla attended Eastern New Mexico University and the University of Texas at El Paso where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics with a minor in Speech-Language Pathology in the fall of 2017. As an El Paso native, Carla is fluent in English and Spanish.
She has 5+ years of childcare experience and is passionate about helping her patients succeed! In previous years she taught in the school system. Carla now works with infants, toddlers, and school-age children. She enjoys play-based therapy for early language and helping children develop their expressive and receptive language skills. Carla is passionate about finding different ways to keep her patients motivated in therapy.
Her main reason for joining the field of speech pathology was wanting to make a positive impact in the lives of children and helping them find their voice. Carla believes everyone deserves to be heard!
Berenice Escobedo
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Berenice Escobedo is a dedicated bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a strong foundation in communication disorders. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from New Mexico State University in 2015 and has since gained extensive experience across various settings, including home health, telehealth, school-based services, and clinical environments.
Berenice has worked with children ranging from 6 months to 17 years of age, addressing a wide array of speech and language challenges. Her expertise includes articulation and phonological disorders, fluency issues, and language development. Additionally, she has experience supporting children with diverse abilities, needs, and behaviors, tailoring her therapeutic approach to each child’s unique learning style, interests, and needs.
Passionate and enthusiastic about her work, Berenice is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the children she serves. She continuously seeks opportunities for professional growth, staying current with best practices to further enhance her skills and knowledge in the field.
Carissa Rodriguez
SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Carissa Rodriguez is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with over 14 years of experience who firmly believes that everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion with a minor in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with children of all ages and backgrounds, including those with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and various learning disabilities. Her clinical experience spans a wide range of needs, from fluency and articulation challenges to language delays and developmental apraxia of speech.
She is passionate about creating therapy sessions that are supportive, engaging, and individualized—always with the goal of helping each child grow and discover their voice.
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Memberships/Certifications
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