Deanna Whittle, BSN, MBA, PMP, CLSSG
Chief Executive Officer

Deanna Whittle joined Emerge as Chief Executive Officer in June of 2019.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Business Administration from the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business.  She is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute and has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Green certification.  A Baton Rouge native, Deanna brings extensive experience from multiple sectors of the healthcare field to Emerge.

She is a skilled operations leader with over 30 years of experience in both the inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings. The breadth of her expertise and experiences extends over a wide area of administrative, clinical, and operational functions.

She began her career in healthcare as a neonatal nurse at Woman’s Hospital and has since served in several senior executive level leadership roles for multiple organizations, including Ochsner Home Medicare Corporation, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.  Prior to joining Emerge, she served as vice president of the southern region for The Innovation Institute, a healthcare innovation company comprised of six Catholic health systems focused on transforming healthcare delivery for all patients.

Deanna is excited to serve the children and families of our community through the Emerge Enterprise which includes The Emerge Center, The Emerge Foundation and The Emerge School for Autism, the first charter school in Louisiana for children with Autism.  She is inspired by the dedication and compassion of Emerge’s staff and board members and welcomes the opportunity to serve the community at Emerge.  She looks forward to advancing both the mission and vision of the Emerge enterprise in order to empower children with autism and individuals with communication challenges to achieve independence.

Nakisha Butler                                                                                                                                            Director of Business Operations                  

Nakisha joined the Emerge team as the Accounting Specialist in September of 2022, and in February of 2023, she became the Director of Business Operations. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from University of Phoenix and her Associates of Technical Studies in Accounting with Honors from Baton Rouge Community College. Nakisha has worked as a Public Servant for 15 years serving her community and the citizens of Louisiana. Nakisha uses her positive attitude as a powerful force to always encourage others to work hard and succeed. In her free time, Nakisha likes to spend time traveling with her daughter, attending family gatherings and watching the latest movies or tv series.

Whitney Gaines
Director of Human Resources 

Whitney Gaines joined Emerge as Human Resources Generalist in 2020. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business Administration. Whitney has over 15 years of valuable Human Resources experience across multiple professional environments. Her career in Human Resources began as an Executive Team Leader of Human Resources for Target Corporation.  Seeing and experiencing the full life cycle HR process during this role at Target and her subsequent roles at Robert Half International, Cardinal Health, Battelle, and White Star Market, all continued to build her HR foundation of knowledge. As a married mother and business professional with two daughters, Whitney feels her most recent role as co- owner, HRBP and Operating Partner for White Star Market, solidified her desire to make meaningful investments and lasting relationships in her community. Whitney states, “Being a leader, connecting people, and serving the community are all such important roles to model for future generations. These are all aspects of my job and they truly excite me. I am thrilled to be a part of Emerge’s future.”

Tanisha Woods
Director of Applied Behavior Analysis

Tanisha Woods (Bias) is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) that holds an extensive background in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She earned her Bachelors of Science from Iowa State University in Biology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She received her Masters of Science in Forensic (with an emphasis in Psychology) from Nebraska Wesleyan University. In February 2016, Tanisha became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has practiced in school, clinic, and home settings with individuals with autism, along with other individuals with cognitive and developmental delays ranging from the ages of 12 months to 15 years old. She is an adjunct faculty member with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; where she teaches courses [Behavior Assessment, Concepts and Principles, and Practicum (Fieldwork experience)] to masters-level students.

To read more about Tanisha Woods, click here.

Sydney Lombardo, M.Ed., BCBA
ABA Program Manager

Sydney received her master’s degree in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2018 just after joining the Emerge team as a full time Registered Line Technician. While working on gaining fieldwork experience hours, she moved to Lead RLT in 2019, then took the board exam in December 2020. She began working as an ABA Program in 2021 and is looking forward to continuing her career in the field of ABA and early intervention at Emerge.

Laura Owen, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA 
ABA Program Manager

Laura is originally from Benton, Louisiana. She received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Health and Physical Education from Louisiana Tech University in 2015. While getting her add-on credentials as a Special Education Teacher at Louisiana Tech, she began working at Behavior Development Services which provided Applied Behavior Analysis to children and young adults with a wide variety of developmental disabilities. Working at the clinic led to her decision to pursue her Master’s Degree in Special Education at Louisiana State University with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She joined The Emerge Center’s ABA team as a part-time Registered Line Technician in August of 2016 and became a full-time Registered Line Technician in May of 2017. In November of 2017, she became a Lead Registered Line Technician. Laura passed her Behavior Analyst certifying board exam in March of 2019 and began working for as an Autism Program Manager in May of 2019. Laura’s favorite part about working with young children is the light and energy that they bring to her life on a daily basis.

Nicole Sicomo, M.A., BCBA, LBA
ABA Program Manager

Nicole graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2017 and she has been working in ABA ever since. She joined the Emerge team in August 2019 as a Registered Line Technician and became the Lead RLT Trainer in May 2020. Nicole graduated with her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in autism in May 2020. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in Fall 2020. She loves being able to work with children and help them reach new goals!

Ambriel Spain, M.Ed, BCBA
ABA Program Manager

Ambriel is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Louisiana. She earned her master’s degree in Special Education focused in High Incidence Disabilities and Applied Behavior Analysis from Nicholls State University. She completed several years of field work as a lead ABA therapist. During the 2019 – 2020 school year, as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, she was the acting Lead Instructor in an ABA based classroom for clients receiving transitional services. Ambriel is passionate about serving her clients in a meaningful way.

Brooke Walls, M.Ed., BCBA
ABA Program Manager

Brooke graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) in 2018. She recently graduated with her Master’s in Psychology with a focus in ABA from McNeese University in December 2020. Brooke passed her board exam in March of 2021 which certified her as a BCBA. She joined the Emerge Team in June of 2020. Brooke has been an RLT for  over 4 years and a Lead for the last 7 months. Her favorite part of the job is watching the kiddos grow and being able to see how much progress they make every day.

 Rebekka Weisflog, M.A., BCBA
ABA Program Manager                                                                                    

Rebekka graduated in 2017 from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She joined Emerge in August of 2017 as a Registered Line Technician and became a Lead RLT in May of 2019. Rebekka is currently working towards her master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has the goal on becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analysis. Rebekka is originally from Germany. She moved as an professional Aupair to Baton Rouge in 2010 after finishing her Occupational Therapy degree in Germany.

Nicole Stockstill, CCC-A
Director of Audiology

Nicole B. Stockstill joined the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation in 2013. She is a clinical audiologist who has worked in the Baton Rouge Community since 1998. She received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and her Master of Science from University of Southwestern Louisiana. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is currently licensed to practice audiology in the state of Louisiana. Nicole specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and hearing disorders, hearing aid selection and fitting, and hearing loss prevention. Nicole currently hosts numerous educational seminars for industrial, educational, and medical professionals in our clinic and in the community. Nicole is a native of the Baton Rouge area. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoor sports, and cheering for the Tigers and Saints! As an active volunteer in the community, church, and school, the desire to give back to the community brought her to The Emerge Center. Providing the gift of hearing to the residents of Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas, in combination with spreading awareness and education about hearing loss and hearing loss prevention in the community, have been a driving force in helping Nicole advance Emerge’s mission. Nicole’s belief is that education is the key to everything!

Carly Hall, Audiology Extern

Carly is a Thibodaux, LA native. She is currently in her 4^th year pursuing her Doctorate of Audiology at the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduating, she plans to work as an Audiologist and eventually open a Non-Profit clinic to help provide service to those in need.  Carly is currently on the Student Task for the Educational Audiology Association. She would like you to know “Never do things others can do and will do, if there are things other cannot do or will not do.” -Amelia Earhart

Jane Morton, PhD, BCBA-D
Director of Research and Design

Dr. Jane Morton joined Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation in January of 2012. She is a licensed psychologist and a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. Previously, Jane was the lead psychologist for the Local Autism Team with the Office for Citizens with Development Disabilities in the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. Dr. Morton completed her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral training at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in positions including the Pediatric Feeding Disorder Clinic, the Severe Behavior Clinics (Day Treatment and Outpatient Clinics), and the Language and Learning Clinic. Dr. Morton has extensive training working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in the areas of assessment and treatment of language development, and assessment and treatment of problem behaviors (including aggression, self injurious behavior, and noncompliance). She also has experience working with children with severe food selectivity and food refusal. Parent training and teacher consultation are also part of Dr. Morton’s training.

Emily Olinde Boudreaux, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Emily Olinde Boudreaux is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University and completed a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2013, she joined the team at the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation. Dr. Boudreaux works with children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges. She is currently focused on providing comprehensive evaluations for autism spectrum disorder. She and her husband, Brad, have three children. Dr. Boudreaux loves working in collaboration with children and their families to help them reach their full potential.

Philip Richard 
Clinical Psychologist 

Dr. Philip Richard III received his undergraduate degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and his doctorate at the Louisiana State University. He previously gained a wealth of experience with Emerge during his graduate training at LSU before moving to Nebraska for an internship where he specialized in both residential and outpatient services for young children and adolescents. He has a passion for helping families in need, which is a core value held by Emerge. Dr. Richard works with children of all ages and specializes in autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, behavioral challenges, pediatric sleep, mood disorders, academic concerns, family therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and issues of diversity.

Mallory Jackson, LOTR
Director of Occupational Therapy Services 

Mallory’s journey at The Emerge Center started in 2015 as a Registered Line Technician and Kindergarten Aide. After completing her Masters in Occupational Therapy at LSUHSC-Shreveport in 2018, she returned to Emerge as an OT. After a few years of practical experience under her belt, she transitioned into the role of Lead Occupational Therapist.

At the beginning of 2023, Mallory was promoted to the Director of Occupational Therapy. Mallory is also a certified yoga teacher and has experience with life coaching. She is a strong advocate for helping to create a high quality of life and holistic well-being for both her pediatric clients and her OT team members. Mallory loves spending time with her husband, being a mom to her (almost) 1-year-old daughter, playing with her German Shepherd dog, and eating out at Mexican restaurants.

                                                                                                                                                                              Elizabeth Casey, LOTR Occupational Therapist 

Liz is from New Orleans and joined the Emerge team in August of 2017. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Leo University of Florida in 2011. She earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Florida in 2017. During her clinical fieldwork rotations, Liz gained experience in a pediatric outpatient clinic treating children with various developmental and physical disabilities along with providing services in the Early Steps Program. Also, at an outpatient neuro-rehab facility, she treated patients diagnosed with strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions. Liz has 14 years of experience teaching swim lessons to typically developing children as well as those with special needs. She has been volunteering with a special needs swim team in the New Orleans area since 2003 and found her love for working with children diagnosed with Autism and other disabilities through the Jo-Jo’s Hope swim lessons and team. Elizabeth is passionate about working with children and their families to achieve their goals while fostering children to gain independence in activities of daily living, play, and socialization.

Laura G. Devillier, MOT, LOTR
Occupational Therapist

Laura joined The Emerge Center in September 2015. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Louisiana State University in 2007. In 2010, she earned her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and has specialized in pediatrics since then. She enjoys working with outpatient and school based intervention of all ages and diagnosis. Laura has had continuing education training in Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, feeding disorders, and Handwriting Without Tears. She is passionate about working with children and their families promoting independence in various environments.

Bailey Hagan, MOT, LOTR
Occupational Therapist                                            

Bailey joined The Emerge Center in October of 2020. She is a Lafayette native and earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2018. In 2020, she earned her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University Health  Sciences Center in Shreveport. She gained pediatric experience during her fieldwork rotation at an outpatient pediatric clinic where she worked with children with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, and sensory processing disorders. She also completed a fieldwork rotation at a psychiatric hospital in Providence, Rhode Island where she worked with patients experiences Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, anxiety, and other diagnoses. Bailey is passionate about helping children reach their highest potential and having fun along the way. 

Katelyn Hardin, 
Occupational Therapist 

Katelyn grew up in Zachary, Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana State University Honors College in 2019 earning a Bachelors in Science Majoring in Kinesiology with a Minor in Psychology. She received her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina in May of 2022. She participated in a pediatric rotation at Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas in the acute care setting treating patients in departments including trauma/neurology, oncology, and NICU/PICU, with a main focus in the cardiovascular department. She gained experience working with patients of a diverse age range with various congenital abnormalities, feeding difficulties, those recovering from transplants and more. Katelyn has additional pediatric experience with her Doctoral Capstone Experience working with a medically-complex school in Charleston to aid students with diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, developmental delays and others. She strives to provide compassionate, holistic care and is excited to work with children and their families at Emerge to achieve their goals!

Dawn Jason, MSOT, LOTR
Occupational Therapist

Originally from Galveston but a high school graduate from the Baton Rouge area, Dawn received her undergraduate degree in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University in 2010 and earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 2013. Dawn first joined the Emerge team in April 2014.  After three and a half years, she left to work as a travel OT, practicing in a variety settings primarily with adults.  She returned to The Emerge Center in August 2019 and enjoys being back in the pediatric world.  Dawn has received additional training in, and is passionate about, treating individuals with feeding disorders, motor planning difficulties, visual-perceptual delays, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, and traumatic brain injuries.  She has become a NeuroNet Certified Provider.  She uses her experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist to work with both the child and their family to achieve success.  Dawn enjoys the chance to help children reach little and big milestones that promote greater independence and increased participation in daily life activities.

Madeline Kelly, OTD, LOTR
Occupational Therapist

Madeline grew up in Prairieville, Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana State University in 2017 earning a Bachelor in Science with a concentration in Human Movement Sciences. She received her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in May 2021. In high school, her first job was working with children and ever since then she knew it was something she wanted to do in the future. One of her fieldwork rotations was in the school setting where she had the opportunity to work with children and adults with a number of different diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. Her second fieldwork was in a hand therapy setting where I worked with individuals who were recovering from upper extremity surgery or injury. What she loves most about pediatric occupational therapy is the opportunity to help children grow to meet their full potential in a way that is fun and motivating for the child! 

Jocelyne Olguin, MOT, LOTR
Lead Occupational Therapist

Jocelyne is from the North MS/Memphis-metro area and joined the Emerge team in August 2020. She completed her undergraduate studies in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, at Mississippi College in 2017 and earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in May of 2020. She has pediatric clinical experience with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, down syndrome, ASD, sensory processing disorder, infant CVA, and neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Jocelyne has served in various capacities and focus areas during her time at Emerge, and in January 2023, she took on the role of Lead Occupational Therapist. Jocelyne is fluent in Spanish and hopes to use this skill and her occupational therapy career to help individuals in the Spanish-speaking community receive the health and therapy services they need. She enjoys the unique inter-disciplinary approach to treatment that Emerge offers and loves helping kids achieve success in their daily occupations of learning, growing, and playing!  

Meg Sprunger, CCC-SLP
Director of Speech and Language Therapy Services

Meg joined the staff of Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation in 2007. Her clinical interests include working with children with apraxia, autism spectrum disorders, and other speech-language delays. She is recognized for “Advanced Training and Clinical Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech” by the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA). She also completed Hanen certification and has led parent training workshops based on their “It Takes Two to Talk” program. In addition to working with children and their families, Meg enjoys supervising university students and mentoring young speech-language therapists in their early career years. An Indiana native, Meg completed both her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at Indiana University. She started her professional career in 1987 in Philadelphia, where she joined a large rehab staff at a teaching hospital. She held supervisory and administrative positions in conjunction with her clinical work, serving as a Clinical Specialist and later as Assistant Director of Speech-Language Pathology. Meg moved to Baton Rouge with her family in 1995. Since 2003, she has focused her clinical work in early intervention, both home-based via the Early Steps program and clinic-based at the Baton Rouge Speech & Hearing Foundation. The speech-language pathology team is committed to helping each child develop that most basic aspect of human life, the ability to communicate. We honor each child’s unique needs and treat each child with respect, knowing that children learn best when they are in a trusted, warm and loving environment. We believe that an evidence-based, integrated approach to therapy best serves the children entrusted to us.

Jordan Barbay, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Jordan joined Emerge in December 2015. She currently holds her Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology License and American Speech-Language and Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competency. Jordan earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University in 2011, and she received a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2013. As an undergraduate, Jordan completed a clinical practicum at The Emerge Center’s former location, Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation, where she worked with children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Jordan completed her Clinical Fellowship Year while living in Chicago doing Early Intervention in the home setting. Jordan has a special interest in early intervention and autism spectrum disorders. She loves seeing the kids grow and learn how to communicate and interact with others.

Selene B. Black, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Selene joined Emerge in August 2020. She currently holds her Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology License and American Speech-Language and Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competency. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University in 2010 and received a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2014. As an undergraduate, Selene completed a clinical practicum at The Emerge Center’s former location, Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation. She also worked as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant at the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation during the time between her undergraduate and graduate studies. Selene has a special interest in early intervention and group-based therapy.

Madyson Bleakley
Speech-Language Pathologist- CF

Madyson was born and raised in Prairieville, Louisiana. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University in 2019. In 2022, she received a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University. As an undergraduate and graduate student, Madyson worked at The Emerge Center as a speech therapy technician assisting in group therapy and the Bloom program. She is excited to return to Emerge to complete her clinical fellowship. Madyson has special interest in autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, and AAC.

Sarah Brunet, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Sarah is a native of Texas who has lived in North Dakota, Indiana, and Virginia while growing up. She got her Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Louisiana State University in 2008. Having worked at Emerge as an undergraduate and while completing a graduate clinical practicum, Sarah joined the Emerge team full-time in June 2008. As a speech language pathologist, Sarah enjoys supervising undergraduate university students and conducts evaluations as well as group and individual therapy. She enjoys working with kids of all ages and abilities. Sarah’s favorite part of her job is seeing the children’s smiling faces everyday and assisting them in meeting their full potential.

Marci Drumm, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Marci is a Speech-Language Pathologist who became part of the Emerge team after a 27 year career in the local public school system as a diagnostician and school-based therapist. She received a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Louisiana State University and a Master of Communication Disorders from LSU Medical Center Allied Health Program in New Orleans. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a teaching certificate from the Louisiana State Department of Education in Speech and Hearing Therapy. At Emerge, Marci conducts evaluations and provides speech-language therapy for all age children. Her favorite part of her job is having a positive impact on children and their families who come to the Emerge Center for assistance. She could not think of a more enjoyable way to  use her knowledge and expertise to serve the greater Baton Rouge community.

Maria Garcia-Giese, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Maria, a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, joined the Emerge team in 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Carlow University in Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Louisiana State University. She joins our team after retiring from the local school system with more than 30 years of experience where she worked with children of all ages as a diagnostician and school-based therapist. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a teaching certificate from the Louisiana State Department of Education in Speech and Hearing Therapy. At The Emerge Center, Maria conducts evaluations for all age children and adults, and all evaluations of Spanish speakers. Her favorite part of her job is being part of a multidisciplinary team where realizing the child’s maximum potential, helping families, and serving the community are the primary goals.

Alexa Mollica, MS CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Alexa is originally from Washington state, but lived most of her life in and around Cleveland, Ohio. In 2018, she received both a Bachelor of Science in Speech-language Pathology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a focus on child psychology from Kent State University, Ohio. She completed her Master of Science in Speech-language pathology this past May, at Baldwin Wallace University in Cleveland, OH. Alexa has worked with children since she was in high school and spent a semester before graduate school working in a school as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, where she provided in-classroom support to children with mental health and behavior needs. She joined Emerge this June as a full time speech pathologist to complete her clinical fellowship.

Madison Passmore, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Madison is putting down roots in Louisiana after a life-time of moves in a military family. She attended the University of Mississippi from 2014 – 2020, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. She joined the team at Emerge as a full-time Speech-Language Pathologist to finish out her clinical fellowship and begin her career. Madison has always had passion for working with the pediatric population and has a special interest in helping neurodiverse children. Her favorite part of her job is finding the joy with each child and turning fun into learning. She especially enjoys helping parents learn to communicate with their children through play.

Mary Ann Sessums, M.Ed., SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Mary Ann is a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist with thirty years of experience. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She holds a teaching certificate and is certified by the State Department of Education in Speech and Hearing Therapy, Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Hearing Impaired Preschool, and Reading. Mary Ann has an Advance Level of Sign Communication Proficiency and received specialized training from The Alabama Ear Institute’s Auditory Verbal Mentoring Program in Birmingham. After 30 years at the School for the Deaf she retired, but soon found she missed working with young children with challenges in speech and language, and she joined the staff of The Emerge Center in August of 2014. Mary Ann considers it a privilege to work with the young children and their families at The Emerge Center, who share the philosophy that “every child is a precious gift.”

Madeline Spustek, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Madeline is a native of New Roads, Louisiana who joined the Emerge team in June 2019. She attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 2013-2019, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. Following graduation, she joined the team at Emerge as a full-time Speech-Language Pathologist, providing both group and individual therapy services to preschool aged children. Madeline has always had a passion for working with the pediatric population and has a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder and early intervention. Her favorite part of her job is collaborating with other disciplines in order to address the unique needs of each individual served. She especially enjoys witnessing the growth in each child as they learn to communicate and interact with others.

Suzanne Trahan, CCC-SLP/A
Speech-Language Pathologist

Suzanne is dually certified as an Audiologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist. She worked at the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation for 14 years in the 2000’s. After several years of providing Early Steps therapy through her own agency, she returned “home” to The Emerge Center in January of 2014. Suzanne conducts evaluations for The Emerge Center three days a week and sees Early Steps clients in their homes and child care centers two days a week. Suzanne’s special focus throughout her career has been developing language and listening skills for children who have hearing loss of all degrees. Her fluent sign language skills have been useful for deaf children, as well as children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Down Syndrome, or other challenges which benefit from a visual system of communication. She has also studied and implemented the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System with multiple children who are non-verbal. Suzanne considers it a privilege to be the first professional that some parents interact with as they begin the journey of discovering their child’s strengths and weaknesses in the areas of engagement, play, speech and language.

Emily Quint, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Emily joined the Emerge team in March of 2021. She currently holds her Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology License and American Speech-Language and Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competency. Emily earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University in 2017, and she received a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2019. She completed her Clinical Fellowship Year while living in Houston working with the pediatric population in a small, privately-owned clinic. Emily loves working directly with each child’s parents, as she is a firm believer that carryover activities play a key role in helping children progress toward their goals. Providing therapy to little ones is where her heart is, and she especially enjoys working with children diagnosed with receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Emily looks forward to coming to work each day and watching her kiddos’ faces light up as they interact with each other during their individual and/or group therapy sessions.

Taja White, MS, SLP-CF
Speech-Language Pathologist

Taja’ is a Louisiana native who joined Emerge in July 2021. She is a proud Ragin Cajun who attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 2013-2021, where she earned both her bachelor’s degree and Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. During her college career, she had the joy of working with the pediatric population and providing early intervention services. Taja’ loves incorporating music and play into meaningful experiences that can translate into a child’s everyday environment. Her favorite part of her job is witnessing and encouraging growth and the team collaboration.

Melanie Wood
Speech-Language Pathologist

Melanie is a Speech- Language Pathologist and Baton Rouge native. While completing her undergraduate degree at LSU, she was able to gain clinical experience as a Speech and Language Group Therapy aide and as an ABA tech at Emerge (formerly known as Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation.) She obtained her Master’s degree and her Clinical Fellowship in Speech- Language Pathology in Knoxville, TN. Melanie is looking forward to returning to Emerge to help better the lives of the children and families we treat.

Kimberly Brown
Intake Coordinator

Kimberly joined The Emerge Center in October 2016. She has over 12 years experience working with local nonprofits in the Baton Rouge area. For the past seven years, she has been working in the field of serving families through information, resource and referral. This is an asset which she feels will be beneficial to the families at The Emerge Center. Kimberly’s favorite part of her job is meeting with the families and ensuring them that at The Emerge Center our families are top priority. In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys watching her husband grill on the patio, laughing and dancing with her three children as they try to keep her up-to-date on the latest dance moves, spending time with family, bird watching and replicating her favorite pins from Pinterest!

Kiyah Delaney                                                                                                                                                  Authorization Specialist

Kiyah Delaney is a native of Donaldsonville, Louisiana. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Administration from The University of New Orleans in the fall of 2020. During her undergraduate studies, Kiyah gained a wealth of knowledge about healthcare through her courses and internships. Kiyah has a passion for helping people receive the best level of care possible. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In her free time, Kiyah enjoys reading, journaling and spending time with family.

Katherine Hughes
Front Desk Receptionist 

Katherine has more than 15 years of experience working with children and serving others in an office setting.  She is a native of southeast Louisiana and has been a resident of Ascension parish for more than 20 years.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son, Peyton, who is 22, Emma, who is 19, and the caboose, Sydney, who is 18. She also enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, and all the people who are special to her. She loves to travel and enjoy what life has to offer! Her favorite quote is “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Leslie Perkins
Administrative & Reception Specialist

Leslie is a native of central Louisiana. She graduated from Louisiana State University at Alexandria in 2015 with Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Leslie joined the Emerge team in August 2015 as a Registered Line Technician. She now is the Business office Receptionist. She moved to New Roads on False River in 2015, which was a dream come true because she loves the water. She loves to swim and go boating with the family. Her other hobbies include fishing and hunting during deer season with her dad.

Tiara Price, CCMA                                                                                                                                                                        Medical Billing Specialist

Tiara joined Emerge in February of 2022. She obtained an Associates of Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in 2017 from Remington College in Shreveport. She has over 8 years of experience in the medical profession and billing area. She enjoys working as a team, interacting with families/kids, and making sure her job assignments are completed correctly. Tiara’s favorite part of her job is getting to interact with the families we serve and use her abilities to assist the business side of Emerge. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her two children, traveling to visit her family, and just enjoying life! Her future dreams and goals are to have a career in the medical field and travel the world.

Renee Sheets
Medical Billing Specialist

Renee Sheets joined the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation in July of 2013 part-time to assist with the medical billing charges. Due to the tremendous growth into The Emerge Center, she accepted a position as Medical Billing Specialist in February of 2014, being responsible for data entry processing of daily medical billing charges. She previously worked at Our Lady of the Lake and Lake Primary Care Physicians for over ten years as a Billing Coordinator, Patient Service Representative, and Medical Front Office staff. Renee has three children and enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren. She enjoys Evangelism ministry and encouraging women with biblical principles. Her future dreams and goals are taking mission trips to Africa and Mexico.

Miriam Young
Medical Office Specialist

Miriam is a native of Ethel, LA, and joined The Emerge Center in August of 2016. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services and Disability Studies in 2010 from Southern University. Miriam has gained several years of experience in the medical field and business management. She enjoys working as a team, helping others in a professional setting, and performing a variety of job assignments. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends