FOUNDER-DIRECTORS
SPEECH THERAPISTS
Clara Clarke, M.S., CCC-SLP
Clara holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Woman's University as of 2017. Before pursuing her graduate studies, she began her venture as a Speech Language Pathologist-Assistant in the public school system in 2012. Once she achieved her Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Clara transitioned to the home-healthcare setting as a Lead SLP. In this role, she conducted new hire trainings, in-services, and supervised other clinicians. Despite her passion for helping colleagues achieve their career goals, Clara joined Momentum Therapy Center to return to the core of the profession, working hands-on with patients and their families to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Clara's areas of interest include gestalt language processing and functional echolalia, stuttering or fluency-shaping therapy, and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT). She is dedicated to furthering her knowledge and experience in augmentative and alternative communication and feeding therapy through continuing education courses and collaboration with cohorts. Her aim is to create an inclusive, welcoming, and affirming environment in the speech therapy treatment room
Michaela Y. Josey M.S., CCC-SLP, CAS
She graduated from UNC Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in American Sign Language in 2019. Following her Bachelor's degree, she pursued a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from North Carolina Central University in 2021. She has had experiences working with infants to 18+ in pediatric outpatient clinic settings in North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas. She is very passionate about supporting children in underserved communities and unhoused families. She has vast experience in working with pediatric feeding disorders and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. During her tenure as a skilled Speech Language Pathologist, she has obtained credentials as a Certified Autism Specialist. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, shopping for shoes, and traveling.
Lindsay Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lindsay has a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2022, Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2020. After achieving Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), I have experience working in outpatient pediatric setting providing evidenced-based practice treatment and individualized based treatment. My areas of expertise include articulation/phonological disorders, early intervention, language disorders, fluency, autism spectrum disorder, feeding and swallowing, and augmentative alternative communication (AAC). I strive to provide patient-centered care and involve families in the therapeutic process. I am dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging environment while guiding children toward confident and effective communication. My hobbies include exercising, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends!
Mishaal Rashid, M.S., CCC-SLP
Mishaal holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio University since 2023, and a Bachelor of Arts in
Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston since 2021. Experienced in working with a variety of language and communication disorders,
Mishaal specializes in developmental language disorders, speech fluency disorders, and cognitive disorders. Passionate about language and working with both pediatric and adult populations, Mishaal implements a people-first approach to therapy, ensuring engaging sessions. Committed to evidenced-based practice, Mishaal utilizes play and practical strategies to enhance language and communication skills. Dedicated to continuous learning, Mishaal focuses on furthering knowledge in feeding, Aphasia, and social communication disorders, while staying updated on evaluation and intervention methods. In leisure time, Mishaal enjoys spending time with family and the cat, Fargo.
Andrea Kong, M.S., SLP-CFY
Andrea graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Bilingual Early Childhood Education. Prior to pursuing her master's program, she worked as a 1st grade
teacher. In 2023, she obtained a Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University. Andrea enjoys providing therapy to both children and adults in English and Spanish. She loves making a difference in her patients' lives by improving their ability to communicate in a functional way and enhancing their quality of life.
Gabrielle Callens M.S., CCC-SLP
Gabrielle earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of North Texas in 2022. During her graduate studies, Gabrielle gained valuable experience working with both adults and children across diverse settings. She provided care
to adult patients at an outpatient rehabilitation facility specializing in acquired brain injuries, and she also worked with children ranging from birth to 18 years in a private practice setting. After achieving her Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Gabrielle acquired experience working with children at an outpatient clinic. During this time, she refined her abilities in assessing and treating patients with a variety of language disorders and delays. Gabrielle's professional interests include Autism, gestalt language processing, neurodiversity-affirming therapy practices, child-led therapy, and providing access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Gabrielle is currently expanding her knowledge in feeding therapy and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) through ongoing education and collaboration with peers. Gabrielle is dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and family-focused patient care, grounded in high-quality, evidence-based interventions.
Taylor Suárez - CFY SLP
Meet Taylor, a dedicated professional with a background as an ABA therapist. Before joining MTC, Taylor gained valuable experience working in home health settings as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant for two years. Her work reflects deep-seated patience and passion for both children and adults. Taylor recently earned her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology, staying current with the latest practices. Her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach makes her a valuable asset to our team at MTC.
Aracely Cantu, B.S., MBA-HA
Aracely graduated from Texas State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with extensive experience in treating various language and communication disorders, including developmental language disorders, cognitive disorders, articulation, phonological disorders, early intervention, and autism spectrum disorder, among others. In 2020, she transitioned her career into healthcare administration as a Marketing and Business Development Coordinator after completing her MBA in Healthcare Administration from UT-RGV. At MTC, she holds dual roles: primarily as a Business Development & Marketing Manager and as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, leveraging her comprehensive background in therapy, pediatrics, and healthcare.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Jeremy Gardner, OTR/L, LAc.
Jeremy, is a licensed Occupational Therapist, nationally certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, as well as Aquatic Therapy. He earned his Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, in 2004. Subsequently, in 2008, he completed a Masters of Occupational Therapy, specializing in Pediatrics, at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.
Not to mention, Jeremy is the inventor of two sensory integration swings, now manufactured by Southpaw Enterprises. He is deeply committed to integrating Chinese Medicine into his occupational therapy sessions, bringing a holistic approach to his work across various adult and pediatric healthcare settings.
Fatima Yusuf, COTA
Fatima received her undergraduate degree from The University of Houston, majoring in Public Health. She pursued her Occupational Therapy degree at HCC Coleman Health and Sciences in the medical center. Passionate about research, she delves into topics that pique her interest. Fatima's hobbies include traveling, practicing yoga and pilates, and being a cat mom. Additionally, she teaches meditation classes and has a fondness for jazz music. With a background in OT spanning home health, acute care, and outpatient settings, Fatima particularly enjoys teaching handwriting and dressing skills, considering them essential aspects of occupational therapy.
Emily Garcia, COTA
Emily Garcia, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed in Texas through NBCOT, graduated with Highest Honors from HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences in 2021. Her experience spans pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics, treating diverse conditions including bariatric issues, amputations, stroke recovery, cardiac rehab, ADD, paraplegia, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Autism, TBIs, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and more. Outside work, Emily enjoys animal advocacy, exercise, culinary adventures, karaoke, travel, and family time, dedicated to enhancing independence and life quality for all.
Kelly Woody, COTA
Kelly, an Occupational Therapy practitioner for 9 years, graduated from Houston Community College with a degree in Health Science. Passionate about ongoing education, she attends Handwriting and Family Ne motor workshops and recently earned certifications as a Certified Primitive Reflex Specialist and an ADHD Rehabilitation Service Provider. In therapy, Kelly employs sensory-based techniques and creative strategies to aid children in reaching developmental milestones. She also holds a Massage License specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, and Prenatal Massage, with a focus on stretching. Kelly finds joy in family time, concerts, and the beach, along with outdoor activities and various races.
Tania Garcia, COTA
Tania is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant certified through NBCOT and licensed in the state of Texas. She graduated from San Jacinto College's COTA program and has been practicing in pediatrics and geriatrics. Tania specializes in LSVT BIG, which trains individuals with neurological disorders to use their bodies more normally and improve their mobility and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. Tania's hobbies include basketball, soccer, traveling, trivia nights, and napping.
Jonathan
COTA
Coming Soon!
ABA THERAPISTS
Natalie Bickham M.A., BCBA, LBA-TX
We are thrilled to introduce our first ABA therapist launching this new program!
Natalie holds a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Educational Psychology from Ball State University and earned her BCBA certification in 2021. Prior to earning her master's, she worked as a certified Special Education teacher in Junior High School.
She has expertise working in different settings including in-home, clinical, school, and psychiatric. Her background includes working with individuals with autism aged 2 to 30 years. She's experienced with the ARD process and is committed to advocating for her clients' rights and ensuring their educational system. She's a born and raised Houstonian with two children, ages 15-10. She's an animal lover and has 5 dogs. Her hobbies include binging Netflix, video games, and reading. Fun fact: Natalie got engaged in Roatan, Honduras last December.
Sol Muñoz, RBT
Coming soon!
Nubia Perez, RBT
Coming soon!
Miriam Araia, RBT
Coming soon!