575 Menlo Dr, Suite 3 Rocklin CA 95765
Call: 916-287-1914 Fax: 916-258-0054
email: info@buildingblocksspeech.com
Our Staff
Our staff at Building Blocks Speech and Language are here to support you and your child in meeting his/her speech and language goals. Our caring staff have years of experience helping children learn to interact and communicate with the world around them.
Meet your Therapists!
​
The therapists at Building Blocks Speech and Language are dedicated to assisting families in learning strategies to help their child learn to communicate in their natural environments. We believe that the family is the best teacher and through daily routines and play, the child will learn new skills to increase his or her communication skills.
Melissa Savage M.S. CCC-SLP, Owner
Melissa is the owner of Building Blocks Speech and Language. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences after completing her undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University. She manages employees as well as a caseload of early intervention children and private pay preschoolers. She especially loves the birth to 3 years population where the children are beginning to discover and learn about their world! Melissa has extensive experience with children on the Autism Spectrum, is Hanen certified, and has completed the S.O.S. feeding course. She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). She also enjoys working with older children with speech sound disorders. Melissa and her husband have five busy children at home!
​
Valerie Loberg M.A. CCC-SLP
Valerie graduated with her Master’s degree from California State University Chico in 2016. She has experience working in the school setting serving preschool and school aged children for five years. Valerie is currently serving in-home early intervention clients as well as a a variety of ages and needs in our clinic. In her spare time, she enjoys walks with her husband, son, and dog, spending time with family and friends, and visiting Lake Tahoe. Valerie is especially passionate about working with the early intervention population as she believes it is key for children to functionally communicate their wants and needs and reach their highest potential!
Carol Oliveras M.S. CCC-SLP
Carol completed her M.S. at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus in Puerto Rico in 1999 and worked with the pediatric population, early intervention, school settings, and adults for 6 years. After moving to California in 2006 with her family, she has been working with early intervention, preschool, and school settings. She is a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a Spanish-English bilingual speaker. She feels a special connection with the birth to three year old population, the geriatrict patients and with multicultural families. Carol loves spending time with her husband, her three daughters and her dog, Taina. Her hobbies include running, hiking, traveling, reading books, talking with her family in Puerto Rico, and watching documentaries with her family.
Ismara Contratto M.S. CCC-SLP
Ismara attended University of California, Sacramento where she received a B.S. and M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Over the course of her career, she has worked with toddlers through middle school-aged students in both the public schools, as well as private practice clinics. Her areas of expertise and interests include pediatric speech sound disorders, early language development, as well as feeding and pediatric swallowing disorders where she received her training as a volunteer and intern at University of California, Davis. She specializes in working with children who are challenged by extreme picky eating, often limiting their diet to just a few foods, and need one-on-one therapy with a specialist. She is SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding trained and utilizes a family-centric approach to all her intervention strategies.
When not working, Ismara enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, cooking and kayaking...but not all at the same time. :)
Karen Edmiston M.S. CCC-SLP
Karen completed her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology at Catholic University in Washington D. After Moving to California I worked in the Public School system, in a variety of rehabilitation centers, and private practice. I had a varied caseload ranging from infants to senior citizens. I have always had a special interest in early childhood and now work solely in that area as part of the Early Intervention Team of Building Blocks Speech and Language Center. I love musical theater, walking, reading historical novels, cooking and collecting quotes and verses from books I have read.
Katie Joiner M.S. CCC-SLP
Jillian Tanner M.A., M.Ed,. CCC-SLP
Katie received her B.S. in Communication Disorders at Biola University and M.S. at University of California, Sacramento in Speech-Language Pathology. She has worked in various settings: public schools (preschool through 8th grade), a non-profit clinic (ages 1 to 16), and in-home (ages 1 to 3). Katie is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). Her area of expertise and interest is early language development and early intervention. When not working, Katie enjoys being a mama to her busy two-year-old, binge watching Netflix with her husband, advocating for safer beauty laws aka "clean beauty advocate", riding bikes, being outside, kayaking, and taking weekend trips to Tahoe.
Julia Miles M.S. CCC-SLP
Jillian is a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice speech language pathology in the state of California. Jillian graduated from California State University, Chico with a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders in 2016. Additionally, she graduated with her Master of Education in Foundations of Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2016. Jillian has been working with kids with Autism and other special needs population since 2012. Favorite populations to work with include birth to three, kiddos with Autism, and complex communicators using AAC. Jillian is Hanen More Than Words Certified. Hobbies include cooking, playing with her two golden retrievers, going for walks, and binge watching Netflix shows.
Rachel D'Amico A.S. SLP-A
Julia received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Science and Disorders at California State University, Chico and her Masters degree at West Texas A&M University. She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). Julia has worked in various settings including public schools (preschool through 8th grade) and in-home (ages 1 to 3). She has experience working with children with a variety of disorders. Previously, Julia worked in the public schools treating students with moderate to severe disabilities and enjoyed addressing functional communication skills. Additionally, Julia enjoys providing play-based therapy and supporting children and families with expressive and receptive language delays. When not working, Julia enjoys spoiling her golden retriever, going on hikes with her husband and cheering on the Oakland A’s.
Rachel graduated from American River College with an A.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, and she is currently pursuing her M.S. at University of California, Sacramento. She has worked with early intervention ages birth-3 years, children ages 3-12 in both the clinic and public school settings, ages 18-21 in a transitional program, and ages 30+ in the hospital. Rachel has experience with several different populations and especially enjoys working in the area of early language development. During her spare time, she loves cooking, walking her dog, spending time with family, volunteering at her church, and vacationing near bodies of water.
Lindsay Baughn B.A. SLPA
Lindsay received a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Chico and attended a post-baccalaureate program to earn her license as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Lindsay plans to begin graduate school this summer to pursue a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She has experience providing speech and language services in the clinic with children ages 3-12, as well as working on early speech and language development with children ages 0-3. Lindsay enjoys working in the clinic with school-aged children, but also loves engaging in early intervention and helping children reach those speech and language milestones! In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys connecting with friends and family, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Joy Bell C-SLPA-C
Katie Weeks M.S., CCC-SLP
Joy graduated from American River College with an A.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and is a certified member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She has an A.A. degree in Language Studies and has a passion for working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
She has ten years of experience in a public school setting working with children in preschool and elementary to high school-aged children, including speech and language services in the Preschool Intervention Program. Joy especially enjoys working in the area of articulation and early language development.
She enjoys watching her children play competitive soccer and taking family vacations to Disneyland during her spare time.
Katie is a proud alumna of Loma Linda University and has always known that her passion was to work with children and their families. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings ranging from home health, schools, and private clinics. No matter what age, Katie loves to help build stronger family connections through improving communication skills. There's nothing like helping others be understood. Katie loves to travel abroad or within the USA including 1 year of RV roadschooling her three kids in 35 states. She loves to decorate and plant flowers each new season, go to musicals, and spend time with loved ones.
Mary Gusakova, B.S. OT/L ASDCS
Mary received her B.S. in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University in 1986 and has been working with the pediatric population for more than 15 years in various settings, such as California Children's Services and the school setting (TK through 12 grade), and is currently enjoying her new experiences working at Building Blocks. She is certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and loves working with this population, whatever their age. Outside of work, Mary loves to cook, travel, spend time with her husband and parrot, Mickey (who even though he's 21, is still her baby boy), be involved in her church, and play word games to relax.
Diana Wang M.S. CCC-SLP
Hermina Andries M.S.CCC-SLP
Diana graduated with her Master’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University in 2018 and is a certified member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Diana is a Mandarin-English bilingual therapist. She was born and raised in New York City and just moved to California in September 2023! Before moving, Diana worked in an elementary school serving preschool and school-aged children for 4 years with a predominantly bilingual population. Prior to working in the schools, she served in-home early intervention clients and is so excited to join the team to continue serving early intervention clients at home and the clients at the clinic. In her spare time, Diana enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, and cooking! She’s a huge foodie and loves to try new things!
Hermina graduated from Sacramento State University in 2010, and she has been adding new skills and knowledge in serving clients (from birth to 12th grade level) within the home, clinical, and school settings, ever since. She also has some experience working with adult clients within the medical setting. When she's not busy chasing after her 2 young boys, she enjoys going on hikes, learning about new cultures and languages, listening to music, and making new friends.
Abigail Nye B.A. SLPA
Abigail graduated from CSU, Sacramento in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Education. She was accepted into their SLPA program where she worked in a pediatric clinic and school setting to receive her clinical hours. Abigail is hoping to pursue a Master’s Degree to become a SLP in the next year. She has experience working with ages 0-13 years old in the clinic, in-home, and school setting. Abigail has a passion for working with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders. She loves to help and watch clients/families reach their goals in language and communication as they grow. Her clients call her Miss. Abby:) In her free time, she enjoys spending time with my family and friends, working out, binge-watching TV shows, and doing anything that is outdoors.
Hannah Russ B.A. SLPA
Hannah earned her B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Chico. She then was accepted into a post-baccalaureate program where she obtained her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license. Hannah has a background in ABA behavior therapy and enjoys working with children in early intervention as well as ages 3-8 years of age. She especially enjoys working with little ones on expanding language. Before finding Building Blocks, Hannah worked in the school setting with students of all ages and backgrounds (preschool through 12th grade). Hannah hopes to return to school in the future to pursue her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time out at the barn with her horse or spending time with friends and family.
Kailee Bergstrom B.A. SLPA
​Kailee earned her B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at California State University, Chico. She then continued her education and earned her license as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant through a post-baccalaureate program at Chico State. Kailee enjoys working with kids of all ages on a wide variety of goals through play-based activities. She is passionate about building their communication skills by creating strong relationships with her clients and their families. In her free time, Kailee enjoys spending time with her husband, listening to Taylor Swift, and exploring new areas in the Sacramento area as she recently just moved here.
Corie Volmer M.A. CCC-SLP/Clinic Director
Corie is a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a license to practice speech language pathology in the state of California. She graduated with her MA from Chico State University in 2002. Corie has over 20 years of experience with the school-aged population. Corie enjoys the challenges and rewards of working with children to improve their ability to communicate and to form meaningful connections between language and the world around them. She believes that some of the best learning young children can do is hands-on "work" that they perceive as "play" and feels strongly that a family's role in supporting carryover of learned skills is crucial in a child's speech and language therapy progress. During her time off, Corie enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, working in the garden, reading, and creating in her craft room.
Sophi Hicks M.S CF-SLP
Sophi graduated with a M.S. in speech-language pathology from Univ. of New Mexico and a B.A. in communicative disorders from CSU Northridge. She also worked 5+ years as a behavioral aide and few years as an inclusion educator. Through her experiences, Sophi gained specialized interest in affirming practices, AAC, early intervention, and pediatric feeding. Currently she serves on a professional advisory board for a nonprofit’s early childhood inclusion initiative. In her spare time, Sophi is passionate about holistic wellness and hiking with her husband & son.
Kaitlynn Wallace M.S. CCC-SLP
Kaitlynn Wallace has been a speech pathologist going on for three years now. Kaitlynn has been passionate about speech therapy since the beginning of 2015 when her son received services through Alta Regional Center. Kaitlynn received her Bachelor of Science at Sacramento State University and received her Master of Science at Eastern New Mexico University. Kaitlynn strives to implement confidence in communication with our future leaders.
Aubrie DeLaRosa M.S. SLP
Aubrie completed her undergraduate at Sacramento State, then moved back to Bakersfield to gain experience in the field. Aubrie worked for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools for 2 years working with age ranges from 3-22 years old. She then moved to Hawaii and worked for the Hawaii State Department of Education as a Communication Aide in the schools for about 4 years. During her time in Hawaii, I took a break from the DOE and worked in a private clinic where she was granted the opportunity to work alongside an SLP with an Orofacial Myofunctional background. Through this experience Aubrie learned a lot about OFM and how it can affect speech, sleep, learning, etc and just how closely all of those things are tied together! Aubrie hopes to take a training in the near future to become OFM certified. Aubrie graduated from Northern Arizona University with her Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May of 2023 after moving back to the Mainland. She embarked on a journey back to Arizona to complete her medical externship at a trauma one center in Scottsdale Arizona. There she worked with ages 14-80 years old. Aubrie worked in the acute rehab center, where their primary focus was neurological rehabilitation, and in the ICU where they primarily worked on swallowing and restoring primary levels of function. Aubrie's passion is speech pathology as it's such a vast field where the learning never stops! Her other hobbies/passions include: singing, running, being with family, traveling, and all outdoor activities with my dog. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the sun, reading a book, and exploring new places.
Teagan Cammarano M.S. CCC-SLP
Teagan received her Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Nevada, Reno, and her Master's degree at the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. Teagan has experience working with various age groups (preschool through 12th grade) across all educational backgrounds (mild-moderate and moderate-severe, as well as NPS students). She primarily has experience working with children on the Autism spectrum. Teagan's passions include traveling, home improvement, and her dog; a bull terrier named Rowdy.
Natalie Hall M.S. CCC-SLP
Natalie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of the Pacific in 2017 and started working as an SLPA for a school for five years. She completed her graduate degree through CA State University Northridge’s online program in 2022. In Natalie's spare time, she loves to sleep! It’s her favorite hobby! She loves animals and actually thought she would go into a career working with animals. Natalie found the world of speech pathology by accident when taking a couple of communication disorders classes at her local community college for extra units. She found the material to be really interesting and stuck with it!
Lacey Jordan A.S. SLPA
Lacey graduated from American River College with an A.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Though she started as an SLP-A in the school setting (K-8), she switched over to Building Blocks Speech and Language to pursue her original passion: Early Intervention. During her own experience with the Early Intervention process for her child, she found a desire to head back to school and obtain a degree in Speech-Pathology. Lacey's years of experience with the preschool age population has led her to have a great love for play based therapy. A favorite quote of hers is; “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. At various times, play is a way to cope with life and to prepare for adulthood. Playing is a way to solve problems and to express feelings. In fact, play is the real work of childhood.” (You are Special: Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers, 1995). When not working, she loves staying involved at her church and spending time with her family. Her and her family love exploring the great outdoors and enjoying their new found love of paddle boarding.
Administration
Claudia Sorenson
Claudia has been with Building Blocks for many years and is invaluable to the team! She is a mother of five children that keep her busy with softball, swim, and other sports! She speaks fluent Spanish. She has years of experience managing offices and has taken classes in administration.
Bryce MacMillan
Bryce is currently finishing up her Bachelor's degree at California State University, Sacramento in Communication Sciences and Disorders and is planning to attend the Master's program to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. She is originally from Sonoma County and just moved to Sacramento in 2022. Bryce loves to read, be outdoors and enjoys spending time with her family and friends!
Zoe Williams
Olga Rodriguez
_edited_jp.jpg)
Olga Rodriguez has a diverse background in executive leadership, communications, and marketing. She has served as the Executive Director of Dot Connect since 2016, where she has developed new programs and managed a large team. Prior to this, she was a Communication Specialist at SEIU, developing and executing various campaigns. Olga also has a 10-year career in Commercial Real Estate, with roles as General Manager and Director of Marketing at Yuba Sutter Mall. Outside of work, Olga is passionate about philanthropy, particularly related to Latin American immigrants. She is a dedicated mother of three and has been happily married for 23 years. Olga is now excited to bring her expertise to Building Blocks Speech and Language in Rocklin. She looks forward to making a positive impact while balancing her life as a busy mother.
Zoe Williams joined Building Blocks with experience in Office Management in Holistic and Chiropractic Medical setting. We like to call her the "Master Scheduler" as she dedicates her time working with new referrals, intake and scheduling while making everyone laugh with her wonderful sense of humor. In her free time she enjoys cooking and works as a professional Make up artist. She has a 5 year old nephew and loves working in the clinic where she sees kids grow and learn.
​