Daria O'Brien MS, CCC-SLP: Director
Daria has over 15 years experience in the assessment and treatment of children with language, literacy and communication challenges. She holds a masters degree in Communication Disorders and was awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Daria furthered her studies as a doctoral student in the Speech and Hearing program at the City University of New York's Graduate Center. She has taught courses in language development and disorders at William Paterson University. She is also the author of Narrative Intervention for Children, an educational program to improve speaking, comprehension and writing skills. Daria’s clinical expertise are in language/auditory processing, social communication, learning disabilities, autism, and literacy/dyslexia. Contact Daria at dobrien@pomptonspeechplus.com or 201-317-0356.
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Improve language-based skills utilizing sequential, research-based methods. Students grades K-8 will enjoy learning story grammar and narrative structure through the use of engaging story books. Step-by-step lesson plans and over 50 activities!
Target these skill areas:
• Comprehension: describe story elements, sequence the story, determine the main idea, answer wh- questions, make predictions and inferences
• Narrative Language: retell a story and write narratives, understand story grammar, organize story events and convey thoughts
• Perspective Taking: understand the emotions and differing points-of-view of story characters
• Written Language: develop proficiency in syntax and story cohesion
Danyela Williams MA, CCC-SLP: Director
Danyela Williams is a Speech Language Pathologist with over 12 years of pediatric therapy experience. Danyela has experience working with multiply disabled children in both school and home settings. She has worked within the Early Intervention Program of New Jersey and has specific expertise in feeding therapy as well as oral myofunctional therapy and articulation correction related to tongue thrust. Danyela has served as clinical supervisor/coordinator of an innovative integrated educational program. She values a therapeutic approach that emphasizes collaboration with parents and service providers. Danyela is certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and she is licensed to practice in New Jersey and New York. Contact Danyela at dwilliams@pomptonspeechplus.com or 973-641-6745.
Kathleen Andrews, LCSW
Kathleen is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience assisting families in responding to their child's developmental challenges, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD )and anxiety/mood disorders. She helps families develop effective treatment plans and works with school districts to develop appropriate intervention. Kathleen has extensive experience in play therapy and social skills. In addition to practicing as a licensed clinical social worker, Kathleen is trained in divorce mediation. Kathleen also maintains offices in Chatham and Morristown. Contact Kathleen at 973-270-5757.
Melanie Ricca, MS, OTR-L
Melanie provides occupational therapy to children of all ages to improve sensory integration and regulation, and to help build functional skills for children with various gross and fine motor delays. Melanie received her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from Kean University and has provided services in health care and education settings. Through treatment she helps to develop the confidence and abilities that children need in order to be successful in a wide range of daily activities - including school, play, and self-care. Her clinical training also includes sensory modulation, visual-motor, grapho-motor, and oral-motor interventions.
Barbara Bonomo, CCC-SLP, BCBA
Barbara is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has 12 years of experience assessing and treating children with autism spectrum disorders and multiple disabilities. Barbara utilizes applied behavior analysis to effectively develop speech and language interventions for students who require intensive treatment programs. She specializes in working with school-age children who are non-verbal and minimally verbal, utilizing augmentative and alternative communication systems as well as verbal therapies.
Elif Hajaluga, Associate
Elif is a speech-language assistant and a co-therapist in Socially Speaking Plus groups. She has experience in the special education field, particularly with children on the autism spectrum and those with language-learning disabilities. Elif graduated from William Paterson University with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology. Currently, she is completing her master’s degree in speech-language pathology and is actively engaged in clinical work at William Paterson University. At Pompton Speech Plus LLC, Elif provides assistance in the development of social language therapy.
Gloria Ziegler, Assistant
Gloria is a mother of two teenage boys and has worked in the education field in a variety of capacities. She holds an Associates Degree from the Community College of Morris and is a New Jersey certified substitute teacher. Gloria has experience with the educational methods of Montessori and has taught various ages of Sunday school at the First Reformed Church in Pompton Plains.