Our Team
Our therapists are among the most talented in their fields. It would be our pleasure to put our extensive experience and expertise to work for you and your child.
Office Staff
Speech Language Pathologist/Owner/Office Manager/Scheduling
Amber Irvin
Amber is the founder of Chit Chat Therapy and an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College (2001) and her master’s from the University of South Carolina (2004). She has worked in schools, early intervention, private practice, and as an independent contractor. She resides in Rock Hill with her husband and 4 fur babies.
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Billing and Maintenance Manager
Taylor Irvin
Taylor LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Office Assistant and Authorizations
Megan Thomas
Megan LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Speech Therapists
Alexis Ludwig
Alexis LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Andrea Smith Durante
Andrea is a licensed, ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master’s in Communication Disorders from the University of South Carolina (2005). She has experience in both school and clinic settings, treating toddlers through adolescents with a wide range of communication disorders. Andrea specializes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and is listed in the Apraxia Kids SLP Directory. She has been part of the Chit Chat team since 2012 and lives in Fort Mill with her husband, children, and fluffy Siberian cat.
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Ashley Shaw
Ashley graduated from the University of SC with a masters in speech language pathology. Prior to going back to school for speech therapy she was a elemetary school for over 10 years. She currently works as a school speech therapist and at Chit Chat in the afternoons and weekends.
Chelsea Prevette
Chelsea LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Heather Britton
Heather LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Jaclyn Weiss
Jaclyn has been a part of the Chit Chat team since 2008. She is an ASHA certified and South Carolina Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 2000. She received her Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from St. John’s University of New York in 2003. Jaclyn has worked as a Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped in the New York City public school system, as an independent contractor for the Rock Hill public school district, in early intervention with BabyNet of South Carolina and in the private clinic setting.
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Jennifer Holbrook
Jennifer is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Masters in Communication Disorders from the University of S.C. in 2012. She previously has worked for Fort Mill Schools and has been a part of the Chit Chat team since 2019.
Jessica Hendrix-Varn
Jessica is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Masters of Speech Language Pathology from the University of South Carolina in 2012. She has been a part of the Chit Chat team since early 2015 and enjoys working with children of all ages. She lives in Fort Mill with her husband and son.
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Julie Miller
Julie is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Julie joined the team at Chit Chat in 2015 has over 20 years of experience as a pathologist, clinician, and researcher in the areas of autism, receptive and expressive language delays, articulation, dysfluency, pragmatics, and others. A graduate of Wingate University, with a B.A. in Communications, the University of Wyoming, with an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology; Julie also has her ASHA-CCC and both NC and SC Licenses for Speech-Language Pathology. Prior to joining Chit Chat, Julie has worked in school systems, private practice, outpatient clinics, and in home-based environments. In her free time, Julie enjoys spending time with her two sons and doing triathlons!
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Katlyn Nguyen
Katlyn is an ASHA-certified and SC licensed speech-language pathologist. Katlyn is a Fort Mill native and graduated from Nation Ford High School in 2018. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Public Health (2022) and an M.S. in Speech Language Pathology (2024). She has recently completed her clinical fellowship with Chit Chat Therapy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods from other countries.
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Kelly Polzien
Kelly is an ASHA certified and SC/NC licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature in 2007 from The University of South Carolina and her Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, also from USC, in 2009. Before coming to Chit Chat, Kelly worked in the Rock Hill School District for 5 years and as an early interventionist in Charlotte, NC. When she is not working, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and playing with her dog. Kelly currently resides in Rock Hill with her husband.
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Kelly Reiger
Kelly is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Masters in Audiology and Speech Pathology from Purdue University in 1999. She has been a part of the Chit Chat team since 2011
Kerry Barth
Kerry graduated from St. Xavier University Chicago in 1997 with an MS in Speech-language pathology. Previously, she worked in Chicago Public schools, Hamilton Southeastern schools in Indiana, and for the Fort Mill School district. Kerry has been part of the Chit Chat team since 2011 treating the 0-3 population and servicing children with articulation disorders, language delay, and Autism. She enjoys working with families to ensure the best outcome for their children. Kerry is blessed to live in Lancaster, SC with her husband and 7 children.
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Kristie Fountain
Kristie is a graduate of Radford University where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2010. Kristie is a licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist who has worked with patients across the lifespan. When not working at Chit Chat, Kristie also works at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill and Fort Mill. Kristie has extensive experience in the acute care setting, and has also worked in various nursing homes, schools, home health and outpatient settings in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. When not working, Kristie enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and goldendoodle Annie. Kristie especially enjoys spending time on the lake with her family and friends. Kristie resides in Tega Cay, SC.
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Meg Carabini
Meg has been with Chit Chat since August 2014. She is an ASHA certified speech language pathologist and graduated from the University of SC with her masters degree in 2013. Prior to graduation she had worked as an SLP-Assistant for several years and also as an ABA therapist for children with autism. She has additional training and expertise in the areas of oral/motor development and autism.
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Melanie Hall
Mel is a Pennsylvania native, who has spent the past 10 years living in the Carolinas. She attended Bloomsburg University & Old Dominion University where she earned her Master's degree in speech-language pathology. She has worked in early intervention, outpatient clinics & school settings. She is passionate about helping children become more confident communicators and has a special interest in the areas of articulation/phonological disorders and Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In her free time she enjoys lifting weights, crafting with her Cricut & spending time with her husband & three year old daughter!
Samantha Simmons
Samantha is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She began working at Chit Chat in 2020 following her graduation from New York University where she earned her Master’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Samantha has experience working with toddlers and children with a wide range of communicative needs related to phonology, articulation, expressive/receptive language, and pragmatics. She frequently works with the early intervention population (birth-3), incorporating parent coaching and a multimodal language approach into her practice. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
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Skylar Macher
Skylar LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Suzanne McNichol
Suzanne is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Masters of Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State University in 2011. She lives in Charlotte with her husband and child. She has been a part of the Chit Chat team since 2016.
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Terri Hennessey
Terri LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Theresa Schaedig
Theresa Schaedig is an ASHA certified Speech and Language Pathologist who recently retired from Clover School District and continues to provide therapy at Chit Chat part time. She received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Communication Disorders from Northern Michigan University.
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Wendy Wingard-Gay
Wendy Wingard-Gay is a 1985 graduate of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC with an MS degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She has retired from York School District One and is employed with Chit Chat part time. She is a former president of the South Carolina Speech Language and Hearing Association (SCSHA). She served in the SC Teacher Leadership Council at the SC Department of Education from 1994-1998, which met regularly with the State Superintendent of Education on public school issues. She received Special Honors from the SCSHA in 1996 and was named the South Carolina Outstanding Young American in Education, presented by the South Carolina Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1997. In addition to speech therapy, she sings professionally in the US and abroad.
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Occupational Therapists
Alexandra Worobel
Ali earned her masters degree in Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in 2008 . She has worked with children for her entire career. She previously began working for Chit Chat Therapy in 2015 and left briefly for her husband's residency in Florida and was welcomed back to us in 2019. She is married and has twin boys that keep her busy.
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Dawn Mendoza
Dawn LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Donna Baker
Donna has been a part of the Chit Chat team since 2011. She is a certified and licensed occupational therapist. She received her Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy in 1993. Donna retired from Clover School District several years ago and continues to work part time with Chit Chat.
Isabelle Witzel
Isabelle joined the Chit Chat family in 2020. She received her Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Montreal, Canada in 1993. She has over 30 years of experience, most of which have been spent working with children with a wide variety of diagnoses in early intervention settings, private pediatric clinics, and schools. Isabelle also has previous experience working in outpatient hand clinic and worker’s rehabilitation centers. She is a certified Therapeutic Listening provider and Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor. She speaks French fluently. In her spare time Isabelle enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Karla Mahonski
Karla LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Kendall Lahr Martin
Kendall LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Lily Prevette
Lily LOVES Chit Chat Therapy!
Rachel Fite
Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She has enjoyed practicing occupational therapy in the clinic-based setting for several years, treating children from babies to adolescents with various diagnoses including but not limited to: Autism, Developmental Delay, ADHD, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, TBI, and burns. Rachel emphasizes the value of learning and encouraging development through play and meaningful activities. She enjoys working with both children and their families and communities to increase independence and engagement in everyday life. She currently lives in Clover with her husband, son, and dog.
Stephanie Krafft
Stephanie is a licensed occupational therapist. She received her Masters in Education Administration and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Occupational Therapy from Xavier University. She has been a part of the Chit Chat team since 2012. She lives in Fort Mill with her husband and 3 boys.
Wendy Behr
Wendy Behr is a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant with an associates degree in applied science. Wendy has 30 years of pediatric experience in both the private and educational settings. She easily connects with children and families. Through enjoyable and therapeutic modalities, she provides education and effective treatment for the children and families she works with. Wendy has experience working with a wide range of disabilities. She has extensive knowledge and training in the areas of sensory integration, handwriting Without Tears, Assistive Technology, Therapeutic Listening, and Astronaut Training
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Physical Therapists
Ashton Nelson
Ashton is a licensed physical therapist. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marshall University in 2022. She enjoys treating children of all ages and offers some home visits in the area as well as therapy in the clinic. She is a local and graduated from Nation Ford High School and now lives in Rock Hill with her husband and 3 fur babies.
Debbie Roen
Debbie graduated from Finch University in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy. She has been working in pediatrics since 1997 and has also worked with BabyNet of SC in early intervention.
Jennifer Poirier
Jennifer (Jenn) is a Licensed Physical Therapist and brings with her a vast array of knowledge, education, and experience after working many years in New England. Jenn graduated from Northeastern University with a BS Degree in Rehabilitation Science (Magna Cum Laude). She continued her education at Northeastern, earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She most recently worked as a PT performing initial evaluations, re-evaluations, developing POCs, and coordinating care with OTs and SLPs for pediatric patients. Jenn joined the team at Chit Chat in 2015 and lives in Fort Mill with her husband, daughter, and twin boys.
Julie Burt
Julie started with us at Chit Chat in early 2018. She has worked in pediatrics for over 20 years and has previously worked in the Fort Mill Schools. She lives in Fort Mill with her husband and family.
Maria Wilson
Maria has been a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of SC for over 20 years; most of which have been spent in pediatric therapy settings. She has served in various settings for pediatric care including hospital inpatient and outpatient, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, private outpatient, and the school setting. She joined Chit Chat in 2011. Maria received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Converse College in 1994. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of SC in 1996. Maria has been trained in neuro-developmental treatment for children with cerebral palsy. She has also been trained in the application of kinesiotaping. She resides in Fort Mill with her husband and two children.