WHO WE ARE
MEET OUR TEAM
our goal is to provide a feeling of trust and connection with our families
Natalie Neal M.A. CCC-SLP
speech-language pathologist, owner & clinical director
Natalie began Small Talk OC in 2007 with the intent of creating a warm and caring environment specializing in individualized and family-centered therapy. Natalie loves working with children because it gives her an excuse to play well beyond her childhood years! She is passionate about her work, and thrives on creating a fun and nurturing environment to enhance children’s confidence and communication skills. She is inspired and receives so much joy from the families she works with.
Natalie has specific training in PROMPT and Oral Placement Therapy for treating motor speech disorders and sensory-motor feeding challenges. She also has training in DIR/Floortime Method which promotes child development through respectful, playful, and joyful engagement.
Natalie is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and a Professional Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Heather KipP B.A. SLPA
board certified speech-language pathology assistant
Heather is Small Talk OC’s dynamic speech-language pathology assistant. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in speech-language pathology. Combining her therapeutic experience in the public schools with her experience in corporate management, Heather brings a unique skill set to the Small Talk OC Team. Her passion for working with children is contagious and her clients can’t wait to see “Miss Heather” each week!
Heather has special training in DIR/Floortime Method. She loves using this method with children, because it capitalizes on the power of building relationships and connections to promote engagement, communication, positive behaviors, and thinking.
Jenna Goscha, B.A. MT-BC
board certified music therapist
Small Talk OC is thrilled to have board certified music therapist, Jenna, leading our music therapy program. Music therapy offers children unique opportunities to build confidence and communication through song and movement. Children are drawn to Jenna’s magnetic voice and toe tappin’ tunes.
Music is a multimodal experience that naturally encourages engagement through play in a success oriented environment. Research shows that music encourages socialization, facilitates self expression, enhances speech/language and motor development, and so much more. Jenna is passionate about using music to enrich the lives of others and is excited to begin working with your child!
Brynn warrington M.A. CCC-SLP
speech-language pathologist, articulation disorders specialist
Brynn is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. Brynn has specific training in Oral Placement Therapy for treating motor speech disorders, the Cycles Approach for treating phonological disorders, Social Skills, and Early Intervention.
Brynn is dedicated to building rapport with every child. She capitalizes on each child’s interests to develop individualized, highly motivating therapy activities. Brynn’s energetic personality, coupled with an acute clinical eye, brings about a wonderful momentum to her therapy sessions!
Lizeth Torres B.A. ATS
assistive technology specialist
Lizeth is a Certified Assistive Technology Specialist (ATS) who has over a decade of experience working with children in the public school setting and private/home setting on topics relating to Assistive Technology (AT), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and educational technology. Her specialties include evaluations of AT and AAC needs, modifications, adaptations, accommodations, accessibility, iOS applications, and communication partner training. She is an expert in assistive technology as it applies to the educational experience, including reading, writing, use of computer applications/extensions and software, and adaptive equipment to meet educational needs. Lizeth is passionate about maximizing the strengths of the individuals she works with and helping them reach greater independence through technology!
Allison Formica M.S. CCC-SLP
speech-language pathologist, feeding & Early Intervention Specialist
Allison is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Allison has specific training in PROMPT, Comprehensive Assessment and Intervention using the DIR/Floortime Method, and SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Feeding Therapy. She has AAC Experience using Proloquo2Go, TouchChat HD, and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
Allison is currently on maternity leave as she and her husband recently welcomed their second child! We know this is a special time for her family and the Small Talk OC team looks forward to welcoming her back in a few months.
sydney sharpe M.s. CF-SLP
speech-language pathologist, clinical fellow
We are excited to welcome Sydney as the newest member of our Small Talk OC family! Sydney is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. Sydney has an extensive background in Early Intervention and gained years of experience in the field working as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) prior to receiving her master’s degree.
Sydney’s outgoing personality is magnetic and she instantly builds rapport with both the children she works with and their families!