Serving our community since 2008
Call us! 302-674-3350
Dover Office: 541 South Red Haven Lane, Dover DE 19901
Lewes Office: 17605 Nassau Commons Blvd, Suite B, Lewes DE 19958
Meet our Team!
Kati Anderson, M.S., CCC-SLP
President, Director of Clinical Care
Kathleen Anderson, M.S., CCC-SLP is an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Delaware certified speech-language pathologist. Kati is a 2003 graduate of Loyola College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was first in her class for Speech-Language Pathology. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department of James Madison University in Virginia.
Kati has extensive professional experience working with children diagnosed with a wide variety of communication and related disorders. In New Jersey, she served as Program Coordinator and Staff Speech Pathologist for Bancroft Neurohealth, serving children with special needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injuries, developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, genetic syndromes, and other impairments. Kati also worked for the Communication Station in New Jersey, serving as Staff Speech Pathologist and Supervisor of Feeding Services. In addition, she served both children and adolescents as the facilitator for social skills development groups run through Interactive Kids. Her areas of expertise include evaluating and treating children with articulation disorders, expressive/receptive language disorders, auditory processing disorders, apraxia of speech, phonological disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders or “stuttering,” and pragmatic/social skill delays.
Kati has presented nationally on topics in speech pathology, including technology and telecommunications in speech pathology, feeding therapy, HIPAA and health services, and social skills and language, and has published research on those topics. She has trained under supervisors and professors from Johns Hopkins, A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, and other prominent institutions. Believing strongly in continuing education and “cutting edge” therapy techniques, Kati has received training in Physical Restructuring of Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and the Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) program for feeding. Also active in the community, Kati is on the Board of Directors of the Next Generation Committee, Southern Delaware, of the Delaware Community Foundation.
Kati was raised in Delaware, and is honored to achieve her lifelong dream of operating a speech-language clinic in her hometown. She is a proud mother to her son, Ryan and daughter, Ava. Her philosophy in therapy is, “Every child has limitless potential. An excellent therapist is one who provides the foundation, the tools, and the encouragement for each child to achieve his or her personal best."
Christine Stang, M.S., CCC-SLP
Partner, Director of Patient Services
Christine is an ASHA certified Speech Language Pathologist with over 25 years’ experience working with children in schools, early intervention and private practice. Christine partnered with Kati and Donna in 2017 to provide the best speech and language therapy, and communication development for children.
Christine completed her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Loyola University Maryland in 1986 and stayed on to complete her Master of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Loyola University Maryland in 1988. She has passion for helping all children with significant communication disorders, including childhood Apraxia of Speech and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Evidenced based practice including natural routine, family centered strategies of engagement, movement, play, and visual supports are used in all aspects of therapy so that therapy is fun and rewarding to the child. She has a passion for literature and strong background in language and literacy development.
A mother of four, Christine understands family dynamics play a large role in child development and seeks to empower families with knowledge and skills to support their children. Continually seeking a better understanding of child development and knowledge of intervention strategies, Christine completed her 90 hour Professional Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders, University of California UC Davis, in 2014. She became Hanen Certified in 2015 and is planning to offer Hanen More Than Words Workshops for families of young children with suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder and social communication disorders. (Please visit Hanen.org to learn more.) Christine completed the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition) training including the toddler module . Christine is also an S.O.S certified feeding therapist (Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding). Recently, Christine has been recognized by Apraxiakids.org, as an expert in apraxia of speech evaluation and treatment.
Christine and her husband, Mike, have lived in Dover for over 20 years where they have raised four children and are actively involved in numerous community organizations and events.
Christine’s philosophy in speech therapy is, “Children learn best through joyful interactions which are self-rewarding and meaningful to the child’s life experience.”
Donna Ortelli, M.S., CCC-SLP
Partner, Director of Therapeutic Services
Donna is a native to Delaware, having grown up in the Dover area, and graduating from Dover High School and Delaware State University. She moved to Massachusetts shortly after college where she raised her two children. While teaching high school marketing, Donna decided to pursue a graduate degree in Communication Disorders. She graduated in 2000 from Worcester State University in Massachusetts with a Master’s of Science degree in Communication Disorders.
Over the past 20+ years, Donna has worked in both public and private schools, in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida and Delaware, with both pre-school and school age speech and language delayed children. Her areas of experience include: articulation, apraxia, auditory processing, receptive-expressive language, fluency, and pragmatic disorders. She has worked with a wide range of disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental disabilities, genetic syndromes and other impairments. After relocating to Delaware in 2009, Donna worked in the public schools, first for Lake Forest School District, and then Smyrna School District. She became part of the CDSLP team in 2011, originally as a part-time clinician, and then after retiring from the public schools, going to full time.
Donna has received two ACE awards from ASHA for her demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning through continuing education. She has a Certificate of Completion in Lindamood-Bell Phoneme Sequencing (LIPS), PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), S.O.S. Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding (S.O.S), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and Barton Screening for Dyslexia.
Donna is active in her community, volunteering her time in both the Delaware Speech-Language and Hearing Association (DSHA) and serving as a Town Council member for her local community, Leipsic. Free time pleasures include working in her flower garden and being at the beach. She absolutely loves being “Mimi” to her two grandchildren!!! On working with kids, Donna simply says: “I love working with children, as I feel they help to keep me young!”
As of 2017 Donna partnered with Kati and Christine to continue to offer exceptional speech and language therapy in our communities!
Donna’s philosophy of care is, "A child is like a flower in your garden. Plant the seed, allow its roots to grasp and grow. Provide it with sustenance and nourishment. Tend to it daily. Keep the weeds from strangling out its ability to grow straight and strong and you will be delighted at how magnificent it will blossom and shine!"
Jason Anderson, MSA
Owner
Jason was a co-owner of Central
Delaware Speech-Language Pathology
with his wife and company founder,
Kathleen Anderson. Jason’s primary
focus was on marketing efforts and corporate finances.
In his full-time career, Jason served as the Senior Director of Ticket Sales & Operations at Dover International Speedway. Jason played an integral part in our community by being a lead member of the “Autism Day at the Races” planning team. In 2012, the Speedway hosted the first-ever Autism-friendly event in NASCAR history in conjunction with the “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Families on the spectrum were treated to a day of educational speakers on a variety of topics, food and an exciting NASCAR race. When necessary, families were able to migrate to a dedicated quiet-room away from the track, featuring muted lights and dampened sound.
Jason completed his Master of Sports Administration at Ohio University, was the Treasurer for the Brain Injury Association of Delaware, and was the chair of the Sponsorship Committee for the Delaware Sports Commission.
Jason tragically lost his life in a car accident in January of 2015, in which he saved the life of his wife and 1-year old son. Jason was fully committed to Central Delaware Speech-Language Pathology's mission and to serving children. The Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports was created in his honor to continue his legacy of giving. In loving memory of Jason - his example of living life to the fullest and always giving back will be carried on in all that we do.
Allison Gruwell, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Allison is an American Speech-Language Hearing Association certified and Delaware licensed therapist. She is originally from
Dover, Delaware. She attended the University of Delaware, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree
in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology in 2015. From there, she attended Towson University, where she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology in May, 2017.
Allison's experience includes internships in both educational and medical settings, with a wide variety of patients and clients. Since beginning her career with CDSLP in 2017, Allison has continued to gain experience working with a wide variety of patients and diagnoses in both educational and outpatient settings. She shares a particular passion for working with non-verbal communicators who require the use of augmentative or alternative forms of communication. She was certified in the Hanen More Than Words Program in 2020, and also in 2020 was awarded an ASHA Award for Continuing Education.
More recently, Allison has taken on the role of lead SLP at CDSLP, helping to mentor new therapists as they begin their careers. Allison continues to love both her patients and co-workers, and is excited to continue her journey at CDSLP.
Jordan Fernekees
M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jordan Fernekees discovered
her love for speech-language
pathology after working many
years in child care throughout her schooling. Originally from Bergen County, New Jersey, Jordan attended the University of Delaware where she received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelors of Science degree in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology in 2017. She later went on to receive a Masters of Arts degree from Montclair State University in January 2020.
When completing her graduate degree, Jordan had the opportunity to treat children with a variety of speech and language needs in both educational and medical settings. At Jersey City Medical Center, she enjoyed working with children of various ages in an outpatient setting, while also treating newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She then went on to intern at Ridgewood Public schools where she facilitated students’ educational success by meeting their speech and language goals. Jordan is beyond excited to have found a home with Central Delaware Speech Language Pathology and is thrilled to help her patients achieve their fullest potential!
Kirstyn Brackin, M.A. CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Fellow
Kirstyn is a Delaware native and attended the University of Delaware where she received a Bachelors of Science degree in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019 and her Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2021.
Kirstyn's previous experience includes treating a variety of disorders and age groups in both the educational and medical settings. She interned at Capital School District and Bayhealth Hospital in Dover, Delaware. During her time at Bayhealth, she had the opportunity to work in both the inpatient and outpatient setting treating COVID-19 patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In November 2021, Kirstyn had the opportunity to nationally present at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association conference on the importance of using Patient Reported Outcome Measures in addition to Performance-based Language Measures.
Jenna Gruwell, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Jenna is a National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy and Delaware licensed therapist. She attended Wesley College for her undergraduate degree in Pre-Occupational Therapy and completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Wesley College in 2020. She is from Camden, DE and has had a wide range of experiences in the surrounding communities.
Jenna’s experiences include working with students and children with special needs ranging from behavioral deficits to physical impairments. She has a special interest in helping children with sensory regulation difficulties. She also has experience with adult populations in acute care and outpatient settings as well as a diverse background in assisting those from other nations, furthering her cultural competence skills. Jenna believes that working to help people of all walks of life find meaning in their everyday occupations is an essential driving force to overall health and wellness.
Victoria DeMar
M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Victoria DeMar is originally from
Odenton, Maryland. She went to
Towson University for undergrad, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2018. From then she went to Loyola University Maryland to receive her Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology in May 2020.
Victoria’s previous experience includes treating a variety of disorders and age groups in both the educational and medical settings. She has held previous internships at the Harbour School in Annapolis, MD and Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, MD. Victoria originally became interested in the field of Speech Language Pathology when her younger brother received services for a speech impediment when they were young. She looks forward to continuing helping others with speech-language difficulties to communicate more effectively in their daily lives.
Alaina Schleich
Office Manager
Alaina joined CDSLP in March of 2021. She previously worked for Catapult Learning, a special education school in Felton, DE as a Program Facilitator. She found her passion for working with children with special needs and is grateful to have found employment where she can continue her passion in helping children reach their full potential. During her free time Alaina spends time with her family and friends, coaches and plays volleyball and loves to read! She is excited to continue to help the families at CDSLP and help the practice grow.
Alaina is originally from a small town in Ohio and her oldest step-daughter is graduation from Ohio State this May. She enjoys all things Ohio State and Cleveland sports related! She is an avid University of Akron Zips fan, both her and her husband are alumni. Her two middle children attend high school in Delaware and are active in sports and academics.
Alaina is also a certified CPR/AED instructor, an active ALICE instructor and is passionate about school and athletic safety. She will continue to train in the community and local schools during her employment with CDSLP.
Eric Oberender
POW&R Employee
Eric resides in Milford, Delaware.
Eric has been an employee at
CDSLP since 2016. His job skills
include various custodial related tasks, maintaining and protecting CDSLP. Eric participates in Autism Delaware's POW&R Program, which stands for productive opportunities for work and recreation. He is assisted at his job by his Direct Support Professional (DSP), who is designated by POW&R, as well as natural support from CDSLP. Eric is a valued member of the CDSLP Family. Eric is very hardworking and motivated with a keen eye for detail. We are lucky to have him on our team and look forward to many more years working beside him!
Eric enjoys being active and exercising. He is a Special Olympic Delaware Athlete. He participates in numerous sports, but his favorites are long distance running and aquatics.
Coleen Bennett, M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Coleen has been a Speech Pathologist for 35+ years and is still as passionate about the work as she was on her first days as a Therapist!!
She lived and worked in New York her whole life until coming to Delaware in 2019. She has a wide variety of professional experiences over the years, but providing home and center-based services to the Birth to 3 population has been her greatest joy! Her last 8 years in New York, she worked at Sunshine Children’s Home and Rehabilitation Center, supporting medically fragile infants and children in the development of their feeding and communication skills.
Her first experience in Delaware was at the Evelyn I Morris Early Childhood Center- Preschool Program. Coleen's professional journey then led her to Central Delaware Speech Language Pathology and it feels like “home “.
Vanessa Cooper, M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Vanessa Cooper, M.A., CCC-SLP is American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified and Delaware licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She is originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and is a 1991 graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, with her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Vanessa moved to the beach in 1991 where she began her 30-year tenure with Cape Henlopen School District. While with the school district, she provided speech services to students pre-k through twenty-one years of age with various forms of communicative disabilities. Vanessa also provided oversight of Clinical Fellowship Year positions as a mentor as well as to function as a collaborative team member of referral teams to evaluate an educational classification of Autism. While working for the school district, Vanessa also assumed the role of a Special Education Coordinator assisting families and transition-age students at the middle and high school levels with their individualized educational plans. Vanessa has extensive experience as she also worked part-time as a speech pathologist for Children’s Beach House, Milford School District, EBS HEALTHCARE: Early Intervention and Children’s Therapy Center of DE, and Sunny Days Early Childhood Developmental Services, Inc.
A few other highlights and professional activities of Vanessa’s career included serving as an adjunct professor with Wilmington University, coordinating recruiting events to address shortages of Speech Language Pathologists within school districts, serving as a co-author of several presentations in 2007, 2008, and 2009 for the Association for Behavior Analysis International Autism conference, serving as a committee member at the “Most at the Coast” Conference (to assist with coordinating program-wide conferences/ special events to address professional development needs appropriate to special education and Autism), receiving an Administrative Certificate for School Principal/Assistant Principal, serving as part of a group that initiated an advocacy campaign in 2017 and Senate Bill 126 (SB 126) (which helped attract and retain highly qualified speech-language pathologists and audiologists and public schools in Delaware), and serving as a member and participant of the State Monitoring Review Board for the Delaware Autism Program
Erin Anglin, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Erin is a licensed and board certified Speech Language Pathologist. She graduated from East Carolina University with an undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Erin continued on to complete her Masters of Education in Communication Disorders at North Carolina Central University. Throughout her graduate and post-graduate career, Erin has worked with a variety of age groups with various speech and language disorders. She has worked with adults with neurogenic disorders and aphasia, accent modification as well as traumatic brain injured veterans with cognitive impairments at the Womack Army Medical Center in North Carolina. After graduate school, Erin moved to Los Angeles where she worked primarily with the pediatric population in both the private practice and public school settings. After almost 9 years, Erin and her family have recently relocated from Los Angeles back to the East Coast and she look is looking forward to continuing her career in her home state.
Elena Richard
Office Assistant
Elena was born and raised in Delaware but has her dual citizenship with Panama, where her mother is from. She is fluent in reading, writing and speaking Spanish. She just recently graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology and is looking to further her education in Physical Therapy. She is very close with her family, and has two nephews with whom she loves to spend time and play sports. Elena loves playing soccer and grew up playing competitive soccer until she finished high school. She is certified in BLS (Basic Life Support), and currently works as a unit secretary on Labor and Delivery as well, where she loves working with kids and newborns.
Kathy Schatz
Office Assistant
Kathy is a mother of 5 children, and Mimi to 3 and a half children. They are the joy of her life! She is a painter, and has sold a few paintings. She also teaches paint classes on occasion. She loves working with children and is grateful to be at CDSLP where she can see and enjoy all of their accomplishments.
Kathy's family is new to Delaware, and they are making it their new home. She has enjoyed exploring and learning about all the fun places in the Delmarva area.
Gwen Swinburne
Office Assistant
Gwyneth is originally from Baltimore, MD, but ended up in Dover, DE because her fiance is stationed at the Dover Air Force Base. She is currently a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student at Emerson College, and is expected to graduate in December of 2022. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorder in 2020 from St. John's University - New York. After graduating with her master of science, she hopes to work in a pediatric hospital setting, preferably with a special focus in feeding. During undergrad, she studied Lactation Consulting and hopes to pair the two fields one day. She is happy to have found a place at CDSLP where she can learn more about the field that she is entering
Erica Brittingham, M.S. CCC-SLP
Erica is an American Speech-Language Hearing Association certified and Delaware licensed therapist. She is originally from Milford, Delaware. She went to East Stroudsburg University for undergrad, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders in 2017. From there she went to Towson University to receive her Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology in May 2020.
Erica’s previous experience includes treating a variety of disorders and age groups in both the educational and medical settings. She interned at The John S. Charlton School in Caesar Rodney School District and Alfred I. duPont Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. Erica is at Kent County Community School in The Capital School district full time, but is extremely thankful to called CDSLP home on nights and weekends to continue helping others with speech-language difficulties.
