ABOUT US

Lana Gelman

As an eleven-year old who just immigrated to the United States I spent an agonizing year not being able to ask or answer questions, explain myself, or even read and write in my English-only school.  While serving in the U.S. Army I was again exposed to other languages and new social norms, while deployed or traveling, which made it very difficult to communicate. 

Remembering how frustrating and stressful it was to have my potential locked away behind a communication barrier, I am highly motivated to help the children I work with become effective communicators as soon as possible.

Although speech and language therapy is a passion, I also have a special interest in literacy and am certified through IMSE as an Orton-Gillingham intervention provider to help children who struggle learning to read and spell. Many children who start talking later, or struggle saying longer words correctly, also struggle with literacy acquisition in school. Therefore, I often incorporate literacy interventions in my sessions.

I also believe in working as a team and whenever possible collaborate with any other providers that work with the children I serve. In our clinic, we often brainstorm together on how to best engage our clients and do continuous professional development to improve our skills. 

When not working with my clients, I love to hike around the Columbia Gorge with my husband, listen to live music, noodle around with a guitar, do DIY home-improvement projects, and read books while snuggling with my cat.

Stephanie Collings

As a person with an invisible disability, I understand fully what it means to be someone who is different in a way most people don’t see, recognize or fully understand. Because of this, I have always wanted to work in a field where I not only advocate for people, but I also work with them in a way that best fits their unique needs. Speech-language pathology gives me a way to be a tour guide on my clients’ communication journeys, not the driver. Meaning, I will walk alongside my clients and show them what I know, but never stand in their way or dictate the way their journey continues. We walk this path together. No two people are the same, and I believe that should also apply to therapy goals and activities. 

I heavily emphasize the importance of bilingual therapy services for multilingual speakers, because it makes sense to treat people with all of the languages they use. Bilingualism is highly overlooked and misunderstood in our field, and I firmly believe that a person’s communication goals should incorporate all of the languages and communication modalities that they use. I also believe that the most important folks on my clients’ team are their families and caregivers. You are the expert for your child, and I will always honor that.

My special interests in speech-language pathology include Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Augmented and Alternative Communication, Gender Communications and Fluency.

When I’m not working, I like to play with my 2 pups, practice learning a new language (I’m trying Russian currently), read or listen to books, watch a movie I’ve never seen before, paint ceramics, and explore new scenery with my fiancé.

Kelsey Haapala

Throughout her career, Kelsey has worked with the pediatric population in the Early Intervention, elementary school, outpatient clinic, and private practice settings. She specializes in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, early language development, and caregiver training and coaching. She is also trained in LAMP Words for Life, PROMPT, and PODD. Kelsey believes in using a collaborative play-based and child-led therapy approach and strives to be neurodiversity affirming in her practice. She also has a younger brother with complex needs and is passionate about integrating her unique perspective as both a caregiver and a clinician into her treatment.

When not working, Kelsey enjoys hiking, thrifting, and gardening. She lives with her husband, son, four cats, and golden retriever Penny.

Kelsey Gonwick