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ABOUT US

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OUR STORY

.Jessica Sekhon MS CCC-SLP is the Owner and Founder of Thrive Speech Therapy PLLC. Jessica received her Bachelor's degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Texas Tech University. While earning her Bachelor's degree, Jessica worked in long-term care at a skilled nursing facility with patients at the end of life. While there, she gained a passion for patients with communication deficits. Upon graduation, she went on to receive her Master's degree in Communication Disorders from Texas Woman's University. While in graduate school, she began her career as a Speech Language Pathologist - Assistant, working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech sound disorders, language delays, and fluency difficulties. She worked in the school setting, while developing a family-centered approach to therapy. Jessica has worked with clients from birth to end-of-life, but her passion is empowering her clients to use their unique strengths to expand communication. Every person deserves the tools and opportunities to interact with the people they love, and the world around them. Every person deserves to express him or herself and to THRIVE!

Meet Our Team!

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Davinder Sekhon

Chief Operating Officer

Davinder graduated with a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology in 2008 from California State University. He is a former President of an oil & gas company who left the corporate world to further his career making a difference in children's lives! Davinder has over 15 years of experience in operations. While growing up in India, Davinder mentored underprivileged youth, creating a safe environment for them to pursue their ambitions. He has a passion for improving processes, utilizing technology and systems, which helps Thrive to work efficiently. Davinder's heart for service is seen throughout the company across the Greater Houston area.

Ashley Figueredo

Billing & Office Admin

Ashley graduated with her Associates in science and has been working in the medical field for more than 4 years as a Financial Coordinator and Clinical advisor. Ashley is bilingual, fluent in both english and spanish. She has a wide range of experience in the area of behavioral and speech therapy and with children in settings such as day cares and schools. 

Shelby Elrod

Assistant to the CEO

Shelby is currently studying to receive her Bachelors Degree in Education. She is very passionate about working with kids of all ages. She has a vast knowledge and experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old in schools and childcare settings. She has always had a love for serving others and works to help each child and their family Thrive!

Thrive Speech Therapy - Towne Lake

10242 Greenhouse Rd #601, Cypress, TX 77433

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Ashley Kramer, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist & Towne Lake Office Director

Ashley graduated with her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology in May of 2016 from Texas State University - San Marcos. While in graduate school, Ashley worked in a school setting with children from preschool - 5th grade who had a variety of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, speech sound disorders, language delays/disorders, and specific learning disabilities. She also had the opportunity to work in an ENT clinic where she evaluated and treated adults with voice and swallowing disorders. Over the past 5 years, Ashley has had the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary private practices where she collaborated with BCBA's, PT's, OT's, RBT's and Clinical Psychologists. With 7 years' clinical experience, Ashley's passion is to provide quality assessment and evidence-based intervention to her clients in an organized, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and family-centered way. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, friends and furry friend, Brody. She also enjoys traveling the world, snowboarding, and being outdoors! 

 

Kassie Chaffin, M.S., CF-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow

 

Kassie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University in 2016. She then graduated with a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Texas Womans University in 2018. She just recently graduated with her Master of Speech Language Pathology degree in 2022 and is currently completing her internship. Kassie has always worked with children for as long as she can remember. She began babysitting at a young age for kids of all ages and abilities. When she decided to pursue Speech Language Pathology while working in healthcare administration in the Houston Medical Center, she tutored students to help with academics and SAT/ACT prep. While Kassie completed her graduate program in Speech Language Pathology, she worked as both a paraprofessional in a structured learning classroom and as a speech language pathology assistant. Kassie began working as a SLPA in 2020 in the public school setting. During the two years of working in the public schools, she gained extensive experience with speech disorders including articulation and phonology, expressive language and receptive language.

Kassie enjoys utilizing play-based therapy and functional therapy to allow her clients to thrive at their full potential. Kassie has extensive experience working with children with special needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder. She puts her time and effort into building rapport with her patients to build a trusting relationship that allows for a welcoming and comfortable environment for learning.

In her free time, Kassie enjoys spending time with her family and four dogs at home. She is an extreme animal lover who is involved in animal rescue and fostering. In addition to her love of animals, she also loves experiencing food from all cultures in the Houston area! Kassie is excited to continue learning and growing as a new member of the Thrive Speech Therapy team!

Marina Mehta, B.S., SLP-A

Marina has always enjoyed working with children, through high school and college she worked in a Montessori school teaching during her summers. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Developmental Disabilities in 2019. After college Marina moved back to California, where she began to work for an applied behavior analysis company as a Registered Behavior Technician. During her two years as an RBT, Marina gained experience working with Children with Autism; utilizing play-based therapy. While working she also volunteered at a speech clinic to attain her clinical hours to get a SLPA license. Recently, she moved to Texas and is excited to continue her goal to work with children and help them become successful communicators. In the future Marina hopes to fulfill her dream of becoming an SLP.  

Emily Blott, B.S., SLP-A

Emily graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. During her time in college, she worked as a home-health caregiver for an individual with Autism and also has experience as a volunteer in a rehabilitation facility for individuals with disabilities. Emily received her SLP-A license through Thrive Speech Therapy and has gained experience in the clinic, daycares, and ABA centers. She is very passionate about making connections with clients and their families and strives to create a happy environment for growth!

Joice Acosta, B.S., SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English

Joice is a bilingual Speech Language Pathologist- Assistant who graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Disorders. She plans to pursue her masters degree at Texas Woman's University in order to further her education. Joice prides herself in her ability to write, read, and speak fluently in both Spanish and English. She is dedicated to providing bilingual therapy to patients as she was born in Mexico and her family is primarily Spanish speaking. Throughout her career, she has worked with children in a variety of settings.  Before becoming a Speech Language Pathologist- Assistant, Joice worked in daycares and provided care for children at their homes. As an SLPA, she has experience working in a variety of settings including clinics, home health, and daycares, treating a variety of speech and language disorders. 


From a young age, Joice aspired to become a SLPA due to her brother receiving speech therapy throughout his entire life. Joice has a passion for giving back to the community that helped her brother. Joice is motivated by providing play therapy to children to help them learn and play at the same time! She believes that building rapport with a child and their family is essential to help children fulfill their full potential!

Thrive Speech Therapy - Fry RD

8118 Fry Rd, Unit#1303, Cypress, TX 77433

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Abigail Moore M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist & Fry Rd Office Director

Abigail Moore MS CCC-SLP is the SLP and clinic director at the Fry location. Abigail received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation, she went on to receive her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from Texas Woman's University. While in graduate school, Abigail worked with a variety of children in both elementary and middle school. The students she had included those with autism Spectrum Disorder, speech sound disorders, language delays, and fluency difficulties. She also had two hospital setting rotations at Methodist in the Houston Med Center and Memorial Hermann Northeast. Abigail enjoys how each day as an SLP brings something new to learn or grow in. She enjoys watching children become confident in their own skills through therapy. She is most passionate about pragmatic language therapy and early intervention. She joined Thrive in December of 2022 after working for a school district for three years. Outside of work, she loves to play with her puppy Hank, read books and travel to the mountains to ski! 

 

Adrianna Gonzalez, B.S., SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English

Adrianna received her Bachelors of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Stephen F. Austin State University. Adrianna has experience in treating a variety of speech and language disorders. She has experience working in various settings with children of all ages with varying diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, articulation delays, aural rehabilitation, and expressive/receptive language delays, just to name a few. Adrianna has also previously worked at an audiology clinic as an audiology assistant and has experience with amplification devices such as hearing aids, BAHAs, and cochlear implants. She enjoys attending various workshops and conferences to find new and innovative ways to approach each therapy session. Most of all, Adrianna loves working with clients to make speech therapy a fun place to thrive!

Allison Dyer, B.S., SLP-A


Allison is a Speech and Language Pathologist-Assistant who graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor degree in Speech-Language Sciences and Technology and a minor in Spanish. She has always had a love and passion to work with children ever since she was little. Allison is interested in eventually pursuing her masters degree to become an SLP. She has worked in multiple settings ever since becoming an SLPA that include home-health, high school and elementary school, ABA centers, private clinic and daycares. Allison loves what she does and thrives off of the connections she makes with her patients and teaching them how to talk back! She has an appreciation for every single patient and family she comes in contact with and puts her best into every speech session.

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Alexis Casas, B.S., SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English

Alexis graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017. As of spring 2023, she has been admitted to the University of St. Augustine where she will continue her education and earn a Master's degree. Alexis is a bilingual Speech Language Pathologist Assistant, she is fluent in both English and Spanish. Prior to earning her Bachelor's degree, she has worked with children from a wide range of ages in various settings such as daycares, ESL programs, private and public schools. Alexis loves providing fun therapy visits and is passionate about providing everyone with their own unique voice.

Thrive Speech Therapy - Katy

2043 N Mason Rd #702, Katy, TX 77449

 

April Jackson, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist & Katy Office Director

April graduated with a Master Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree in 2016 and has previous experience as a Speech-Language Pathology-Assistant. Since beginning her experience in speech therapy in 2013, she has developed expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, as well as treating speech, language, and communications disorders.

As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience working with speech disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, social communication disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, April uses her broad range of skills to diagnose, develop treatment, as well as conduct therapy for speech, language, and communication disorders. A few of April’s professional skills include data analysis, strategic planning skills, and evidenced-based practices.

April is a professional who provides training and education to families/caregivers and other professionals within her scope of practice. She works collaboratively with professionals from many other disciplines such as teachers, OTs, PTs, BCBAs, RBTs.

April is most proud of her extensive experience working in various settings that relate to the area of speech-language pathology such as home health, public schools, and private therapy centers.

Hien Nguyen, B.S., SLP-A

Bilingual Vietnamese/English 

Hien graduated from the University of Houston in 2015 with a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has always shown an interest in working with children, and she has worked as a speech language pathology assistant for several years in a multitude of settings. She loves helping others and being a team player. Hien believes in empowering kids to increase their confidence and help them to realize the power of their own voice. She also hopes to make sure kids are having fun while learning as well! She is so glad to be part of such an awesome team of individuals and can't wait to see what the future holds!

Laura Ramirez, B.A., SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English 

Laura graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017. She is a bilingual Speech Language Pathologist Assistant who is fluent in both English and Spanish. Laura moved to Katy, Texas at the age fifteen from Colombia to pursue a better education and to learn a second language. Laura began working with children of different ages in settings such as daycares, gym facilities and home settings prior to getting her Communication Sciences and Disorders degree. Her passion to help members of the community and her empathy motivated her to direct her career goals towards the area of clinical pediatrics where she provided services to children from ages 1 to 21 years of age. Laura is a compassionate and dedicated professional who advocates for her clients’ rights and addresses speech, language, articulation, phonology and pragmatic needs in a fun and safe environment.

Halima Sheikh, B.A., SLP-A

Multilingual Farsi/Urdu/English

Halima graduated from St. Joseph's College in New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. I have worked with children and adolescents for over 15 years in various settings. I worked mainly in classroom environments, where I encountered many children with special needs who inspired me to pursue my studies in communication and speech disorders. Since then, I have worked as an SLP-A in home health, clinics, Montessori, and daycares. I am very passionate about helping children find their voice and gain confidence in themselves. I believe that communication with families is key in helping children accomplish their goals. I love to make therapy a positive and enjoyable experience for kids through the use of fun games and activities. 

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Mariana Valle, B.S., SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English

Mariana graduated with her B.S. in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2018. Mariana is a Bilingual (English/Spanish) SLP-A who has worked with children with various speech and language delays/disorders. She has experience working in multi-disciplinary settings with children preschool to 18 years of age. Prior to becoming an SLP-A, Mariana worked in various settings centered around children, such as schools, non-profits, and hospital settings. Mariana has always been passionate about helping children find their own voice while having fun in the process! 

Thrive Speech Therapy - Memorial

7660 Woodway Dr, Suite #395, Houston TX 77063

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Abigail Moore, M.S., CCC-SLP 

Speech-Language Pathologist & Memorial Office Director

Abigail Moore MS CCC-SLP is the SLP and clinic director at the Fry location. Abigail received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation, she went on to receive her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from Texas Woman's University. While in graduate school, Abigail worked with a variety of children in both elementary and middle school. The students she had included those with autism Spectrum Disorder, speech sound disorders, language delays, and fluency difficulties. She also had two hospital setting rotations at Methodist in the Houston Med Center and Memorial Hermann Northeast. Abigail enjoys how each day as an SLP brings something new to learn or grow in. She enjoys watching children become confident in their own skills through therapy. She is most passionate about pragmatic language therapy and early intervention. She joined Thrive in December of 2022 after working for a school district for three years. Outside of work, she loves to play with her puppy Hank, read books and travel to the mountains to ski! 

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Madelene Ramos, B.S.,SLP-A

Madelene Ramos graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders. She has a heart to serve!

Madelene's professional background includes working with individuals diagnosed with varying disabilities. She is MBSImP certified as well as MoCa certified. Her future plans include completing her Master's Degree in Speech & Language. Her future plans include completing her Master's Degree In Speech & Language. She strives to see each of her clients Thrive! 

 

Madelene Ramos, B.S.,SLP-A

Madelene Ramos graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders. She has a heart to serve!

Madelene's professional background includes working with individuals diagnosed with varying disabilities. She is MBSImP certified as well as MoCa certified. Her future plans include completing her Master's Degree in Speech & Language. Her future plans include completing her Master's Degree In Speech & Language. She strives to see each of her clients Thrive! 

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Cece DeHoyos, B.S.,SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English

Cece DeHoyos discovered her passion of working with children while attending the University of Maryland-College Park. She was a volunteer and employee at a special school for children diagnosed with Autism. This experience afforded her the opportunity to understand children diagnosed with Autism as having extraordinary abilities instead of disabilities. She has worked as an SLP-A for over 6 years. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree with a BCBA certification to continue to improve the quality of life for children. 

 

She has survived a small earthquake and a plethora of blizzards. More recently, she survived Hurricane Harvey. In her usual manner, she found the silver lining in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey by taking the once in a lifetime opportunity to kayak through the flooded streets of Houston. She also enjoys road cycling. She completed her first Century ride in 2012. When she’s not chasing a new personal record, she enjoys attending baseball games. She always roots for the underdog. 

Thrive Speech Therapy - Willowbrook

12777 Jones Rd Suite# 320, Houston, TX 77070

Kassie Chaffin, M.S., CF-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow


Kassie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University in 2016. She then graduated with a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Texas Womans University in 2018. She just recently graduated with her Master of Speech Language Pathology degree in 2022 and is currently completing her internship. Kassie has always worked with children for as long as she can remember. She began babysitting at a young age for kids of all ages and abilities. When she decided to pursue Speech Language Pathology while working in healthcare administration in the Houston Medical Center, she tutored students to help with academics and SAT/ACT prep. While Kassie completed her graduate program in Speech Language Pathology, she worked as both a paraprofessional in a structured learning classroom and as a speech language pathology assistant. Kassie began working as a SLPA in 2020 in the public school setting. During the two years of working in the public schools, she gained extensive experience with speech disorders including articulation and phonology, expressive language and receptive language.

Kassie enjoys utilizing play-based therapy and functional therapy to allow her clients to thrive at their full potential. Kassie has extensive experience working with children with special needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder. She puts her time and effort into building rapport with her patients to build a trusting relationship that allows for a welcoming and comfortable environment for learning.

In her free time, Kassie enjoys spending time with her family and four dogs at home. She is an extreme animal lover who is involved in animal rescue and fostering. In addition to her love of animals, she also loves experiencing food from all cultures in the Houston area! Kassie is excited to continue learning and growing as a new member of the Thrive Speech Therapy team!

Elizabeth Contreras, B.S., SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English

Elizabeth is a bilingual (Spanish & English) Speech Language Pathologist Assistant who graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders & Deaf Studies in 2019. She moved to Houston in 2021 from Washington state after completing her clinical experience in Dallas, TX. She has provided services to children with a variety of speech and language disorders; and backgrounds across the Houston area in homes, day cares, schools, clinics, and most recently ABA centers. Elizabeth greatly enjoys helping children on the autism spectrum THRIVE by incorperating movement and sensory play into speech therapy sessions. She plans to pursue her masters to fulfill her dream of becoming an SLP one day. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys traveling and trying new food.

 
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Yessenia Olvera, B.S., SLP-A

Bilingual Spanish/English

Yessenia graduated in 2019 from the University of Houston with her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She decided to pursue the field of speech pathology after my niece began receiving speech therapy. She always knew she wanted to work with children, and after researching more about the career, she enrolled in her first course. The four years flew by and she learned so much, but it wasn't until she began her first therapy session that she knew she had made the correct choice. Yessenia has been working since July 2019, and she’s had the privilege of working with children with different diagnoses in the home health setting. Every one of them has taught her so much. She has treated many children in both English and Spanish, and she is so blessed to be able to communicate with the parents. She loves offering Spanish speaking families her services. She hopes to become an SLP in the future and be able to assess and treat in both Spanish and English. 

 

 

Thrive Speech Therapy - Missouri City

4220 Cartwright Rd, #402 Missouri City, TX 77459

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Jeanette Layfield, M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist Clinic Director

 

Jeanette received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Houston. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Texas and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Jeanette has worked in pediatric outpatient clinics and provides bilingual therapy in Spanish. She has experience in feeding disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, and utilization of behavior principles. She enjoys collaborating with patients and their families to improve communication across all settings. Outside of work, Jeanette plays with her basset hound, Porkchop, and attends events with her husband, Darth Vader, as his handler.

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