Carla Coleman M.ED. CCC-SLP
Carla Coleman received her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University in 1998. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language Association and licensed in the state of Georgia. She has worked in the public school system for 24 years as a speech language pathologist and served all ages of children in various areas of communication disorders. In addition to serving students in the public-school setting, she has worked in skilled nursing facilities and now with the Therapy Tree staff. Carla lives in Jeff Davis County with her husband and three children and enjoys family time, cooking, reading and Pinterest! She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential in all areas of communication and considers her occupation one of her greatest callings.
Jill Castellani
Jill Castellani has been working in the field of Autism since 1998. She began her career in Connecticut, receiving her master’s degree in Behavior Analysis in 2004 and becoming a BCBA in 2006. Over the course of her career, Jill has served in many capacities, including as Clinical Director and Owner of a small ABA practice. Jill has many years’ experience teaching early language and learning skills, as well as more advanced social skills and running social skill groups. Jill is passionate about individualizing programs for children and families, as well as teaching caregivers how to use ABA to improve overall quality of life. For the past ten years she has been living in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her husband, two teenagers, and three dogs. She is excited to be a part of The Therapy Tree team.
Melissa Williamson, CF
Melissa Williamson is from Vidalia, Georgia and graduated from Valdosta State University in December of 2020 with a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia. During her free time, she loves to go saltwater fishing and hunting with her husband, Justin along with playing with her golden retriever, Tiller. She is grateful to have the opportunity to work and collaborate with everyone at The Therapy Tree and is currently working in the Hazlehurst office. Since receiving speech therapy services throughout her middle school years, it has been rewarding to be able to help kids on a one-on-one basis make progress with and improve their communication skills.
Emily Bradshaw, M.ED. CCC-SLP
Emily Bradshaw was born and raised in Albany, Georgia. She graduated from Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in May 2017 where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. Emily obtained her master’s degree from Valdosta State University in July 2019 and obtained her Certificate of Clinical Competence in January of 2021. She has always enjoyed helping others. Emily credits working for Camp Hawkins, a special needs summer camp, for 2 years as an inspiration to obtain a degree that would help others. This led her to become a speech pathologist and become an advocate for those that have difficulty speaking to help them learn to have a voice in their own unique/special way. Emily has experience working in the hospital with adults who suffered from CVA, TBI, and Dementia. She also has experience working with children diagnosed with articulation disorders, language disorders, and Autism. When she is not working, you can find her watching her favorite Netflix shows/movies or reading a book series. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Emily especially enjoys time spent with her nephews and niece!
Allison Gaskins, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Allison Gaskins is a graduate of Valdosta State University where she received her Bachelors of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May of 2016, and a Masters of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May 2018. Allison obtained her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in July 2019. She has experience working with pediatric clients targeting language, articulation, cognition, and executive functioning skills in the school and clinical settings. In addition to extensive speech and language treatments, Allison has a experience in working with individuals diagnosed with Autism, Down’s syndrome, and various intellectual disabilities. Allison emphasizes increasing functional communication at home, school, and the community through individualized treatment plans tailored to each client. She is an advocate for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to increase communication skills among patients with limited expressive language skills. When she isn’t helping children find their voice, she enjoys time with her family and friends. You can find her at a simple backyard barbecue or a peaceful weekend at the beach!
Arden Osborne, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Arden Osborne obtained a Master's degree from Valdosta State University in 2020. Originally from Gwinnett County, she moved down to Valdosta for school in 2014 and loved the south so much that she decided to make it her home. She is currently in her clinical fellowship year to obtain her Certificate of Clinical Competence. Having gone through speech therapy as a child herself, she has found a love in children and helping them in all areas of speech and language. She has always had a passion for children, as she was a junior swim coach for her local neighborhood swim team, babysat for her community, and worked in daycares for over 6 years. When not cuddling on the couch with her two cat fur babies or binge watching her favorite Netflix shows, you can find her crafting, reading, and riding dirt roads. She loves spending time with her friends and family, but also enjoys time to herself with quiet nights at home. Arden has a passion for Christ and doing the Lord's work through speech therapy.
Katy Bailey, M.Ed., CF-SLP
Katy Bailey recently graduated from Valdosta State University with a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is completing her Clinical Fellowship to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Prior to obtaining her masters degree, Katy attended the University of Georgia where she received her undergraduate degree - Go Dawgs! Katy has a passion for helping people and loves being outdoors. She is excited to be a part of The Therapy Tree Family and is currently working in the Fitzgerald office. She is looking forward to using the knowledge she has gained to help children increase their speech and language skills!
Julie Wright, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Julie Wright is a Georgia native, born and raised in Ocilla, Georgia. She is a proud graduate of Valdosta State University with a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She graduated in the Spring of 2020. She is serving in the South Georgia area to give back to the community she calls home. She is currently completing her certificate of clinical competence as a clinical fellow. Julie Wright enjoys studying all things Autism and how it impacts language and social skills in children. She believes all people deserve a voice. Julie has two fur babies whom she loves and cherishes with all of her heart. Family is important to her as well. She has a loving fiancée who is supportive of all of her endeavors and enjoys taking frequent adventures with her in their free time. Julie, when not in therapy, enjoys playing board games, creating art, and cheering for her Georgia DAWGS!
Hayley Hughston, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Born and raised in Vidalia, Ga, Hayley is a 2018 graduate of Valdosta State University with a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders. While proudly serving in her hometown, she is completing her clinical fellowship to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hayley is a strong advocate for family involvement and how it affects a child’s language development both inside and outside of the therapy sessions. She has an interest and passion for finding a voice for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, whether it is verbal or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Hayley’s hobbies include painting, drawing, and attempting to play the violin. When she is not providing therapy, she is traveling with her husband, Kyle, of two years, spending time with family, or snuggling her two fur babies.
Tiffany Spurlin, M.Ed. CCC-SLP, ABA Director, Director of Speech Pathology
A resident of Baxley, Ga. Tiffany is a 2013 Valdosta State University graduate with a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Since her graduation, Tiffany has acquired her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), as well as her certification in Vital Stim therapy and is licensed in the state of Georgia. Tiffany leads our therapy services in our Hazlehurst office and services the Jeff Davis community. She enjoys sponsoring and assisting with missions through her church in an effort to spread God’s word to underprivileged areas. Outside of therapy , she can be found at the nearest CrossFit gym working on strengthening her mind and body. Tiffany is passionate about advocating for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Lisa Williams. M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Considered the soft-spoken therapist, Lisa can be found in private schools and head start programs in Coffee County. She brings her skill and technique directly to the children in their natural habitat. When she’s not traveling in the area providing therapy; she can be found taking family trips with her 10 year old daughter and 12 year old son and her husband of 17 years. She also enjoys decorating her home for the holidays, cooking with her family, and reading. Lisa is a 2004 graduate of Valdosta State University with a Master’s in Education in Communication Science and Disorders. She is licensed in the state of Georgia and a certified member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. She is passionate about reaching children exactly where they are in life and empowering them to reach their communication goals.
Teresa McElroy, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, Founder, Owner
As the founder of The Speech and Swallowing Clinic, LLC DBA The Therapy Tree, Teresa has worked as a speech-language pathologist for over 20 years. She earned a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University in 1998, where she conducted research in language and literacy, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her experience includes a vast variety of disorders stemming from working in home health care, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers with children and adults. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed in the state of Georgia. Teresa lives in Nicholls, Ga. with her husband of 37 years; she enjoys spending time with family, friends and many, many animals that occupy her homestead. Teresa is the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and lives to make them happy. She is a lover of food and travel and laughter. Teresa is passionate about raising awareness in the areas of Parkinson’s disease. She also advocates for substance abuse awareness in Coffee County.