Specializing in...
Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy Services
MEET OUR:
Administration
President/Owner
Speech Language Pathologist
Orofacial Myologist
Melanie Shultz, M.A., CCC-SLP
Melanie Shultz, M.A.,CCC-SLP is the President of Specialized Speech Technologies, Inc. She earned her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The Ohio State University. She is a member of the American Speech Language Association and the International Association of Orofacial Myology. She is licensed by the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board. Melanie specializes in Orofacial Myology (Tongue Rest Posture, Nasal Breathing and Thumb Sucking Elimination). She has been in practice since 1997 where she worked for a contract company and private practice until October 2001 at which time she opened Specialized Speech Technologies as her own private practice. The Specialized Speech Technologies, Inc. Team has been proud to serve the Columbus, Ohio area providing quality Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy services for the past 20 years.
You may contact Melanie at melanie@specializedspeech.com.
Camille Bowshier, PT, DPT
Camille Bowshier joined Specialized Speech in August 2016 as an opportunity to advance her skills in pediatric physical therapy. She graduated from Wright State University in Dayton, OH in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Biology. In 2010, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Dayton where she was a graduate assistant in the program specializing in gross Anatomy and problem based learning. She is licensed by the Ohio Board of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers as well as the Ohio Department of Education.
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You may contact Camille at camille@specializedspeech.com
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Physical Therapy
Department Head
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Julie Ballinger, M.S., OTR/L
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Julie Ballinger started at Specialized Speech Technologies, Inc. in August 2017. She graduated from Ohio State University with a B.S. in Natural Resources and again with a Masters of Occupational Therapy. Julie worked for many years an environmental educator and then as a preschool teacher. Julie is a trained SOS therapist and certified by the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy. She holds licenses from the state of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Education.
Julie enjoys working with people of all ages but is especially passionate about working with the pediatric population and their families.
You may contact Julie at julie@specializedspeech.com
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Occupational Therapist
Clinic-Based Lead
Kathy Dodson
Kathy Dodson joined the Specialized Speech Technologies team in September of 2024. Kathy brings with her over seven years of adminstrative experience. She has extensive knowledge in scheduling and managing office affairs. Prior to SST, Kathy had also worked as a chemical dependency counseling assistant, providing support for those struggling with addiction.
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When not running the Front Desk at SST, Kathy enjoys spending her time with her family and friends. Kathy enjoys playing pickleball, dancing, and facilitating Divore Care group support. She is also a talented artist. She is active in her church group and is a proud grandma to two sweet grandchildren.
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Kathy is thrilled to be part of the SST team and is more than happy to assist in any scheduling needs!
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You may contact Kathy at kathyd@specializedspeech.com
Front Desk Administrator
Katie Finnegan, OTR/L
Katie Finnegan joined SST in March 2022. Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Occupational Therapy from THE Ohio State University in 2004. After falling in love with the city of Columbus throughout her college career, Katie decided to settle here and begin her family. Katie, and her husband Nick have 4 children together and reside in Hilliard. When not enjoying her time as a clinician, you can find Katie on a sports field or court cheering on her children. Katie has a passion for outpatient, clinic based therapy where she can truly work with the families 1:1 to help each child meet their needs and goals. She specializes in treating the pediatric population, focusing especially on sensory processing, motor skill development, visual motor integration and handwriting, as well as important life skills.
Katie has several trainings and certifications in a variety of treatment areas. Some of these include Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, Handwriting Without Tears, and the Play Project. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed by the State of Ohio.
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You may contact Katie at katief@specializedspeech.com
Occupational Therapy
Co-Department Head
Allison Haviland, M.S., CCC-SLP
Allie Haviland joined Specialized Speech Technologies in July 2013. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Bowling Green State University, and has obtained the Certificate of Clinical Competence with ASHA. She is also licensed through the Ohio Board of Speech and Hearing Professionals and the Ohio Department of Education. Allie has led as the Speech Therapy Department Head at SST, Inc. for two years, but stepped down in 2018 to focus on her passion, serving children with communication needs. She has served children with speech and language disorders in local school districts as well as the clinic setting. Allie enjoys working with pediatric patients, and has interests in a variety of communication disorders. Her areas of strength are in the assessment and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders, language disorders, and fluency disorders.
You may contact Allie at allie@specializedspeech.com
Speech-Language Pathologist
School-Based Lead
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Marla Marrero, B.A.
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Marla Marrero joined Specialized Speech Technologies, Inc. in May of 2010. Originally from Southern California, Marla graduated Cum Laude from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior. Marla brings with her over twenty years of medical billing and customer service experience. She is always happy to help you and your family understand your medical benefits and assist in the processing of your therapy claims.
You may contact Marla at marla@specializedspeech.com
Billing Supervisor
Mona Mehta, M.A., CCC-SLP
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Mona Mehta comes to Specialized Speech in November 2008. She earned her undergraduate degree in Mumbai, India and graduated with a Master’s Degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has experience working in schools, outpatient clinics and in nursing homes. She has worked with children of all age groups with a wide variety of speech and language disorders.
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She is particularly interested in infant feeding and swallowing disorders and has continued to gain knowledge and experience in this area throughout her career. She is certified in DPNS and Vital Stim, both which are techniques used in the treatment of swallowing disorders. She is certified with the American Speech and Hearing Association, and is licensed by the Ohio Board of Speech and Hearing Association. She is also a member of the Ohio Speech, Language and Hearing Association (OSHLA).
You may contact Mona at mona@specializedspeech.com