Shay Copple, M.S., CCC-SLP-
Rehabilitative Clinical Director
Shay Copple is a Licensed Speech/Language Pathologist who has been practicing speech therapy in the Willamette Valley since 2007. She holds a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Eastern Washington University. Prior to her opportunity with Creating Pathways, Shay spent 10 years working with children in a variety of settings including life skills and regular education classrooms, private schools and charter schools. Shay has extensive experience working with children who are impacted with communication disorders such as autism, stuttering, apraxia of speech, cleft lip and palate, receptive/expressive language disorder, articulation disorder, and phonological disorder. Shay has a passion for working with children who experience phonological dyslexia. She prides herself on the lasting relationships she builds with children and their families. In a recent turn of events, Shay was elated when approached by the University of Oregon to help supervise and mentor graduate students during their clinical experiences. Shay enjoys all of life’s adventures with her husband and their four boys on their small farm.
Emily Mattson, COTA/L-
OT Team Lead
Emily Mattson is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has worked with children in multiple settings for over 12 years. She worked as an aide in a pediatric outpatient clinic where she fell in love with the profession and decided to pursue a career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Emily graduated from Linn-Benton Community College with an Associate's of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially if that time is spent outdoors hiking, camping, or exploring new places.
Kecia Speck, COTA/L
Kecia Speck is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She graduated from Linn-Benton Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy. She has worked with children, in a variety of capacities, throughout the span of her career. Kecia is a dynamic therapist who works well with children who need a little extra compassion and skill. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding horses, and tending to her mini farm.
Stephanie Smith,
CSLP-A
Stephanie Smith is a Licensed Speech/Language Pathology Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Stephanie is currently pursuing acceptance into a graduate program to further her skills in the field of speech/language pathology. Stephanie loves children and connecting with their families. She is skilled at helping children navigate challenging behaviors, sensory deficits, and speech/language disorders. Stephanie loves spending time with her son and daughter in the outdoors.
Natalie Facchinello, CSLP-A
Natalie Facchinello is a bilingual Licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California. Natalie is thrilled to be in graduate school currently working on her Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology. With experience in both private practice and school-based settings, she is passionate about working with children and helping them reach their full potential. Playing a part in a child’s progress, and celebrating that progress, is especially gratifying to Natalie. She has experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders including autism, developmental delays, expressive/receptive language disorders, apraxia of Speech and articulation/phonological disorders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, hiking and thrift shopping!
Carla Averill-
Receptionist
Carla Averill is one of the friendly faces you will see when checking in at our clinic. She prides herself in being the office Grandma. :) She retired from 30 years with the State of Oregon and thoroughly enjoys all of the families and children who come to Creating Pathways Pediatric Therapy. In her free time, Carla loves to spend time with her family, ride horses, and go camping.
Jamie Ruiz-
Office Manager
Jamie Ruiz is the Office Manager at Creating Pathways Pediatric Therapy. She is a skilled professional who enjoys working with families during their journey in the pediatric therapy world. She has extensive experience helping families work through the insurance maze. Jamie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her three young children keep her busy and full of joy.
Athena Carlson,
CSLP-A
Athena Carlson is a Licensed Speech/Language Pathology Assistant. She began working with children in a professional setting in 2010 and received her Associate's of Applied Science as a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant in 2011. She also earned a certification in Early Childhood Education from Portland State University in 2012. Athena's interest in the field was sparked in 2006 when she was inspired to enter the field by the wonderful speech/language pathologists that worked with her own son in speech therapy. She is passionate about helping children and their families. In addition to the joy she gets from working in pediatric therapy, Athena is most happy spending time with her son and husband and crafting delicious cuisine for friends and family.
Abby Tempel, COTA/L
Abby Tempel is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She graduated from Linn-Benton Community College with an Associates of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy. Abby also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Oregon State University. During her time at Oregon State University, Abby had the opportunity to participate in many pediatric therapy programs including aquatic therapy and mobility workshops. Abby thrives off children’s growth when working with her. When Abby is not working with children, you can find her crafting, drinking coffee and laughing.
Joanie Johnson, OTR/L, MPA-HA
Joanie Johnson graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. Joanie continued her education and received a Masters Degree in Health Administration from Portland State University in 2010 with a focus on program development and healthcare policy.
She has practiced in a variety of settings serving children and families including early intervention, inpatient, home health, and outpatient therapy clinics. Joanie believes in making therapy fun, engaging, and including the entire family in the therapy program.
Joanie has completed training in Sensory Integration tools and techniques, Handwriting Without Tears, Therapeutic Listening, and Pediatric Strengthening Programs.
Joanie enjoys spending time with her husband and son, and enjoys photography as a hobby.
Jamie Oden, M.S., CCC-SLP
Jamie Oden is a Licensed Speech/Language Pathologist who holds a Master of Science from The University of Wisconsin- Madison. Jamie has worked with children in both public school and private practice settings since 2004. She has extensive experience with working with children with a variety of needs and is passionate about empowering children to improve their communication and ability to express themselves. Jamie also loves helping families to learn how to support their child’s development. Jamie is a recent transplant to Salem and is enjoying getting to know the community and exploring the region.
Jolene Gerlits, COTA/L
Jolene Gerlits is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She graduated from Linn-Benton Community College with an Associates of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy. She has many years of experience working with children in a variety of settings including as a swim instructor, drama teacher and sports coach. After 15 years managing Jamba Juice stores, she decided to pursue a career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. When not at work, Jolene enjoys swimming, traveling, laughing with family and friends and can be found singing Christmas carols all year round.
Perla Brambilla
Perla Brambilla is a bilingual receptionist and keeper of all things organized! She is a devoted member of our Creating Pathways Pediatric Therapy team and looks forward to serving children and their families daily. Prior to her opportunity with Creating Pathways, Perla worked with children in many school based settings. When she is not working, Perla can be found spending time with her family and their young son.