Amy Taylor
ED.S., M.S. CCC- SLP
With over two decades of experience, Amy is a highly seasoned and dedicated Speech Language Pathologist who has been making a profound impact in the field since 1999. Her wealth of experience spans the entire realm of Speech Pathology. Amy has gained extensive training in a wide range of areas, including Autism/Social Language, childhood language disorders, articulation, and phonological disorders, apraxia, narrative language development, pediatric feeding and swallowing, and early intervention. Amy is a trainer in the SCERTS methodology program. Additional trainings include SOS Feeding, Dir Floortime, Story Grammer Marker, PECS System, The Social Thinking Methodology, PROMPT, and more.
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Working across educational, clinical, and medical settings, Amy firmly believes in the power of a team approach to treating the whole child and family. As the owner of Cobb Speech and Language, she fosters a collaborative environment where clients receive the highest quality care, and families feel supported throughout their journey.
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Beyond her professional pursuits, Amy finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and four children. In her moments of leisure, Amy is an avid reader. Additionally, she shares the excitement of watching UGA football games and cheering on her beloved Bulldogs. "Go Dawgs!"
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Amy's dedication to her profession, her commitment to family and community, and her genuine love for her work make her a cherished and valued Speech Language Pathologist. As the owner of Cobb Speech and Language, she extends her passion and expertise to create a nurturing and supportive environment for growth and progress in every client she serves.
Dondra Blackwell
BENEFITS COORDINATOR
Dondra Blackwell brings extensive experience in medical office management, practice enhancement, physician recruitment, and medical coding and billing to her role as Benefits Coordinator. With a background that includes working as a Physician Recruiter for the HCA hospital system in Nashville, TN, she has developed a strong skill set in workforce planning, operational efficiency, and optimizing practice performance. Her NHA certification in medical coding and billing from UGA Continuing Education reflects her commitment to staying current with industry standards.
Passionate about creating a positive and supportive work environment, Dondra plays a key role in ensuring that team members receive the benefits and resources they need to thrive. Her expertise helps streamline processes, making healthcare operations more efficient for both employees and patients alike.
Outside of work, Dondra enjoys spending quality time with her family. She has been married for 21 years and is a proud mom to two teenage boys (18 & 16), who keep her busy with their sports and activities. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading, and unwinding at the lake with family and friends.
Michelle Bowers
M.S CCC-SLP
Michelle Bowers earned her undergraduate degree from Ithaca College and completed her master's at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. She began her career at a special needs preschool in upstate New York, where she developed a strong foundation and deep passion for helping young learners communicate and thrive.​
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Eighteen years ago, Michelle and her family relocated to Georgia, where she had the joy of raising two wonderful boys. Now that they’re grown, she and her husband are embracing the empty nest life alongside their lovable 85-pound golden retriever, Sammy.​
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys gardening, exploring new places through travel, and spending time outdoors. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections with the children and families she serves and is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential.
Chase King
OTR/L
Chase King, an Atlanta native, graduated from Colorado College in 2005 and earned his Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in 2010. He began his career as an Occupational Therapist in the school systems of New York City and Denver working with special needs children.
His time in pediatrics has focused on Developmental Delays, Early Childhood Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chase transitioned to the other end of the life spectrum working in assisted living facilities and in skilled nursing with aging adults before returning to pediatrics. Being a child at heart, Chase makes therapy functional, interactive and fun! He enjoys spending time in the outdoors, traveling, camping, skiing and hiking. Chase’s list of advanced training is extensive and includes: sensory processing disorders and treatment, executive function and regulation skills, visual processing therapy, Therapeutic Listening systems, the ZONES of regulation, Ready Bodies Learning Minds, primitive reflex integration, and the Handwriting Without Tears program.
Tracie Knauf
M.S., CCC-SLP
With nearly three decades of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Tracie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from The University of Toledo in 1992, followed by a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1994.
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Tracie’s career spans outpatient services, home health, and public schools, where she has specialized in early intervention and family-centered services. Her passion for supporting communication development led her to serve as Assistant Director of the Assistive Technology Lab at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where she contributed to innovative therapy approaches. She has a particular interest in phonological disorders, language-based learning disorders, and social skills training.
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Dedicated to providing individualized, evidence-based care, Tracie is committed to helping children and families navigate communication challenges with confidence. Her extensive experience and compassionate approach make her a trusted and valued professional in the field.
Sunny Lampert
OTR/L
Heather "Sunny" Lampert is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist, bringing over a decade of experience to her practice. She earned her degree from Brenau University in 2007, and since then, has been making a positive impact on the lives of her clients.
Sunny finds her true calling in working with children and their families. Throughout her career, she has focused on providing support and care to kids who have been impacted by foster care, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Sunny's approach to therapy is characterized by warmth, patience, and creativity. She creates a nurturing environment where children feel comfortable and motivated to engage in therapeutic activities.
Beyond her professional life, Sunny finds joy in spending quality time with her own family. Outdoor recreational activities are a favorite pastime, as she cherishes every opportunity to explore nature and create lasting memories with her loved ones. When indoors, she can be found baking goodies with her five kids and friends, spreading the joy of delicious treats. Sunny's commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families shines brightly through her work as an Occupational Therapist.
Bailey Ledford
M.S., CCC-SLP
Bailey Ledford is a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist who thrives on helping children communicate and connect with the world around them. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of West Georgia and went on to complete her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Faulkner University.
Bailey has a particular passion for working with children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and those with autism spectrum disorder. She finds joy in creating individualized, engaging therapy plans that empower her clients to express themselves and achieve their full potential. Her commitment to building strong relationships with both her clients and their families ensures a collaborative and supportive therapy experience.
As the oldest of three siblings, Bailey naturally developed a nurturing spirit and a strong sense of responsibility, which she brings to her professional practice. Outside of work, she loves traveling to explore new places, immersing herself in different cultures, and making lasting memories.
Bailey is proud to be part of a team that shares her commitment to improving the lives of children and their families, one meaningful step at a time.
Denice McMahan
COTA
Denice McMahan is a compassionate professional with a passion for pediatrics. A graduate of Middle Georgia State University, she is committed to supporting children and their families through individualized care. Denice believes in building meaningful connections with the families she works with, fostering collaboration and ensuring every child has the tools they need to thrive.
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Outside of her professional life, Denice cherishes her family and the memories they create together. She and her husband, high school sweethearts, have been happily married since 2017 and are proud parents to two children who are just 15 months apart. Whether cheering her kids on or enjoying time outdoors, family is at the heart of all she does.
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​In her free time, Denice enjoys reading, crafting, swimming, and spending time with her loved ones. Her vibrant and creative spirit shines through in both her work and personal life, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact on those around her.
Tracy Medlin
OTR/L
Tracy Medlin is a passionate and experienced Occupational Therapist who believes in the power of holistic, play-based therapy. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from MCG. With a deep interest in sensory processing, primitive reflex integration, and rhythm’s role in brain development, Tracy uses dynamic, whole-body approaches to help her clients reach their fullest potential.
Committed to lifelong learning, Tracy has earned multiple specialized certifications, including Level 1 Hippotherapy, Brain Gym, Ready Bodies Learning Minds, First Strokes Handwriting, Interactive Metronome, Manual Lymph Drain, and Drums Alive. She values creativity and engagement in therapy, ensuring that every child receives meaningful and motivating interventions tailored to their unique needs.
Outside of work, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband and two daughters—one at the College of Charleston and the other heading to Auburn University in the fall. She loves traveling, exploring antique shops ("junking"), hiking, gardening, and embracing any opportunity to be outdoors.
Marialicia Mitchell-Silva, OFFICE MANAGER
Marialicia brings a wealth of experience to our clinic. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she moved to the United States in 1981 and has been making a profound impact on the lives of children with disabilities since the age of 18. Her journey in helping others began as a former Intake Service Coordinator for Babies Can't Wait with the Cobb/Douglas Public Health Department. Marialicia's linguistic abilities are as impressive as her dedication to her profession. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is also proficient in Portuguese, French, and Italian. This multilingual expertise allows her to embrace a team-oriented approach and connect effortlessly with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.​With her warm and compassionate demeanor, Marialicia creates a nurturing and inclusive environment for her clients.Beyond her professional life, Marialicia finds joy in exploring the world alongside her husband, who serves as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. When not traveling the globe, you'll find Marialicia cheering fervently for UGA and Nebraska football teams or admiring the beauty of dragonflies and sunflowers. Marialicia's dedication to her clients' well-being, her multilingual expertise, and her compassionate nature make her a highly valued employee. Her commitment to fostering effective communication and building bridges among individuals from all walks of life is a true asset to our team.
Katie Rule
OTD, OTR/L
Katie Rule is a dedicated occupational therapist with a passion for working with children and families. A majority of her OT career has been spent in the pediatric setting, where she has gained extensive experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has also completed specialized training in sensory processing, self-regulation, and the creation of individualized sensory diets, helping children build the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives.
​A lifelong local to the area, Katie has deep roots in the community and fond memories of spending time at Bravo Dance Center just down the road. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, including her husband and their identical twin boys, who recently turned two. She also enjoys visiting coffee shops, spending time outdoors, and singing on the worship team at her local church.​
In her free time, Katie finds joy in hands-on activities like baking, crafting, and organizing. Whether she’s creating in the kitchen, engaging in meaningful therapy sessions, or making memories with her family, she brings passion and dedication to everything she does.
Molly Presley
M.S. CCC-CFY
Molly Presley is a compassionate and dedicated professional with a passion for helping children develop their speech, language, and communication skills. Originally from Cumming, Georgia, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Piedmont University and will graduate in May 2025. Molly is also a part-time intern at Cobb Speech and Language and is thrilled to officially join the team as a Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathologist in June 2025.
Throughout her graduate studies, Molly has gained experience working with both pediatric and adult populations, evaluating and treating a wide range of communication disorders. She has had the opportunity to work with neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals across various settings, including private practices, public schools, non-profit organizations, home and natural environments, senior centers, and long-term acute care units. Additionally, she has served as an Audiology Assistant, further expanding her expertise in communication sciences.
Molly is passionate about providing individualized, evidence-based therapy to support her clients in reaching their full potential. She is eager to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of the children and families she serves.
Emily Szilagyi
MOT, OTR/L
Emily Szilagyi is a passionate and experienced Occupational Therapist with over five years of pediatric experience. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Georgia State University and has since dedicated her career to empowering children to reach their full potential. Emily has a particular passion for early intervention, recognizing the profound impact it can have on a child’s developmental trajectory. By supporting children in their formative years, she helps lay the foundation for lifelong skills, independence, and confidence.​Emily’s professional interests include working with children on the autism spectrum (ASD), addressing challenges in executive functioning, and utilizing sensory integration techniques to promote self-regulation and engagement. She is deeply committed to collaborating with families, ensuring that each child receives personalized, holistic care to thrive at home, in school, and in their community.​Outside of work, Emily cherishes time spent with her family and their three dogs. Whether adventuring outdoors, traveling to new places, or simply relaxing together, Emily values the joy and balance that her family brings to her life.
Sam Tucker
M.A., CCC-SLP
Samantha is a highly experienced and dedicated Speech Language Pathologist. Originally from New Jersey, she made the move to Georgia in 2011 and has since become an integral part of the speech therapy community. With 12 years of experience in the field, Samantha has strengthened her expertise through diverse settings, including clinical, educational, and medical environments.​Samantha's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Towson University in 2009. She furthered her education by earning a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders from Long Island University, C.W. Post, in 2011. She obtained her State of Georgia licensure and her possession of a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Her love of working with children is fulfilled in Early Intervention as well as serving the Autism population. Samantha completed training for the PROMPT method, Beckman Oral Motor, the SOS Feeding Approach, and the Gestalt Language Processing Approach. ​Outside of her professional pursuits, Samantha finds joy in spending quality time with her husband, Nathan, and their three daughters. Samantha's extensive experience, commitment to professional growth, and nurturing nature make her a highly qualified Speech Language Pathologist.
Lisa Werginz
M.ED., CCC-SLP
Lisa is an accomplished and dedicated Speech Language Pathologist with over a decade of experience. Having entered the field in 2009, she has developed a diverse skill set that covers various areas of speech pathology.Her expertise extends to several key areas, including Autism, Articulation and Phonological Disorders, Childhood Language Disorders, Narrative Language Development, Pragmatic/Social Language, and Traumatic Brain Injury. As an SOS Approach to Feeding Trained Professional, she possesses specialized skills in addressing feeding challenges. Throughout her career, Lisa has had the privilege of working in educational, clinical, and medical settings, gaining valuable insights into the unique needs and challenges of her clients.​Beyond her professional pursuits, Lisa cherishes the time spent with her two precious daughters, who fill her life with joy, laughter, and wonderful memories. With her warm and compassionate approach, Lisa establishes meaningful connections with her clients, fostering a supportive environment for growth and progress. She is excited to embark on a journey of communication enhancement with each individual she works with.
