About Us

The Speech Emporium is a speech and occupational therapy practice with offices based in Cypress and Houston, Texas. All of our therapists are committed to providing the highest quality of speech and occupational therapy.

Speech Pathologists

Jennifer Swearengin, MA, CCC-SLP

Jennifer graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders in 1999 and received minors in Psychology and English. She was a member of the Honors College and received the honor of Magna Cum Laude. Jennifer earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston in 2001. She received the Outstanding Clinician award from the University of Houston while attending graduate school. Jennifer’s experience includes working in private practice, public schools, early childhood intervention, hospitals and two aphasia research projects: “Intensive Speech-Focused Treatment for Chronic Aphasia” and “Treatment for Aphasia and Related Disorders: Subproject 3: Contrasting Treatment for Sentence Production Deficits.” Jennifer has performed diagnosis and treatment of expressive language, receptive language, articulation, fluency, dysphagia, oral motor functioning, and pragmatic disorders in children and adults. Currently, she focuses on performing initial speech and language evaluations and supervising other therapists. She is not accepting new therapy clients at this time. Jennifer was a Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Districtwide Educational Improvement Council Member from 2012-2013 and served on the University of Houston Community Advisory Board from 2010-2012. She also served as VP for Finance for the Houston Association of Communication Disorders (HACD) from 2009-2010. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys co-leading her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and spending time with her family.

Patricia Breaux, MS, CCC-SLP

Patti graduated from Nicholls State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders in 1999. She earned a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2002. Patti is certified by the Texas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology. Patti’s experience includes working in public schools, private practice, and a rehabilitation center. She has performed diagnosis and treatment of receptive language, expressive language, articulation, phonological processing, oral-motor functioning, voice, fluency, dysphagia, and pragmatic language in toddlers, preschool and school-aged children, and adults. She has experience with individual and group therapy, augmentative communication (including pictures and device-based communication), social stories, play therapy, Language Intervention in the Classroom Setting (LINC), and the Kaufman Speech Praxis Treatment Approach. Patti has experience working with children with developmental delays, various syndromes and autism. She attends continuing education classes to remain current on speech therapy techniques and approaches.

Adriana Przybyszewski, MS, CCC-SLP

Adriana graduated from Texas A&M University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Adriana taught junior high science and elementary math/science for several years before returning to school to pursue speech-language pathology. She has appreciated her science background as it applies to the brain development and medical aspects of speech-language pathology. In May 2016, Adriana graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. During her time at ACU, she conducted a review of literature and wrote a research paper on the topic Factors Influencing Language Development in Bilingual Children with Cochlear Implants. Adriana attended the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing conference in March 2016 for additional training in assessment and treatment of children and adults. During that conference, she also attended a focused class on assessing and providing treatment for patients with dementia. Adriana enjoys working with both children and adults. Her clinical experience includes working as a graduate clinician in the school setting, community clinic for children with hearing loss, inpatient rehab hospital, adult home health, and in private practice. Her assessment experience includes assessing and diagnosing children with expressive and receptive language disorders, hearing impairments, and speech sound disorders. Her treatment experience with children includes the following: expressive and receptive language, pragmatic language skills, articulation and speech sound disorders, deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia if speech, and speech perception and speech and language development following cochlear implantation. Adriana has evaluated and treated adult clients who were impacted by strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and various forms of dementia. Her treatment experience with adults includes cognitive and linguistic aspects of communication, articulation, voice disorders, and swallowing disorders. She also attended LSVT LOUD certification and training course and is an LSVT LOUD certified clinician. LSVT LOUD is an assessment and treatment protocol for individuals with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or other neurological disorders resulting in reduced vocal loudness. In her spare time, Adriana enjoys outdoor activities, walking her dog, and spending time with her friends and family.

Rekeitta White-Roy, MA, CCC-SLP

In 2012, Rekeitta graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Houston in 2015. While in graduate school, Rekeitta gained experience working in the public school and hospital settings. She has evaluated and treated children and adults for a variety of disorders ranging from expressive language, receptive language, pragmatic language, articulation, voice, fluency, and dysphagia. In her spare time, Rekeitta enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Gabrielle Broussard, MA, CCC-SLP

Gabrielle graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Child Development in 2019. In 2021, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Houston. Gabrielle has experience working with both children and adults. Her clinical experience includes working as a graduate clinician in a private practice and a community clinic for children with hearing loss. She has experience with both individual and group settings and has performed diagnosis and treatment of receptive language, expressive language, pragmatic language, articulation, phonological processing, voice, fluency, and cognition. In addition, Gabrielle has experience with aural rehabilitation, alternative and augmentative communication, and accent modification. In her free time, Gabrielle enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and baking.

Prianka Bhagia, MS, CCC-SLP

In 2017, Prianka graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After graduating, she was a speech pathologist assistant working in the home health care setting in Houston. She then went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University in 2019. While in graduate school, Prianka gained experience working in the private practice and public-school settings with monolingual and bilingual, English and Spanish speakers. She has experience in evaluating and treating children and adults with receptive/expressive language disorders, pragmatic language, articulation, literacy development, fluency, voice and feeding. Additionally, she also has experience with working with kids who are on the autism spectrum and who communicate utilizing Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC). In her free time, Prianka enjoys reading, baking, and going on long walks with her German Shepherd.

Anna Wrobel, MA, CCC-SLP

Anna graduated from the University of Houston with her Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. During her graduate studies, she developed a special interest in the pediatric population, treating speech and language disorders at a private school for children with learning difficulties and communication disorders. She also gained clinical experience in acute care, treating the adult population at a Level 1 trauma center in the Houston Medical Center. She is energized by the pediatric population, and as such she began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Houston, treating clients with articulation and phonology disorders, fluency disorders, social communication disorders, feeding disorders, and language disorders in a private practice. She is certified in SOS Feeding Therapy. Anna has experience working with clients on the Autism Spectrum, as well as incorporating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in therapy. She has also worked with children with global developmental delays, genetic disorders, ADHD, and language delays. Anna has a special interest in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and has received specialized training through the Once Upon a Time Foundation’s “Diagnosis and Treatment of CAS” online course. She is also passionate about working with parents to understand their child’s unique needs and strengths to support speech and language development at home.

In her free time, Anna enjoys exercising, cooking, spending quality time with her family and friends, and enjoying a good cup of coffee with her husband.

Andrea Powell, MA, CCC-SLP

Andrea received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University and her Master of Arts degree from the University of Houston. She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Andrea has a special interest in the areas of fluency, speech sound disorders, AAC/core vocabulary, and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). She has worked in both public schools and private practice. In her free time, Andrea enjoys all things coffee and being outdoors with her family.

Gayla Jordan Lutz, MA, CCC-SLP

Gayla is a native Houstonian and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders. She began her career as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist working with students 3 years of age to 22 years of age. She left the school setting after 10 years to open a speech therapy clinic ranging from early childhood intervention to adults with fluency disorders. Her clinical experience with adults opened an opportunity in 2010 at Region 4 Education Service Center to support and train Speech-Language Pathologists across the state in best practices for evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. Gayla has experience diagnosing and treating disorders related to expressive language, receptive language, articulation, fluency, childhood apraxia of speech, oral motor functioning, autism spectrum disorders, and social/pragmatic disorders in children and adults. In her spare time, Gayla enjoys volunteering at pet rescues, playing with her menagerie of dogs and cats, and vacationing with her family.

Journee Matthews, MS, CF-SLP

Journee graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology. While gaining her bachelors, Journee was a part of a research study looking at the Language and Literacy Impacting Families and Educators, where she and the team helped young children increase their ability to increase their language and literacy skills. Journee was also able to study abroad in Belize where she helped implement a language and literacy programs into two schools. She then went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Howard University. Journee has experience working with both children and adults. Her clinical experience includes working as a graduate clinician in an acute care hospital, a private practice, and public schools. She has experience with both individual and group settings and has experience in evaluating and treating expressive and receptive language, pragmatic language, articulation, fluency, and cognition. Additionally, she has experiences working with children who are on the autism spectrum and who communicate utilizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). In her free time, Journee enjoys watching movies, taking walks, and reading.

Avery Clary, MS, CF-SLP

Amanda Pham, MS, CF-SLP

Amy Imbaquingo, MS, CF-SLP

In 2021, Amy graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Minor in Spanish. She continued her academic journey by earning a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Emerson College in 2023. While in graduate school, Amy actively engaged in diverse clinical environments including public school, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She provided therapeutic interventions to bilingual individuals, communicating in both English and Spanish. She has participated in individual and group settings and has experience in evaluating and treating expressive and receptive language, pragmatic language, articulation and fluency. In addition, Amy has experience working alongside children who are on the autism spectrum and who communicate utilizing Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC). Amy is enthusiastic and passionate about providing speech and language services with proper strategies to help individuals of diverse backgrounds to become more independent communicators. In her free time, Amy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

Margaret Halvorson, BA, SLP-A

Margaret graduated from the University of North Texas in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology with a Minor in Psychology. While attending the University of North Texas, she tutored students with disabilities and served in the United States Naval Reserves. She has gained experience in a variety of settings including adult skilled nursing facilities/SNF, pediatric private practices, outpatient clinics, and public schools. She has worked with children with language/articulation disorders, developmental delays, hearing impairment, dysfluency, and social/pragmatic disorders along with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Margaret also had the opportunity to work with geriatric adults treating both dysphagia and cognition. During her free time, Margaret enjoys antiquing, movies, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Anna Turner, Bilingual SLP-A

Anna graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2012. Anna’s experience includes working in private practice, home health, and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). She has provided therapy in Houston and surrounding areas as well as in San Antonio. She has worked with children and young adults ranging in age from 1 to 21 years. Anna is accustomed to working with a broad spectrum of speech related issues and has provided therapy utilizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Programs she has worked with include Sono Flex, Speak for Yourself, and Proloquo. In her free time, Anna enjoys crafts, movies, spending time with family working out and traveling.

Occupational Therapists

Erika Cornejo, OTR

Erika graduated from Texas Woman’s University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She earned a Minor in Spanish, including foreign coursework completed at a national university in Lima, Peru. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was also a member of Pi Theta Epsilon Occupational Therapy Honor Society. Erika is licensed to practice Occupational Therapy in the State of Texas through ECPTOTE. In addition, she holds certification through NBCOT, with practice emphasis in Pediatrics. Erika has experience working in the public school setting, outpatient rehabilitation facilities, an adult inpatient rehabilitation unit, and early intervention programs. She has served as a lead therapist in school and outpatient rehabilitation settings. Erika is also a Level I and Level II fieldwork educator for occupational therapist students and occupational therapy assistant students completing clinical fieldwork in pediatric settings. She is fluent in Spanish and able to conduct caregiver interviews, evaluations, and treatment sessions in Spanish, when needed. Erika has experience working with children and adolescents with a variety of disabilities/conditions, including: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder (with and without Hyperactivity), learning disabilities, developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, genetic syndromes, traumatic brain injuries, Aspergar’s Syndrome, seizure disorders, coordination difficulties, and feeding aversions. Erika has completed trainings for handwriting intervention (including Handwriting Without Tears), Brain Gym, Therapeutic Listening, assistive technology, sensory processing/sensory integration techniques, and behavioral interventions, among others. She believes in assessing the impact of the child’s disability on everyday occupations, such as learning, play, daily living/self-care skills, and relationships. Erika encourages active caregiver involvement in developing goals and setting priorities for intervention and strives to equip caregivers with strategies for use at home, school, and in the community to promote the highest levels of function with daily tasks. Erika has done an amazing job developing and leading the Occupational Therapy program at The Speech Emporium!

Karen Glosson, OT

Graduated Texas Woman’s University in 1987 with Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Psychology/Sociology. Licensed in State of Texas by the Texas Occupational Therapy Association. Many Occupational Therapy students have studied under her supervision and have gone on to provide quality, empathic, and exceptional care over the last 30 years in a variety of OT settings. Previous 33 year work experience included: Shriner’s Orthopedic Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Harris County Department of Education, Keep Pace Early Intervention (age 0-3), Sensory Integration private practice, and Outpatient pediatric therapy clinics. Previously worked for The Speech Emporium from 2014 to 2018 and now returns to work with this awesome group of therapists. Therapy intervention has been provided for children with neonatal challenges, developmental delays, genetic disorders, challenges related to Autism, sensory processing difficulties, environmental challenges, handwriting and executive functioning difficulties, assistance with self-care skills, behavior challenges, and difficulty with feeding limitations. Each child is unique and therapy needs to be individualized for their needs. Using a variety of strategies from continuing education classes, therapy intervention is based on understanding how individual challenges affect all aspects of the child’s and families’ lives and then developing methods to address change. Karen and her husband Mike have been married for 26 years. They have 2 children, Megan who is an Occupational Therapist and Ryan who is a computer science security assurance analyst. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, scrapbooking, and reading.

Administrative Team

Tiffany Kirk – Office Manager

Tiffany is the Office Manager for The Speech Emporium. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business in 1998. Tiffany’s career background includes work in medical sales, retail management, and most recently non-profit. Tiffany joined The Speech Emporium team in September 2011.

Susan Lee – Billing Manager

Susan was born in Oklahoma but moved to Texas as soon as she could. She moved to the Cypress area a few years ago when she married her husband, Daniel. She had previously worked in College Station, Texas where she was the Practice Manager for a 6 physician group for 16 years. She has 3 grown children and 1 wonderful grandson! She loves to travel in her down time, especially cruising.

Cherish Whitfield – Administrative Assistant

Cherish is a Veteran of The United States Air Force where she served as an Information Manager Specialist. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two wonderful daughters. When not with her family, Cherish enjoys reading and being outdoors.

Debbie Heath – Administrative Assistant – Enclave Location

Debbie is a native Houstonian whose career background includes sixteen years in the banking industry and ten years in healthcare prior to joining The Speech Emporium in August 2021. She has two grown sons, one that is currently in the Marines. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys traveling, shopping, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Abby Swearengin – Administrative Assistant

Abby is currently working on her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Theology at the University of Saint Thomas. After graduation, she plans to get a master’s degree in Child Psychology and become a play therapist. She also has worked as a math, Latin, and literature tutor, swing dance instructor, and ballet teacher. She lives in the medical center with her roommates and two cats, Junia and Scout. When not at school, Abby can be found thrifting downtown, listening to audio books, or embroidering.