Meet Your Therapist
Mrs. Aleisha
Owner
Speech Therapist
Ms. Alex
Clinic Director
Occupational Therapist
Ms. Courtney
Lead SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Jenn
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Rachel
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ms. Demi
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Jane
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Linnette
Occupational Therapist
Ms. Taylor
Occupational Therapist
Ms. Emily
Occupational Therapist
Ms. Teri
Physical Therapist
Ms. Melissa
Client Coordinator
Therapist Bios
Aleisha VanAmburg,
MS CCC-SLP, Prompt Trained
Aleisha VanAmburg, MS CCC-SLP is a Florida state licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and holds her Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC’s) through ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association). Mrs. VanAmburg obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of South Florida. She began her career in 1997 working in the public school system as a speech language pathologist at an elementary school with a large population of children with special needs. In 2002, she expanded her clinical skills to include working in a private outpatient clinic for twelve years treating pediatric clients with a variety of delays and disorders. Mrs. VanAmburg continued her career as a clinical instructor in the graduate program for Speech Language Pathology at the University of South Florida (Go BULLS!) for three years until realizing her dream of opening her own private practice with a focus on family centered intervention.
Our clinic opened in the fall of 2015 with a small team and only 1000 square feet and has continued to grow and thrive, adding occupational therapy and physical therapy services. In the fall of 2025, Mrs. VanAmburg moved her clinic into a 2700 square foot building to accommodate the new therapists and treatment space. We have been helping a multitude of wonderful children and families ever since! Aleisha is Prompt Trained, S.O.S. Feeding trained and specializes in working with children who have issues with motor planning (Apraxia) and feeding difficulties. She also works closely with families to wean children from tube feedings to oral feeding. She enjoys working with younger children but has over 30 years of experience working with all types of delays and disorders, She is still passionate about her chosen career. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, biking and boating. She is an avid yogi and intuitive to her clients needs.
Alex, OTR/L
Alexandra is a Florida state-licensed Occupational Therapist. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida and continued her education earning a Master’s of Occupational Therapy at Advent Health University.
In addition to working on our team for several years, Alexandra also worked in early intervention, servicing the birth-3 population, and hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation. Alexandra is passionate about applying the knowledge and expertise she has gained from her vast experience across multiple settings.
Alexandra continues to advance her skills through ongoing professional development. She has specialized training in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), and Bimanual Therapy approaches. She also incorporates modalities such as electrical stimulation—trained in both Task-Specific Electrical Stimulation (TASES) and Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-STIM), as well as whole-body vibration (WBV), and kinesiology taping. Above all, Alexandra is dedicated to helping children participate in every aspect of their lives to the fullest extent.
Courtney, MS, CCC-SLP, Prompt Trained
Courtney, M.S., CCC-SLP is a Florida state licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and holds her Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC's) through the American Speech and Hearing Association. Courtney earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Florida and her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Jacksonville University. She began her career in Jacksonville working in a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center for medically complex and fragile infants and toddlers.
After moving back to the Tampa Bay area she transitioned to the outpatient pediatric setting as well as within the schools and hospital homebound programs. Courtney is passionate about working with the pediatric population and is excited to be a part of the Family First Therapy team!
Jennifer, MS, CCC-SLP, Prompt Trained
Jennifer is a Florida state licensed, Spanish-speaking, bilingual speech therapist. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of South Florida. Jenn worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant before pursuing her Master's degree and continuing her career as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
Jenn has valuable experience working with children from early childhood to young adults with literacy disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, and various speech and language disorders. She is an experienced tutor of the ‘The Barton Reading and Spelling System’ and is PROMPT trained. She is passionate about coming alongside families on their unique journeys to meaningful communication and connection!
Rachel, MA CCC-SLP, Prompt Trained
Rachel is a Florida state licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and holds her Certification of Clinical Competence through ASHA. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and her Master’s degree from the University at Buffalo.
Rachel has been working in the outpatient pediatric setting in the Tampa Bay Area since 2012. She also has experience working in the schools and in nursing homes. She is passionate about providing skilled AAC, apraxia, feeding, social skills, and voice therapies. She is PROMPT trained and has completed courses in the area of Gestalt Language Processing to expand her skills. She is thrilled to be a part of the Family First team!
Demi, MS, CFY-SLP
Demi is a Florida state licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Demi has worked in a variety of settings including public school, hospital, clinic and home settings with ages ranging from 2 to 30 years and various delays and disorders. She has experience with gestalt language processing, is Prompt trained and has a passion for working with children diagnosed with Dyslexia, Autism, Apraxia and various other disorders. She has experience with the “Barton Reading and Spelling System” and “Lindamood Bell Phoneme Sequencing” to help young readers develop confidence and fluency.
Prior to working as an SLP, Demi was a VPK aide, tutor, and nanny. She is passionate about early intervention and building strong relationships with families to support and empower them. In her spare time, Demelza enjoys exploring parks with her 3 young children, running, and reading.
Jane MS, CFY-SLP
Jane earned her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and Disorders from the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Gannon University. She began her career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist for the Early Steps Program and gained experience in the public schools (elementary through high school), charter schools (K–8), and private practice clinics.
Jane is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has worked with a wide range of populations, including children with autism spectrum disorders, motor speech disorders, fluency disorders, feeding difficulties, speech sound disorders, Apraxia of Speech, AAC, and literacy challenges. She has pursued extensive training in Voice disorders (LSVT Certified), developmental delays, gestalt language processing and communication disorders, reflecting her dedication to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. She is also trained in the DIRFloortime approach and play-based therapy. Jane previously received an advanced certification as an Autism specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
Jane is passionate about partnering with children and families to help every child find their voice and reach their fullest communication potential.
Outside of her professional work, Jane enjoys singing, ice skating, reading, cooking, modeling, coaching pageants, and spending quality time with her son.
Taylor , OTR/L
Taylor is a Florida state licensed Occupational Therapist. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Social Sciences at Florida State University then went on to receive her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University.
Taylor has experience working in pediatrics in numerous settings, and is passionate about creating a fun, positive environment that allows children to learn and develop in a natural way. She is also certified in Hippotherapy and utilizing horse movement to promote functional outcomes.
Linnette, OTR/L
Linnette Richards OTR/L joined our practice in 2025 to share her expertise in therapeutic handling, NDT, Myofascial Release, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Total Motion Release (TMR), Kinesio Taping, Therapeutic Listening, And Visual Vestibular Integrative Corrective Therapy. She has extensive background in sensory integrative processing. Her specialty focus is Visual Rehab, Torticollis, and neurological disorders, MNRI Techniques.
Linnette's paradigm of thought related to treatment approaches incorporates a multitude of neuromotor techniques to evolve learning in the correct hemisphere, neuro developmental handling to integrate sensory systems for reflex integration and improved coordination' processing for learning, Her skill set is strong in both evidenced based and holistic practices to evaluate and address the whole child. Families and communities are our children's strengths. She has an aptitude for drawing families into their child's plan of care improving that child's outcomes and ensuring a foundational skill set for motor planning for years to come.
Linnette takes an integrative approach and case manages the child-family socio cultural dyads into each session for whole body learning and motor maturation. She loves to teach her craft.
In her leisure time Linnette enjoys yoga, horseback riding, fishing and competitive shooting.
Emily, OTR/L
Emily is a Florida state licensed Occupational Therapist. Emily earned her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida, Go Bulls! Emily continued her education earning a Masters degree from the University of Saint Augustine in Occupational Therapy. Prior to her education, Emily has over 12 years experience in childcare as a nanny, athletic coach, and teacher’s assistant. She is passionate about the pediatric population.
Teri, PT
Teri is a Florida state-licensed Physical Therapist. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida and continued her education earning a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from Florida International University.
In addition to working on our team, Teri has years of experience across multiple pediatric settings including Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, outpatient pediatrics, and a pediatric hospital outpatient facility. She has also worked nationwide as an independent contractor, treating children with a wide variety of diagnoses. Teri is passionate about working with children who have complex medical and neurological needs, applying the knowledge and expertise she has gained throughout her career.
Teri continues to expand her skill set by pursuing advanced training to enhance her practice. Teri has specialized training in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), electrical stimulation techniques (TASES and NISE-STIM), as well as whole-body vibration (WBV), and kinesiology taping. She combines these skills and modalities with her therapeutic expertise to help children achieve their milestones and participate in all aspects of their lives to the fullest extent.
Melissa, BS Ed. ITDS
Melissa’s background is in early childhood education with a BS degree from University of Memphis. She taught elementary school before transitioning into the Head Start Program where she found her passion working with and leading educational programs for Head Start families. She has 3 children, Kayla, Nick and Tyler and is an advocate for her own children's unique needs.
She served families in Hillsborough County's Early Steps program providing parent support and education as an in home infant toddler developmental specialist. She enjoys working with families in the process of obtaining therapies and gains personal joy in each child's successes. In her free time she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, hiking, camping, boating and cooking.