Meet Your Therapist
Mrs. Aleisha
Owner/Speech Therapist
Ms. Alex
Occupational Therapist
Ms. Courtney
Speech Therapist
Ms. Jenn
Speech Therapist
Ms. Rachel
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ms. Abbie
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Meagan
Occupational Therapist
Ms. Taylor
Occupational 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 services and an additional 1000 square feet in 2019. We have been helping a multitude of wonderful children and families ever since! Aleisha is Prompt 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 25 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.
Alexandra, 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 works in early intervention, servicing the birth-3 population, and at a hospital in inpatient rehabilitation. Alexandra is passionate about applying the knowledge and expertise she has gained from her vast experience across multiple settings.
Alexandra continues to expand her skill set by continuing to take courses to enhance her practice. Alexandra has advanced training in DMI, CIMT and Bimanual Therapy styles. In combination with these skills, Alexandra uses a variety of modalities to help children achieve their milestones. Alexandra is passionate about helping children participate in all aspects of their lives to the fullest extent.
Courtney, MS, CCC-SLP
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
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, M.A. CCC-SLP
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!
Abbie, M.S. CF-SLP
Abbie is a speech language pathologist in her clinical fellowship year. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and her Master’s degree from University of South Florida.
Abbie has experience working with children of all ages through her pediatric externship rotations here at Family First Therapy and at the Bolesta Center at USF. In these settings, Abbie gained expertise working with children with a variety of diagnoses such as hearing loss, language delays, articulation disorders, social-pragmatic deficits, feeding disorders and literacy disorders. Abbie is Prompt Trained and is also knowledgeable working with children who are Gestalt Language Processors (GLP).
Abbie has a passion for building relationships with children and their families and helping them further develop their communication skills!
Meagan, OTR/L
Meagan is a Florida state-licensed occupational therapist. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and continued her education at Clarkson University to obtain her Master’s of Occupational Therapy. Prior to working as an OT, Meagan coached gymnastics as well as assisted in the development of two adaptive gymnastics programs.
During her schooling, she held internships at the Autism Academy and Muscular Dystrophy Association where she worked with children and families to promote inclusion and accessibility. She is passionate about the pediatric population and completed two pediatric fieldwork rotations; one here at Family First Therapy and one in East Idaho Regional Medical Center’s hospital-based pediatrics. Meagan has vast experience working with a variety of diagnoses within the pediatric setting and specialized practice in pediatric pelvic health. Meagan is passionate about helping children grow and gain independence.
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.
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.