Sara Andrews, SLP specializes in caring for patients who have autism, cleft lip, cleft palate, and/or childhood apraxia of speech (a motor impairment impacting speech production). She also frequently supports late talkers and offers cognitive rehabilitation for neurologic disorders and post-acute rehabilitation for patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sara typically from works with patients ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years old.

In her practice, Sara leverages play-based therapy, centering her approach around what motivates the child. She works with patients and their parents to set appropriate goals during her initial evaluation and track milestones over time to recognize and inspire progress.

Sara is passionate about supporting care transitions for patients shifting to outpatient care after hospitalization for TBI. She also has significant experience working with schools and IEP teams, and often partners with the teachers at St. Luke's Children's Hospital to help kids return to school after discharge.

Sara earned a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, as well as a master's degree in speech-language pathology, from the University of North Dakota.

Originally from Minnesota, Sara enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping in her free time.

Stephanie Balais, MS, CCC-SLP works with children who have cleft lip and palates, velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and resonance issues. She also has interests in early intervention, fluency issues, Down syndrome, autism, and ADHD assessment and treatment for children with executive function deficits. 

Stephanie earned her master's degree from Idaho State University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, camping, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Favorite Book: School Bugs by David Carter.

Kristin Booton, MS, CCC/SLP specializes in augmentative communication, including programming and implementation for many different augmentative/high tech speech generating devices and iPad applications. She has training in feeding and swallowing disorders, breastfeeding/infant latching, completes videofluoroscopic swallow studies, and is an SOS feeding therapist. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and loves using books in therapy.

Kristin earned her master's degree in speech and hearing sciences from Portland State University. In her free time, she loves to hike, run, camp, and play outside with her husband and children.

Melanie Brown, SLP is passionate about utilizing play-based strategies with her patients and strives to foster joyful and trusting relationships. She also enjoys involving parents and caregivers in her sessions and empowering them with ideas and strategies to continue their child’s progress at home. 

Before joining St. Luke’s, Melanie worked with young children and their families in a home-based early intervention program as a child development specialist. She gained experience with children who have early language delays, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. 

Melanie is originally from Layton, Utah, and earned her master’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders from New York University. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, playing games with her family, spending time outside, reading a good book, and watching her favorite shows.

Mindi Carr, MS, CCC-SLP enjoys working with patients in both preschool and adolescent age groups who are experiencing language delays. Because many children with speech delays often have literacy delays as well, Mindi is passionate about early intervention to help develop pre-literacy skills and prevent future literacy challenges. She is certified in the Hanen's It Takes Two to Talk® program and primarily works in outpatient rehabilitation.

Mindi particularly enjoys working with younger kids and helping them communicate when they have struggled previously. She is inspired by her patients and loves watching both kids and parents experience the rewards of their hard-earned improvements. 

Originally from Idaho, Mindi earned both a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and a master's degree in speech language pathology from Idaho State University.

Outside of work, Mindi enjoys living on a farm and caring for her many farm babies.

Jennifer Cenarrusa, MS, CCC-SLP specializes in treating pediatric patients of all ages with cleft palate, as well as adolescents and teens with voice disorders including vocal cord dysfunction. She is particularly passionate about working with the cleft palate population, and enjoys helping to improve her patients' speech and quality of life.

Jennifer earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Idaho State University. She enjoys traveling, running, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Megan Charles, MS, CCC-SLP has a passion for AAC and aims to give every child a voice. She has experience with children of all ages with autism and a variety of psychological, behavioral, genetic, cognitive, neurological, motor, and developmental needs. She enjoys connecting with her patients and their families while providing therapy services.

Megan earned her master’s degree from Baylor University and her bachelor’s degree from The University of Oklahoma. She is originally from Texas and enjoys hiking with her husband and their pup in her spare time. 

Therapy Toy: Dragon Snacks Game 

Kimberly DeGraw, MS, CCC-SLP has a passion for working with children of all ages and abilities and has experience in both medically based pediatric clinic and school settings. While she enjoys facilitating and supporting all communication needs, she has a special interest in treating speech sound disorders, fluency included.

Kimberly earned her bachelor's degree in English, emphasis in linguistics at Boise State University, and a minor in Spanish at the University of Alicante in Spain. She completed her speech language pathology leveling coursework at Idaho State University, and earned her master’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University. 

Kimberly’s interests include spending time with her husband and their son, traveling, and spending time outdoors.   

Favorite Therapy Toy: Learning Resource Surprise Boxes

Megan Drossel, MS, CCC-SLP works with patients from infancy through adolescence. She helps children in the areas of articulation, phonological disorders, language, fluency, autism spectrum disorder, developmental disorders, and social communication. Her passion from a young age has been working with children, and she strives to keep her interactions positive and encouraging for both kids and their families. She uses play-based therapy to find what motivates children while keeping skill building fun and interesting for them.

Megan is originally from California. She earned her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders and her master's degree in speech-language pathology, both from the University of Utah. In her free time, she loves spending time with her friends and family enjoying outdoor activities, like skiing, biking, hiking, and camping.

Ashley Galloway CCC-SLP, ADHD-RSP is a pediatric speech therapist who serves as an outpatient therapist at the Boise Children’s Pavilion. She specializes in executive functioning and literacy development as well as supporting cognitive rehabilitation for neurologic disorders and post-acute rehabilitation for patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ashley received her ADHD Rehabilitation Services provider in 2020.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys many outdoor activities, including biking and hiking with her family and dogs.

Favorite Book: The Little Blue Truck

Juliet Hansen, MS, CCC-SLP enjoys working with children of all ages but is most passionate about bilingual and AAC user populations, as well as children with voice disorders. She is trained in Lee Silverman Voice Training for kids. 

Juliet is originally from Nashville, and moved to Idaho to earn her master’s degree from Idaho State University. She has experience working in private practice, outpatient, and school-based settings.

In her free time, Juliet loves to travel, participate in musical theater, and adventure with friends.  

Favorite Book or Therapy Toy: Sneezy the Snowman

Amy Hardy, MS, CCC-SLP focuses her clinical skills on early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric feeding issues, dysphagia, as well as speech and language disorders across the lifespan. She enjoys the work of early intervention, the power of functional communication, and the value of a family-centered approach.

Amy has also worked as an instructor at Idaho State University, helping students become clinical scientists and encouraging them to think about how they will use their graduate experiences to make an impact.

Amy earned her master's degree from Northern Arizona University. During her free time, her interests include paddleboarding, drawing, and reading.

Favorite Book: Yummy Yucky By: Leslie Patricelli

Jennifer Hietala, MS, CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech-language pathologist specializing in feeding, lactation, and swallowing disorders. Her certifications include VitalStim®, Beckman Oral Motor, and the SOS Approach to Feeding. Jennifer uses a holistic and multidisciplinary approach in working with each patient and family. She prioritizes keeping feeding safe and positive as patients and families move through therapies.  

Jennifer earned a bachelor's degree in health science studies from Boise State University where she was also a member of the Broncos' NCAA Division I women’s golf team. She earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Idaho State University.

Jennifer holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She was a significant contributor in developing St. Luke’s Children’s outpatient feeding program.   

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters. 

Anne Kuhlmeier, MA, CCC/SLP, ATP is an expert in augmentative alternative communication (AAC) and works closely with pediatric and adult patients and their families to develop the best communication system for their unique needs. She serves as the assistive technology program coordinator for St. Luke's and has extensive experience with both low- and high-tech AAC systems.

Anne's patients are complex communicators (often non-speakers) with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, syndromes, and genetic disorders. They may also have experienced a stroke or other trauma. Anne's goals are to improve her patients' quality of life and communication skills, and support them in becoming more independent.

Anne is passionate about assistive technology and educating colleagues, often serving as a mentor for other speech-language pathologists throughout Idaho. She also offers continuing education on assistive technology through the Idaho Training Clearinghouse, an initiative of the University of Idaho's Center on Disabilities and Human Development.

Anne earned her master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado; obtained her clinical competency certification in speech/language pathology, assistive technology professional certification from RESNA; and completed specialized training from CASANA on childhood apraxia of speech.

In her free time, Anne enjoys skiing, hiking, sewing, and cooking.

Trisha McGough, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist with special interest in orofacial myofunctional therapy. She often works with patients experiencing tongue thrust, asymmetrical facial growth, mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and/or sleep apnea (working to avoid CPAP, if possible). While she typically works with teens, she also occasionally cares for adults. 

Trisha's passion for her work is personal: she needed speech therapy herself as a teen to manage tongue thrust and an abnormal swallow pattern. This experience inspires her to provide therapy in a supportive and empowering environment. She strives to help patients and their families find a connection between therapy and its potential outcome to instill a sense of responsibility and strengthen motivation. 

Beyond clinical care, Trisha is involved in program development to better support patients with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) and literacy concerns. She is also committed to improving eventual outcomes for patients with tethered oral tissue (TOT) by improving early assessment and intervention for babies with TOT, educating staff, and streamlining care and care planning.

Jenna Miller, SLP is a pediatric speech language pathologist at St Luke’s Children’s Rehabilitation. She enjoys providing speech therapy for children from birth to preschool age and facilitating communication between families and peers. Jenna also serves the pediatric population of feeding disorders of all ages. Jenna hold additional continued education for SOS Sequential-Oral-Sensory, AOMT, and Beckman Oral Motor. 

Jenna earned her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University in communication science and disorders and a master’s degree in speech language pathology from Idaho State University. She holds a certificate of clinical competence through the American Speech and Hearing Association. Jenna was born and raised in the Magic Valley and currently lives in Twin falls with her husband, children, and dogs.

Keri Noll, SLP is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. She has extensive experience working with infants and children and has a passion for early intervention.

Keri earned her master's degree from Idaho State University and has worked in both home and hospital settings.

Kelly O'Leary, MS, CCC-SLP, PC is a speech-language pathologist specializing in childhood apraxia of speech and autism spectrum disorder. She sees kids of all ages, but primarily works with kids under the age of 5. She is certified in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT).

Kelly is great at keeping young patients engaged and strives to make therapy sessions fun. She is committed to preparing parents for success in helping their child at home. She is also passionate about empowering parents to be strong advocates for their child in all aspects of life. 

Kelly earned her master's degree in speech language pathology at the University of North Dakota. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family.

Molly A. Reider, MA, CCC-SLP/L specializes in autism spectrum disorders. She was the first therapist in Idaho to become certified in the Early Start Denver Model, and is a co-leader for the St. Luke's Children’s Rehabilitation autism team. She has experience and training in motor speech and other developmental disorders. 

Molly loves treating with a team approach. She is passionate about working closely with families to become their child’s best teacher and cheerleader.

Molly earned her bachelor's degree in Biblical studies and communication disorders from Biola University, and her master's degree in communicative disorders from California State University at Fullerton. In her free time, she loves creative endeavors and spending time with family and friends.

Kayla Rydalch, SLP works with pediatric patients of all ages facing speech and language difficulties, often utilizing play-based therapy with her younger patients. She frequently works with patients with bilingual and bicultural needs. She has a passion for working with pediatric clients, especially those who are dual language learners.

Kayla was inspired to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist after taking a child development class in college and after living in Peru for 18 months, where she learned Spanish. She earned her master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Utah State University. She enjoys helping patients enhance their communication through speech, language, reading and writing. 

Kayla grew up in Idaho Falls and loves serving patients in Idaho. In her free time she enjoys reading, being outdoors and spending time with her family.

Annie Searcy, MS, CCC-SLP specializes in autism spectrum disorders. She is certified in the Early Start Denver Model and is a co-leader for the St. Luke’s Children's Rehabilitation autism team. Annie has experience and training in a variety of speech, language and other developmental disorders and has worked as a speech pathologist for over 15 years.

Annie loves working alongside families to help them learn and understand how to communicate with their child in the best way possible. 

Annie earned her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders from Washington State University, and her master's degree in communication sciences and disorders from Idaho State University. In her free time, Annie loves spending time with her family and doing anything outdoors.

Katie Small, MS, CCC-SLP specializes in treating infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders. Katie is trained in using Vital Stim and the SOS feeding approach. She has experience seeing patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and home care settings. She hopes to maximize safety and nutrition while teaching children that eating is fun. 

Katie earned her master's degree from Idaho State University. She is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.

In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters. 

Rhonda M. Smith, MS, CCC-SLP enjoys working with a variety of patients and families with speech and language needs.

Rhonda earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Colorado Christian University and her master's degree in speech language pathology from Idaho State University. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, playing and watching sports, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Favorite Therapy Toys: bubbles, puzzles, and the ball machine.

Amy Starr, MS-CCC SLP, ESDM earned her master’s degree in speech/language pathology from Idaho State University. She chairs the Magic Valley Autism Diagnostic Multi-disciplinary team and specializes in autism spectrum disorder and social skills development in children of all ages. She shares her time treating patients and managing both Magic Valley clinics.

Amy is married and has six children. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and playing a variety of sports. 

Favorite Book and Therapy Toys: I love books that are funny and allow the reader to see a variety of emotions, and or are interactive. A couple of my current favorites are “Snoring Beauty” and “Poke A Dot” books. 

Rebecca A. Strong, MS, CCC-SLP works with children (ages 18 months - 13 years) who have a wide range of diagnoses including hearing impairment and/or receptive and expressive language disorders such as speech articulation and phonology challenges, fluency/stuttering, and hypernasality. She has experience working with patients who have Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and who have experienced a brain injury.

Rebecca's primary goal is to help improve a child's functional communication. She works with both patients and families to determine which tools will be most effective for them and explores options such as sign language, augmentative communication, the use of trained phrases, and increasing the use of spontaneous speech.

Rebecca began her career at Elks Rehabilitation, caring for children with a wide variety of conditions, including many with cerebral palsy. She enjoys volunteering at the Augmentative Communication Camp and participating in community outreach events like the Run for Autism and the annual Dr. Seuss reading event at Barnes and Noble.

Rebecca earned a bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology, as well as a master's degree in speech-language pathology, from Idaho State University. She completed her clinical fellowship at Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital.

In her free time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, walking her dog, and going to movies.

William "Blake" Tanner, SLP works with children ages twelve months and older who have a variety of developmental delays, including autism and/or feeding challenges such as aversions to food texture or temperatures. He specializes in helping kids expand the types of food they will eat and improving their chewing skills. Blake also works with school-age kids on speech and articulation, with special attention to the letter "r." He is fluent in Spanish and particularly enjoys working with Spanish-speaking patients and families.

A parent himself, Blake understands the stress that can accompany feeding and speech concerns. He is committed to ensuring parents have the skills and tools they need to support their child's progress at home. 

Outside of work, Blake volunteers with an adaptive wall climbing program that offers kids with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to have fun and build confidence through physical activity. Volunteers receive special training to ensure kids with conditions such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida can step outside of their comfort zones in a safe environment to tackle a challenge that may be physically and emotionally intimidating. He loves watching these children conquer their fears, explore their potential, and have a great time together. 

Blake earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's degree in speech-language pathology at Idaho State University. Prior to joining St. Luke's Children's Rehabilitation, he cared for adult patients with swallowing disorders and worked in home health.

Originally from Pocatello, Blake likes gardening, rock climbing, and mountain biking in his free time.