Therapy At The Zone’s Dedicated Staff

Angie Brown M.S. CCC-SLP

Angie Brown received her Masters of Science Degree in Communication Disorders from Lamar University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from University of Texas in Austin. She has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for over 25 years, is ASHA certified, and licensed in Texas.

During her career, Angie has worked with both adults and children with a wide variety of difficulties such as Articulation and Language Impairments, Autism, Developmental Disability, ADHD, Adult and Pediatric Dysphagia (difficulty with swallowing and feeding), Auditory and Language Processing Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Verbal Dyspraxia, Dysarthria, Stroke, Brain Injury, Head and Neck Cancer, and Voice Disorders. Her work experience includes University Hospital in San Antonio, Baylor College of Medicine at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, Young Learners Program through Houston Independent School District, Evaluator for Early Childhood Intervention through Easter Seals and Clinical Educator at University of Houston Graduate Department. She has been in private practice for 7 years.

Louise Horst

Louise Horst received her Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1979. Her early career focused on children and adults who had spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries. She has worked exclusively with children with neuro-motor and sensory-motor difficulties since 1983.

She has a long list of continuing education study. A partial list of topics includes: NDT certified, NDT baby certified, private study with Regi Boehme OTR, Myofacial Release, Kinesiotaping, LE Function, Gait courses, Strength Training and Endurance, Spasticity Management, Motor Control Theory, Sensory Integration and Regulation courses, Specific Vestibular and Auditory processing classes, Handwriting Programs, Interactive Metronome and iLs.

Monique Manning, OTR PLLC

Monique Manning received a Degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 1998. She began her professional career at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital before moving into home healthcare and private practice.

She has extensive experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, including in-patient and outpatient pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, home healthcare, school-based pediatrics and private practice. Her areas of expertise include Sensory Integration Dysfunction or SIPT Certified, Therapeutic listening, as well being certified in The Listening Program and Handwriting Without Tears.

Melissa Zilich, OTR, M.O.T.

Melissa Zilich received a Masters of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.) degree from Texas Woman’s University in 1999. She gained experience working in both the acute care and outpatient settings of Texas Children’s Hospital and achieved Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation competencies for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and wound care standards. She has worked with the fragile infant population in the NICU at the Feeding Disorders Clinic and with children with ASD (autism spectrum disorders), sensory processing disorders, dysgraphia, attention disorders and various developmental and physical disabilities.

She is trained in DIR®/Floortime™ and is a Certified Provider of TLP-The Listening Program® and iLs™ – Integrated Listening Systems, and is a member of both the AOTA and TOTA.

Ashlea Stuart, M.A., CCC-SLP

Ashlea Stuart, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and her graduate degree from The University of Houston in the field of Communication Disorders. Ashlea is a member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She has experience in early childhood intervention as well as individuals ages birth to 21. In addition to working in a private practice, Ashlea currently works for a public-school district (since 2001).

Ashlea has experience in the following areas of evaluation and treatment: articulation disorder, expressive and receptive language disorders, phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, hearing impairment, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, processing disorders, as well as oral motor disorders.

Pamela Levy Diebner, M.S., CCC/SLP

Pamela Levy Diebner, M.S., CCC/SLP received her undergraduate degree in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of Texas in Austin in 1992 and her Master’s Degree in Speech/Language Pathology from Lamar University in 1994. She began her professional career working in deaf education in Goose Creek and Pasadena ISDs, as well as a part of a Houston cochlear implant team before moving into more traditional public school settings. She started her own private practice 13 years ago. She has also worked as a Clinical Supervisor at the University of Houston Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic where she trained graduate students in diagnostics and preschool language group therapies.

Pam has worked as a speech/language pathologist for 25 years. Her speciality is developing language of young children, as well as, working with school age students. She has had years of experience with students with a variety of syndromes, autism, hearing impairment, oral motor weaknesses/apraxia, sensory integration disorders, feeding issues, behavioral issues, social/pragmatics difficulties, and articulation disorders. Pam believes a team approach is necessary when treating a child. Her philosophy is that parents, caregivers and teachers should all be trained in order to help children generalize skills throughout all areas of their lives.

Murphy Sylvester

Murphy received her BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Houston. She has previous clinical practicum experience in public schools and private practice settings serving children with developmental disorders affecting speech, language, and social communication. Additional experience in hospital settings serving adults in critical care units.

She has special interest in working with children who are autistic, non verbal or have social pragmatic disorders. Murphy’s goal is to serve the child as a whole rather than just the disability.

Specifically, working in tandem with caregiver, teacher, and a therapeutic team. Murphy enjoys speaking at educational seminars. Murphy strives to increase parent education and incorporate therapeutic strategies in the home and classroom.

She is grateful for the opportunity to continue creating meaningful connections with the clients as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Therapy at The Zone.

Kelly Tobey, M.A., CCC-SLP

Kelly received her Masters of Arts Degree in Communications Sciences and Disorders as well as her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Houston. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and is a proud veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. Kelly holds a certificate of clinical competency from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and is licensed by the state of Texas.

Kelly has experience working in pediatric settings with expressive and receptive language disorders and delays, articulation and phonological disorders and delays, hearing impairment, fluency, stuttering, and autism, as well as nonverbal, pragmatic and social concerns.

Teya Miller M.A. CCC/SLP

Teya has provided speech, language and swallowing services for over 20 years. Her life has been seasoned with living in a variety of places and has worked as an SLP with each move. Early in her career she worked as a Research Speech Pathologist at the VA Medical Center/Vanderbilt Medical School in Nashville Tennessee. A move to the Chicago area gave her valuable experience within the Evanston Northwestern Hospital system. After moving back to Texas, Teya worked at several hospitals in Texas Medical Center before moving overseas. She worked at Luanda International School in Angola and while living in Malaysia she work with the United Nations (UNHCR) literacy program. Employment at The Singapore American School gave her a wide variety of clinical experience. It was at SAS that she realized how much she enjoyed facilitating social language groups. Teya also has a special interest in neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders, language delays/disorders and phonological awareness and processes. She utilizes a multi sensory approach integrated with stories to speech and language learning. Teya loves to create a fun environment to produce and practice new skills. She graduated from Baylor University and has a Master’s from the University of Texas, Pan American. Teya holds a Texas license and ASHA certification in Speech Language Pathology.

Stacey Lenig, OTR/L, MOT, NTMTC

Stacey has been working as an Occupational Therapist for over 9 years. She received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Houston. Stacey has gained experience working in outpatient settings, private practice, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Stacey has experience in providing occupational therapy to children, birth to age 21, with a variety of diagnosis including but not limited to children with sensory processing disorders, early childhood developmental delays, lack of coordination, autism spectrum disorders, and cerebral palsy. She has specialized skills in infant and child feeding and extensive experience treating oral motor disorders, oral aversion, feeding/swallowing disorders, genetic disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.

Stacey is certified in Therapeutic Listening and Neonatal Touch & Massage. She has completed training and continuing education including courses such as: Sensory Integration Intensive; Handwriting Without Tears Kindergarten-5 Grade Workshop; Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach; Kinesiotaping Fundamentals and Advanced Whole Body Techniques Level KT1/KT2; Bridging the Gap Between Proximal Stability and Function Using NDT Approach ; SOS Approach to Feeding: Picky Eaters versus Problem Feeders; SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants; Assessment and Treatment of Children with Oral Motor, Feeding/Swallowing and Respiratory Function Challenges: Children with Neuromuscular Involvement; Feeding and Swallowing in the NICU: Assessment, Intervention, and Transition Home; Test Of Infant Motor Performance; and The Impact of Sensory Processing Challenges on the Child and how it Affects the Caregiver and the Family: Is It Sensory, Behavioral, or Both.

Emily Collins, COTA

Emily Collins received her Associates degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Houston Community College in 2019. In addition, she has her BA from Stephen F Austin. She has experience in various settings including outpatient sensory clinic, hippo therapy and the NICU. She is certified in Therapeutic Listening.

Christa Peterson, COTA

Christa Peterston graduated from the University of Houston and attended Houston Community College (HCC)- Coleman College of Health Sciences receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree for Occupational Therapy Assistant in December 2020. She completed the National Certification for Occupational Therapy Assistant and became a COTA in February 2021. Christa has experience working with the pediatric community in schools, homes, and with hippotherapy. She has also worked with adults in acute care, rehabilitation settings, and community settings.

Christa enjoyed living and working abroad in Surin and Ratchaburi Thailand from 2012-2015 teaching English at elementary schools.