For over a decade, Spoken Word Children’s Therapy has been more than just a provider—it’s been a dedicated partner in the developmental journey of countless children in Charleston. Spoken Word Children’s Therapy’s team of pediatric speech and occupational therapists has transformed lives through personalized, evidence-based interventions delivered directly to patients’ homes or daycares. “We firmly believe in providing speech and occupational therapy in the home or daycare, where children are most comfortable, unlocks the key to their success,” says Lauren Ouellette, the passionate CEO and founder of Spoken Word. This unwavering commitment to excellence has solidified Spoken Word’s reputation as a leading choice for pediatric therapy in Charleston, earning the practice the title of “Best Therapy Practice in Charleston” for 2024 by HealthLinks Magazine.
Our Providers
Lauren E. Ouellette, M.A., CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist
Chief Executive Officer
Lauren is a Speech-Language Pathologist and founder of Spoken Word Children’s Therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida and is licensed in South Carolina and certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Lauren serves on the South Carolina BABYNET board to ensure proper funding for children’s services. Married to her husband, Ian, she’s a mom of four girls who loves cheering for the New Orleans Saints, UFC football, fitness, pickleball, and enjoying family time.
Ginny Salvino, M.S., CCC-SLPLead Speech-Language Pathologist
Ginny is the lead speech-language pathologist at Spoken Word Children’s Therapy. She earned her master’s degree from Mississippi University for Women in 2013 and has worked in public schools in Washington state and South Carolina. She has experience treating children with various speech and language disorders, including language delays, articulation disorders, fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and genetic disorders. Ginny is a military spouse and mom of two who enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring Charleston’s beaches with her family.
Katharina Unsworth, M.S., OTR/LLead Occupational Therapist
Katie is the lead occupational therapist for Spoken Word Children’s Therapy. She earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from MUSC in 2017 and has focused her career on early intervention. A married mom of two, she enjoys boating with her family and cheering on the Gamecocks in her free time. Katie has extensive experience working with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders, genetic conditions, musculoskeletal issues, emotional and behavioral challenges, and cognitive delays. She is also trained in sensory feeding, sensory integration, infant massage, and reflex integration, and is certified in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Level B. Katie was awarded “Therapist of the Year” by Spoken Word in 2024 and was also recognized as “Charleston’s Best Therapist” by HealthLinks Magazine the same year.
Christianna Messinger, M.S., CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist
Christianna is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist originally from southwest, Florida. She received her Bachelors degree from Clemson University in Psychology. She then went on to receive her Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University. Her previous experiences includes working with children who have autism spectrum disorder, receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, stuttering, pragmatic deficits, feeding difficulties, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
She moved to Charleston for the beaches, and loves reading, yoga, and hanging out with her dog Pesto.
Janet Rogers, M.S., CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist
Janet is a Clemson University graduate with a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology that is dedicated to achieving timely, quality outcomes for her patients. Her specialties include pediatric neurorehabilitation, early intervention, and swallowing disorders. She is proficient in tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube management, traumatic brain injury assessment, and neonatal development. Janet also sharing her expertise by educating young students on speech, language, and cognitive interventions and mentoring future professionals.
Kelsey Davis, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATP, LAMP Certified ProfessionalSpeech-Language Pathologist
Kelsey is a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist who received her master’s degree from Marshall University in 2015. She previously worked in a private practice in Northern Virginia, as well as a non-public, special needs school in California. She has experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders and specializes in working with those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as those with various complex communication disorders utilizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. She obtained her LAMP Certified Professional Certification in August 2018, as well as her RESNA Assistive Technology Professional Certification in July 2020. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband and pup. She enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants and breweries.
Krystina Mantzouranis, M.S., CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist
Krystina is a South Carolina-licensed and board-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master’s degree from Old Dominion University. She has experience as an ABA therapist and is passionate about working with children with disabilities, specifically Autism. When Krystina’s not transforming lives as a therapist, she is a sought-after professional model gracing the pages of several magazines.
Hailey Nies, M.S., CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist
Hailey is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in pediatrics. A Charleston native, she holds a Bachelor’s in Public Health from the College of Charleston and a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology from Jacksonville University. Hailey’s diverse experience includes working with both children and adults in hospitals, private practices, early intervention programs, and schools. Outside of her professional commitments, Hailey enjoys an active lifestyle that includes spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, exploring nature, and cuddling her cat, Barry.
Merrianne LeBoutillier, M.S., CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist
A native of South Carolina, Merri is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist who attended Clemson University, obtaining a B.A. in Psychology. She then attended the University of Georgia to receive her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech and Language Pathology). She has worked in a variety of settings, including public schools, home health, and a clinic that provided pediatric occupational and physical therapy in addition to speech/language services. While working in a school system in Georgia, she was a member of the Assistive Technology team, selecting and implementing AAC (Augmentative/Alternative Communication) systems for children with extremely limited natural speech skills. Merri enjoys cooking and spending afternoons at the beach with her daughter.
Katherine Velez, M.S., OTR/LOccupational Therapist
Katie is an experienced Occupational Therapist with 21 years of experience working with people of all ages in various settings. These settings include early intervention, pediatric outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, daycare, and schools. Her personal experience raising a child with special needs has given her unique insight into the challenges and joys of working with children who have special needs. She is passionate about helping others and credits her family, including her grandmother who was a nurse and her father who was a pastor and hospital chaplain, for inspiring her career path. Katie is a married mother of 5 who enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling, and being with friends and family.
Sarah Beard, M.S., CCC-SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist
Sarah Beard is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience in various settings, including schools, teletherapy, and private practice. She holds degrees in Communication and Communication Sciences and Disorders from Concordia University, Utah State University, and Baylor University, respectively.
Sarah has worked with children and adults with a wide range of communication challenges, including language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, speech sound disorders, fluency issues, and hearing loss. She is also experienced in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Having recently moved to the Charleston area in 2023, Sarah is passionate about helping individuals and families improve their communication skills to achieve their goals and thrive.
Gretchen Wirick, COTA/LCertified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Gretchen is a compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) that is dedicated to building strong relationships with her patients and their families. She specializes in helping children enhance their gross and fine motor skills and visual perceptual skills for improved performance at home, school and during recreational activities. A graduate of Trident Technical College, Gretchen works closely with other healthcare professionals to develop and carry out personalized treatment plans. Gretchen is committed to continuing research in the field of occupational therapy as she wants to ensure she provides the best possible care for all of her patients.
Vicki Doyle, COTA/LCertified Occupational Therapist
Vicki is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with a passion for pediatrics. She is a graduate of Southeastern College, and has experience with implementing occupation-based interventions and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Vicki is dedicated to furthering her education in pediatric occupational therapy so that she can continue to make a positive difference in many children’s lives.