We accept the following insurances:
Kathryn Ferro, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder/CEO
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kathryn Ferro has spent her career providing therapeutic support to both children, and to their families in various capacities and settings. Specializing in early childhood language development and disorders, Kathryn shines while working with young language learners! She makes it her mission to help parents and caregivers learn about their child’s unique communication style, including their strengths and ways to promote growth outside of therapy sessions!
Kathryn graduated from Towson University in 2010 with a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Her favorite part of working in this field is watching people have “ah-ha” moments, whether it’s a young client, a parent, or a member of the Basal Therapies team! Kathryn currently resides in Mt. Airy, Maryland where she enjoys spending time with her three children and husband, teaching fitness classes and working out, as well as coaching Linganore Youth Cheerleading.
With a passion for high-quality services and innovative solutions, Kathryn has brought Basal Therapies to life. By supporting a talented team of professionals, families are provided with support they need to thrive! Kathryn works tirelessly each day to help bring Basal Therapies’ vision to life: Progress through passion for the whole child and family!
What drives Kathryn’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Building relationships that foster growth and change motivates me every single day! I’m also a huge proponent of reflecting on situations to help make future experiences even better for myself, my clients and families, and for the team, and I try to encourage others to do the same!”
Angie Keeney, M Ed, Director of Operations
Special Educator/ Preschool Director
Angie Keeney attended West Virginia Wesleyan College where she received her degree in Primary and Elementary Special Education. Angie taught as an Early Education and Special Education teacher for nine years and spent two years as a special educator for the Infants and Toddlers program. Angie has also spent time as a teacher for students with behavioral disorders and Autism diagnoses. Angie’s certifications include MSDE certified Special Educator Birth-Adult, she holds a Early Intervention Certificate, LSCI- Life Space Crisis Intervention Training and is trained in Social Thinking. Angie has also completed MSDE’s Child Care Directors course. Angie’s favorite part of working in this field is seeing a child make progress and watch their confidence and independence grow. Angie currently resides in Middletown, Maryland where she enjoys being a mom to her two children, party planning, and DIY crafting.
What drives Angie’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I am extremely passionate about learning about and supporting children of all unique abilities. I believe that when provided the tools to feel successful a child can make progress beyond what families and doctors may expect. “
Michele Schultz, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Director
Speech-Language Pathologist
Michele Schultz received a Master’s of Speech Language Pathology from Molloy College. Michele has practiced as a clinician for seven years where she has experience in various settings including early intervention, home-based care, the public school system, private outpatient practice. Michele holds trainings and certifications including Lori Overland’s Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding Therapy, Oral Placement Therapy, PROMPT (Level 2) and NDT-based courses with Lois Bly. Michele’s favorite part of working in this field is being able to provide education to families and collaboration with families to develop treatment plans and determine effective strategies for carryover at home and across generalized settings. Michele currently lives in Mt. Airy, Maryland where she enjoys traveling, hiking, and curling up on the couch with a good book!
What drives Michele’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Growing up in New York, I was lucky enough to be raised, alongside my three siblings, by two incredible parents who taught us by example the power in helping others. I knew early on I wanted to find a career where I was able to not only foster the development of children but also be a source of support for their families throughout their journey. I truly believe there is nothing more rewarding than being a part of that first smile, first wave, first sound, first word, first bite and I feel humbled to be given the opportunity to be a part of the journey.”
Lauren Fraser, MS, CCC-SLP, Senior Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren received her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in 2010. Since then, she has worked in a variety of pediatric settings with clients ranging from preschool to 12th grade. Lauren has specific interests in the populations working on social language skills, and enjoys incorporating literacy-based therapy into her treatment. She is PROMPT Level 2, PODD, and Social Thinking trained, and utilizes strategies from those certifications when working with kids and their families. Lauren is passionate about helping children build their communication skills in order to flourish in every aspect of their life. Her favorite part of being a SLP is being able to make a difference, whether small or big, in the lives of another individual. Lauren is originally from Sykesville, but currently lives in Frederick with her family. She enjoys reading, watching my two kids play sports, and traveling.
What drives Lauren’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I love what I do and I love learning new techniques and implementing new technologies to facilitate the needs of each individual client. I believe it is truly a team effort and I am committed to working closely with families and other professionals to promote the highest level of progress in each individual.”
Kristen Schmeltzer, MS, CCC-SLP, Senior Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristen received her master’s degree from West Virginia University. Kristen joins our team with experience in various pediatric settings, where she found her love supporting children to communicate through her previous work experience while in the school setting working as a behavioral therapist. Kristen is a certified feeding therapist under SOS Approach to Feeding and is Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) certified. Kristen’s favorite part of her job is watching children discover the power of their voice! Kristen is a South Jersey native, but currently lives in Carroll County. She enjoys exercising, styling charcuterie boards, and browsing through Target.
What drive’s Kristen’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I’m most passionate about helping kids discover the power of their voice as well as helping to provide access to communication whenever possible. The best part of my job is how I am able to work alongside families to utilize a child’s individualized strengths to help them to communicate!”
Caroline Santos, LCSW-C, Senior Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Caroline Santos received her Master’s in Social Work from Salisbury University. Caroline joins us after working with children, adolescents, and adults for over six years. Her clinical experience includes various settings such as inpatient, in home, school based, and outpatient services.
Caroline enjoys working with children of all ages and is dedicated to meeting each child where they are at in order to support individual concerns and needs. Her favorite part of working in this field is support both the child and the family as she values family engagement, as well!
What drives Caroline’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I strongly believe that with passion to work together and reach our goals, we can reach our desired progress!”
Holli Meissner, MS, OTR/L, CKTP, Senior Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Holli Meissner received a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona School of Health Sciences in 1999. Holli is a clinician with extensive experience serving children from birth to five years old, especially in addressing disorders related to feeding. Holli has training and certifications in clinical enhancement in both baby treatment and feeding/swallowing, Handwriting without Tears Training, and Size Matters Handwriting Program, she has training in the treatment of Plagiocephaly and torticollis, as well as training in Pediatric massage. Holli’s favorite part of working in this field is working with the family as a whole. She currently resides in Eldersburg, Maryland where she enjoys exercising, reading, and family game nights.
What drives Holli’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I feel that without passion about what you are doing, there is little buy-in from families and little carryover. When you are passionate about what you do it shows in your creativity, commitment, and relationships with families and I feel that families often are more invested when they can see you are passionate about their family’s success.”
Olivia Benson, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Olivia Benson received her Master’s from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Olivia joins our team with experience in outpatient pediatric clinics where she has worked with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Language Delay, and Feeding.
Her favorite part of working in this field is being able to play an important role in a child’s life through the power of communication. Olivia is also passionate about advocacy and providing parents with the tools and knowledge to seek and find care that matches their individual needs. Olivia currently resides in Frederick, MD where she enjoys walking or hiking, riding her motorcycle, and reading.
What drives Olivia’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“In order to provide the necessary and quality of care to both the families and the children for progress to occur, the passion has to be present and felt. For every single family I meet, I am constantly driven to help them progress in both the understanding of their child’s diagnosis as well as ways to help enhance their lives in all aspects.”
Jolee Raines MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jolee received her Master’s from Towson University where she completed her degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2022. Jolee joins our team with experience in various pediatric settings where she has worked with students from both the early education setting and the high school setting. Jolee has a special interest in early speech and language development where her passion lies with helping children to find their own voice and feel heard. Jolee’s favorite thing about her job is supporting children as they develop new skills and become successful and confident communicators. Jolee is a Montgomery County native where she enjoys being outdoors, traveling to new places, and having game nights with family and friends.
What drive’s Jolee’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I have always known I wanted to work with children and be a part of their growth journey in some way. Being able to support a child as they learn to effectively communicate and connect with the world around them drives my passion.”
Hannah Nicholson, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hannah obtained her degree from Towson University and has been practicing in Early Intervention for 3.5 years.
She particularly enjoys working with children who have hearing aids or cochlear implants and helping them learn American Sign Language and Spoken English. She also loves AAC and helping children find their voice through their device!
Her favorite part of the job is seeing the progress! When a child starts to learn they can communicate, and they start to have the willingness and motivation to continue to learn even more. Hannah knows she’s helping make a change in their life and in the lives of their family’s lives.
Hannah’s passionate about helping children learn how to find their voice whether that is through a device, ASL, pictures, or speech. Hannah loves helping make a difference in a child’s life that will impact them throughout the rest of their life.
Originally from Westminster, Maryland, she currently resides in Taneytown, Maryland where she enjoys kayaking, reading, and hiking.
What drives Hannah’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Without passion, it is a slow process to make any progress. When there is passion in the work that you are doing, you can engage with the family, teach them how to help the child at home, teach the child the skills in therapy, and then start to see the progress! The passion I have challenges me to continually learn new skills and try new opportunities to allow me to best serve my clients.”
Samantha Sinisi, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Samantha Sinisi earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from George Washington University in 2018. With experience in school, home, private practice, and hospital outpatient settings, Samantha has worked with diverse populations and age groups. Her special interests lie in early intervention, phonological disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and childhood fluency disorders. Samantha holds certifications in PROMPT Level 1, DTTC, PECS Level 1, and has completed the Meaningful Speech program for gestalt language processing.
The highlight of her job is witnessing the excitement of children and their families during breakthrough moments, both in and out of therapy sessions. She finds great joy in empowering children to express themselves and helping families feel confident in supporting their child’s progress beyond therapy.
Originally from Harrisburg, PA, Samantha now resides in Frederick, MD, where she enjoys hiking, reading, and watching documentaries.
What drives Samantha’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I am incredibly lucky to be a part of a child’s support team. It is passion that inspires motivation and motivation that inspires “outside the box” thinking, as every child and family deserves their own personally tailored approach and strategies for success. Improving communication is a crucial factor that impacts quality of life for the individual and everyone around them.”
Mallory Evans, M.S., CF SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Mallory Evans brings valuable expertise to the Basal team as a speech language pathologist. Originally from Lancaster, PA, she completed her education at Penn State University before moving to Frederick.
When she isn’t helping kids develop their speech skills, she can be found hiking the many mountain trails in Frederick and its surrounding counties, or sitting by a campfire, her tent pitched nearby. On the days when she wants to keep it a little more lowkey, you’ll find her tending to her garden (she has a knack for helping things grow).
One thing that drives Mallory to help children is seeing the progress they make. Whether it’s a small step or a big milestone, witnessing the triumphs of children is one of the most rewarding parts of her profession. Her passion for helping every child find their voice and communicate effectively knows no bounds!
What drives Mallory’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Something I do in my everyday life, and with the clients I see, is always try to find and focus on small wins. The bigger picture is important, but it’s also important to see the small steps of progress. Finding small wins every day keeps me motivated and passionate, and I think can also help clients and families stay motivated and positive as well.”
Claire Smith
Speech-Language Pathology Student
Hailing from Walkersville, Claire Smith’s experiences with speech language pathology began right here at Basal where she was a high school student intern. Since then, her passion has grown and now she’s an official member of the team! Come spring 2025, she will have her Bachelors Degree in Speech Language Pathology & Audiology from Towson University.
Part of Claire’s drive is seeing the progress—minor and major—that kids achieve here. Getting a glimpse at this success is why she has maintained such a connection with us. She wants to be part of something that makes a difference for children. She gets to spend her working days advocating for children who may not have the means to communicate effectively (yet!).
A few fun facts about Claire: Her favorite thing about living in Frederick is the Great Frederick Fair, she never gets tired of dark chocolate, and she lived in Tanzania, Africa for a brief time!
What drives Claire’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Passion is something that children are never lacking. It is only fair that we, as therapy providers, are as equally passionate about advocating for these children and giving them an environment that allows them to grow to their fullest potential.”
Lindsey Bugg, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Lindsey Bugg received her Master’s from Towson University. Lindsey was formerly a secondary school teacher, but soon realized her love for occupational therapy. Lindsey’s favorite part of her job is being able to use play to develop skills and confidence. She has a special interest in sensory processing and handwriting. Lindsey is passionate about building relationships with children and their families. Lindsey currently resides in Frederick, MD where she enjoys reading, hiking, and dancing.
What drives Lindsey’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Passion creates commitment, and commitment leads to progress. I believe that when we are engaged in a work that excites us, a work that we are passionate about, we are more committed to its success and committed to making progress. This is a guiding principle in both my personal and professional life and one of the reasons I chose to start my career at Basal Therapies.”
Alyssa Kapinos, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Alyssa earned her Master’s degree from Philadelphia University, laying the foundation for her successful career in occupational therapy. Outside of her professional life, Alyssa finds joy in traveling, solving jigsaw puzzles, and caring for her beloved plants.
Her favorite part of the job is forming deep connections with her clients and witnessing the remarkable progress they make, both within and outside of their therapy sessions. Alyssa is driven by an unwavering passion for cultivating meaningful relationships with her clients and their families or support teams.
What drives Alyssa’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I believe that in order to be successful in what you do, you have to be passionate about it. Joining the Basal team, I can tell that everyone has a strong passion for not only their specific discipline, but also working together as a team in order to best meet the needs of the client. With this approach, there are endless possibilities for our clients!”
Tracy Jensen, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Tracy received her degree from Shenandoah University. She has worked for more than 12 years as an occupational therapist in various settings including a skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, school system, and as an outpatient pediatric OT. She’s also worked in children’s schools, specifically working with preschool-age children.
Tracy’s favorite part of the job is connecting and making a difference and being able to witness a child’s family and caregivers seeing that growth carry over into daily life. She also loves making true connections with children and their families to make a difference throughout their entire life. Originally from Walkersville, Tracy is currently living in Frederick County, where she enjoys reading fiction, swimming, going to the beach, music, and singing.
What drives Tracy’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I feel most passionate about helping others, being part of a positive team, and connecting with a child to help them develop motor and adaptive skills. I love seeing the progress within a child and their family when they succeed and make gains in their daily living. Fostering a child’s development and seeing them truly happy after conquering a goal is what I am passionate about.”
Melissa Shipley, OTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant
With over three decades in the field, Melissa Shipley brings a wealth of experience and compassion to Basal. Driven by the joy she feels when clients succeed, she has made it her mission to ensure providers incorporate the whole person approach into their practice. This results in an improvement in the outcomes of our services overall—and healthy, happy kids.
When she’s not caring for the wonderful children Basal welcomes, Melissa can probably be found relaxing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with her two daughters, Riley and Caitlin.
What drives Melissa’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I feel I can connect as a therapist to the Basal mission through using the “whole person” approach in my daily practice.”
Meghan Georgoff
Preschool Teacher
Meghan Georgoff received her bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Deaf Studies. Meghan cannot wait to incorporate her sign language skills into part of the preschool program! Meghan’s favorite parts of working at Basal Therapies are seeing families getting support and working alongside passionate clinicians. Meghan currently resides in Emmitsburg, Maryland where she enjoys golfing, running, and reading.
What drives Meghan’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Working with families to help and support them fuels my passion to work in early childhood education. Basal Therapies exudes a passion that families feel when they walk in the door.”
Lauren Mitchell, MS, CCLS, LGPC
Mental Health Therapist
Lauren Mitchell earned her Master’s in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, along with a Child Life certification. Since 2004, she has built a career that began as a Child Life Specialist, providing support to patients in diverse clinical environments. Recently Lauren shifted her focus to mental health, and her favorite part of her job is building relationships with each child, teen, and family. She is also passionate about tapping into each child’s or teen’s inner strength and resources and using that to help empower them to accomplish their goals. Lauren is most passionate about trauma related to medical experiences and grief/bereavement.
Originally from Rockville, she spent 13 years in Baltimore and currently resides in New Market, MD. Outside work, she enjoys hiking, volunteering in the Frederick community, and traveling.
What drives Lauren’s mission, #ProgressThroughPassion?“I believe in the power each child/teen has to cope with the many challenges that life brings. I use a trauma-informed approach to best understand each child’s/teen’s unique worldview and am committed to working together to help them build up their sense of resilience and well-being.”
Stephanie Schulman, MS, LGPC
Mental Health Therapist
We love the energy that those new to the field bring, and Stephanie provides it in droves. Having recently received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Hood College, she’s ready to enrich the lives of every child she works with and enable them to succeed.
Though she’s new to the field, she does have experience working as a therapist in schools and clinics. In fact, she’s been working with kids in some capacity since 2018 in different settings—Inclusive Pre-K, behavioral treatment centers, and a neurological treatment facility. At Basal, she looks forward to teaching children to become their own advocates for their mental health, especially through play therapy. She loves seeing the changes the kids are able to make on their own—even the small steps they may not notice.
Stephanie is a worldly person at heart, excited by the thought of visiting new places. She visited Cambodia when she was in the 5th grade and no vacation since then has topped it. If she could choose one skill to have, it would be the ability to speak more languages. Wouldn’t it be great to have a built-in Google translator?
What drives Stephanie’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I believe that the relationships built in therapy allow for growth in the world. The way I show up and support my clients translates to the work we are able to do together. I believe in using a holistic approach with clients, meeting them where they are comfortable and allowing them to grow at their own pace. Celebrating the changes, big and small, is why I love this work!”
Jenny Grey, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Jenny received her Masters in Clinical and Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. In various settings during her career, she has worked with a variety of populations, including military families, troubled youth, couples, individuals and children of all ages. Prior to becoming a professional counselor, Jenny spent over a decade working with Juvenile Services, both in and out of school systems and was involved in a great deal of specialized programming to include Spotlight on Schools, Break the Cycle, The Angel Network, and Charity Basketball Events. She has worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of diagnoses and challenges, including esteem building, bullying, socialization, processing pieces, anger management, Executive Functioning, a narrative of self, identity confusion, LGBTQ, transitioning and much more. Jenny has a passion for sports and enjoys helping athletes work on a sense of self, which can be inflated or deflated, since athletics is a high pressure, high performance area where they may struggle with mental and emotional components of their game. Jenny is most passionate about connection, helping someone in any way she can on their journey, and helping to understand and improve a child’s world from the inside. In her free time, Jenny enjoys hiking, basketball (as a coach, teacher, and mentor), music/arts, and also loves a good movie or just being with family!
What drives Jenny’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“My approach to the therapeutic process is a passionate one. I believe strongly in a connective process, building relational blocks that will hopefully extend beyond the therapeutic setting.”
Aubrey Mohler
Administrative & Billing Coordinator
Aubrey completed her degree in Sports Management and Commercial Recreation Tourism at Shepherd University. Aubrey joins the Basal Team with experience working in both the elementary and high school setting with students in the special education setting for 12 years. Aubrey’s favorite parts of her job at Basal Therapies are supporting families, interacting with staff, and seeing the kids each day. She believes the most important part of her job is working with kids, and their families, to support them through this journey. She loves seeing the progress each week! Aubrey is a Frederick native where she enjoys coaching volleyball, hanging out with her family, and traveling.
What drives Aubrey’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I feel the most passionate about helping others. I love being a part of this journey for families as a way to connect them to our providers and support their experience at Basal. Kids recognize when you are excited and love what you do and our team strives to ensure that we show that.”
Christine Sheets
Medical Billing Specialist
Christine Sheets, a resident of Western Loudoun County, VA, brings a blend of administrative expertise and a passion for family well-being to Basal Therapies. With a background rooted in small practice administration and billing/claims, Christine has spent the last 19 years dedicated to working alongside families.
A graduate of George Mason University, Christine is dedicated to diminishing the burdens families face when handling complex insurance issues. She enjoys being able to alleviate their stress so they’re free to focus on their child’s development.
In her free time, Christine likes going roller skating, indulging her creative side through art, and she cherishes moments spent with her husband and children. Her dedication to supporting families extends beyond the workplace, and she describes herself as being a “family well-being nerd.”
What drives Christine’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“When we operate from a place of passion, we’re more open to pursuing the best ways of serving our clients and community and do so with a sense of fulfillment.”
Kathy Sennewald
Intake & Service Coordinator
Kathy is a devoted intake & service coordinator with over twenty years of administrative experience. She grew up in Bethesda, MD, and currently is living in Walkersville. Passionate about working for a company that’s helping local families, Kathy loves seeing the kids each day and looks forward to getting to know each of them.
When she’s not at work, Kathy enjoys traveling, bike riding, and spending time with family and friends.
What drives Kathy’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Supporting children to achieve success is infectious. My hope is that I am able to help someone each day to make their day a little brighter.”
Lauren Ross
Intake & Service Coordinator
Lauren has over 8 years of administration experience. She grew up in Montgomery County MD. She is now living in Rohrersville MD, where she enjoys breeding and raising livestock, traveling to livestock shows with her children, and making goat milk soap and lotion with milk from her dairy goats. Lauren’s favorite part of her job is meeting all the new families.
What drives Lauren’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“As a mom of five, I know firsthand that even the smallest bit of support can mean so much. I love being able to support families by helping them get signed up for services. I feel confident that our team will give them all the necessary tools to help their children reach goals and milestones.”