We accept the following insurances:
Kathryn Ferro, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder/Clinical Director
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!”
Laine Crouse, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Supervisor
Occupational Therapist
Laine Crouse received her master’s and doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Laine has worked in various settings including private pediatric outpatient clinics and preschool facilities. Laine’s certifications include being a Level 1 Sensory Certified Clinician and an SOS Approach to Feeding trained therapist. Her favorite part of working in this field includes being a part of growth and development and helping to make families successful. She is most passionate about working with families, as a team, and providing caregiver education to ensure success. Laine currently lives in Frederick, Maryland, where she enjoys hiking with her husband and two dogs, teaching therapeutic riding lessons, and spending time with friends.
What drives Laine’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“My favorite quote has always been, ‘Follow your passion and it will lead you to your purpose,’ because I feel like it is the ‘why’ for my job. The most rewarding part of my job is being a part of a child’s growth, joining them to celebrate their gains, and supporting them through challenges. I leave each day feeling a full heart from working alongside determined children and families who remind me why I love my job.”
Autumn Perrotti, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Community Services
Speech-Language Pathologist
Autumn Perrotti received her Master’s in Speech Language Pathology at West Virginia University. Autumn has worked as a clinician for seven years with experience in various settings including the school system, daycares, and pediatric outpatient practices. Autumn has extensive experience with special programming for children. Autumn is a SOS Approach to Feeding trained therapist, is PROMPT Level 1 trained, has training in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) and is a Recognized by Apraxia Kids as an experienced provider. Autumn’s favorite part of working in this field is finding ways to make therapy new and fun. She enjoys being able to support children, families and teachers to promote development of skills while incorporating fun engaging activities during each session. Autumn currently resides in Thurmont, Maryland where she enjoys going to the beach, baking, and hiking with her dogs.
What drives Autumn’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I love my job and I love learning more every day. I strive to see progress in my clients’ lives as well as progress in my journey as a therapist. I want to do better and learn more so that I can apply everything that I know to the children that I am supporting. I am excited about all of the new opportunities to reach more children in our community, providing services in daycares, private schools and even homes.”
Angie Keeney, Basal Preschool Director
Special Educator
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 Supervisor
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.”
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.”
Caroline Santos, LCSW-C, Groups Program Coordinator
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!”
Amanda Mose, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Amanda Mose received her Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from James Madison University in 2014. She also received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish in 2005. Amanda brings experiences in school settings and early intervention with her to Basal Therapies. Amanda’s special interests include pre-linguistic skills and early language development, bilingual language development, Executive Functioning, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and working with those with a diagnosis of Autism. Her favorite part of working in this field is coaching caregivers on how to support their loved ones at home because they are the ones who make the biggest difference. Amanda loves being able to empower clients and their families so that they recognize and build upon their successes. Amanda currently resides in Hagerstown, MD where she enjoys gardening, singing, and archery.
What drives Amanda’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Being passionate about what I’m doing goes beyond being motivated. Passion is the driving force that pushes me out of my comfort zone to ensure that I’m making continual progress for myself professionally and especially for those whom I serve.”
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.”
Jen Gordon, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jen Gordon received her Master’s from Towson University, joining our Basal Therapies team with experience in the school setting as well as the Infants and Toddlers program for Frederick County. Jen’s certifications include both PROMPT and PECS where her areas of interest include early speech and language development as well as Autism and related disorders. Her favorite part of working in this field is how she can work through play! Jen is also passionate about helping to build confidence in children and families to help them be successful. She enjoys helping children to realize that they are capable of achieving skills and then seeing them utilize them outside of the treatment session, with confidence. Jen currently lives in New Market where she enjoys yoga, hiking, spending time with her family, and reading.
What drives Jen’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I feel strongly that every child is uniquely different and the approach to intervention should cater to not only their individual needs, but to their personalities, their likes and dislikes. When treatment is developed with each individual in mind, progress is limitless.”
Kristen Schmeltzer, MS, CCC-SLP
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!”
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.”
Lauren Fraser, M.S., CCC-SLP
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.”
Veronica Layman M.Ed, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Veronica earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia in Speech-Language Pathology. Before beginning her graduate program, she practiced as a speech-language pathology assistant in the Frederick area for several years. She has worked in the school setting for the last 7 years, serving children through middle school grades. Veronica has also sought out several volunteer opportunities in the field as well, including a day camp that combined speech therapy with therapeutic riding. She has worked with children in the areas of expressive/receptive language disorders, speech sound disorders, Autism, and stuttering. Veronica’s favorite part of her job is getting to know the kids she works with and their families; creating engaging, effective sessions for clients that make them happy while learning; problem solving through challenges; and having consistent communication with families and a talented team of specialists to work with to improve the outcomes. Veronica is passionate about helping kids and their families better communicate with one another, reducing frustration and increasing confidence and connection. When she’s not working, Veronica enjoys baking, spending time outside, and reading. Veronica is a Frederick county native!
What drives Veronica’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“The best outcomes are achieved where there is passion. The Basal Team shares expertise and passion that is infectious; earning the trust of families and encouraging carry-over beyond our treatment rooms. Genuine compassion for our clients and commitment to growth are key to our common goal of helping children and families in our communities find their voice.“
Holli Meissner MS, OTR/L, CKTP
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.”
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.”
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.”
Aubrey Mohler
Administrative Assistant
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.”
Holly Feini
Administrative Assistant
Holly completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Ohio University. Holly joins our Basal Team with over six years of experience in a clinical setting as an exercise physiologist and health coach. Holly has a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace as she strives to ensure that everyone has a meaningful experience. Holly’s favorite part of her job is working with people and being a bright spot of their day, even when things aren’t going according to plan. She believes the most important part of her job is helping others to feel comfortable and safe during times of overwhelm and stress. Holly is a Howard County native, but currently resides in Frederick where she enjoys hiking, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
What drive’s Holly’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Basal Therapies is all about helping people. When the people who work there are passionate about supporting children towards their goals, it is infectious and can be felt by all who participate. When people feel they are cared for, it produces buy in and helps our clients to see stronger results. I feel passionate about being a positive force in the life of anyone who enters our doors.”
Olivia “Liv” Rachel, M.S., CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Liv Rachel is a dedicated Speech-Language pathologist who grew up in Harford County and is now living in Frederick. She is passionate about making therapy child-led so that it’s not only beneficial but also enjoyable for her young clients.
She obtained her Master’s degree from Towson University and graduated in May 2023. With a special interest in early language development, gestalt language processing, executive function, and oral motor skills to promote positive feeding experiences, Liv brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. She thrives on helping children confidently and successfully navigate many important milestones in young life including communicating and connecting with others.
With a background in the Best Buddies program, she firmly believes in the principles of inclusion and fostering acceptance. One of Liv’s favorite aspects of her job is working closely with families, offering them support as they work together to enhance their child’s communication skills.
What drives Olivia’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I’ve always known that I wanted to work with children, but it wasn’t until I got to college that I learned about speech-language pathology. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves the ability to confidently and effectively communicate and engage with those around them, I love that I get to help others do just that!”
Elana Megerian, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Elana Megerian is a dedicated occupational therapist originally from the Boston area. She recently relocated to Frederick, and is excited to be beginning her journey as a new graduate with Basal Therapies. She brings a unique blend of interests and experiences to her role.
With an educational background that includes a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Towson University, Elana has developed a keen interest in executive function and the challenges those with low vision or visual perceptual issues face. She is further intrigued by the role occupational therapists can play in helping to support those with chronic illnesses.
Her passion for sculpting, a love for history, museums, podcasts, and books, and a love for trying new kinds of teas, take her far beyond the walls of the therapy room.
Elana completed her doctoral capstone at Itineris in Baltimore, where she designed and implemented an occupation-based executive function training program with a focus on vocational skills. Her certifications include the Mandt System Certification, which provides her with trauma-informed escalation prevention and positive behavior support skills to promote health and safety in the workplace.
She especially enjoys the opportunities for creativity and activity that the field of pediatric occupational therapy offers. Elana’s enthusiastic about the mentorship and learning opportunities at Basal Therapies, and she’s committed to fostering growth, for herself and for her clients. She sees a continuous chance for meaningful progress, and she celebrates every step of this journey with her clients.
What drives Elana’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“Progress takes work, and passion is what makes work a labor of love. That’s why I decided to change careers and become an OT! I am passionate about connecting with people about the things they find meaningful–and bringing laughter and joy to the work so that therapy feels fun and engaging, even when it is challenging.”
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!”
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.”
Elizabeth “Liz” Escobar, MA, Ed.
Special Educator
Liz Escobar is a committed special educator originally from Mt. Airy and now living in Smithsburg. She’s dedicated to seeing her students learn and reach their full potential, and she’s passionate about the inclusion of children of all unique abilities!
With an educational background that includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Stevenson University and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from the University of Delaware, she has worked with special education students from pre-K to third grade.
Outside of work she loves camping, crafting, and reading.
What drives Liz’s #ProgressThroughPassion?
“I strive to adapt my classroom to be child-led based on their unique needs. Including families and other service providers in decision-making to best meet the needs of each student is something I’m passionate about!”