Ivy Hernandez-Obeso received a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida International University. She started her career as a Pre-K Exceptional Student Education teacher for three and a half years. During this time, she began her specialized trainings in programs such as the Hanen Approach and Conscious Discipline. She began her Speech-Language Pathology career in 2007, where she worked closely with multi-disciplinary team members including an occupational therapist, exercise physiologist and a sensory-trained physical therapist.

Throughout her career, Ivy has worked in various settings including private practices, charter schools, preschools and behavior therapy centers where she has gained extensive experience treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, auditory processing disorders, language disorders, speech and oral motor disorders, behavior disorders and augmentative and alternative communication. Having worked in schools since the start of her teaching and SLP roles, Ivy has immense knowledge in the IEP process, RTI approach and early intervention process through Early Steps and Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS). Her determination in advocating for these children leads her to help the families navigate through the early intervention process. She has training in Beckman Oral Motor, PROMPT Level II, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Braidy the StoryBraid, Auditory Processing, and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP). Ivy holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She works closely with children and their families to encourage language development and stimulation in the therapy setting and most importantly in the natural environment. She serves as a clinical supervisor for students working to obtain their Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Ivy strives to keep current in her therapy techniques to maximize the benefits to her patients.

Yessenia is a bilingual pediatric speech language pathologist who received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in education, along with a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. She is a mom of two boys who loves spending time with her family and friends, enjoys sunny days, and Target runs! She has worked in private practices, schools, and university clinics. In these various settings, she gained experience with bilingual children with a variety of speech and language disorders, abilities, and diagnosis. During her time at Growing Minds, she has learned new techniques and strategies to provide children with oral motor stimulation, auditory processing techniques, and social pragmatic language skills. Yessenia is also trained in a play-based therapy approach, which promotes language development and social skills by meeting children at their level and building from there. Yessenia loves incorporating fun and meaningful opportunities to expand on children’s language, and helping each child find their unique voice.

Jeanette Duarte is a bilingual Speech Language Pathologist and is a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida International University in 2008. She has 16 years of experience in hospital, school-based and early-intervention pediatric settings. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of communication disorders to include: expressive and receptive language delays, articulation disorders, feeding/swallowing disorders, stuttering, and pragmatic disorders. Jeanette deeply values collaborations with parents and other professionals to support every child’s communication needs. During her free time, Jeanette enjoys spending time with her family. Jeanette is honored and humbled to be able to help the children and families in her community.

Tiffany Zakka brings over 20 years of expertise working with neurodiverse children, including those with autism, learning challenges, and sensory processing disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from FIU and is passionate about working with children to create engaging, challenging exercises that foster both physical strength and emotional resilience.

With her extensive experience working with diverse populations, Tiffany has developed a unique approach to addressing the underlying causes of why children may struggle in school. She has also designed programs and co-authored protocols focused on anxiety, the autonomic nervous system, and reflex integration, allowing her to share her knowledge with others and contribute to advancements in the field.

Stefanie is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist with a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development and a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida International University.

With extensive experience serving pediatric and school-aged populations, Stefanie is dedicated to providing effective, child-centered therapy. She has worked in diverse settings including private practice, schools, homes, and via telehealth.  She continuously collaborates with fellow speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, teachers, and parents to achieve the best communication outcomes for her patients.

Stefanie specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of communication disorders, including receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders, and challenges with pragmatic language skills. Her therapy approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, incorporating play-based, child-led methods to ensure meaningful progress both in therapy and in daily life. Stefanie is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive and develop their communication skills.

Danielle Navarro is a Speech-Language Pathologist with experience in private practice, school, and telehealth settings. Before earning her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Albizu University, she worked as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant for two years and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University. Danielle’s psychology background gives her a deeper understanding of each child’s emotional and behavioral needs, allowing her to approach therapy with empathy, patience, and a whole-child perspective.

She has worked with children with autism, articulation disorders, and receptive and expressive language delays, and has a special love for early intervention. Danielle believes that being a lifelong learner and staying flexible with change are essential to providing the best care—both for her clients and for her own growth as a clinician. She finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of a child’s communication journey and to witness their confidence flourish through progress.

Maria Carvajal is a pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to helping children feel confident, capable, and connected in their bodies. She earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Barry University and has two years of experience supporting children in private practice. She is passionate about meeting each child where they are and helping those with sensory processing differences, motor delays, and fine motor challenges gain confidence in their bodies so they can better explore, engage with, and enjoy their world.

Her work is grounded in current best practices and a deep commitment to creating a safe, empowering space for children to grow — physically, emotionally, and socially.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves to feel capable and confident, Maria Carvajal focuses on building foundational motor and sensory skills that support long-term development. She has a strong passion for primitive reflex integration and a growing interest in how retained reflexes can affect a child’s ability to move, learn, and connect with others. She is particularly attuned to how these early patterns can influence a child’s confidence, emotional regulation, and overall sense of safety in their body. Through a supportive, play-based approach, Maria Carvajal strives to create meaningful, individualized opportunities for children to grow into their full potential.