Meet Our
Therapists
“We have been so happy at TALK. I love how the therapists are always coming up with new strategies to keep my son motivated and engaged.”
Leah Baranouskas, M.S., CCC-SLP
Leah grew up in the East Bay and has a strong interest in helping individuals and families make meaningful, positive changes in their everyday lives. While earning her B.A. in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Chico, she discovered a particular passion for supporting Autistic individuals using augmentative and alternative communication strategies.
Before pursuing speech-language pathology, Leah worked for three years as an applied behavior analysis instructor, providing in-home and school-based therapy. Through this experience, she developed a deeper understanding of individualized support and family-centered care, which ultimately led her to pursue her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Eastern New Mexico University.
During her graduate training and in the last three years at TALK, Leah has worked with children with a wide range of needs, including speech sound production, receptive and expressive language, social communication, and feeding. She is committed to providing thoughtful, engaging, and effective therapy that supports children and families beyond the therapy room.
On the weekends, Leah enjoys spending time with her spaniel, Stormy, and making the most of summer days at the lake with family and friends.
Jordana Bartfeld, M.s., CCC-SLP
Jordana grew up in San Mateo and has always had a passion for working with children. Her personal and educational experiences inspired her to pursue a career in speech-language pathology, where she could combine her love of communication, learning, and child development.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Liberal Studies from the University of Redlands, Jordana worked as a paraeducator at West Hillsborough Elementary School in a special education academic support program. In this role, she provided individualized instruction to students with learning and behavioral differences and helped support them as they worked toward their IEP goals.
Jordana began her work at TALK as an intern, then was awarded her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of the Pacific in 2024. She has experience in both elementary school and private clinic settings, and her clinical interests include stuttering, expressive and receptive language, and articulation. Jordana is passionate about building strong rapport with her clients and creating therapy sessions that are compassionate, engaging, and tailored to each child’s unique needs and interests.
When she’s not in the office, Jordana enjoys drawing and coloring mandalas and traveling with her family and exploring wineries throughout the Bay Area.
Leah Schare, M.s., CCC-SLP
Leah grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has always been passionate about supporting children and families. She earned her B.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences from the University of Oregon — Go Ducks! — and her M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Portland State University.
During her graduate training, Leah gained experience in early intervention, public school, and outpatient settings. She provided play-based therapy, collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, and delivered services both in person and through teletherapy. These experiences helped shape her flexible, family-centered approach to therapy.
Leah’s clinical interests include social communication, augmentative and alternative communication, stuttering, and expressive and receptive language. She is committed to creating engaging, individualized therapy that helps children build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and feel successful in their everyday lives.
Outside of work, Leah enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new places, and listening to live music.
paloma jacquet, m.s., CF-SLP
Paloma grew up in a multilingual French, Spanish, and English-speaking home, where she developed an early appreciation for language, learning, and connection. Her background inspired her interest in communication and her passion for working with children and families.
She began her academic journey at McGill University in Montreal, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. After completing her undergraduate studies, Paloma worked as an Early Years Therapist, gaining hands-on experience partnering with families and creating developmentally supportive, play-based interventions. Motivated to further her clinical knowledge, she went on to earn her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy in Scotland.
Paloma’s clinical interests include supporting children Autism, speech sound and phonological development, language skills, social communication, and augmentative and alternative communication. She believes communication is deeply connected to identity and belonging, and she is passionate about helping children feel understood, confident, and empowered in their daily lives.
Having recently moved from Ireland, Paloma is excited to explore California and discover all that the Bay Area has to offer.
Mariam Khan, M.S., SLPA
Mariam grew up in Silicon Valley, where her volunteer and educational experiences sparked a lasting interest in education and child development. With her mother working as a speech-language pathologist, Mariam was introduced early on to the meaningful impact the field can have on children and families. While in community college, she observed a middle school speech therapist and immediately knew she had found the career path she wanted to pursue.
Mariam earned her B.S. in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She began as an intern at TALK while earning her Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She completed a certification through Project ALLIES, further strengthening her commitment to inclusive, supportive, and evidence-based care.
Mariam’s experience includes working with Autistic children, as well as children with apraxia, articulation disorders, receptive and expressive language delays, social communication needs, and early intervention. She believes that everyone deserves a voice and approaches her work with compassion, patience, and a deep respect for each child’s individual strengths.
Mariam loves traveling with her sisters, exploring new places, and spending time with family.