Welcome to our troop

Growing By Leaps and Bounds Together

SAMANTHA VAQUERANO, MS CCC-SLP

Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist

Clinical Director, Owner

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Samantha is a native New Yorker with Cuban and Salvadoran family roots. 

Samantha attended Florida International University (B.A., Psychology with honors, 2014) and Florida Atlantic University where she received her Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (M.A., CCC-SLP). Samantha worked as a bilingual speech-language pathologist and clinical manager for the private practice sector, leading a staff of more than a dozen speech-language pathologists and has provided services across multiple settings such as private schools, early head start schools, daycare centers and home environments.

Samantha has previously served the Miami-Dade community as a supervisor and therapist under organizations such as United Way and Cerebral Palsy Association of Florida. Samantha  served as a clinical supervisor for the speech-language graduate department in 2018 with The Goodman Center at Albizu University.  Samantha has been a long standing collaborator and speech-language team supervisor for The Summer Treatment Program, PreK, a renowned research-based treatment program for children with disruptive behaviors at Florida International University since 2016. Samantha has provided in-services and trainings for FIU staff, private school staff and has worked in conjunction with other professionals to publish and present on various topics related to the field of speech and language, psychology and child development. Samantha has collaborated as a contributor to treatment manuals for Florida International University's Summer Treatment Program and Mailman Center for Child Development's (UM) Early Discovery Program. Samantha was the recipient of the ASHA ACE Award in 2023; the ACE is a formal recognition of professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to lifelong learning. 

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Samantha is passionate about providing integrative and comprehensive services to families with children of all backgrounds. Samantha's interests include play-based therapy, motor-speech disorders, tethered oral tissues and early intervention.  

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Papers/Presentations to view:

1. Jackson, Safiya (2022) “Investigating the Potential Efficacy of a Music Intervention to Improve Emotion Regulation in Preschool-Age Children: An Exploratory Case Study. Thesis to be defended under the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Education with Music Therapy Emphasis program at University of Miami.*Served as consultant for Ms. Jackson’s sample collection, methods and procedural process

2. Gregg, D., Hart, K., Vaquerano, S., Walker-Angle, S., Suarez, M., & Graziano, P. (2021). Multidisciplinary early intervention for preschoolers with externalizing behavior problems and language impairment. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 1-12. Impact Factor: 1.976 Google Scholar Citation Count: 0 Journal Rank SJR: 267th out of 1,201 (Psychology), 53rd out of 273 (Clinical Psychology)
3. Gregg, D., Hart, K., Vaquerano, S., Cuervo, S., Suarez, M., Graziano, P. (2019) Early intervention to promote school readiness for preschoolers with externalizing behavior problems and language impairment. Poster to be presented at the 2019 SRCD Biennial Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland.  
4. Suarez, M., Vaquerano, S., Walker-Angel, S., Hart, K., Graziano, P. (2018). Joining Forces: A summer program for preschoolers with speech-language and behavioral challenges. Seminar presented at the 2018 American Speech, Language & Hearing Association, Annual National Convention.
5. Vaquerano, S., Graziano, P., Hart, K., & Suarez, M. (2014). Examining short-term speech-language therapy in preschoolers with behavior problems. Poster presented at the 2014 Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists Annual Convention, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Awarded first place in poster competition.
6. Hart, K., Graziano, P., Kent, K., Garcia, A., Vaquerano, S., Walker-Angel, S., Greiner, A., Gnagy, E., & Pelham, W. (2013). Summer Treatment Program for Pre-Kindergarteners (STP-PreK). Unpublished treatment manual.

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KAREN RODRIGUEZ, MS, OTR-L

Bilingual Occupational Therapist,

Managing Director, Owner

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Karen is a Miami native with proud Cuban roots.

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida International University in 2009 and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014.  She is licensed in Florida and registered with the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. 

Karen Rodriguez is a pediatric occupational therapist that has dedicated her career to working with children from birth through adolescence.  Her passion for working with children stemmed from a young age, from volunteering with children, coaching cheerleading teams, to participating in child-related fundraisers. Before starting her pediatric occupational therapy practice, Karen worked in the capacity of lead occupational therapist and occupational therapy supervisor at private pediatric practices in Miami, FL.  She has worked in settings such as outpatient centers, public and private schools, and home health. 

 Karen has specialized training and certifications in various pediatric occupational therapy evaluation and treatment methods, including Handwriting Without Tears, Sensory Integration, and The Zones of Regulation.  Her clinical experiences include handwriting difficulties, fine motor delay, developmental coordination disorder, dyspraxia, sensory processing challenges, visual perceptual and visual motor difficulties, attention deficit disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.

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ALEXA MARSELLOS, M.M., MT-BC

Certified Music Therapist, Owner of NeuroBeat Music Therapy

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Alexa is a Miami native with Cuban and Greek roots.

Alexa Marsellos  is a board-certified music therapist,  music educator, and vocalist with almost a decade of experience as a vocalist, voice coach, music educator, and interventionist.

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Alexa completed her undergraduate studies at Florida International University, where she received her bachelor's degree in music education (2017) and a graduate certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2018).  She earned her master's degree in music therapy from the University of Miami (2021). Her clinical experience includes early intervention/early childhood education, behavioral/mental health, in-patient neurorehabilitation, and hospice/palliative care. During her graduate career, Alexa’s research projects included her master’s thesis, “The Use of Music Interventions for Delayed Communication Development in Early Childhood: A Scoping Review,” as well as research proposals and intervention manuals “Songwriting for Adolescent Bereavement,” “Music Identity Expression Program: Songwriting for Identity Development in Adolescents,” and “The Effect of Early Intervention Music Therapy on Language Development for Toddlers with Developmental Delays: An Exploratory Study.” 

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Alexa is passionate about making connections with clients across ages and populations to foster growth and improve quality of life. She also strives to empower clients to take ownership of their goals and experiences, educate others on the impact of music-based interventions in the lives of others, and advocate for music therapy

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Alexa leads the following music classes at Kids L.A.B. Therapy:

• The Summer of Firsts (Summer Series)

• The Rainbow in Me (Summer Series)

• Enchanting Disney ; Sing around the World (Fall Series)

• Into the World of Eric Carle (Spring Series)

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Alexa is currently serving us in the capacity of  Pop Up Music Enrichment Teacher throughout the Summer and Fall of 2024. Class offerings will only be provided on select weekends. 

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DANIELA NAZARIO, M.S., CCC-SLP

Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist

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Daniela Nazario is a passionate, bilingual speech-language pathologist dedicated to helping children achieve their unique communication goals. With over a decade of experience, Daniela is committed to providing evidence-based practices tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Daniela holds a master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Language Pathology) from Albizu University. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology as well as Graduate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida International University. 

She has worked with children and individuals with diverse communicative needs across various disabilities, utilizing play-based therapy in both individual and group sessions. Daniela possesses extensive knowledge and training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies, from high-tech devices to low-tech solutions. She is adept at delivering in-services and presentations on specialized topics and is enthusiastic about training colleagues, patients, families, and caregivers on how to use AAC to enhance functional communication for all.

Daniela has worked with children in homes and preschool settings, addressing a variety of expressive, receptive, pragmatic, feeding, fluency, articulatory, and phonological needs. She specialized in AAC devices, including speech-generating devices, eye-gaze, and sign language, and conducted evaluations to create individualized care plans with developmentally appropriate, play-based activities. Daniela has also provided parent trainings to promote treatment carry-over and skill generalization. Daniela's has previous experience treating a myriad of speech and communication disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, cleft palate, Down syndrome, and more.  Daniela has received prior training at the Mailman Center for Child Development where she was involved in providing AAC assessments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to formulate comprehensive treatment plans. She supported the Mailman Center's assistive technology program and participated in advocacy initiatives.

Prior to completing her master's degree, Daniela worked as a registered behavior technician (RBT), delivering 1:1 behavior therapy within the private school sector.  

Some special words from Daniela....

I prioritize creating vibrant and engaging environments through play to nurture the curiosity and joy of learning in each child I work with.

My extensive experience includes addressing a diverse range of developmental delays, and I hold a deep love for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), recognizing its transformative potential in enhancing communication abilities.

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As a dedicated professional, I am committed to collaboration and providing unwavering support to families throughout their child’s communication journey.

I eagerly anticipate the chance to connect and explore how I can best support your family!

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