Who We Are

The Gift of Speech was created to be more than just speech therapy.

It is a place that welcomes variety in ability to increase communication skills for better quality of life!

Six women standing side by side in an indoor setting, smiling at the camera. The background features framed certificates or diplomas on the wall.

We value empowerment and do our best to provide our client their independence to communicate effectively in everyday life. We appreciate innovation and embrace new research, technology and creative approaches to enhance the best possible therapy outcomes.

Our Practitioners

Our team of professionals and specialists work towards the same goal: to facilitate a welcoming experience, utilize the best techniques and increase communication for our clients.

Meet the Team

  • A woman with long, wavy blonde hair smiling outdoors with a blurred green background.

    Kara Ferreira, M.S., CCC-SLP

    FOUNDER

    A graduate of California State University, Sacramento and received a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology from University of the Pacific. Mrs. Ferreira serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Gift of Speech. ​Alongside her responsibilities overseeing the daily operations of The Gift of Speech, she mentors and supervises CFY/RPE and SLPA clinicians, supporting their clinical development and professional success.

  • A woman with blonde, curly hair smiling outdoors in sunlight, wearing a yellow dress with white polka dots and a silver necklace with a cross pendant.

    Tracey McDonnell, M.A., CCC-SLP

    FOUNDER

    A graduate of California State University, Fresno and received a Master of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech Pathology from University of the Pacific. Mrs. McDonnell serves as the Chief Financial Officer of The Gift of Speech. In addition to her roles and responsibilities in the day to day operations of The Gift of Speech, she mentors and supervises CFY/RPE and SLPA clinicians.

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with curly black hair, wearing glasses with a tortoiseshell frame, a black sleeveless top, and a delicate gold necklace, outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

    Giavonna Aponte, M.S., CCC-SLP

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Giavonna earned her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the Pacific.

  • Close-up photo of a young woman with long, straight, reddish-brown hair, smiling outdoors with blurred trees and greenery in the background.

    Megan Kuhn, M.S., CCC-SLP

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Megan earned her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University.

  • Veronica Torres-Rubio, M.S., SLP-RPE/CF

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Veronica earned her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the Pacific.

  • A smiling woman with curly light brown hair, wearing a light beige sweater, standing outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

    Tressa Brown, B.S., SLPA

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT

    Tressa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento.

  • Close-up of a smiling young woman with long black hair, outdoors with blurred background.

    Leslie Garcia, B.S., SLPA

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT

    Leslie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento.

  • Woman with shoulder-length dark hair smiling, wearing a dark floral top and green cardigan, standing in a wooded area with trees and greenery.

    Jenee Lattig, A.S., SLPA

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT

    Jenee earned her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate in Science degree from San Joaquin Delta College.

  • A woman with long dark hair, light brown skin, and wearing a green blouse, standing against a beige wall.

    Aksa Sabir, A.S., SLPA

    SPEECH PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

    Aksa earned her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate in Science degree from San Joaquin Delta College.

  • A close-up of a woman with blonde hair wearing glasses, a black top, and gold jewelry, smiling against a plain light-colored background.

    Darlene Swirsky, A.S., SLPA

    SPEECH PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

    Darlene earned her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate in Science degree from San Joaquin Delta College.

  • A woman with long, wavy light brown hair and light skin standing outside in a park-like setting with green trees and bushes. She is smiling, wearing a pink sweater and a silver necklace, with her arms crossed.

    Kirstie Subry, B.S., SLPA

    SPEECH PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

  • Cierra Pacheco

    Cierra Pacheco, M.S., CCC-SLP

    PARTNERS IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

    Cierra earned her Masters of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University.

  • A woman with wavy brown hair with blonde highlights smiling outdoors.

    Stephanie Medrano, M.S., CCC-SLP

    PARTNERS IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

    Stephanie earned her Masters of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University.

  • Portrait of a woman with long dark hair smiling outdoors, wearing a purple top with textured sleeves.

    Melissa Sahagun

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Melissa oversees the scheduling and billing. She is a huge supporter of  our clinicians - and families - ensuring that all sessions are run timely. She often goes above and beyond to help our clients gain knowledge and answers from their insurance(s) as specific situations arise.

  • A smiling woman with blonde hair in loose waves, wearing a white top, outdoors with sunlight and trees in the background.

    Madison Blanc, MS, SLP-RPE/CF

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Madison earned her masters from the university of the pacific.


"Communication is an essential part of life. To impact lives and success of clients is empowering."

​

        Tracey McDonnell, M.A., CCC-SLP
CFO/Vice-President

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