Meet Our Team
We provide thoughtful, individualized speech, language, and myofunctional therapy for children, teens, and adults. No matter a client’s age or goals, our focus is the same: personalized care, meaningful progress, and communication that carries over into everyday life.
FOUNDER/OWNER; SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST; MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST
Shannon Kammholz, MS, CCC-SLP
Shannon founded Santa Monica Speaks in 2019 with a vision of creating a more personal, connected, and elevated therapy experience for clients and their families, one that extends far beyond the walls of a clinic.
After earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the Pacific, Shannon gained experience across home, school, and clinical settings. She is trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), an evidence-based treatment approach for childhood apraxia of speech and other motor speech disorders. She is also trained in SPEAK OUT!, a specialized treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions.
Today, Shannon leads a team rooted in warmth, clinical excellence, and intentional care while also providing services to clients in both California and Colorado. She works closely with clients, families, schools, and other professionals to ensure that each person feels understood and supported throughout their experience with Santa Monica Speaks.
LEAD SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST; MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST; CLINICAL MANAGER
Samantha Mevorach, MS, CCC-SLP
As Clinical Manager, Samantha is at the center of Santa Monica Speaks- supporting the team, guiding clinical care, and helping ensure that every client and family receives an exceptional experience. She brings both strong leadership and a warm, thoughtful presence to her work, with a natural ability to help people feel comfortable and understood from the start.
Samantha earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Fredonia and brings a collaborative, whole-person perspective to therapy. Depending on a client’s needs, her sessions may incorporate sensory supports, play-based intervention, and myofunctional therapy. She is also trained in SPEAK OUT!, a specialized treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions.
Whether she is working directly with a client, collaborating with a family, or mentoring a clinician, Samantha leads with care, intention, and an unwavering commitment to the people around her. She is especially passionate about helping clients become more confident and comfortable in their communication.
Lara Haine, MS, CCC-SLP
Lara is a Speech-Language Pathologist who takes a thoughtful, strengths-based approach to supporting children’s communication development. She meets each child where they are, building on their strengths to help them grow with confidence.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Lara has experience across both education and healthcare settings and supports a wide range of communication needs, including early language development, language delays, fluency, autism, voice, and articulation.
Her approach is rooted in connection and collaboration—she works closely with families to ensure therapy feels supportive, individualized, and meaningful beyond the session. Lara is committed to providing care that is both evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming, while always meeting each child exactly where they are.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Dana is a highly skilled and intuitive Speech-Language Pathologist who brings warmth, confidence, and strong clinical judgment to her work. She connects easily with clients while thoughtfully identifying what they need to make meaningful progress.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Georgia State University. Her experience spans school and private-practice settings, with expertise in articulation, language development, social communication, fluency, AAC, and autism.
Dana is a trusted clinician and advocate who works closely with clients, families, and other professionals to provide care that is individualized, effective, and relevant to everyday life. Her combination of clinical strength and genuine compassion makes her an invaluable part of the Santa Monica Speaks team.
Dana Lee, MS, CCC-SLP
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Kayla is a thoughtful and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist who is passionate about helping children communicate and connect with the people around them. She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University and has supported children of all ages across school, home, and clinical settings.
Kayla has extensive experience with AAC and functional communication, as well as speech sound and language disorders. Whether a child is taking their first steps toward communicating or working to be more easily understood, she tailors each session to their individual strengths, interests, and goals.
Kayla believes families are an essential part of a child’s communication journey. She works closely with parents and caregivers, offering practical strategies that fit naturally into everyday routines and help skills carry over beyond therapy. Her goal is to create an encouraging environment where every child feels heard and every family feels like a valued part of the team
Kayla Shakiba, CCC-SLP
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Vivian is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist fluent in English and Mandarin who supports individuals across the lifespan. She brings warmth, curiosity, and intention to her work, creating an environment where clients and families feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout their care.
She earned her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her clinical experience includes working with specialty populations in hospital settings, including individuals with cleft palate and cochlear implants. She also has experience with articulation and language disorders, AAC, feeding and swallowing, and gestalt language processing. Vivian is also trained in SPEAK OUT!, a specialized treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions. Vivian values collaboration and works closely with clients, families, and other members of the care team to develop meaningful, individualized goals. She is committed to evidence-based care and goes above and beyond to help each client feel confident, supported, and celebrated throughout their communication journey.
Vivian Li, CCC-SLP
BILINGUAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Mackenzie Hunt, BS, C-SLPA
LEAD SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Kenzie is a creative and engaging Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who knows how to make therapy feel motivating and meaningful. She connects easily with clients and adapts her approach to fit each person’s interests, personality, and communication style.
She holds degrees in Psychological Behavioral Sciences, Communication Disorders and Sciences, and Speech-Language Pathology. She is currently attending graduate school to earn her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Her areas of experience include gestalt language processing, social communication, articulation and phonology, autism, and ADHD.
Kenzie’s background in behavior analysis adds another layer to her thoughtful, individualized approach. She is committed to meeting clients where they are and helping them build greater confidence in their communication.
Kelly is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who brings warmth, inclusivity, and genuine encouragement to every session. She works with both children and adults and cares deeply about helping each client feel seen, understood, and more confident in their communication.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Los Angeles, as well as an Associate degree in Child Development from Santa Monica College. Her experience spans school, clinic, and rehabilitation settings and includes articulation, language, fluency, social communication, AAC, and cognitive-communication skills. Kelly is also trained in SPEAK OUT! and has a special interest in supporting adults with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.
Kelly incorporates her knowledge of American Sign Language when working with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Above all, she strives to make therapy accessible, engaging, and responsive to the person in front of her.
BILINGUAL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Kelly Meza, SLPA
Emily Ann
Emily is a thoughtful and encouraging Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who helps clients see progress as both achievable and empowering. Her calm, steady presence creates a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable participating and challenging themselves.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Her experience includes articulation, language development, autism, gestalt language processing, fluency, AAC, apraxia, and early literacy.
Outside of her clinical work, Emily contributes to Santa Monica Speaks’ outreach and community initiatives. She values the relationships built through this work and enjoys helping clients and families feel connected to the wider community.
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Diana Garcia
BILINGUAL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Diana is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a calm, grounding presence. She creates an environment where clients feel safe being themselves while building their communication skills at a pace that feels right for them.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University, Long Beach and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at California State University, Los Angeles. Her clinical experience includes early language development, articulation, and language disorders.
Alongside her clinical work, Diana also supports the administrative side of Santa Monica Speaks. Her consistency, organization, and attention to detail help create a smooth and welcoming experience for clients, families, and the entire team.