Meet our Speech Therapy Team
 Claire Burgos, MA, CCC-SLP
|
Claire Burgos, MA, CCC-SLP
Claire is an award-winning Licensed Speech Pathologist who joined Kinera Foundation in 2022. She is from Williamsville, NY and a graduate of George Washington University. She has specialty training in the use of Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) Words for Life (WFL), a therapeutic approach based on neurological and motor learning principles. The goal is to give individuals who are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities a method of independently and spontaneously expressing themselves in any setting. LAMP Words for Life is designed to meet the communication needs of children with autism. It combines the power of PRC’s Unity® language system and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP™), a proven-therapeutic approach that uses consistent motor plans for accessing vocabulary. Claire has also had extensive training in The DIR®/Floortime® Model, which promotes development by encouraging children to interact with parents and others through play. This therapy is designed for autistic children and children with other developmental disorders. It’s recommended that children start this therapy as early as possible. In her free time, Claire enjoys music, travel, reading and time with family. |
Michelle Gast, MS, CCC-SLP
|
Michelle Gast, MS, CCC-SLP
Michelle joined Kinera this past summer 2023 and has worked in the field of speech pathology for more than 10 years. She received her Master of Science Speech Language Pathology degree from Towson University, and has a diverse professional background in a variety of settings including a public separate day school (a special education program for students ages 3 through 21 with a variety of learning differences), private practice, and outpatient hospital. Michelle is a lifelong learner that has spent a lot of time enhancing her professional development beyond post-graduate training and education. She received extensive training in early intervention, motor speech disorders (PROMPT-trained Level 1 and 2), AAC, and feeding challenges using a gentle responsive feeding approach (AEIOU, SOS Approach to Feeding, Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding). She believes in a holistic approach to treatment and incorporating tools that are individualized and meaningful for each child and family. Michelle believes that parents know their child best and deserve to have the tools to continue to help their child thrive. Her highest priority is creating partnerships with families, and giving caregivers the resources, coaching and education they need to help their child grow and develop. Her approach is founded in neuro-diversity affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive practices. She was attracted to Kinera Foundation because she believes in the mission of directly helping others and providing resources for families in the local community. Michelle lives with her husband, children and labrador retriever on the Western Shore, but her hometown is Kent Island. She loves to be around water, is a certified scuba diver and is thrilled by ocean life encounters during dives. She enjoys exploring new places with her family, discovering fun restaurants with great food and traveling as much as possible! |
Visit our main Speech Therapy page to learn more about the pediatric speech services being offered through The Kinera Foundation.