WHAT WE ARE ABOUT

​We are a full service private practice that provides evaluation, diagnosis, and individualized treatment.  Speech Therapy Partners, Inc. (STP) is based in Redondo Beach, California.  STP offers in-home and clinic-based speech, language, and feeding therapy to clients in the South Bay (including, but not limited to: Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, El Segundo), North Long Beach and Lakewood area.  

We are a team of highly innovative and  highly passionate clinicians. Our California licensed and American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certified therapists are trained to create multi-modal experiential learning opportunities.  In addition to working with children and their families, the therapists at STP are also dedicated about working with teens, young adults and adults with communication needs.

MEET THE TEAM

Julie Kristie Carrillo, M.A., CCC-SLP  
President - Director of Clinical Services
BIO
​Julie is the President of Speech Therapy Partners, Inc..  She has over a decade of experience working with children and adults with special needs.  She initially gained experience as a speech-language aide to preschool age students; this is where her passion for early intervention therapy began.  She enjoys working with young children ages 12 months to 3 years.  In addition, her experience as a school-based therapist has helped her gain understanding in the needs of elementary students and find pleasure in providing speech and language therapy to complement their academic needs.  As a private practice clinician, she has gained a new passion working with teens, young adults, and adults.  

​Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorder at California State University, Long Beach in 2003.  She returned to Cal State Long Beach and obtained a Master of Arts in Communicative Disorder in 2009.  She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and California Speech-Language-Hearing  Association (CSHA).  She holds a Certificate in Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), a Speech-Language Pathology California state license, and a teaching credential.  Recently, she was certified as a Compton P-ESL (Pronouncing English as a Second Language) coach and is PROMPT Trained.
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.?  At STP there is a strong sense of Team Work!  While we all have our own style and our own personal philosophy, we constantly share new ideas all for the benefit of our clients.​
  2. Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?   Prior to working at STP, my most interesting job was working at a bank as a teller.
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Dedicated.  Hard Working.  Cheerful.
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?  I would be a Great Dane puppy.  Growing up I've never had pets, but when I met my husband he had a Great Dane. I just love their gentle giant spirit.
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?  It was always going to be in the medical field, either a nurse or a physical therapist.
  6. What is your favorite meal?  I love anything noodles and soup: pho, udon, wonton soup, ramen.
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?  I love to go dancing, going to the movies, and singing at church.
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?  Don't be in a hurry to grow up.  You will spend most of your life as an adult!​
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  A tiny elephant, because I am not a fan of anything that might resemble a rodent.​
Josephine Lee, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
BIO
Having graduated from CSULB in 2009 with a M.A. in Communicative Disorders, my career in Speech and Language Therapy has been ever so fulfilling.  I work full-time in the public school setting, but my experience also includes the private clinic and outpatient settings.  My training includes PECS (augmentative communication), PESL (accent reduction), and SATPAC (articulation).  I have a huge interest in social skills development in kids of all ages and populations!
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.?  My favorite part about working with STP is having the opportunity to always share ideas and therapy strategies with the staff!​
  2. Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?   Before working at STP, my most interesting job was being a "mad scientist"!  I taught children about science through innovative "wild" experiments, such as sucking an egg through an Erlenmeyer flask!
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Three best that best describe me: agreeable, logical, and sociable
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?   If I had to choose to be an animal, I would definitely be a dog.  Why?  Because owners pamper and spoil their dogs all the time!
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?  I actually wanted to be a flight attendant when I was younger because of my love for travel.  But that dream was shot when I found out what the height requirement was ;) 
  6. What is your favorite meal?  Favorite meal hands-down is sushi!
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?  Hobbies and interests outside of work include Pilates, run racing, travel, hiking, and scuba diving.
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?  I would let my 13-year old self know that it is ok to make mistakes in life, that imperfections are valuable, and to take more risks!​
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  Definitely tiny elephant because its easier to maneuver around if you're a small thing in this giant world!​
Marisa Leon, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
BIO
I am a licensed speech-language pathologist and have been providing speech therapy services for more than 17 years.  My approach is holistic, integrative and play-based – where I consistently see, by far, the most positive results.  Play is a natural and highly effective way to encourage communication in a non-pressure environment.  Focusing and expanding on an individual’s strengths through therapeutic play is my starting point for all children I work with.
 
Parent/caregiver involvement and feedback plays a significant and crucial role in the therapies I provide.  Consistent communication is established with parents throughout the therapeutic process.  I teach parents fun and useful techniques they can practice with their children in order to facilitate continued communication development.
 
I received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.  Continuing my education and training is an essential part of my practice.  I continued my training in pediatric feeding aversions at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.  I frequently attend classes and conferences on autism and other courses addressing communication differences.
 
I have worked in a variety of settings including private and public schools (preschool, elementary, middle school and high school levels), pediatric therapy clinics, home health, and hospitals.  Being in the schools and working in classrooms alongside teachers has given me first-hand experience and insights into what is needed for academic and social development. 
 
My passion lies in creating connection and empowerment through the gift of communication for children and their parents.
​
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.?  Collaboration.  There is an open and supportive communication among the staff.  Working as a team is highly beneficial for our clients, parents, families and ourselves as speech and language professionals.​
  2. Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?  As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to work with a child who never left her house for the first nine years of her life.  She never wore clothes, never learned how to use the bathroom and never learned to speak.  She found angelic parents through foster care.  She began going to school and learning how to interact with people.  She needed two inclusion aides to help her during her summer program.  I was one of the students chosen for the job.  My professor intentionally gave me no direction on how to interact with her.  I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with her without any expectations of how it should be done.  Her and I were free to have a fun summer together.  It was one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences I've had.  I remember her laugh, her smile and her hugs.  She taught me connection and communication is possible even after the experience of incredible neglect.  I feel honored and blessed she was the very first student to whom I got to be of service.  She was an extraordinary teacher to me.
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Open.  Intuitive.  Connected.
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?  I would be a panda bear.  They are playful, peaceful and gentle, with unique, conspicuous markings.  They like to be on the move roaming around bamboo forests, eating and sleeping.  Even though they have carnivorous teeth, bamboo makes up 99% of their diet.  They swim, climb trees, and live low-stress lives.  They communicate "verbally" (the panda lexicon consists of 11 sounds) and "nonverbally".
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?   I wanted to be many different things: archeologist, marine biologist, astronomer and a teacher.
  6. What is your favorite meal?  My mother's caldo (soup).
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?  I love to hunt for sea glass, especially on the beaches around Monterey Bay.
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?  Always follow your heart, trust yourself and speak authentically, no matter how scary it might feel in the beginning.  I promise it will lead you to experiences beyond your wildest dreams.​
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  A tiny elephant, because elephants are my favorite animal.  They are intelligent, majestic, emotional, protective and maintain strong bonds with each other.  If I was a tiny elephant, I would have access to so many more environments to explore.​
Amy Walter M.A., CCC-SLP
​Speech-Language Pathologist
BIO
I received my education and training in the Midwest.  I have a variety of clinical experience with a range of populations from preschool to adults.  My practicum included varied settings such as preschool, elementary school, rehabilitation/hospital, and non-profit clinic. 
 
After graduating, I focused my skills at a non-profit clinic working with individuals with severe physical and cognitive disabilities.  I gained valuable knowledge of AAC devices to include evaluation, programming, and implementation.   
 
I have also worked in elementary schools where I gained insight to the needs of children with specific learning disability, autism, Down’s syndrome, and cerebral palsy.  I collaborated with other disciplines and educators on a daily basis in high paced school districts.
 
After years working in the schools, I switched my focus back to AAC.  I teamed up with a local private consulting company to provide AAC evaluations, trainings, and presentations.  We partnered with local school districts and families to find solutions for students with high impact communication needs.
 
Most recently, the private practice setting has matched my values and philosophies.  I believe the benefits and quality of individual and small group instruction are ever present in a private practice setting.  I am comfortable and naturally suited to provide therapy to early intervention, preschool, and elementary aged-students.   As a mom of 4 boys, I hope to add a unique perspective and share personal experiences.
 
I have training and experience using the following techniques: PROMPT-Level 1 training, Lindamood Bell Visualizing & Verbalizing, Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking Program, Expanding Expression Tool, and DIR/Floortime Approach.
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.? Hard to limit it to just one thing.  The staff and families are amazing, which makes for a fantastic work environment.  The quality of treatment is top notch…STP allows us to be creative and focused with individualized therapy sessions.  
  2. Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?  I worked at the NPR radio station in Oxford, Ohio while getting my Master’s degree.  It was totally random that I was hired, but I did on-air reporting and covered local public interest stories.  Very interesting to say the least!
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Honest, Hard Working, Concerned
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? If I were an animal, I'd be a dog...I'm loyal and a good team/family member, happy lounging around but don't mind a long walk or good either.
  5. What did you want to be when growing up? I went through a phase when I wanted to be an astronaut or pilot.
  6. What is your favorite meal?  Grilled salmon, greens, and quinoa.
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? We are an active family with 4 boys, but still make time to run, play soccer, and when very lucky catch a yoga class.
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” (Dr Seuss)
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  A giant hamster for sure!  The cute factor would definitely help get me out of any trouble caused by being so big​.​
Irma Stojanovic, B.A., SLPA
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Reanna Hill, B.A., SLPA
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
BIO
Irma received her B.A. from UCLA in Comparative Literature. She went on to complete her post-baccalaureate in Communication Disorders at CSULB, and is currently studying to receive her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from CSULB. Irma has experience working with clients of all ages and as well as a wide variety of disorders. Irma is passionate about her work at STP, as it allows her to work closely with her clients and their families to help them reach their full communication potential. She makes it a priority to tailor her sessions to each client’s needs, making therapy fun and engaging!
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.?  I love how closely we work with families! It is so important to help families gain knowledge of how to support their child’s communication development at home.  ​
  2.  Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?   I managed an MBA program at UCLA, where I often got to travel to Singapore and India! 
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Compassionate, Caring, Silly 
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?  I would be a cat, because I love to lounge around in the sun. 
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?  An actress, because I spent my childhood in a theater watching my parents act.
  6. What is your favorite meal?  I can never say no to a burger and fries!
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?  I love to read and garden – I’m a little bit of a grandma. I also love to spend time with my friends and family, eat, and go to the beach.  
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?  Just enjoy being 13 and don’t rush growing up. ​
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  A tiny elephant, because elephants are just way cooler than hamsters. 
BIO
Growing up I always had a connection with children. At the start of college I knew I wanted to work with children but I did not know which exact career would fit best for me. When I transferred from Pierce college to Cal State LA as a child development major I was still lost when it came to which career path I wanted. I took a communication disorders class my first quarter there and immediately fell in love. I walked to the office and changed my major that day. I graduated in 2014 with a B.A. in Communicative Disorders and obtained my SLPA license through a SLPA program at Cal State LA. Shortly after graduation I began working at a small private practice in Santa Clarita. After three years I made the decision to move to beautiful Redondo Beach where I found Speech Therapy Partners. I am extremely passionate about my job and I love the opportunity to see my clients grow thrive.   ​
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.? My favorite part about working for STP is the positive atmosphere and collaboration between therapists.  
  2.  Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?   Before working at STP the most interesting job I've had was a camp counselor at a summer camp. I was able to take the kiddos around to do horse back riding, go carts, and a zip line. 
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you? Outgoing, personable, enthusiastic  
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?  If I were an animal I would be a Giraffe because at 6ft tall I look like one.
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?  Growing up I wanted to be an actress. After I was the lead in my fifth grade school play and made my mom cry after singing, I believed I had what it took to be an actress. My singing abilities have since dwindled. 
  6. What is your favorite meal?  I love ALL food but if I had to choose my favorite meal is Sushi.
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? Some hobbies I have include volleyball, hiking, and swimming. I enjoy all outdoor activities and will never turn down an adventure. 
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?   At age 13 I would tell myself that everything happens for a reason. Live life to the fullest!​
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  Tiny Elephant because it is cuter than a giant hamster and Ive been tall my whole life and I would want to know what it is like to be small .
Chaney Stuart, B.A., SLPA
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
BIO
​​I graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from CSULB, where I also took the additional course to become a SLPA. I began my career working in the schools for a few years, where I worked with students in Pre-K to Middle School and with various disabilities related to learning, being hard of hearing, and autism. After that experience, I desired a change in setting and found myself at STP. My ultimate goal is to get a Master’s degree in the field and become a SLP.
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.?  This is my first time working in a private practice so I really enjoy the collaboration I’ve experienced thus far. 
  2. Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had? I worked in the fast food industry as a teenager. There was never a dull moment at that job.
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Funny, intuitive, creative
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?  I would be a cheetah. They have been my favorite animal since I was a kid, not to mention the amount of money I could save by running everywhere instead of paying for gas!  
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?  I wanted to be a lot of things: marine biologist, archaeologist, astronomer, or special education teacher. I only became close to being one of those.
  6. What is your favorite meal?  I can never go wrong with pepperoni pizza or a good old-fashioned cheeseburger—hold the pickles.  
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?  I like going to theme parks, watching movies/tv shows, eating, sleeping, and cooking
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?  I’m proud of you for reading through that 400+ page Harry Potter book in three days with minimum sleep. That was a great summer!
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  A tiny elephant. I once had a figurine that was my good luck charm
Sindy Mendez, B.A., SLPA
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
BIO
Me recibí de la Universidad de California, Los Ángeles. He trabajado como terapeuta de habla por dos años con niños y adultos entre los 2 y 63 años. También he trabajado en diferentes ambientes, así como en, clínicas privadas, Head Start, escuelas primarias, y en el hogar. Antes de eso trabaje como terapeuta de comportamiento. Mi meta como terapeuta es obtener una conexión única con cada pequeñito(a) o adulto para poder mejorar sus habilidades de comunicación y ultimadamente mejorar el nivel de sus vidas.
​
I received my Bachelor’s from California State University, Los Angeles. I have worked as a SLPA for 2 years with children and adults ranging from 2-63 years old. I’ve experienced different environments such as, in clinic, Head Start, elementary schools, and in home. Prior to this, I worked as a behavior interventionist. My goal in therapy is to connect with every client to be able to
improve their communication skills to enhance the quality of their life.
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.?  My favorite thing about working for STP is that there is a great sense of comradery.  ​
  2.  Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?  Before working for STP I worked for two well-known coffee shops. The most interesting part was observing what a simple cup of Joe does for an individual: it can break or make someone’s day. 
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Diligent, motivated, innovative 
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? If I were an animal, I’d be a bird because I could fly to any part of the world and watch the sunset from the sky
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?  I wanted to be a doctor
  6. What is your favorite meal?  My favorite meal is Mole, poblano, a chocolate and spice sauce poured over chicken, an extraordinarily hard dish to make
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?  I enjoy hiking and going to new coffee shops typically to find a new roast that I have not yet tried. That’s how I found that white coffee exist!
  8.  What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?  I would tell myself...
    "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and—SNAP—the job’s a game."
                                                                                            -Mary Poppins 
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?  I would rather be a tiny elephant because it has the knowledge to effectively use its trunk for several purposes despite its size
BIO
I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology and Disability Studies from UCLA in 2015. Since then I've completed a post-baccalaureate in Communication Disorders and Sciences at Chapman University and am working towards a Master's degree from CSULB. I enjoy working with a variety of populations and has experience working with clients from 2 to 102! My goal is to collaborate closely with every family to support each client's unique communication needs. 
FUN FACTS
  1. What is your favorite part about working for STP Inc.?  My favorite part about working at STP is being able to learn from both the amazing staff and families. 
  2. Before working at STP, what was the most interesting job you've ever had?The most interesting job I've had was working as a barista in a small coffee shop across from Sony Studios. It was like working in Mr. Roger's Neighborhood where I would enjoy catching up with the "regulars" and feeling like everyone was just a neighbor, rather than a customer. It was also exciting to see the occasional celebrity!
  3. What are 3 words that best describe you?  Curious, sweet, and strong willed
  4. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?   I would be an otter so I could eat, play and nap in the ocean all day. 
  5. What did you want to be when growing up?  When I was growing up, I wanted to be something new every year: a veterinarian, a Target employee, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher. 
  6. What is your favorite meal?  My favorite meal is a plate of al pastor tacos from a late night taco truck run!
  7. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? I love watching films, going to concerts, visiting museums, and trying any/every restaurant in LA. 
  8. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?   I would tell myself to keep trying new things and exploring my growing interests and hobbies.
  9. Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Why?   I would rather be a tiny elephant so I could live in the wild!

WANT TO BE A MEMBER OF THE TEAM?

​Speech Therapy Partners is growing.  Please contact us if you are a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist seeking full- or part-time employment.  We are looking for fun, energetic and collaborative Team Members.