Ashley Dearth, M.S., CCC-SLP  Speech-Language Pathologist, Team Lead

Originally from Northern California, Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Chapman University in Southern California and moved to Austin in September of 2018. Ashley’s professional experience has been centered around pediatric therapy and she loves making a difference in the lives of her patients and their families. During her free time, she enjoys working out, eating out, and exploring the city of Austin.

Chris Sidoff, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

Chris earned her Bachelors's degree from the University of Wisconsin in Communication Disorders with a minor in Audiology and a Masters's degree in Communication Disorders from Our Lady of the Lake University-San Antonio. Chris has 25 years of experience in pediatric private practice, educational settings, both private and public, and outpatient rehabilitation facilities. She is trained in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets and remediates communication disorders resulting from mild to severe hearing loss through aural rehabilitation therapy. Chris resides in the Lakeway area with her family. Her spouse has practiced general dentistry for 25 years. Their oldest child is a speech-language pathologist, and their second child is preparing for graduate school in the same field. Their youngest is completing his first year of college classes. Chris enjoys spending time with friends and family hiking, camping, boating, skiing, reading, cooking, gardening, and watercolor painting.

Specialty Certifications: PROMPT trained

Ellie Vidaurri, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

Ellie Buescher grew up just outside of Austin and knew from an early age that she wanted to stay in the area for as long as possible. She received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas and then went on to earn a Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas State University. As a student, Ellie's clinical rotations included an elementary and middle school in Round Rock ISD and St. David's Inpatient Rehab. She specialized in fluency disorders during graduate school and loves working with both children and adults of that population. When she isn't working, Ellie loves playing frisbee, going on long runs, eating as much good food as possible, and hearing people's stories.

Specialty Certifications:  Natural Language Acquisition [NLA] trained

Margaret Gigliotti, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

Margaret graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of   Science in Human Development and Family Sciences. After interning at a clinic for children with learning differences, she developed a fascination with the field of speech pathology. She moved forward by attending The University of North Texas to earn her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach for individuals with limited verbal abilities. Margaret loves working with her patients and their families and believes in working collaboratively with other professionals to address each child’s unique needs comprehensively.

Mary Lowery, M.A., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

Mary received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Cognitive Science from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio; she then earned her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. During graduate school, Mary completed clinical rotations in pediatric private practice, a skilled nursing facility, and the UT Speech and Hearing Center, and she is passionate about working with children with various communication needs. In her free time, Mary enjoys reading, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family.

Zahava Merlis, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist

Zahava Merlis received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women in Manhattan. She then went on to receive her Masters of Arts in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences from Lehman College (CUNY). In private practice, home, and public/private school settings she has evaluated and provided treatment to children with various diagnoses and severity levels. Zahava is trained in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets, which is a holistic, dynamic, multi-sensory therapy approach for individuals with speech production disorders. Zahava also received a bilingual SLP certification to diagnose and treat in Hebrew. She just moved to Austin and is excited to join the Big Sky team and explore the city with her boyfriend and his three rescue pups! 

Specialty Certifications: PROMPT trained, Bilingual-Hebrew, TSSLD Certification

Dani Carrion, B.S., SLPA, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Texas-born and raised, Dani received her Bachelor’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Latin American Languages and Cultures from The University of Texas at Austin. During her study abroad program in Spain, Dani became fascinated by human connections fostered through communication and language. Her interests inspired her to earn a certificate to teach English as a second language. Dani comes from a large family and loves working with patients ranging from infancy to adulthood. In her free time, she likes exercising, reading, and exploring new coffee shops with friends. 

Specialty Certifications:  Bilingual-Spanish