Staff

Upon earning a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from New York University, Lisa Jiannetto-Surrusco, MA, CCC-SLP, began her career in 1999 working in NYC in a variety of pediatric settings.  This included working as a home-based early intervention therapist, while also providing services for the NYC Department of Education within numerous elementary and middle schools.  Her clinical training at NYU opened the door for clinical competency in swallowing disorders and in 2002, she decided to fulfill her life-long dream of opening a private practice to further advance her work within this specialty. She began as a sole practitioner, opening Speech and Language Therapy Associates of Staten Island. In response to the overwhelming high success rates of her clients and the outstanding reviews of satisfied parents, the practice grew. All members of the practice share the same vision of excellence and professionalism, which has been a guiding principal since the beginning. In 2012, the practice was renamed Reach for the Stars and eventually expanded into Cranford, NJ, the town she calls home.

Throughout her years of practice, Lisa (also affectionately known as “Miss Lisa” by her young clients) has gained the respect of many of her professional colleagues.  In addition to the steady flow of referrals to her practice, she is regularly invited to speak at numerous professional workshops and graduate school seminars as a guest lecturer.  She has also written a variety of local professional workshops throughout the NYC/NJ area pertaining to the treatment of complex feeding disorders in children and the delivery of high-quality clinical services within the school setting.  She is also contracted throughout the City of New York to evaluate and devise treatment plans to assist with the management of feeding disorders during the school day for students throughout the five boroughs. She is thrilled to be an off-campus clinical supervisor for several top graduate programs in the area.   Her areas of focus are orofacial-myofunctional disorders, feeding-swallowing disorders, cleft palate-VPI, and motor-speech disorders.  She is PROMPT trained. She also received her training for orofacial-myofunctional therapy at the world renown Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.  This created the backdrop for ongoing professional collaboration with a vast network of providers locally, nationally and worldwide, who share the same philosophy that treatment should be viewed with the intention to identify and treat underlying interconnected causes to speech, feeding-swallowing, and airway difficulties. She is also trained in SOS Approach to Feeding and CAN-EAT Approach, two very highly sought approaches used to treat feeding pediatric feeding difficulties.

Lisa is enormously grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the lives of all families that her practice has helped. She is grateful for how the practice has been embraced so lovingly by the communities that it serves. Her greatest satisfaction and joy are watching children grow, advance, and overcome.

Chelsae Dell Elba, MS, CCC-SLP, is a graduate of Seton Hall University and earned and Master of Science Degree in Communication Disorders. She is both NYS and NJS licensed, and is ASHA certified.

Chelsae’s experiences include inpatient and outpatient pediatric speech-language-feeding services. She also has experience in the school setting working with multiple handicapped and medically fragile populations. She has a special interest in working with youngsters impacted by complex feeding difficulties. Working with children has always been her passion. To her, children are “a constant reminder of how to enjoy the simple things in life”. Hearing a child “find his or her voice and watching a child with eating difficulties thrive”, “means the world” to her. Chelsae considers herself lucky to have a career that she loves.

Additional training includes PROMPT, SOS Approach to Feeding and AAC.​

Isabelle Filiciello, MS, CCC-SLP, is a New Jersey and Maryland state licensed ASHA certified Speech Language Pathologist. She received her undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Loyola University Maryland and her Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Seton Hall University. She is a PROMPT trained therapist and received certification in Augmentative and Alternative Communication through Stockton University. As an experienced public school provider she treats a diverse population of students with fluency/articulation impairments, communication impairment, auditory processing deficits, social communication disorders, and receptive and expressive language deficits. In addition, she works closely with school team members and families to provide training and support regarding language and communication needs. Her passion for dance is exhibited through the Dragonfly Program at the Westfield Area YMCA where she is employed as a dance instructor for adults with special needs. Through this experience, she has found a passion for facilitating language through movement and play-based therapy which creates an engaging language-based environment that helps her friends find their voice. She hopes to facilitate similar programs for her pediatric patients at the practice, and is so excited to be a part of the Reach for the Stars team!

Amna Ismail, MA, CCC-SLP, earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Kean University’s Nathan Weiss Graduate School. Her undergraduate studies were in Communication Deafness Disorders with a minor in Psychology. Amna is bilingual and able to communicate at a conversation level in Urdu/Hindi. In addition to working at Reach for the Stars, Amna is a full-time school-based speech-language pathologist.

Amna’s clinical experience focused on the evaluation and treatment of both pediatric and adult clients in a university-based clinic and hospital setting. She has experience treating children with a range of diagnoses such as articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. She has a special interest in early childhood development and feeding therapy. Amna is proud to be an SLP and is committed to lifelong learning ensuring she utilizes evidence-based practice when working with your little ones.

When she is not working, Amna enjoys reading mystery novels, working out, and spending time with her family.

Carly Weshner, MS, CF-SLP, practices in our Cranford location. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in General and Special Education from Seton Hall University, with a concentration in Speech Language Pathology. In 2023, she graduated with a Master of Science from Seton Hall University, in Speech Language Pathology. Carly obtains New Jersey and New York State licensure in Speech Language Pathology and earned her Professional Certificate as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD).

During her studies, she provided speech and language services across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Her clinical experience included working in an elementary and specialized school, hospital, and private practice setting. Carly enjoyed each settings’ unique clientele, however, after years of working with children, this population has always remained special to her. Her goal is to advocate for her clients while increasing their ability to self-advocate and looks forward to engaging with their family members in order to provide the highest level of care and support while working at RFTS!

Noreen Ponik, MS CCC-SLP, earned her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from Seton Hall University’s School of Health and Medical Science. She holds New Jersey State licensure, Speech Language Specialist certification from the New Jersey Department of Education, and a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Noreen is PROMPT trained and has over 14 years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders in the public and non-public school setting working with diverse populations alongside child study teams and families. She has experience with a wide range of diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorders, phonological/articulation disorders, developmental delays, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), receptive and expressive language disorders, fluency disorders, and social pragmatic disorders amongst others. Noreen utilizes a variety of individualized therapeutic evidence-based interventions which include play-based and child-led therapy in addition to literacy-based approaches. She believes in teaming with parents to facilitate and strengthen communication strategies. When Noreen is not working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is very excited to be part of the Reach for the Stars team!

Mahchid Namazi earned her M.Sc. in speech language pathology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. After working as a pediatric speech language pathologist in early intervention, private practice, and hospital settings for 10 years, she returned to McGill University in Montreal Canada to complete a PhD in bilingualism and language disorder. Upon completing her PhD, she moved to New Jersey to embark on a career educating future speech language pathologists at Kean University, where she is now Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Mahchid has published in a variety of journals, presented locally, nationally, and internationally on bilingualism and language disorder. Another area of passion for Mahchid is Autism. As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, she utilizes the child’s interests and strengths to build intrinsic motivation for language learning and communication. As a multilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist, she has worked for over 27 years in a variety of urban settings, in three different countries, and with many different clinical populations. Dr. Namazi is currently serving as a language editor for the Journal of Speech Language Hearing Research and is a coordinating committee member of ASHA’s SIG 14.

Gianna Fallon, MS, CF-SLP, practices in our Cranford Jersey location. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Brooklyn College with a double minor in Children Studies and Psychology. In 2024, Gianna graduated with her Masters of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Touro University. Gianna has gained clinical experience working with early intervention, school age, adolescent, and adult populations across various settings. She has experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), expressive/receptive language, articulation and phonology, and pragmatics. She has also gained experience working with individuals utilizing low and high tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Gianna loves working with clients of all ages and tailoring each approach to fit their unique needs. Her goal is to make therapy engaging, fun, and effective, in order to empower her clients and boost their confidence. She is thrilled to be a part of the clinical team at Reach for the Stars!

Angela Acevedo, M.S., CF-SLP, TSSLD, received her graduate degree from New York University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program. She is dedicated to providing individualized speech and language services to pediatric clients with diverse communication needs. Her approach is grounded in evidence based practice, while remaining responsive to each child’s unique strengths, interests, and goals. Angela believes that effective therapy begins with creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and developing confidence in their communication abilities. Her clinical experience includes working with children presenting with a wide range of communication needs, including expressive and receptive language, articulation and phonological disorders, literacy and phonemic awareness, social communication, and fluency. She is committed to making therapy a positive, collaborative, and empowering experience, helping each child work toward their individual goals!

Cristina Scuteri, MS, CF-SLP, received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Brooklyn College. She earned her undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minored in Psychology, while also earning a certificate in Crisis Intervention. Cristina has clinical experience working with both pediatric and adult populations, with a primary focus on school-age children in the elementary school setting. She has experience evaluating and treating a variety of communication disorders, including articulation and phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorder, expressive and receptive language disorders, fluency disorders, and children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Cristina is passionate about working with children and believes that speech therapy should be individualized, compassionate, and collaborative. She strives to create a supportive environment where every child feels heard and empowered to communicate confidently. Cristina looks forward to partnering with students, families, teachers, and other professionals to help each child reach their full potential. She is excited to be a part of the clinical team and make a meaningful impact on the children and families she serves. Outside of work, Cristina enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Diana Deserto, MA, CF-SLP, practices in both our Edison and Cranford locations. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University and her Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Psychology from St. John’s University. She holds a Professional Certificate as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) in New York and is currently completing her Clinical Fellowship. Diana’s clinical experience includes working with individuals across the lifespan in diverse settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. She has experience with a variety of communication disorders, including expressive and receptive language difficulties, apraxia of speech, articulation and phonological disorders, and pragmatic language challenges. Additionally, Diana is particularly passionate about working with feeding disorders, including sensory-based feeding difficulties, picky eating, and infants with tongue-tie. Her specialized experience in NICU settings has provided her with valuable expertise in assessing and treating infants with complex feeding and swallowing issues. Diana is committed to using evidence-based strategies to promote safe, effective feeding and communication. She believes in creating individualized, engaging therapy plans that foster confidence and success. Outside of work, Diana enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her family and friends. Diana is passionate about working in a field she loves and is thrilled to be part of the Reach for the Stars team!

Emily is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the State of New Jersey and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from Loyola University Maryland.

Throughout her career, Emily has supported pediatric clients with a wide range of communication and feeding needs, including early language development, phonological disorders, fluency, receptive and expressive language skills, social-pragmatic communication, genetic disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and feeding challenges. She has extensive experience conducting evaluations, developing individualized plans of care, and providing evidence-based treatment to children and young adults. Emily has worked as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating closely with occupational therapists, physical therapists, pediatricians, parents, and caregivers to provide comprehensive, client-centered care. She is trained in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), DIR/Floortime® (Level 101), and has received specialized training in tethered oral tissues.

Emily is passionate about helping individuals achieve meaningful progress and reach their personal goals through therapy. She strives to empower her clients and families by supporting the generalization of skills across home, school, and community settings.

Outside of her professional work, Emily enjoys running, practicing yoga, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. She also loves spending time with her dog, who keeps her active and entertained.

Paige Graham, M.S., CF-SLP, earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University. She completed her undergraduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology at William Paterson University, with minors in Health Studies and Psychology.

Throughout her academic and clinical training, Paige provided speech-language pathology services to individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including elementary and specialized schools, private practice, and acute inpatient and outpatient care. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages, with a special interest in pediatrics. Her clinical experience includes working with a variety of disorders, including articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders, cognitive-communication difficulties, and feeding and swallowing disorders. Paige is passionate about providing individualized, evidence-based care while building meaningful connections with clients and their families. She strives to create a positive and engaging therapy environment where clients can have fun, feel supported, and make meaningful progress toward their individual goals.

When she is not working, Paige enjoys reading, working out, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is thrilled to join the Reach for the Stars team and looks forward to making a positive difference in the lives of the clients and families she serves!

Toni Edwards has been a part of the Reach for the Stars team since the inception of the practice here in Cranford. She began her career in medical billing and office administration working at Speech and Language Therapy Associates, the original practice in Staten Island. She feels grateful to get to know the parents so well, checking on their benefits, assisting with the preauthorization process, and scheduling. As a parent of three boys herself, she relates especially well to parents easing their concerns as they get through the initial process. She is so happy to be part of the Reach for the Stars “family” as she calls it!

Bella is currently preparing to be a speech-language pathologist. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Monmouth University. She is most excited to enter the field so that she “can give children the confidence to find their voice”. Bella’s focus is on increasing awareness of speech, language, and feeding disorders, and she believes that sharing online resources is a great way to support and educate parents and family members of children with difficulties.

Kathy has been part of Reach for the Stars since 2025. She has been an elementary school teacher many years teaching various grade levels from pre-k to 5, and loves to bring her creative side to the office by creating themed storefront windows for each season and holiday. She enjoys crafting, spending time with family and friends, helping kids learn and succeed, and is always willing to offer a helping hand to those around her. She interacts with the therapists, families and students at all locations, and is always welcoming the kids with a simple high-five or hello. She is happy to be part of the Reach for the Stars family.