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Clinicians

We help children develop an ability to succeed with activities of daily living that otherwise challenge them in demanding ways. Our therapists’ success record is always improving with steady advancement of specialized skills. This is our hallmark, and in so doing we provide parents and their children with a higher degree of self-trust and self-reliance at home and in the everyday world.

Santa Fe Therapy Associates

Our clinic offers a precise and diverse approach to understanding why, when, or even if a patient needs therapy. An established team of licensed veteran clinicians treat and co-treat patients using personalized Evaluations and Plans of Care. Each clinician earns clinical competency credits every year to stay abreast of advancing and evolving “medically acceptable practices”. Each therapist personally and professionally makes sense of circumstances, and facts, about a patient.

All clinicians have obtained higher education diplomas and virtually all of them have a Masters Degrees. Each clinician is fully credentialed to practice in-state. New Mexico is their home and the majority has established residency in Santa Fe for many years.  Their backgrounds and schooling are diverse.

Kindra Davis, M.S., CCC-SLP, COM®
Clinical Director
Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist

Kindra is the Clinical Director of Santa Fe Therapy Associates (SFTA) and describes this role as an honor to support the amazing and talented family of SFTA therapists. 

I am native New Mexican, born and raised. At 4 years old I became interested in helping others communicate and began learning American Sign Language. That beginning set my career path as an avid learner, always looking to expand my knowledge base and share that knowledge with families and colleagues alike!  About 7 years into practicing Speech Pathology new interests were sparked with my circumstantial introduction to orofacial myology. I enjoy all aspects of Speech Pathology but have a passion for anatomy & physiology and its impact on all aspects of eating, speaking, breathing and development. This specialty, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, is an in-depth study of the anatomy & physiology of the face and mouth and their impact on eating, speaking, breathing as well as on a person’s overall health, facial growth, and dental development.  Additionally, first as SFTA’s Assistant Clinical Director for 5 years and currently as SFTA’s Clinical Director since 2022, I have mentored clinical fellows from several universities including Emerson, UTEP, UNM, ENMU and educated professionals through frequent presentations.

Specialties:

  • Feeding (Infant to Adults)
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams 
  • Clinical Fellow Mentor 
  • Presenter: New Mexico Assistive Technology Association Convention (2014, 2015, 2018), New Mexico Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention (2021, 2022), New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce Convention (2020), National WIC Association Convention (2020), New Mexico Public Schools 2012-2018 (Los Alamos, Santa Fe Public Schools, Bernalillo Public Schools, Clovis Public Schools), Growing-Up New Mexico (2024), and many private practices on topics including orofacial myofunctional disorders, feeding, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), structural impacts on breastfeeding, evaluation and treatment of structural concerns
  • 5-time recipient of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Award for Continuing Education (ACE) (Awarded to therapists who complete 70+ hours of Continuing Education within a specified CEU interval)

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelors in Communications Disorders from New Mexico State University (2004)
  • Masters in Speech Pathology from Texas State University (2008)
  • Feeding Specialist: 200+ continuing education hours 
  • Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders: 200+ continuing education hours
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication: 100+ continuing education hours

In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, trying new foods, spending time with family and friends, cooking and traveling.

Andronette Aila, M.S, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

I am a Native Hawaiian who was born and raised on the island of O’ahu. I completed my higher education in New Mexico and Texas. I became interested in Communication disorders when I took an American Sign Language course at NMSU. I began my professional career in Speech Pathology earlier this year. I enjoy working with different age groups in all aspects of Speech Pathology which provides me with many different learning opportunities as a clinician. Earlier in the year, I completed continuing education in Orofacial Myology and have been provided with a different perspective into the Speech Pathology profession. 

Education & Training

  • Bachelors in Psychology with a Minor in Counseling from New Mexico State University 
  • Masters in Speech Language Pathology from The University of Texas at El Paso
  • Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders: 36 hours of Continuing Education 

Jalyn Rose Doyle, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

My name is Jalyn Rose Doyle and I am so proud to be a Speech Language Pathologist. I am an Indiana native and still live here today. I attended Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana for my undergraduate studies. I graduated in 2020 and went directly into my graduate studies program at Emerson College. I really enjoy treating the entire lifespan and I have particular interest in voice, dysphagia, and cognitive communication. My favorite aspect of being an SLP is being a teammate to my clients and other professionals alike. I do my very best to serve in a conscious and careful way – the way that I would like to be treated if roles were reversed. When I am not at work, I am spending time with the loves of my life: my husband, Nic, my daughter, Juniper, and my son, Soren. You’ll never find us too far away from a good book (The Little Engine that Could these days) and there is usually a lot of laughing, singing, and dancing!

Linda Duran, M.A.,CCC-SLP 
Speech-Language Pathologist

I was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico and I have a happy and positive disposition. I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from New Mexico State University in 1984. I worked in public education for most of my career, juggling both a family and a career.  All four of my children are college educated.  I retired from public education in 2020 and I have an excellent understanding of the process of educating a child with special needs.  Working in private practice has increased my effectiveness as an SLP and has allowed me the opportunity to expand my skill set beyond speech and language. I have since expanded my education and practice to proficiently treat orofacial-myofunctional disorders that include dysfunctions of breathing, eating, and speaking.  Treating individuals that experience temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and pain is my current interest.

Specialties:

TMD (Temporomandibular Dysfunction)

Feeding

Speech

Language

Education, Training, Experience

BA and MA New Mexico State University 1978-1984

New Mexico Public Schools 1985-2020

Santa Fe Therapy Associates 2012-Present

Feeding: Meal Time Miseries St. Louis, Missouri 2018

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders/Make the Connection 2022

I now have a limited caseload because I continue to get great satisfaction from helping families and individuals reach their potential. I also love spending time with my family and friends and doing things that I was always too busy for when I worked all the time. LOL

Sarah Ellis, M.S, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

I enjoy working with diverse populations and ages and am proud to call this beautiful state of New Mexico my home. I have practiced in a variety of settings including private practice, early intervention, university clinics, and schools. I am most passionate about working in the private practice setting where I have the opportunity to work extensively with infants, toddlers, school-aged children, adults, and their families while targeting feeding, language development, articulation, social and pragmatic skills, and oral motor development. My specialties include feeding disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders, which address how the structures of the face and mouth impact eating, speaking, breathing, and facial development. I am dedicated to offering compassionate care and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams so that I may deliver effective therapy with tailored interventions that meet the unique needs of each individual. 

Education & Training:

  • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of New Mexico (2022)
  • Bachelor of Science in Communications Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University (2020)
  • Certificate of Holistic Health from the University of New Mexico Taos (2016) 
  • Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Mary Washington (2008)
  • Advanced continuing education courses in Pediatric Feeding Disorders and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder

I love hiking in nature with my partner and two dogs, roller skating, traveling, and growing indoor plants and outdoor gardens.

Kim Hanna-O’Sullivan, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Kim O’Sullivan is an experienced Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of practice specializing in pediatric therapy. With expertise in a wide range of pediatric conditions, including premature birth, neonatal injuries, genetic disorders, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), Kim is committed to providing comprehensive, client-centered care. Her deep understanding of TBI is personal, drawing from her own family history, which enhances her empathy and approach to treatment. 

Kim has previously participated in designing adaptive equipment, developing communication systems, and integrating assistive technology in collaboration with speech therapists. She has trained parents, caregivers, teachers, and clinicians through in-services and home visits, empowering them to better support children’s development and therapeutic goals. 

A graduate of Boston University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (2000), Kim holds certifications from NBCOT, SIPT and is also trained in CO-Active movement therapy (Van Dijk Model). She is licensed in New Mexico and Massachusetts and is proficient in both basic Spanish and American Sign Language, allowing her to work effectively with diverse populations. Her commitment to professional excellence is reflected in her membership in Pi Lambda Theta, an honor society for educators. Her past professional experiences have included working for Perkins School for the Blind as the lead occupational therapist for their Deaf/Blind Program and consulting internationally for their programs in orphanages for children with developmental and sensory delays. 

Kim prides herself on maintaining high professional standards and being a collaborative team player. Her passion for pediatric therapy and her dedication to meeting the unique needs of each client make her a trusted partner in promoting better outcomes for children and families.

Valerie Hannigan, MS, CCC-SLP
Telehealth Speech-Language Pathologist

With over 20 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Valerie Hannigan specializes in providing telehealth services to pediatric clients with complex needs. She is adept in treating a range of conditions, including feeding difficulties, language delays, articulation issues, orofacial myofunctional disorders, cognitive rehabilitation, and early intervention. Valerie holds a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Texas Tech University, earned in 1996, and is licensed to practice in multiple states.

Known for her gentle and skilled approach, Valerie tailors each therapy session to meet the unique needs of her patients, fostering an environment of growth and support.

Outside of her professional life, Val enjoys gardening, listening to audiobooks, and immersing herself in true crime podcasts and movies. An avid collector of hippo figurines, she also loves to travel in her spare time.

Ariana Hansen, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

I am a native New Mexican and NMSU graduate who has been serving our community as a Speech Language Pathologist for over 7 years. I began my career in pediatrics, working with various diagnoses and gaining experience in early childhood development. Throughout graduate school I worked as a RBT at an Autism Clinic, working closely with a transdisciplinary team. I have since worked in adult acute and outpatient care settings which have fueled my interest in feeding/swallowing disorders. I love working at SFTA because it allows me to continue to combine my knowledge base of dysphasia to help both adult and pediatric patients while still learning. 

Specialties: 

Adult Dysphagia 

Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Sensory Feeding Difficulties 

Education and Training:

  • Bachelors in Communication Disorders (2015)
  • Masters in Speech-Language Pathology (2017)
  • MBSImP (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile) Certified
  • VitalStim Certified
  • SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding Certified 
  • RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) Certified 

Kathryn Harrell M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Kathryn Harrell was born and raised here in Santa Fe but was lucky enough to spend several years in Orlando, FL working and making magic at Walt Disney World and in Los Angeles, CA where she worked alongside many creatives in the film industry.  

Kathryn became interested in the field of speech language pathology when her father was diagnosed with aphasia, and she witnessed the amazing work SLPs did to help him regain his speech and language. 

She recently completed her clinical fellowship and is now an official member of the SFTA team!! Kathryn is fascinated by all aspects of speech pathology—the field is so broad! She has experience working with children and adults across the lifespan and in various settings including public schools and an inpatient neurological rehab. Her current areas of interest include working with individuals who have articulation and language disorders, motor speech disorders such as apraxia, and sensory feeding difficulties. 

In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys hiking, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and everything Star Wars related. 🤓

Jean Howe, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Jean Howe is a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with over three decades of experience specializing in the evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders in a variety of settings such as hospitals, home health and schools. With a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology, Jean has built a career working with the pediatric population, providing tailored therapy to children with a wide range of communication challenges.

Jean’s areas of expertise include assessing and treating speech, language, and articulation disorders, as well as supporting children with language-based learning difficulties. She has continued her education with courses in many areas such as gestalt language processing and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Her patient, nurturing approach helps create a positive therapeutic environment, while her firm commitment to progress ensures that every child achieves their full potential.

Outside of her professional work, Jean enjoys spending time playing tennis, plein air painting and practicing yoga. She brings the same care and attention to her personal pursuits as she does to her work, fostering a balanced and mindful life.

Irene Pluim Mentz, PT
Physical Therapist

Irene Pluim Mentz, born and raised in the Netherlands, received her physical therapy training in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The education there exists of extensive training in exercise therapy, neurological treatment modalities such as NDT and in-depth PNF, massage therapy and modalities such as electro-simulation and ultra-sound. 

She moved to the United States in February 1994, and in August 1994 started working in the Public Schools of Santa Fe, and provided physical therapy to the developmentally delayed and multiple handicapped population as well as for Home Health Agencies.

Irene has continued to provide services to the developmentally and multiple handicapped, while expanding to private clients with diverse diagnoses. She became a certified aquatic therapist as well as an aquatic fitness trainer and is heavily involved in the aquatic fitness world. Irene invented the Aqua-Ohm, which is aquatic drag resistance equipment and can be used in aquatic rehab settings to address the four S’s: strength, stamina, stability / balance, and stretching / mobility.

In the past 4 years she has been presenting at multiple fitness conventions, not only to promote the equipment, but also to educate fitness professionals about the importance of functional strength training. Irene has written several articles and blogs for fitness professionals, relating to building bone density and strength training, specifically in an aquatic environment. 

Irene and her husband Marco enjoy bike rides, scuba diving, camping, and hiking in their spare time. They have 1 son, who is attending UNM and plays hockey with the Lobo’s. They are also the owners of One Step Beyond, Inc. a physical therapy agency providing services to the Developmentally Delayed Support Division’s Mi Via Waiver population.

D. Jean Porteus, PT
Physical Therapist 

Jean Porteus is a dedicated Physical Therapist at Santa Fe Therapy Associates, specializing in early intervention for infants and complex cases. With extensive experience in early intervention in the Española area, Jean is passionate about helping young patients thrive through innovative therapy techniques. 

Her commitment to excellence extends beyond individual patient care; she enjoys supervising and teaching others in the field. Jean is also an active participant in the Adaptive Ski Program at Ski Santa Fe, demonstrating her dedication to inclusive physical activity for all.

Notably, Jean was part of the Brain Education Team for Santa Fe Public Schools, where she collaborated on initiatives to support children’s development and learning. She believes in making therapy a fun and engaging experience for her pediatric patients and is devoted to family education, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each family.

In her personal life, Jean enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, gardening, and cooking. She is an avid supporter of New Mexico United Soccer and cherishes spending time with her two grown sons.

Danielle Romero, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant

Danielle Romero is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with a passion for making therapy enjoyable for children. A native of Santa Fe, Danielle graduated from Capital High School and earned her PTA certification from PIMA Medical Institute in 2023. Danielle has volunteered at several places including Roadrunner Food Bank and Special Olympics New Mexico. She brings a cheerful and engaging approach to her practice, ensuring that her clients have a positive experience during their therapy sessions.

In her personal life, outside of her professional life, Danielle enjoys lifting weights, listening to music, spending time with her family and taking care of her nieces. 

John Garret Schooley, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Garret Schooley is a dedicated Pediatric Occupational Therapist based in New Mexico, where he is passionate about providing patient- and family-centered care through play-based therapy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2010 and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021, both from the University of New Mexico.

With diverse experience in private practice and a year working in a special needs preschool, Garret has developed a strong expertise in sensory integration and various manual therapy techniques, including Manual Edema Mobilization, Muscle Energy Technique, scar massage, active release, and Myofascial Release. He is committed to enhancing the lives of children and their families by using innovative therapeutic approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Garret holds National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy and is a licensed Occupational Therapist in New Mexico. He is also certified in Basic Life Support (BLS). In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishing moments with his two young sons.

Judy Smitheran, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist 

I was born and raised in California through the 4th grade, then moved with my parents to North Carolina and Indiana. Most of my family members were in the educational, science, and medical fields. By the time I was a junior in high school, I decided that I wanted to pursue Speech/Language Pathology. I was one of those lucky college co-eds who didn’t change their mind! I moved to New Mexico in January, 1993.

I have worked primarily with pediatric populations for 44 years, but also worked with adults full-time during my first year of work, and occasionally in other settings. I have worked in non-profit clinics and hospitals, in special day-classes at an elementary school, as a privately-employed full-time SLP working with an autistic child, and have always seen private clients as well. I retired from Christus St. Vincent RMC, after 29 years and 3 months of working as a Speech/Language Pathologist in the outpatient therapy department. I began working with SFTA in 2017, and came on board to work here exclusively in Spring 2022.   

Specialties:

  • Pediatric speech/language, and stuttering disorders
  • Adult stuttering disorders
  • Autism
  • Severe motor-speech disorders such as developmental dyspraxia, dysarthria, cleft palate, cerebral palsy
  • Feeding (Infant)
  •  Recent recipient of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Award for Continuing Education
  • Clinical Intern Mentor

Education & Training:

  • Bachelors of Science in Communication Disorders and Speech Science, from the University of Colorado Boulder
  • Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, from the University of Arizona Tucson
  • The Beckman Oral-Motor Evaluation and Intervention training
  • PROMPT training, 2 workshops

I love my career. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching true-crime shows, decorating, travel, spending time with family and friends, and adopting pets. When I retire, I plan to foster senior dogs!

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