About Us

All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk,SLP, PT, OT, PLLC is a pediatric and adult rehabilitation center servicing Queens and Nassau counties. All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk,SLP, PT, OT, PLLC originated from Dr. Irene Christoforou-Gioules’ speech therapy private practice in Whitestone, Queens, called TheraTalk. TheraTalk expanded by adding physical and occupational therapy to provide a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, all in one location: All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk. This facility includes a state of the art sensory gym that enhances all therapeutic services provided at the location.

We have a large gross motor and sensory gym with a rock climbing wall, slide, ramps, trampoline, tunnels, barrels, scooters, bolsters, balance beam, monkey bars, various swings, ball pits, crash mat, therapy balls, air pillows, sand/rice/bean tables. We also have a fine motor writing room with a wall of black chalk board. We have an additional smaller area for 1:1 private gym experience for children that get over stimulated in the large gym. Our beautiful private speech therapy suites are conducive for the most optimal therapy sessions. We provide a fun, safe and motivating environment for exploration and movement, as well as opportunities for imagination and pretend play. The gym as well as all therapy suites are under video surveillance and can be viewed by parents at any time.

Directors

Dr. Irene Christoforou-Gioules, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, the founder of Theratalk Speech-Language Pathology, P.C., has been in practice since 1999. Dr. Gioules received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. John’s University and her doctoral/Ph.D. degree from Columbia University. Her initial training was in an acute care setting in which she worked with infants in the neonatal care unit, adults with neurological problems, and children with speech and language problems. Dr. Gioules then focused her work in the pediatric population by working in the early intervention setting, and finally opened a private clinic that grew instantly. The population in the private clinic, Theratalk Speech Language Pathology, consisted primarily of children and adolescents (0-18 years) with various speech/articulation deficits, and language delays/disorders, and some adults with neurological disorders.
Dr. Gioules began her doctoral work at Columbia immediately after receiving her master’s degree, during her clinical fellowship. Her doctoral work focused on swallowing/feeding and motor development in children. Dr. Gioules’ dissertation was titled “The Developmental Coordination of Breathing Movements and Swallowing.” She is currently publishing her most recent research. Given that Dr. Gioules’ education surpasses the requirements for becoming a speech language pathologist, she has enlightened her staff with the most effective treatment programs for various speech/language disabilities. Dr. Gioules has treated over hundreds of children and trains over 8 speech therapists per year. Dr. Gioules guides her therapists to offer many of the innovative treatments and new technology that are endorsed by research. Dr. Gioules has substantial experience with dysphagia (swallowing disorder), feeding deficits, motor speech disorders (apraxia, dysarthria) and speech/language delays/disorders.

Maria Panayiotou-Mamounas, M.A., CCC-SLP, co-director of All in 1 S.P.O.T. with TheraTalk, received her bachelor’s degree from New York University, and her master’s degree from St. John’s University. Maria completed a Master’s thesis titled “Temporal Patterns in the Speech of Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: Compensatory Shortening and Final Lengthening.” Her research was conducted at Columbia University’s Motor Speech Disorders clinic, where she worked closely with neurologists specializing in movement disorders.
At the present time Maria is co-director of All in 1 S.P.O.T. with TheraTalk and has supervised over 10 clinical fellows. Maria is an active member of the American Speech and Hearing Association. She works closely with pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists to provide a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Maria is a PROMPT trained and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment certified therapist with experience in behavioral feeding, apraxia, speech/language delays, developmental/neurological disorders and autism. Maria frequently provides training to her staff and medical colleagues on augmentative/alternative communication devices, behavioral feeding and other various speech and language disabilities. Maria programs augmentative/alternative communication devices and aides parents in obtaining funding for these devices. She is often asked to supervise and consult in various school affiliations as well.

Speech Therapists

Nikole Arnitsis, M.S., CCC-SLP, received her Master of Science degree from Columbia University, Teachers College and her Bachelor of Art degree from St. John's University. She successfully completed 3 internships during her course of study. During her first internship at All in 1 S.P.O.T. with TheraTalk, she gained experience treating children with autism spectrum disorder, articulation disorders, and gained knowledge about the utilization of Augmentative Alternative Communication devices. At the Bank Street School of Education, Nikole's second internship, she treated children with selective mutism, language deficits, and feeding issues. Nikole has also performed Modified Barium Swallow studies, treated adults with dysphagia secondary to laryngeal cancer, and provided voice therapy during her internship at Long Island Jewish Hospital. Her interest in bilingualism and dual language acquisition led her to pursue her bilingual certification in Greek. Nikole has completed her CF and continues to work with us.

Melissa E. Schwartz, MA, CCC-SLP, has been with Theratalk Speech Language Pathology, P.C.-All in 1 SPOT since October of 2007. Melissa graduated from St. John’s University with a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Hofstra University in the field of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Melissa is well suited for her role at Theratalk having completed internships at both North Shore-LIJ’s Center for Autism and North Shore University Hospital. Thus, Melissa has been exposed to and has experience in a multitude of communication disorders across the lifespan. Melissa completed her Clinical Fellowship Year at Theratalk under the supervision of clinic directors, Irene Gioules, Ph.D., CCC-SLP and Maria Panayiotou-Mamounas, M.A., CCC-SLP. Melissa has also received training in PROMPT at the PROMPT Institute for treatment of apraxia/dyspraxia of speech, articulation and phonological disorders, as well as to facilitate verbalizations for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Melissa hopes her knowledge, experience, passion, and dedication to the field will serve to enhance quality of life for her clients at Theratalk.

Kathryn (Katie) Pantaleo, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, graduated from Queens College in June 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in the area of Linguistics and Communication Disorders. She went on to graduate from Adelphi University with her Master of Science and NYS Teaching Certification in December 2006. During her coursework, Katie gained her experience in a skilled nursing facility and sub-acute setting working with adults, as well as at a NYC Public School servicing children from Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade. During those placements, Katie was exposed to a variety of speech, language, swallowing, and feeding disorders. Katie began her Clinical Fellowship at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in February 2007. Since then, Katie has become the primary Speech-Language Pathologist on the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Coma Recovery (CR) Unit at JHMC. She also covers the medical-surgical units, intensive care units, and pediatric ward. Katie’s expertise on the TBI/CR Unit includes diagnosing and treating patients with speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive disorders resulting from strokes, motor vehicle accidents, substance abuse, cardiac complications, etc. Katie has been employed by All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk since March 2007 working Part-Time/PerDiem hours. Katie’s caseload includes children with developmental disorders, articulation disorders, language impairments, and feeding/behavioral issues. Katie enjoys the balance between the adult and pediatric populations.

Matthew Weiss, M.A., CF-SLP, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY-New Paltz, in Communication Disorders. He graduated in December 2009 from Hofstra University with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. Matthew successfully completed 3 externships during his course of study. Matthew’s initial training was at The School for Communication and Language Developemt, in Glen Cove, NY. There he worked with both preschool and elementary school aged children. He implemented individual and group therapy to students with language disorders, autism, and language based learning disabilities. At Franklin Hospital Medical Center, Matthew participated in Modified Barium Swallow studies and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing with Sensory Testing. He performed bedside swallowing evaluations as well. At Matthew’s third externship, East Hills School, he provided speech and language therapy to elementary school aged children diagnosed with Autism. There he programmed AAC computer software (Proloquo2 Go, Chat OC) for the students. Matthew is now completing his Clinical Fellowship at All in 1 S.P.O.T. with TheraTalk working with both pediatrics and adults. He has experience with aphasia secondary to stroke, Autism, developmental delays and disorders, articulation, phonology, and language disorders.

Julia Doulis, M.S., CF-SLP received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorder from Adelphi University. She then continued her studies in Speech-Language Pathology at Hunter College, where she received her Master of Science degree. Julia’s love of the field of speech pathology, led her to complete 3 clinical externships. Her first externship was at Sunshine Developmental School. There, Julia conducted individual speech therapy sessions for pre-school students with special needs. After completing her externship at Sunshine, Julia continued to work with the pediatric population at P.S. 40, where she worked with school aged students with a variety of language delays and disorders. At P.S. 40, Julia implemented and generated IEP goals for various students on her caseload. Julia’s adult experience was at Parker Jewish Institute. Julia performed Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing with her supervisors on geriatric patients with dysphagia. She also provided individual speech, language and swallowing therapy to patients with cognitive delays, dysphagia, and aphasia secondary to stroke. While pursuing her Master’s degree, Julia volunteered and worked for All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk as an office assistant. She was able to observe therapy sessions and perform some office duties. We are happy to have Julia continue to work for us as a Speech-Language Therapist.

Lauren Powell, M.S., CF-SLP, graduated suma cum laude from Lehman College with a bachelor degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She continued her education at Columbia University, where she received a Masters of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology. Lauren’s love for Speech Pathology led her to participate in Columbia University’s The Ghana Project with Cate Crowley J.D., Ph.D., CCC-SLP. In Ghana, Lauren assessed and provided services for children and adults with speech, voice and language disorders. She also provided counseling services to parents and clients at hospitals and schools there. Lauren created functional AAC cards for language impaired students at the Effiduasi Methodist School. Lauren also completed various other externships. At Phipps Head Start, she provided speech therapy to preschool children with articulation, fluency and language delays and disorders. At John F. Kennedy High School, Lauren worked with high school students with language deficits. Lauren’s final clinical externship was at the Jewish Home and Hospital, where she conducted dysphagia and language screenings and evaluations for geriatric patients. She also provided speech, language and swallowing therapy to patients with dysphagia, aphasia and dysarthria. Lauren’s graduate experiences give her an excellent background in treating our patient population.

Olga Maksumova, M.S., CF-SLP, received her master’s of Science in Communication Sciences with a core in Speech and Language Pathology from Hunter College. She completed 3 clinical externships during her course of study at Hunter. Initially she provided push in and pull out speech therapy services to students ages 6-12 with multiple disabilities at P.S. 177Q@P295, a District 75 school placement. At Sunshine Developmental School, Olga provided speech therapy to preschool students with various developmental disabilities. There she gained experience with expressive/receptive language delays and disorders, articulation delays, pragmatic language delays, Autism, cerebral palsy, and Down’s Syndrome. She continued to Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home which is a skilled nursing facility. At Mary Manning, Olga provided speech and language evaluations, bedside dysphagia evaluations and speech and language therapy to adults with receptive/expressive language deficits, dysarthria, voice disorders, dysfluency, apraxia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia and traumatic brain injuries. Olga is eager to provide services to pediatrics with a variety of speech and language delays and disorders.

Ifigenia (Effie) Maris, MS, CF-SLP, TSSLD graduated from New York University in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in the area of Speech, Language and Audiology. She went on to graduate school at Columbia University and received a Master of Science as well as a NYS Teaching Certification in May 2009. During her coursework, Effie gained her experience at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Traumatic Brain Injury in-patient adult rehabilitation unit, as well as at a NYC District 75 Public School, servicing children from Kindergarten through 6th grade. Effie was also a student clinician at All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk while in graduate school. During those placements, Effie was exposed to a variety of speech, language, swallowing, and feeding disorders in adults and children. Effie began her Clinical Fellowship at Bilinguals Inc., an early intervention agency offering home and center based services to children from birth to three years old. She worked in multidisciplinary teams and collaborated with parents to provide holistic and naturalistic speech therapy. Effie has continued her Clinical Fellowship at All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk. Effie’s caseload includes children with developmental disorders, Autism, articulation disorders, language impairments, and feeding/behavioral issues. Effie is fluent in Greek and has intermediate experience with American Sign Language.

Lindsey Eckersall, M.A., CF-SLP Applicant, TSSLD. Lindsey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Iona College and her Masters of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John’s University. She has gained experience with pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations while interning at Summit School, Ozanam Nursing Home, and Jamaica Hospital. During her first internship at Summit School, Lindsey developed setting-appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals and collaboratively taught a pragmatic language class with other professionals in case management. At Ozanam Nursing Home, her second internship, she demonstrated appropriate feeding techniques and helped the residents become as independent as possible. During her third internship at Jamaica Hospital, she was responsible for evaluating patients of all ages with communication deficits and dysphagia. Additionally, she performed re-evaluations, selected and administered appropriate treatment with proper attention to age-appropriate considerations and patient safety and wrote progress reports. These experiences, in addition to the courses that she took in speech-language pathology at St. John’s University, have prepared her with the skills and knowledge necessary for a challenging career in speech-language pathology. Lindsey is currently working towards receiving her Certificate of Clinical Competence as she completes her Clinical Fellowship Year at All in 1 S.P.O.T. with TheraTalk, SLP, PT, OT, PLLC.

Office Managers

Sima Mobasheri is currently the executive office manager at All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. Sima has been with All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk for over 5 years. She works closely with Board of Education administrators and parents to provide a smooth transition from the initial IEP meeting to scheduled therapy sessions. Sima’s good nature and large heart makes her loved by parents and children. Sima’s duties include scheduling, paperwork tracking, and billing. Sima puts her whole heart and effort into her work.

Vanessa Calamita is one of the office assistants at All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk. Vanessa is currently studying to be a Speech-Language Pathologist. She has a love for children and helping others. She also works as a 4th Grade CCD Teacher at St. Luke’s School. She has undergone Virtus Training and is dedicated in providing a friendly environment to the clients and their families at the front desk of All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk.

Samantha Press is currently a volunteer at All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk. She is an undergraduate student at Towson University, studying Speech-Language Pathology and Deaf Studies. Samantha plans to continue her studies of Speech-Language Pathology in graduate school next year. Samantha assists in test scoring, and various other office duties. She enjoys working at All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk, where she can improve her knowledge in the field of Speech Pathology. During the school year, Samantha also volunteers with stroke patients through a program called Communication Partners.

Occupational Therapists

Michelle Colletti, OTR/L -Head Occupational Therapist is the founder of Water’s Edge Healing Occupational Therapy has been in practice since 1991. Michelle received her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Binghamton and her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Buffalo. Her initial training was in geriatrics and adult rehabilitation working at Montefiore Hospital and New York University’s Rusk Institute. Michelle then focused her work in the pediatric population with school aged children and in early intervention. Michelle is a constant seeker of knowledge. She has attended numerous workshops on sensory integration including, Judith Bluestone’s HANDLE® Approach, and Dr. Greenspan’s Floortime® Approach. Michelle is a three year veteran of Rebecca School in Manhattan and presented many case studies to the staff and via telephone conference to Dr. Greenspan. Michelle’s seeking has also led her to study the complimentary alternative modalities of reflexology, polarity and cranial sacral. She incorporates many of the principles and techniques from these alternative modalities into her work with special needs children. She has also taught parents a reflexology protocol they can use at home with their special needs child to help him or her have a calmer body. She has done extensive literature reviews on mirror neurons and has written several articles explaining their significance in the brain and with the autistic population entitled, “Mirror Neurons and Autism,” Imitation, Mirror Neurons and Autism,” and “Motor Planning, Mirror Neurons and Autism.” She has also written articles regarding sensory integration both for the autistic and the learning disabled population entitled, “The Mixed-Up Sensory World of Autistic Children,” Mixed-Up Sensations,” and “Internal Senses.” They can be downloaded from her website: www.watersedgehealing.com.

Vladimir (Vlad) Sychev, OTR/L, is the lead senior Occupational Therapist in Rutland Nursing Home at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. Vlad received his bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy from York College in 1997, and has been practicing ever since. He has been a part of All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk since 2009. Vlad has extensive experience providing services to the pediatric, adult, and geriatric population in inpatient, out patient and home based settings. Vlad utilizes techniques involving sensory integration, motor planning, and bilateral motor integration. He has experience working with preschool and school aged children with various disabilities including, sensory regulatory disorder, learning disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Susan Roberts, MDiv, OTR/L is an award winning occupational therapist, writer, ritual designer and health coach. She holds degrees from Harvard, Boston University and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Susan has 25+ years of experience, in school-based pediatric occupational therapy including teaching pediatric, physical dysfunction & human movement courses in universities. She co-authored two books: Biomechanics: Problem-Solving for Functional Activity and Kinesiology: Movement in the Context of Activity. Susan lectures around the country on topics of self-care, spirituality & nutrition.

Physical Therapists

Gladys Materon, RPT, is our head Physical Therapist with over 34 years of experience. She is a NY licensed physical therapist who earned her degree in Physical Therapy in 1979 from the University of Valle in Colombia. She has been the Director of clinics and has worked in several nursing homes. She specializes in pediatric physical therapy. For the past 12 years, Gladys has been providing home and school based services through the Early Intervention program. She is also an independent consultant for the Board of Education, All About Kids, Long Island Center for Child Development, and AlliedMedix. Gladys has credentials and continuous education in Sensory Integration Techniques, NDT, and Ball Therapy.

Why choose All In 1 Spot With Theratalk?

Dr. Gioules’ goal is for her center to provide the most optimal therapeutic practices. She obtained a doctorate at one of the finest institutions to further her knowledge and share with future staff. She invests time, energy and passion in all of her clinical staff as they represent All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk. The therapists she trains are clinical biproducts of Dr. Gioules and when they have completed their training at All in 1 SPOT they are able to work with various types of disorders and populations.

Dr. Gioules believes that a child’s success only goes as far as the therapist pushes him/her. Dr. Gioules continuously challenges all of her therapists to increase their knowledge base and provide the best therapy possible during each and every therapy session. The therapists that work for All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk are highly trained, and carefully selected. During interviews for employment at All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk, detailed clinical and theoretical questions are asked to ensure that therapists are at the top of their field. The therapists are trained to employ a passionate, thorough and intensive approach in therapy and provide each child with a highly individualized treatment plan specific to each child’s unique needs, as well as personalized strategies and goals to foster carryover at home, in school and in their community.

Employment Opportunities

• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Pediatric Physical Therapist
• Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Expertise in the following:

• Speech/Language Delays/Disorders
• Apraxia and Dysarthria
• Sensory Processing Disorders
• Dyspraxia
• Swallowing & Feeding Disorders
• Articulation/Phonology
• Developmental Coordination Disorders
• Autism
• Voice and Fluency Disorders
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Cerebral Palsy
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Mental Retardation
• Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
• Down’s Syndrome
• Augmentative/Assistive Communication Devices
• Genetic Syndromes
• Cognitive Disorders/Learning Disabilities (ADD/CAPD)
• Adult Language Disorders (Aphasia secondary to Stroke)
• Adult Neurological Disorders (Parkinson’s Disease, MS, ALS)