Speech Therapists

Patti Bennett, M.A., CCC-SLP

Patti is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric communication disorders. As Director of the Speech Team, Patti offers more than 35 years’ experience guiding innovative programming and education for children with communication impairments. Under her leadership, the Speech Department has developed into a leading, well respected service provider in the area, supporting families and helping children reach their full potential. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), is a member of the PA Speech Language Hearing Association (PSHA), and is licensed by the Commonwealth of PA. Patti holds a Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Amanda Byerly, M.A., CCC-SLP

Amanda is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who works with children with communication disorders. Amanda has worked as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist in the Pittsburgh area for 9 years. She worked in early intervention and school-based services prior to joining Laughlin Children’s Center in 2018. Amanda holds a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), is a member of the PA Speech Language Hearing Association (PSHA), and is licensed by the Commonwealth of PA.

Mallory DeMico, M.A., CCC-SLP

Mallory DeMico part-time speech-language pathologist (SLP), full-time mom of three! Mallory’s background is in pediatric speech-language therapy. After completing her undergraduate education at Penn State University and obtaining her Masters of Art in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh, she spent 8 years as a full-time, school-based SLP, working with students in grades K-12. In June 2020, she resigned to spend more time with her family. As a school-based SLP, she was given the opportunity to work with a wide variety of speech and language disorders, as well as developmental disorders. Before becoming an SLP, Mallory was always intrigued by the medical field, and admired her mother as an educator, so this profession gave Mallory the best of both worlds! Mallory enjoys collaborating with other professionals and families and laughing every day! Being an SLP is always an adventure, and Mallory cannot wait to continue that adventure with you and your family!

Julie Jubeck, M.A., CCC-SLP

Julie is a licensed speech-language pathologist who specializes in pediatric communication disorders. Julie has worked in the Pittsburgh and Boston areas for 15 years as a speech-language pathologist with experience in elementary schools as well as early intervention home-based services. She has been a member of the Laughlin Center team since 2012. Julie earned a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Pittsburgh. She is certified in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech (LiPS).

Sara Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP

Sara is a PA licensed, ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She holds a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University and a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Edinboro University. She worked in the schools for four years before joining Laughlin Children’s Center in 2023. Sara enjoys working on functional communication and helping children find their voice through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods.

Lee Magness, M.A., CCC-SLP

Lee is a PA licensed, ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She earned a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Pittsburgh. Lee spent her first seven years working in Early Intervention (ages 3-5). For the past eight years, she has been working full-time with medically fragile students with complex communication needs and multiple disabilities (ages 5-21) for Pittsburgh Public Schools with a strong focus in functional communication and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She is a strong believer that all people have the right to communicate. She joined the amazing team at Laughlin Children’s Center in March of 2025.

Maggie McChesney M.S., CCC-SLP 

Maggie is a PA licensed, ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Maggie has worked with children in the Pittsburgh area, both in the special education school setting and early intervention, for three years. Maggie has special interest and experience in the area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and enjoys empowering children and their families! Maggie holds a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She joined the team at Laughlin Children’s Center in March of 2022. 

Brianne Miller, M.S., CCC-SLP

Brianne is a PA licensed, ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Brianne has experience working in school-based settings as well as outpatient clinics. She enjoys building strong relationships with children and their families. Brianne aims to make therapy functional, engaging, and fun! She earned a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Brianne joined the team at Laughlin Children’s Center in January of 2023.

Abby Werner, M.S., CCC-SLP

Abby is a PA licensed, ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Abby has worked with children in the Pittsburgh area, both in the school setting and in early intervention, since 2005. Abby specializes in helping very young children find their voice. She completed the course Autism Navigator for Early Intervention Providers, and she has experience implementing a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Abby holds a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University. She joined the team at Laughlin Children’s Center in September of 2021.