Let me introduce our fantastic team. I am so proud of the dedication and expertise of this wonderful group of professionals. Not only are they top-notch clinicians, they share a passion for helping children reach their potential. Every step, every new skill, reminds us we are truly fortunate for the deeply rewarding opportunity to work with your child. We truly love what we do and cannot imagine doing anything else!
Patti McAleer Hamaguchi, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, Founder & Director
Patti McAleer Hamaguchi is a speech-language pathologist. She is the founder and Director of Hamaguchi & Associates, Inc. and is the author of the book, Childhood Speech, Language, and Listening Problems: What Every Parent Should Know (John Wiley & Sons, 1995, 2nd edition 2001, 3rd edition slated for Sept. 2010) which is available in major retail bookstores and Amazon.com, including Chinese and Spanish versions. She developed and field-tested a program to teach children with weak listening skills in the classroom setting called, It’s Time to Listen: A Metacognitive Program for Treating Auditory Processing Disorders in the Classroom. (Pro-Ed, Inc, revised edition 2001) Another book, A Metacognitive Program for Treating Auditory Processing Disorders, was published by Pro-Ed, Inc. in 2002. In 2007, Mrs. Hamaguchi authored two chapters in the text, “Auditory Processing Disorders” (Plural Publishing). Mrs. Hamaguchi is a contributing author to Parent Articles 2 (Communication Skill Builders/Psychological Corporation) She is one of the featured panel experts on speech and language issues for Babycenter.com and continues to be a highly sought-after guest presenter for professional conferences and seminars throughout California and the U.S.
Prior to moving to California in March (1996), she maintained a private practice in Brookfield, CT, and was with Sara Johnson Oral-Motor Speech & Language Associates in South Salem, NY. From 1987 through 1995, Mrs. Hamaguchi was on staff with Region 14 Public Schools in Woodbury, CT. Before moving to Connecticut in 1987, Mrs. Hamaguchi worked for Wall Township Public Schools, NJ, for six years as a speech-language pathologist and reading consultant.
Mrs. Hamaguchi has served as Selectman in the town of Brookfield, CT, and was named "Connecticut's Outstanding Young Citizen of 1990" by the CT Jaycees and WVIT-TV. In 2008, Mrs. Hamaguchi received several awards for her service to the profession, including the “Islands of Excellence” award from the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Mrs. Hamaguchi received her M.A. degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Trenton State College (now called "The College of New Jersey") and her B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College (now known as "Rowan College") in Glassboro, NJ. She also holds educational certificates in Elementary Education, Reading, and Speech Correction in New Jersey. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and licensed in the state of California. Patti serves as the chair of the California Speech-Language Hearing Association's Task Force on Central Auditory Processing Disorders and was the Commissioner for Professional Services for Speech Pathology and Audiology 2005-2007.
Patti's role at the practice is one of mentoring staff, meeting families during the initial assessment appointment, writing the assessment reports, and handling administrative issues. She is currently not seeing children on an ongoing basis for therapy appointments.
Jennifer Minton, M.A., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist
Jennifer Minton has a delightful, energetic and sunny manner. She is a natural "cheerleader" for every child on her caseload, helping even the most reluctant participants feel confident! It is clear from the moment you step into her room that Jen loves what she does. She has extensive training (including mentoring with Patti Hamaguchi) in the area of pediatrics, working with toddlers all the way to adolescents. Jen uses motivating multi-sensory strategies and play-based activities to facilitate speech, language and auditory processing improvement. Prior to becoming a speech pathologist, Jen worked with children with autism spectrum disorders as an ABA therapist and continues to have a special interest in this population, as well as language delays, social language development and auditory processing disorders. Jen is trained in the PROMPT technique. PROMPT is a therapy method used with children who have apraxia. Jen holds a Masters Degree from San Jose State University in Communicative Disorders.
Kristen Moore, M.A., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristen brings a warmth, energy and creativity to every session, while balancing her carefully-designed activities with structure and playful routine for those children who need it. She has a natural instinct for finding just the right combination of strategies to optimize every child's session, yet make it all "fun"! Kristen has a particularly strong background in motivating new and emerging talkers, using visual supports (such as PECS) and sensory inputs (music, tactile) to facilitate communicative intent and lay the foundation to support verbal speech. Before becoming a speech pathologist, Kristen was an ABA therapist, and continues to have an interest in working with children who have challenging behaviors as a result of their communication difficulties. Kristen’s experience also extends to facilitating pragmatic/social language development, working with apraxia and articulation disorders (including those pesky “r” sounds!), and teaming closely with families to ensure carryover and support at home. Kristen is trained in the PROMPT technique, a therapy method used with children who have apraxia. She holds a Masters Degree from San Jose State University in Communicative Disorders and a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Amie Reese, M.A., CFY-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Amie has a special interest and experience working with children on the autism spectrum, early intervention language development, and those with social language and behavioral challenges. She has a cheerful and playful approach, but is also firm and structured when appropriate- a super combination! Amie has gained experience and rave reviews at the Kay Armstead Center in San Jose, the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and in private practice. In 2007-2009, Amie worked with our group program part-time and was a favorite among the children and staff. We actively recruited Amie when a full-time opening arose and are delighted she has signed with our practice.
Michelle Turkoglu, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist
Michelle Turkoglu ("Tur-KO-lu") brings a wonderful energy and enthusiasm to the practice. She is devoted to the children on her caseload and excels in using multisensory, structured strategies to help children overcome their delays. She has advanced training in the area of auditory processing disorders, apraxia (including training in the P.R.O.M.P.T. technique for apraxia), articulation disorders, receptive/expressive language development, stuttering and oral-motor disorders. Michelle also works very well with children with high-functioning autism/PDD who need further development in their verbal and pragmatic skills, in group or individual sessions.
Michelle received her Master’s of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) from San Francisco State University, and her Bachelor’s of Science degree (B.S.) in Communication Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. She holds the CCC credential (Certificate of Clinical Competency) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Michelle Hurst, Office Manager (on maternity leave)
Michelle normally runs our office, from A to Z! She handles all inquiries, scheduling, and questions related to billing and just about everything else. She studied accounting and business at West Valley College and enjoys reading, yoga, and tennis. In the winter, you can find her snowboarding in Tahoe. Michelle also enjoys cooking. Michelle is currently taking a well-deserved maternity leave to spend time with her beautiful baby girl, Taylor who was born in July. She'll be returning in September.
Hagar ("Huh-GAR") Karen Fagin, Office Assistant/Interim Office Manager
Hagar is currently a student at both San Jose City College and Evergreen Valley College, working towards her degree in Speech Language Pathology. She recently moved to the Bay Area from Fresno, CA to pursue her education and live closer to family. In her free time, Hagar enjoys spending quality time with her 2-year-old niece, her family and close friends. You will likely hear her niece telling people that “Gar’s at the gym”, since she will often be found there when not working or in class. Hagar’s other hobbies include watching old movies, reading, and road trips up and down the west coast. Hagar is covering the front office while Michelle Hurst is on maternity leave and will be continuing with us on a part-time basis when she returns.
