Speech-Language Pathologist

Theresa Barrett

Theresa has been a speech and language pathologist for 32 years and was born in Dublin, Georgia. She moved to Athens, Georgia where she went to the University of Georgia and received her B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology and then her Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
She wants all children to be able to share their wants and needs to those around them. It is her passion to make it so all children to have a “voice” in their world

Speech-Language Pathologist

Meredith Pharr

Meredith Pharr is a speech therapist in the Clermont office. She is originally from Marietta, GA. She attended Berry College in Rome, GA and went on to obtain a masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia.  She is a GA State licensed clinician and holds her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA. She has resided in Hall county for 10 years. Prior to that, she lived in Lexington, VA for eight years.  She has been married for 21 years and has four boys. Over the last 20 years as an SLP, she has worked in the school system, both inpatient and outpatient rehab, nursing homes, and early intervention. Meredith is excited and honored to be a part of the Ability team.  It is her desire to serve children and work closely with their families. She believes that when given the opportunity every child can achieve the ability to express him or herself. The joy of seeing her patients achieve, and often surpass, others’ expectations is what drives her passion to serve children and their families here at Ability.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kathryn Kelly

Kathryn Kelly is our full time speech therapist in the Cornelia office. She is originally from Chattanooga, TN. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and continued to receive Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology both from University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She is a GA State licensed clinician and holds her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA. She has resided in Habersham for 10 years, married to her high school sweet heart for 20 years and has 3 children. Over the last 20 years, she has worked in clinics, rehabilitation services, and the school system. In the recent past, due to her drive to serve children she has been led to work in the outpatient setting, making a difference in the lives of children and their families by providing speech therapy services.  She has always loved working with children and believes that communication opens opportunities which help with their development and aids families with their care.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Monica Parker

Monica Parker is a speech therapist in our Cornelia office. She was born and raised in Habersham County and graduated from Habersham Central in 1992. She furthered her education by graduating from the University of Georgia in 1997 with her Bachelors Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She then received her Masters Degree in Communication Disorders from Appalachian State University in 1999. She is ASHA certified and GA licensed with 20 years in the field of Speech Language Pathology. She has been married to her high school sweetheart since 1997 they have three sons (Clay, Carson, and Cole).  Her passion for Speech Language Pathology began as an undergraduate student, when she saw the incredible, positive impact it had on a family member recovering from a stroke. She had always wanted to work with children in some capacity, and was convinced this was her field when she realized she could help children as an SLP.  She has loved being part of helping children learn to communicate for 20 years now, and sees it as a calling and a privilege to be part of the lives of so many children and their families.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jodi Palmer

Jodi is a speech and language pathologist in the Clermont office. After graduating from Union County High school, she attended North Georgia College before transferring to the University of Georgia. She holds a certificate of linical competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a Georgia state licensced clinician. Jodi has over 25 years of experience as an SLP within the public school setting. She is very excited for the opportunity to work with clients in a private setting at Ability and be a part of the team. She lives in Cleveland, GA and is married with two young adult children. She loves watching children grow in their ability to communicate effectively with others and finds her job very rewarding.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Aly Groover

Aly is a speech-language pathologist in the Cornelia and Gainesville offices. Aly is originally from Gainesville, GA. She received her B.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia in May of 2019. She then received her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University in December of 2020. She is a GA state licensed clinician and is currently completing her clinical fellowship in order to earn her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA. Aly is active in her church community and enjoys singing, playing tennis, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Aly has always loved children and is so excited to help them develop the communication skills they need to thrive.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Cheryl Danner

Cheryl has been a speech and language pathologist for 25 years and was born in Tifton, Ga.  She moved to Valdosta, Ga and received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Masters of Education in Speech Language Pathology. She has been married for 26 years and has two daughters. Cheryl has worked in schools, rehab facilities, early intervention and private practice. 
Children has always been her passion. She feels every child deserves a voice and loves being a part of that journey! Cheryl is excited to be part of the Ability Team!

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jessica Danner

Jessica Is a speech-language pathologist in the Gainesville office. She received her Bachelors Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorder from the University of Georgia in 2020. She then received her Masters Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University in 2022. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, friends and dog, Stella. She has always had a passion for working with children and believes every child deserves a voice. 

Speech-Language Pathologist

Aly Brooksher

Aly is a speech-language pathologist in the Clermont office. Aly is from Dahlonega, GA. She received her B.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia in 2020 and her M.Ed. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia in 2022. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to help children in some capacity. She decided her career path as an SLP when she was 17 years old and hasn't wavered from it since. Her desire is to make children feel deeply loved and empowered. She considers it an honor to help children recognize that their voice matters and help them reach their communication goals. She finds great joy in being a part of her client's and their families lives.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kaity Gardis

Kaity is a speech-language pathologist in our Cornelia office. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Georgia and received her Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University.  Kaity enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking trips to the beach and mountains, and adventuring with her dog, Maisie. Kaity has always had a passion for working with children. She loves being a part of helping them achieve their goals. Watching children learn, grow, and develop their communication skills is something she will always cherish. Kaity is so thankful to be a part of the team here at Ability

Speech-Language Pathologist

Riya Woodruff

Riya is a speech-language pathologist in the Hiawassee and Clermont offices. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of West Georgia in 2021. She also received her Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia in 2023. She is currently completing her clinical fellowship in order to earn her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA. Riya enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, and working out. Riya has always been eager to help children grow and thrive in their abilities to communicate and connect with others. 

Speech-Language Pathologist

Ashley Marchman

Ashley is a speech-language pathologist in the Cornelia and Gainesville offices. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Young Harris College in 2020. She received her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2022. She is GA state licensed and holds her certificate of clinical competence from ASHA. Ashley enjoys spending time with her friends and family, crocheting, baking sweet treats, serving at her church, and playing the piano. Ashley has always had a passion for helping children, and she enjoys seeing them grow and thrive. She is so thankful to be a part of Ability!