Our Team
Anna Vanta, M.S. SLP-CCC
Ms. Anna is a dedicated speech therapist with a wealth of experience and a deep passion for her field. Anna holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the District of Columbia and brings a bilingual edge to her practice, fluently speaking both Tagalog and English. Notably, she co-authored a chapter in the book A Guide to Global Language Assessment: A Lifespan Approach (1st Edition), showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of speech therapy areas, including Articulation deficits, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, and Feeding Concerns, where she is certified in SOS Feeding. She is ASHA certified (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), ensuring she meets the highest standards in her field and excels in collaborating with a diverse team of professionals including ENTs, dentists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, dieticians, and more in order to deliver comprehensive, effective intervention services.
She is particularly committed to a multidisciplinary, play-based/patient-centered approach that makes therapy engaging and enjoyable for her pediatric and adult clients alike. When she’s not helping others achieve their communication goals, Anna enjoys traveling, staying active, and volunteering at hospitals with her loyal dog, Cooper.
Cooper the Therapy Dog
Meet Cooper, our extraordinary therapy dog who brings boundless joy and comfort wherever he goes. Cooper is a sweet, kind, and mellow rescue dog with a heart full of love and a gentle demeanor that instantly puts people at ease. His remarkable ability to connect with others has made him a cherished presence in a variety of settings, from schools where he listens attentively to children reading, to hospitals and nursing homes where his calming presence brightens the day of patients and residents alike.
Certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), Cooper is dedicated to his role as a therapy dog and is always eager to lend a helping paw. His volunteering efforts showcase his compassionate nature and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those he meets. Cooper is available upon request for volunteer visits, and we are delighted to have him as a valued member of our team, spreading warmth and comfort to all he encounters.
Skylar Hamblen, M.S., CCC-SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist
Skylar Hamblen, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist who has experience serving both pediatric and adult populations. Skylar graduated from California Institute of the Arts (Valencia, CA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and completed her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College (Boston, MA) in 2023.
She has experience working with pediatric populations in both elementary school settings as well as private clinical settings. She enjoys working with the pediatric population, providing family-based care, as well as delivering individualized therapy that focuses on each client (and their families) unique needs and desires. Furthermore, Skylar has experience with pediatric fluency disorders and worked in an intensive summer program serving this population. She looks forward to incorporating her love for the arts and drama into her sessions, and aiding those she comes across with their communication needs. She passionately believes communication to be a human right and looks forward to this being the basis of her career. Skylar is honored to work as an SLP and serve her community in this way.
While attending Emerson College, Skylar was a Gender Affirming Voice Scholar where she worked with transgender patients on their voice goals, created a Gender Affirming Voice Drama group, as well as mentored fellow peers in this area at The Robbins Clinic at Emerson College. She also loved her externship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, MA where she expanded her training and love for all things Voice related.
In summary, Skylar has experience evaluating and treating individuals with: Voice disorders, transgender voice therapy, autism spectrum disorders, social language disorders, receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders as well as fluency disorders.
Skylar loves to sing (formerly in an A Cappella group in Boston), swim, ski, walk in nature, and spend time laughing/enjoying life with her family, friends, and her dog Scout.
Sarah Heard, OTR/L - Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Sarah Heard, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist passionate about helping children build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their daily lives. She specializes in supporting children with sensory processing, self-regulation, fine motor development, feeding challenges, and social participation through engaging, child-led therapy. Sarah values collaborating closely with families and caregivers to create meaningful, individualized goals that support success at home, school, and in the community.
Outside of the clinic, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and extended family. She also loves traveling and exploring new places, creating memories with the people she loves most.
