Meet Your Support Team

Samantha Fox, M.A., CCC-SLP

Founder • Speech-Language Pathologist • S2C Practitioner

Sam is a graduate of Kent State University where she received a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. She is passionate about providing individualized, relationship-based therapy that includes each client’s family in the process. She has had a special interest in working with non-speaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals on the Autism Spectrum since undergrad and is a registered Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner. Sam also has years of experience with Early Intervention and treating speech sound disorders (including Childhood Apraxia of Speech). She firmly believes that therapy is not “one size fits all!" She founded Beyond Speech because she saw a need for a practice that truly presumes competence in all clients regardless of their diagnosis!

Emma Fiorita, MOT, OTR/L

Clinical Director, Beyond Speech Therapy (Cuyahoga Falls) • Co-Owner, Beyond Speech Therapy (Columbus)

Emma earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is also a certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner. She approaches her work with a holistic, relationship-based perspective and specializes in sensory integration, self-regulation, and motor praxis skills.

Emma has particular experience supporting individuals who are nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking. She is dedicated to providing care that honors each person’s unique strengths and needs while supporting families through understanding and collaboration. In addition to her clinical work, Emma enjoys helping build community connection and awareness through projects such as the Held and Heard support group.

Michaela Demeio, M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Michaela is a graduate of University of Akron where she received her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. She enjoys providing services across the lifespan and assisting all patients with the ability to communicate and increase ability to function in their environment. She is passionate about pediatrics (early intervention & school-aged) has experience treating articulation disorders, apraxia, and language disorders. Michaela believes that each patient deserves individualized attention and treatment to fit their needs (while having fun too!).

Erika Brown, M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Erika holds a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Cleveland State University and is trained in Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). She is passionate about Early Intervention and working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Erika is driven by her commitment to help children facing speech and language challenges. With a dynamic and inclusive approach, Erika is dedicated to nurturing each child's full potential. She advocates for neurodiversity, creating an environment where children can develop their confidence and unique talents. Erika's intervention method emphasizes flexibility and ongoing learning. She values collaboration with families, recognizing their vital role in the therapy process. Drawing from her experience in a school setting tailored to students with diverse learning needs, she humbly understands the impact of personalized support. Erika prioritizes the well-being of children, believing wholeheartedly that their needs should always come first. This belief drives her dedication to positively impacting their lives.

Karissa Brady M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Karissa, originally from Florida, is a graduate from Kent State University where she obtained her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is passionate about providing services to children of all ages in the community to better help them improve their communication and independence. Karissa places great importance on using neurodiversity affirming techniques and she recognizes the unique strengths that neurodiverse individuals bring to the table. Karissa's expertise includes multimodal communication methods, speech sound disorders, and language disorders. She is also trained in the Wilson Reading System and enjoys supporting literacy skills. Karissa strongly believes in meeting each individual where they are to meet their goals and achieve their full potential.

Caroline Madaffer, MA, CF-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Caroline earned her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Cleveland State University. Her passion for the field was inspired by her own experience receiving speech therapy for a stutter as a child, which gave her a deep appreciation for the power of communication. Through her clinical training, Caroline developed a strong interest in early intervention and in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. She is dedicated to helping children grow into confident, capable communicators in ways that are meaningful to them.

Kayley Keller

S2C Practitioner

Kayley is a passionate advocate for helping non-speaking individuals of all ages find their voice. Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, she is a former college softball player at the University of Northwestern Ohio, where she earned a degree in Marketing. Throughout her academic and athletic career, Kayley developed a strong sense of discipline and leadership, which she now channels into her work supporting individuals who communicate through S2C. Her involvement in this communication method grew when her non-speaking brother began to use S2C. Inspired by the profound impact it had on their relationship, Kayley became committed to raising awareness and helping others find the gift of communication. Through her personal and professional experiences, she is dedicated to promoting inclusion, understanding, and empowerment for those who use spelling to communicate.

Taryn Cook, MS, CTRS

Recreation Therapist • S2C Practitioner

Taryn graduated with a Master of Science in Recreation Therapy from Northwest Missouri State University. She will soon be a Registered S2C Practitioner and is grateful to play a role in liberating the voices of nonspeakers. Taryn takes a person-centered, strengths-based approach and believes autonomy in life and leisure is key to holistic well-being. She strives to empower spellers and enhance their quality of life by providing purposeful, enriching activities, supporting communication, and developing their independence. Her ultimate goal is that her clients will realize their full potential and cultivate a life of fulfillment.

Amber Tuck

Administrative Assistant

Amber is a student at Kent State University majoring in Speech & Language Pathology with minors in Psychology and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Amber's positivity, organizational skills, and eagerness to learn has been a huge help to us!

Mallory Chizek

S2C Practitioner-in-Training

Mallory is thrilled to be the heart of our Columbus office and is on track to become a certified S2C Practitioner in May 2026. She believes every individual deserves to feel understood, respected, and valued. For over three years, she has worked with nonspeaking individuals - an experience that has deeply shaped her passion for supporting open and authentic communication. Mallory approaches her work by presuming competence, meeting each person where they are, and collaborating closely with clients and their families to find strategies that support growth and make everyday life more empowering. With over three years of experience at Brain Balance, she strives to create a welcoming space where individuals and families feel supported, confident, and empowered to show what they’re capable of.