Clinical Team

Dr. Barbara Roca
Dr. Barbara Roca
Dr. Barbara Roca is a bilingual speech-language pathologist and Clinical Director of BrainTools, specializing in the assessment and treatment of children with complex language and learning profiles. Her work focuses on how language develops as an integrated system across oral and written language, and how it interacts with executive control processes to support learning in both monolingual and bilingual learners.

Dr. Roca leads the development of research-informed clinical frameworks that translate comprehensive language and learning assessment data into structured, developmentally aligned intervention. Her work addresses a long-standing challenge in clinical practice, where intervention models may prioritize isolated skill development without fully accounting for the integrated and evolving nature of language, literacy, and learning, and their role in supporting functional academic and communication outcomes. She designs structured clinical systems that integrate linguistic, cognitive, and metacognitive processes, with an emphasis on generalization, academic application, and long-term learning.

Her work is particularly relevant for children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and co-occurring conditions, including dyslexia and attention and executive function difficulties. These children often present with overlapping needs across oral language and literacy, requiring coordinated, developmentally informed intervention. Dr. Roca’s frameworks are designed to be culturally and linguistically responsive, supporting accurate identification and effective intervention in bilingual and linguistically diverse learners.

Dr. Roca holds a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.), and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (B.A.). She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), trained in PROMPT, and fluent in English and Spanish.

She has over 30 years of clinical experience and has presented her work at local, national, and international conferences. She has worked with American and international schools worldwide, providing professional development and consultation on language, literacy, and learning.

Elsa Martinez
Elsa Martinez
Elsa Martinez is an English-Spanish Bilingual Speech and Language Pathologist and Clinical Supervisor at BrainTools. She is certified as a Speech and Language Pathologist by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She earned her Master’s degree (M.A.) in Speech and Language Pathology from Indiana University (IU), with a specialty concentration in bilingual language development via the university’s Spanish and English, Speech Therapy Education, Practicum, and Services (STEPS) program.

The program’s specialized clinical and field experiences with Hispanic children and families fostered a multicultural perspective and provided opportunities for a collaborative approach in treating speech and language disorders.

Elsa’s research interests include Dyslexia and Executive Dysfunction Disorders. Elsa is a clinician at BrainTools where, in addition to performing assessments and providing treatment to children with language-based learning disabilities, she is a collaborator in BrainTools research and development projects. As a Clinical Supervisor for Speech and Language Pathology Assistants (SLP-A) and Clinical Fellows (CF), she also designs and implements supervisory training programs and mentoring plans.

Elsa has presented papers, research findings, and professional development seminars at the national level.

Catherine Hurtado Amaya
Catherine Hurtado Amaya
Catherine is a Bilingual Speech and Language Pathologist and Clinical Supervisor at BrainTools. She is certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She is trained in PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets) and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Catherine earned her Master’s degree (M.S) in Speech and Language Pathology with a bilingual and bicultural emphasis from Florida International University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University, where she graduated with honors.

Catherine is passionate about identifying children at risk early so that social, emotional, and academic challenges are prevented. She is a strong advocate for early intervention frameworks that are both parent and child centered. Catherine is a clinician at BrainTools where, in addition to performing assessments and providing treatment to children with language-based learning disabilities, she is a collaborator in BrainTools research and development projects.
Abigail Soto
Abigail Soto
Abigail “Abi” Soto earned her first bachelor’s in Communication Studies with a minor in TESOL from Southern Adventist University. While tutoring international students in the English language for three years, Abi developed an interest in language processing and development, and discovered the field of speech and language pathology. She then went on to earn her second bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Utah State University while continuing to gain experience teaching children the English language through VIPKids.

Abi’s passion for working with children with language processing challenges, delayed language development, learning disabilities, and executive function weaknesses has continued to grow during her time at BrainTools as a licensed speech and language pathologist assistant. In her free time, Abi enjoys exploring national and state parks, spending time with her family, playing board games, and reading.
Marinella Matulin
Marinella Matulin
Marinella “Ella” Matulin graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in Health Education in 2020. She completed a graduate post-baccalaureate certification from Florida State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2021 and joined the BrainTools team in 2022. Ella is fluent in English and Tagalog. During her undergraduate studies she discovered her interest in literacy intervention and social-emotional cognitive development. She has a passion for language development and a desire to make a positive impact on others and enhance their quality of life. In her spare time, Ella loves to hike, read books, go to concerts, watch movies, and travel with friends and family.
Natalie Loria
Natalie Loria
Natalie “Nat” Loria earned her bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University, where she graduated with Honors in American Sign Language (ASL). She currently conducts research with the FSU Autism Institute with the FIRST WORDS Project where she spent her undergraduate years as a research coder. Her research centered on identifying and implementing early intervention therapy for toddlers with autism. She continues to work as a part-time videographer for home observations for one of the research participants.

Upon completion of her bachelor’s, Natalie became a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant to further pursue her career in the field of communication sciences and disorders. Her time at BrainTools has grown her passion for working with children and adolescents with executive function weaknesses and developmental speech and language delays. Natalie’s research interests include acquired language disorders across all ages, developmental language delays, dyslexia, the intersection between literacy and oral language, and cognitive-communication motor deficits.
Katherin Hernandez
Katherin Hernandez
Katherin earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Nova Southeastern University. Katherin discovered her passion for the field of speech and language pathology from a young age, solidifying her decision to pursue the field after completing an internship at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. She has a background in Applied Behavioral Analysis and worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician. She is fluent in both Spanish and English. Katherin is also intermediately fluent in Italian because of her attendance at International Studies Preparatory Academy. She has a special interest in bilingual language development and hopes to contribute to the field in the future through research work.
Amanda Toledo
Amanda Toledo
Amanda Toledo is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2024. Initially drawn to language through her interest in elementary education, Amanda discovered her passion for speech-language pathology during her undergraduate studies. She was an active member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) UCF Chapter and gained valuable clinical experience through her volunteer work at UCF’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinic. Amanda’s professional interests include articulation disorders, fluency, and written language development. She is committed to supporting children’s communication growth through evidence-based and individualized care.

Administrative Team

Danette Palmar
Danette Palmar
Danette Palmar is the Front Office Coordinator at BrainTools. She earned her bachelor’s degree (B.A) in Sociology from the University of Florida. With a strong academic foundation in understanding social dynamics and human behavior, Danette is passionate about connecting with people and most of all, helping to create systems of support for parents and their children. She thrives in roles that require attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to making every interaction a positive one. Her goal is to ensure that every aspect of front office operations runs smoothly while creating a space where each family’s needs are met. Danette is bilingual and fluent in both Spanish and English. She serves as the primary contact for our families, coordinating everything from therapy sessions to meetings. Danette is dedicated to ensuring BrainTools® families receive the best care and assistance.
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