Clinical Team
Dr. Barbara Roca earned her Doctoral degree in Education (Ed.D) fromNova Southeastern University. She also holds a Bachelors degree (B.A.) in Psychology, and a Masters degree (M.S.) in Speech and Language Pathology. 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.
Dr. Roca was certified as a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) consultant for many years, before deciding to narrow her research and development towards children with developmental language disorders (DLD), Developmental Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. Roca is affiliated with the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), The International Literacy Association (ILA), The American Psychological Association (APA), and the American Educational Research Association (AERA).
Dr. Roca has more than 30 years of experience working with children with developmental language disorders, attention deficit disorders, anxiety disorders, and developmental dyslexia. Her research interests relate to how cognitive, executive control, and oral language processes, in both monolingual and bilingual populations, interact and impact literacy outcomes. She specializes in creating clinically mediated therapeutic curriculums that are interdisciplinary in nature and that integrate executive functions into instructional objectives related to speech, oral (listening and speaking) and written (reading and writing) language development. Dr. Roca specializes in bilingual language development and works with American Schools all over the world. She has presented papers, research findings, and professional development seminars at the local, national and international level.
Dr. Roca has more than 30 years of experience working with children with developmental language disorders, attention deficit disorders, anxiety disorders, and developmental dyslexia. Her research interests relate to how cognitive, executive control, and oral language processes, in both monolingual and bilingual populations, interact and impact literacy outcomes. She specializes in creating clinically mediated therapeutic curriculums that are interdisciplinary in nature and that integrate executive functions into instructional objectives related to speech, oral (listening and speaking) and written (reading and writing) language development. Dr. Roca specializes in bilingual language development and works with American Schools all over the world. She has presented papers, research findings, and professional development seminars at the local, national and international level.
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 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.
Yanet is a graduate of Albizu University with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. During her undergraduate studies, Yanet had the opportunity to train in musical theater and vocal performance at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. It was through her vocal training and speech production courses that she discovered her passion for phonetics, the speech production process, and the art of communication. She then graduated from Florida International University (FIU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, and subsequently completed FIU’s Graduate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Upon completion of the certificate program, Yanet became a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Yanet’s clinical experience includes working in pediatric clinics, private schools, home health, and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Yanet has a passion for working with young children and has a particular interest in treatment for reading disorders, language delays, articulation/phonological disorders, and fluency.
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.
Jamie earned her Masters degree (M.S.) in Speech and Language Pathology from Albizu University and holds Bachelors degrees (B.A.s) in English and Spanish from Saint Joseph’s College. Jamie has been working with children for over a decade. She worked as a certified teacher for several years before becoming a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant. Jaime’s research interests include the acquisition of language and cognitive development across the lifespan, and the development of reading skills in children.
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 “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. In her free time, Nat enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, painting, and playing with her dogs!
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.
Administrative Team
Cynthia is the Clinical Coordinator and Office Manager at BrainTools®. She earned her bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Biological Sciences from Florida International University, and recently graduated with her master’s (M.S.) in General Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Cynthia will be continuing her studies at NSU this Fall as she works towards completing her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. Cynthia is bilingual and fluent in both Spanish and English. She is the contact person for our families and coordinates everything from therapy sessions to meetings.
Lianet “Lia” is the Clinical Coordinator and Office Manager at BrainTools®. She holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Psychology from Florida International University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (PMHNP). Lia has a background in Applied Behavioral Analysis and Mental Health Services. Through her work with children, she discovered a passion for helping those with mental health disorders. Born and raised in Miami, FL, she is fluent in both English and Spanish. She serves as the primary contact for our families, coordinating everything from therapy sessions to meetings. Lia is dedicated to ensuring BrainTools® families receive the best care and assistance.
