Meet Our Team
We provide expert, individualized speech therapy designed to elevate every client’s communication potential.
FOUNDER/OWNER; SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST; MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST
Shannon Kammholz, MS, CCC-SLP
Shannon founded Santa Monica Speaks in 2019 with a clear vision: to create a more personalized, connected, and elevated speech therapy experience for children and their families, one that goes far beyond the walls of a clinic.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the Pacific. With over a decade of experience in pediatric speech-language pathology, Shannon has worked across home, school, and clinical settings, developing a deeply collaborative approach that prioritizes real-life carryover and meaningful progress.
As the founder of Santa Monica Speaks, Shannon has built a team and practice rooted in warmth, clinical excellence, and intentional care. She partners closely with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams, and is committed to creating an experience where both children and parents feel supported every step of the way. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: when therapy feels personal, collaborative, and empowering, children don’t just make progress, they thrive.
LEAD SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST; MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST; CLINICAL MANAGER
Samantha Mevorach, MS, CCC-SLP
Samantha is a relationship-driven Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a warm, thoughtful presence to her work. She believes children make the most meaningful progress when they feel supported, understood, and free to be themselves, and she has a natural way of helping kids feel exactly that from the start.
She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Fredonia, where she built a strong foundation in collaborative, child-centered care. Samantha takes a whole-child approach to therapy, incorporating sensory integration, play-based intervention, and myofunctional therapy to support communication in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
She works closely with families and other professionals to provide coordinated, individualized care that honors each child’s unique strengths. Samantha is especially passionate about helping children build confidence and find joy in their communication, because when kids feel good, everything else follows.
Lara Haine, MS, CCC-SLP
Lara is a Speech-Language Pathologist who takes a thoughtful, strengths-based approach to supporting children’s communication development. She meets each child where they are, building on their strengths to help them grow with confidence.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Lara has experience across both education and healthcare settings and supports a wide range of communication needs, including early language development, language delays, fluency, autism, voice, and articulation.
Her approach is rooted in connection and collaboration—she works closely with families to ensure therapy feels supportive, individualized, and meaningful beyond the session. Lara is committed to providing care that is both evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming, while always meeting each child exactly where they are.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Dana is a collaborative, family-centered Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a fun, supportive presence to her work. She is passionate about helping children build confidence through communication in a way that feels engaging, encouraging, and meaningful.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Georgia State University. Dana has experience across both school and private pediatric settings and supports a wide range of communication needs, including articulation, language development, social communication, fluency, AAC, and autism.
Her approach is rooted in connection and partnership. She works closely with families to ensure therapy feels individualized, supportive, and carries over into everyday life. Dana is dedicated to helping each child feel comfortable, capable, and proud of their progress.
Dana Lee, MS, CCC-SLP
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Mackenzie Hunt, BS, C-SLPA
LEAD SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Kenzie is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who brings an engaging, creative energy to her work with children. She has a natural ability to connect with kids and makes sessions feel motivating, meaningful, and fun.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Behavioral Sciences and Communication Disorders and Sciences, along with an Associate of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Kenzie works with pediatric clients across a variety of settings and has experience in areas including gestalt language processing, social communication, articulation and phonology, autism, and ADHD.
With a background in behavior analysis, she takes an individualized, supportive approach to each child, meeting them where they are and helping them build confidence along the way. In her role as Lead SLPA, Kenzie also supports both clinical care and team initiatives, bringing leadership, creativity, and consistency to the Santa Monica Speaks team.
Kelly is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who brings a warm, inclusive, and supportive presence to her work. She is passionate about helping children and families feel seen, understood, and confident in their communication.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Los Angeles, and her Associate degree in Child Development from Santa Monica College. Kelly has experience working across school, clinic, and rehabilitation settings with children of all ages and supports a wide range of communication needs, including articulation, language development, fluency, social communication, and AAC.
She incorporates her knowledge of American Sign Language to support individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to each child she works with. Kelly is especially passionate about creating sessions that feel engaging, accessible, and meaningful for every family.
BILINGUAL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Kelly Meza, SLPA
Emily Ann
Emily is a thoughtful and engaging Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who brings a steady, encouraging energy to her work. She is passionate about helping children grow in their communication skills in a way that feels individualized, achievable, and empowering.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Emily has experience supporting a wide range of communication needs, including articulation, language development, autism, gestalt language processing, fluency, AAC, apraxia, and early literacy.
She takes a child-centered approach to therapy, creating a space where kids feel supported, motivated, and excited to participate. In addition to her clinical work, Emily also supports outreach and community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to building strong, connected communities for families.
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Diana Garcia
BILINGUAL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Diana is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who brings a steady, grounding presence to her work with children and families. She is passionate about creating an inclusive environment where children feel safe to be themselves and supported as they build their communication skills.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University, Long Beach and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at California State University, Los Angeles. Diana has experience supporting a range of communication needs, including early language development, articulation, and language disorders.
She takes a consistent, relationship-driven approach to therapy, helping children feel secure and supported as they grow. In addition to her clinical work, Diana also plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of Santa Monica Speaks, helping ensure a smooth, welcoming experience for every family.