About Us

Supporting every child with expertise, respect, and love

Imagine a world where every child is seen, heard, and cherished.

A world where every family discovers the joy of connecting, playing, and communicating with their children.

A world where therapy isn't just a service, but a collaborative journey grounded in respect and open communication.

This is the world we’re passionate about creating at Therapy Central.

We believe that the path to that future is paved with small, almost imperceptible victories—a newly learned word, a mastered skill, a conquered fear.

At Therapy Central, we don't believe in cookie-cutter approaches. Our evidence-based, whole-child approach aims to reach the heart of each child, honor their individuality, and nurture their unique potential.

“The passion that Therapy Central has for helping these kids and the excitement when they progress is very genuine. And my son really sees that his therapist is there to help him. HE asks US to go to see her! It’s become one of the highlights of his week.”

-Alyson Ford, parent

Our approach

The perfect blend

Your child deserves only the best — of everything. That’s what we deliver.

Child-led

Every child is unique, and so is our therapy. Your child stands at the core of our therapeutic process.
Family-supported

We involve your family, as well as your child’s other therapists, at every step to ensure the most effective treatment approach.
Structured approach

Steady progress means steady effort. We work with you to create a plan that you can stick to so that your child can benefit the most.
Flexible attitude

We understand your family’s needs may change. We’re always willing to adjust, whether it’s your schedule or your child’s treatment plan.
Playful methods

We use a variety of fun activities to engage your child and give them such a good time, that their sessions will feel like playtime!
Serious progress

Your child’s treatment is founded on the latest research, our vast clinical experience, and your family's priorities.

Schedule an Evaluation

Our story

Therapy Central began with a simple desire...

To put families back at the heart of the therapeutic process.

As parents ourselves, we know how worrisome it can be when your child isn’t developing as quickly as his or her peers. We saw families who yearned for effective, compassionate pediatric therapy for their kids, yet struggled to access these services with their insurance benefits. We knew something needed to change—that quality therapy shouldn't be a privilege reserved for those with financial means, but accessible to all children who need it.

Moreover, we saw the need to create a powerful therapeutic partnership with parents. We understood that genuinely listening to families would allow us to co-create meaningful therapy goals that resonate deeply with a family’s priorities in the context of everyday life.

Whether you’ve already received a diagnosis, or you don’t know where to start, we’ll hold your hand every step of the way to make sure you receive the most effective therapies, services, and guidance to meet your child’s and your family’s needs.

We look forward to meeting you!

Yedida Teichman, MA CCC-SLP
Executive Director

Rita Schwartz, MA CCC-SLP
Clinical Coordinator

By the numbers

50+

collective years of experience among our staff
2650+

therapy sessions conducted each year
1000+

families served
11+

years serving families
95%

of parents reporting noticeable improvements in their child's communication and motor skills

Meet our your team

As part of your loving family, you've done an incredible job supporting your child. Now, it's time to introduce your newest allies — our lead therapists.

Stacy A. Collins, MS CCC-SLP

Speech-language pathologist. Specialist in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Committed educator.
+Read Bio
Stacy A. Collins, MS CCC/SLP, is a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist with an impressive track record spanning twenty-five years. As an ASHA-certified independent contractor, she has enriched the lives of young children aged 0-10 in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Stacy completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Eastern Illinois University, and her career has led her through a diverse range of settings, including pediatric rehabilitation centers, private schools, home and community-based early intervention, and private clinics. She's adept at delivering services individually, in small groups, and collaboratively within classroom environments.
In the past eight years, Stacy has immersed herself in the study of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), receiving direct training and completing numerous courses through Apraxia Kids. Her commitment to her craft extends to her role as a staff speech pathologist at the Phebe Anna Thorne Language Enrichment Preschool Program and her work in early intervention during the afternoons.
As a Hanen Certified SLP, Stacy has led impactful trainings for parents, childcare providers, and early childhood professionals. She focuses on early language and literacy development, teaching how to cultivate speech and motor skills through focused, repetitive daily routines, singing, rhyming, and book reading.
Stacy's passion lies in helping children and families communicate effectively, using a strengths-based perspective. Her enthusiasm and unique skill set make her an invaluable addition to the team at Therapy Central.
Contact Stacy
Katie Petronie, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech-language pathologist. Skilled in AAC. Lifelong learner. Nurturer of growth.
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Katie Petronie is a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist deeply committed to transforming young lives. Beginning her academic journey at Penn State, Katie dual-majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Spanish. She further honed her skills at the University of Pittsburgh with her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Over her years in clinical practice with children, Katie has developed expertise in diagnosing and treating early childhood language delays and disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, and pediatric feeding disorders. She also employs a total communication approach, including AAC, to support autistic children in their development.
A life-long learner, Katie has completed continuing education in key areas such as pediatric feeding disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and the implementation of AAC. Currently, she's pursuing an Autism SpectruContact Katiem Disorder Clinical Specialist certification from PESI, furthering her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of autistic children.
Off-duty, Katie finds joy in simple pleasures. She relishes quality time with her family in Pittsburgh, outdoor explorations, and the thrill of discovering new cities and countries. Much like her therapy approach, her life is a blend of passion, exploration, and continuous learning.
Contact Katie
Megan McCool M.S. CF-SLP

Speech-language pathologist. Skilled in AAC and early language development. Neurodiversity acceptance advocate. Experienced in motor speech disorders.
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Megan McCool earned her undergraduate degree from Temple University. Megan’s journey as a speech-language pathologist was inspired by her experience as a one on one in at the Talk School, which specializes in educating children with complex communication needs. She earned her master's degree in speech-language pathology from Widener University and
As an Early Intervention SLP, Megan provides compassionate care for infants and toddlers in Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Her experience equips her to include families in planning and intervention in our clinical setting.
Under the insightful mentorship of Laurie Sherman, M.A., CCC/SLP, Megan has honed her clinical skills in diagnosing and treating motor speech disorders. Her areas of interest encompass childhood apraxia of speech, mixed speech sound disorders, and early language development. By employing evidence-based techniques and caregiver coaching, Megan ensures her treatments are both effective and tailored to the individual child's needs.
With Megan, families find not only a skilled therapist but also a compassionate advocate dedicated to nurturing the unique voices of children.
Contact Megan
Leanne Wilson M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-language pathologist. Skilled in language development and articulation therapy. AAC advocate.
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Leanne Wilson received her B.S. at Clarion University of Pennsylvania and her M.S. at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
She fostered her love of music by completing a minor in music during her undergraduate program. Leanne brings joy into her speech language sessions by infusing music in language. Leanne also is certified in Head Injury and Concussion Management.
Leanne is experienced in early intervention, acute care, nursing homes, and public schools for ages K-12.
Leanne is passionate about helping children communicate, no matter the barriers, via AAC. Her love of AAC was sparked during her internship with Tobii Dynavox.
Outside of work, Leanne loves spending time with her cat Obi, listening to Taylor Swift, and playing board games.
Laurie Sherman, MA, CCC-SLP

Clinical Consultant. Speech-language pathologist. Fierce advocate. Voice enabler.
+Read Bio
A consultant to our Therapy Central clinicians, Laurie is more than a seasoned Speech Language Pathologist. She is an advocate, an ally, and someone deeply passionate about giving every child a voice.
Laurie embarked on her journey at West Chester University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders. She then earned her Master's in Speech Language Pathology from Temple University.
Over a decade of experience, Laurie's expertise spans the diagnosis and treatment of motor speech disorders. She specializes in helping autistic children unlock their speech, language, and social communication potential. Her rich experience originates from her extensive work in Early Intervention and clinical practice, where she's been instrumental in lighting the path for countless families.
When she's not championing for children's voices, Laurie recharges amidst the beauty of nature. An enthusiastic hiker and amateur gardener, she mirrors in her life what she values most in her work—the awe-inspiring beauty of growth and life.
Contact Laurie
Vicky Callahan

+Read Bio
Vicky is Therapy Central’s indispensable office administrator. Every family at Therapy Central begins their journey with a friendly and informative phone call to Vicky. When you arrive for your session each week, expect to be greeted with her warm smile. Vicky is passionate about making families feel comfortable, she delights in having a front seat to watching each child’s progress.