Meet the Team
Alexandra Sorce, M.S., CCC-SLP
Co-founder, Speech-Language Pathologist
Alexandra is a New Jersey licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and the co-founder of Little Sprouts Pediatric Therapy LLC. She is a nationally certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, holding her Certificate of Clinical Competence. Alexandra graduated from Sacred Heart University with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She completed her undergraduate education in Health Science and Communication Disorders at Stockton University, and she also holds a Teaching Certificate for Elementary English Language Arts through the State of New Jersey Education Department.
Alexandra has had the opportunity to work in various settings, including Early Intervention, Pre-School, Elementary, and Middle school settings, as well as pediatric private practice. She specializes in providing evaluations and therapeutic intervention for a variety of disorders, including articulation and phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorder, gestalt language processing, feeding and swallowing disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, auditory processing disorder, attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, visual impairments, and developmental disabilities.
Alexandra is passionate about child-led therapy and meeting her clients at their level. She loves incorporating play, music, art, and sensory activities into her therapy sessions to keep children engaged and help them learn. She believes one of the greatest blessings of being an SLP is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
In her free time, she enjoys serving on her church’s worship team, spending time at the beach, hunting for sea glass, traveling with her husband, and visiting new coffee shops.
Advanced Trainings & Certifications:
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)
DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing)
ReST (Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment)
TOTS (Tethered Oral Tissues)
Dr. Kay Toomey’s SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) Approach to Feeding
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes
NLA (Natural Language Acquisition)
Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding
BLS/CPR Certified
Co-founder, Speech-Language Pathologist
Christina Shannon, M.S., CCC-SLP
Christina is a New Jersey licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and the co-founder of Little Sprouts Pediatric Therapy LLC. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Christina received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and continued her studies there to later receive a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2020.
Throughout her professional career, Christina has worked with a diverse population. Her clinical experiences consist of providing services to individuals and evaluating and treating a variety of disorders, including articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorder, feeding and swallowing disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, hearing impairments, attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Down syndrome. While in her graduate program, Christina led support/social groups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, children and young adults with hearing impairments, and children and young adults with Down syndrome.
Christina has had the opportunity to provide services in daycares, schools, private practice, and teletherapy settings. Her passion for the private practice setting has continued to grow over the years, which led her to establish Little Sprouts Pediatric Therapy LLC. She enjoys collaborating with other professionals and building relationships with families to provide the best possible therapy for each child. Christina believes that caregivers are a vital part of the team, and she provides strategies and activities to facilitate speech and language development in the home for carryover. Christina values the child-led therapy approach in order to provide a fun and motivating environment for children while targeting their goals and objectives.
In her free time, Christina enjoys riding her Peloton bike and traveling with her fiance and Bernese Mountain Dog, Theo.
Advanced Trainings & Certifications:
Dr. Kay Toomey’s Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
TalkTools Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs)
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)
DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing)
Gestalt Language Processing
Experience working with AAC programs such as Proloquo2Go, GoTalk Now, TouchChat, Picture Exchanges System (PECS), and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
BLS/CPR Certified
Ashley Ayrer, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ashley is a New Jersey licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, as well as a nationally certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, holding her Certificate of Clinical Competence. Ashley graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Stockton University and completed her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders with Nova Southeastern University.
Ashley has over 10 years experience as an SLP and has had the opportunity to work in various settings including Early Intervention (in-home), Private Practice, Preschools, Daycares, Play Groups, Elementary Schools. She has also spent time treating the adult community, servicing Skilled Nursing Facilities and Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. She specializes in early language development, after falling in love with this age group! Ashley has experience evaluating and treating various disorders including articulation, receptive and expressive language delays, fluency disorders, Autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactive disorder, Down syndrome and developmental disabilities.
Ashley has experience working within homes of families of many different ethnicities, religions and backgrounds, including multilingual households. Her passion for child-led therapy includes teacher and family involvement, as she strongly believes speech and language abilities develop best when everyone is supportive of the child’s needs. Ashley enjoys playing various activities during sessions, providing a simple work aspect in order to see children thrive in therapy while targeting their goals.
Ashley is a mother to a child with non-speaking autism, who uses an AAC device to communicate with others. She believes every child deserves a voice and the utmost respect, no matter what. In her free time, Ashley enjoys learning new ways to improve her child’s life, spending time with her family and going to the gym.
Advanced Trainings & Certifications:
Early Intervention State Certified
Experience with AbleNet to obtain AAC devices
Extensive experience working with AAC programs, including Proloquo2Go and TouchChat
Danielle Fallon-O’Leary, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Danielle is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who brings creativity, compassion, and a strong family-centered approach to every session. She is a nationally certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, holding her Certificate of Clinical Competence. Danielle graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. She completed her undergraduate education at New York University as well, where she majored in Communicative Sciences and a minor in Psychology.
Danielle has extensive experience working with children, supporting a wide range of needs including speech sound disorders, language delays, fluency, feeding, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Danielle is passionate about making therapy engaging, meaningful, and functional, while empowering caregivers through education and collaboration. Danielle has worked across private practice, preschool, school-based, and tele-health settings, and is trained in approaches such as Gestalt Language Processing/Natural Language Acquisition, PROMPT, DTTC, Sensory-Motor Feeding Approach and multiple AAC systems.
Danielle is known for her warm personality and ability to connect with both children and families. She strives to help each child build confidence and find their voice. Outside of therapy, she enjoys blending her creative background in writing and content creation, as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Advanced Trainings & Certifications:
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)
DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing)
Meaningful Speech Gestalt Language Processing/Natural Language Acquisition
Experience working with AAC programs such as Proloquo2Go, GoTalk Now, TouchChat, Picture Exchanges System (PECS), and TobiiDynavox/Snap + Core
Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding
Celeste DeRose, M.S., CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Celeste is a warm, enthusiastic Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to every child she works with. Celeste graduated from Stockton University with a master’s degree in Communication Disorders. She completed her undergraduate education at Stockton University as well, where she majored in Pre-Communication Disorders and Childhood Studies. Celeste has completed advanced coursework in diagnostic methods, neurological bases of communication, dysphagia, AAC, and medical speech pathology.
Celeste has experience working with both children and adults across a variety of clinical environments, including preschool and elementary schools, private practice, inpatient acute care at Virtua Memorial Hospital. Celeste gained hands-on experience treating a variety of communication disorders, including providing telehealth. She brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to therapy and values building strong connections with her clients and their families. She is trained in MBSImP, TouchChat with WordPower, and holds current BLS/CPR certification.
Celeste has a special passion for early intervention and loves helping young children build strong communication skills during their earliest stages of development. She enjoys creating playful, engaging sessions that feel natural and fun while supporting language growth through everyday routines and interactions. Celeste values partnering closely with families and believes that empowering caregivers is key to helping children thrive beyond the therapy session. Her nurturing personality and positive energy help children feel comfortable, confident, and excited to communicate. Celeste completed her clinical training in both pediatric and medical settings, giving her a well-rounded perspective and strong foundation in assessment and treatment.
Advanced Trainings & Certifications:
MBSImP (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile)
Experience working with AAC programs such as TouchChat with WordPower
BLS/CPR Certified
Jenna Pagano, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jenna is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who is passionate about helping children build confidence and communication skills through engaging, individualized therapy. She earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Bloomsburg University and completed her undergraduate education at Pennsylvania State University, where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies.
Jenna has experience working with children across early intervention, school-based, and clinical settings, supporting a variety of communication needs including language delays, autism spectrum disorder, articulation, fluency, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She has extensive experience providing therapy in homes, daycares, and schools, while collaborating closely with families and interdisciplinary teams to help children meet their individualized goals. Jenna is especially passionate about early language development and creating functional, play-based therapy experiences that support communication within daily routines.
Jenna is known for her caring personality, strong work ethic, and ability to build meaningful connections with both children and their families. She strives to make every child feel supported, motivated, and successful throughout their therapy journey. Outside of therapy, Jenna enjoys spending time at the Jersey Shore, being with family and friends, and staying active in her community.
Advanced Trainings & Certifications:
Early Intervention State Certified
Experience working with AAC programs including High & Low tech devices
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristen is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who is deeply committed to helping children build strong, confident communication skills. Kristen earned her Bachelors of Arts in Family Science Human Development from Montclair State University, and her Masters of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from Monmouth University. She believes therapy works best when it is collaborative, relationship-based, and tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs. Kristen values partnering closely with families and educators to ensure progress carries over beyond the therapy room and into everyday life.
Kristen has experience working with children across preschool and school-age settings, as well as in private practice. She supports a wide range of communication needs, including speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, social communication challenges, fluency, and Autism Spectrum disorder. She has also provided services through both in-person sessions and teletherapy, allowing her to meet families wherever they are.
Kristen is passionate about creating engaging, individualized treatment plans that are evidence-based and meaningful. She enjoys collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and believes in taking a holistic approach to help each child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Her goal is to help every child feel heard, capable, and proud of their communication growth!
Kristen Kerrigan, M.S. Ed., CCC-SLP
Advanced Trainings & Certifications:
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)
New Jersey Speech Language Specialist Certification
California Teaching Credentialing Certificate of Clearance
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certified
Advanced Literacy Training
MOCA Cognitive Assessment Certification
CITI Program Certified Social and Behavioral Research
MBSImP (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile) Student Certification
