Staff Directory

Sheana Richardson, Au.D.

Executive Director

Dr. Sheana Richardson has been with Savannah Speech and Hearing Center since 2000 and is currently the Executive Director. She is a native of Savannah. Dr. Richardson completed her undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University and her Master’s Degree in Audiology at the University of Georgia. She received her Doctorate in Audiology through the University of Florida. Dr. Richardson has experience in the evaluation, diagnosis and rehabilitation of pediatric and adult hearing and disorders, including evaluation and fitting of hearing aids and cochlear implants. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. She is licensed to practice Audiology and dispense hearing aids by the Georgia State Board of Examiners. Dr. Richardson is married with 5 daughters. When she is not at work, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family.

Dvora Gottlieb, M.M.Sc., CCC-SLP

Program Director

Dvora is a speech-language pathologist, with 30 years’ experience, over half of them at our Center.  Because she has worked in several cities, in a variety of medical and educational settings, she has a wide range of clinical skills and works with both children and adults. She has special interests in the areas of autism and language disorders, childhood apraxia, accent modification, stuttering, parenting and literacy.  She coordinates the Speech Therapy Program at the Center, and sees clients in our Savannah office. Her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders is from Emory University and like all of our SLP’s, she holds the CCC credential of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. When she is not at work, Dvora is a painter, a mosaicist, a dog lover and a reader.

Michelle Lynes, M.Ed., CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Michelle is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years experience at our Center. She works primarily off site, at the prominent daycares and schools with which our Center arranges to provide services. She provides screenings, evaluations and therapies during and after the school, which really helps busy families. She coordinates schedules (acrobatically!), to avoid school conflicts and to work around special events. Michelle works with all types of communication needs, including articulation and apraxia, autism, other language delays and disorders, stuttering and voice. Her Master’s degree is from Armstrong Atlantic State University, and like all of our SLP’s she holds the CCC credential of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Catherine Nelson, M.S., CCC-SLP

Cathy is a speech-language pathologist with 40 years’ experience, and she joined our Center in 2015. She has worked with children in a number of cities, and settings. She evaluates and treats all types of speech and language delays and disorders, and offers special expertise in childhood apraxia and literacy. Cathy co-directed the Apraxia Clinic at Vanderbilt, and has developed an apraxia intervention system of her own. Cathy also has specific training to work with children who have hearing loss and cochlear implants. In addition to her work at our Center, Cathy is part of the supervisory staff at the RiteCare Clinic at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. Her Master’s degree is from Phillips University, Enid, OK and like all of our SLP’s she holds the CCC credential of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Heather Batchelor, MSP, CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Heather joined SSHC in 2020 after over 10 years of private practice as well as clinical experience in outpatient and hospital rehabilitation settings for both children and adults. She received her undergraduate degree from UGA and Masters in Speech Pathology from University of South Carolina. She has developed specific areas of interest and experience including autism, pragmatic and social language disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, and stuttering. She is licensed in the state of Georgia and is certified by ASHA. Heather now focuses on the pediatric population (0-21 years) with a belief in creating individualized treatment for each child, and in collaborating with therapists and educators on the team. She strives to develop a trusting relationship with families, providing each with education and training.

Abby Stephens, M.Ed., CF-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Abby is originally from Dublin, Georgia, and is proud to call Savannah her new home. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and went on to complete her Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Valdosta State University. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan in public schools, outpatient clinics, telehealth, and hospital settings. Abby is eager to apply her training by delivering individualized, evidence-based therapy. She looks forward to collaborating with families and other professionals to support each client’s unique communication goals and needs. In her free time, Abby enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

Kayleigh Miller, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Kayleigh is originally from Jonesville, South Carolina, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Columbia College in Columbia, SC. She gained early experience as an Early Intervention SLP-A in South Carolina before moving to Savannah to complete her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus. Kayleigh is passionate about working with clients across the lifespan to strengthen communication skills, as well as collaborating with other disciplines like PT and OT to support each client’s success. Her professional interests include voice disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and cognitive-communication disorders following brain injury or stroke. At SSHC, Kayleigh provides school-based services in the community, helping students meet their communication goals within the academic setting and fostering more effective, confident communication with peers. Outside of work, Kayleigh enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Honey!

Diamond Rashad, OTR/L

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Diamond Rashad is a Savannah native and an occupational therapist with eight years of experience in sensory integration, pediatric feeding therapy, lactation support, and working with children as well as adolescents with neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. She received her Master of Health Science in occupational therapy from Augusta University in 2016, and her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (specialty in pediatrics) from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2019. She is trained in DIR Floortime, Sequential Oral-Sensory to Feeding Approach and has taken several courses in CLASI Ayres Sensory Integration, and neurodiversity affirming approaches for autistic children and children with ADHD.  She enjoys spending time with family, traveling with loved ones, and spends time volunteering in perinatal/maternal mental health with Postpartum Support International as a local coordinator for the Savannah Area.

Heather (Wilkey) Woodberry, OTR/L

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Heather Wilkey is a Savannah native and has been working in the pediatric community with experience in neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders, sensory integration, and sensory feeding. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Milligan University December of 2021. She values her role and ability to watch a child make progress and appreciates being able to celebrate each victory. She is eager to grow and learn through continued research, collaborating with healthcare professionals, training courses, but mostly new experiences! She enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, walking her puppy, and taking the boat out for a cruise.

Callie Hegland, OTR/L

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Callie Hegland is a Savannah native who started her pediatric career in Atlanta in 2020. Callie has experience working with children and adolescents experiencing sensory processing disorders, developmental disorders, and neuromuscular disorders. She has served children in their home environment, community settings, and in the outpatient clinic setting. Callie received her Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University in May 2020. Callie and her husband, Josh, are expecting a baby boy in early summer of 2025. In her free time, Callie enjoys traveling, cooking, and being on the water. She is an active volunteer with Hope Heals ministry. 

Jennifer Jones PT, DPT, PCS

Pediatric Physical Therapist and Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist

Dr. Jones obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University and has spent the past 7 years as a pediatric physical therapist working at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where she was a primary therapist in Neuromuscular Clinic and a Clinical Evaluator for the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy trials. She has earned her Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist designation and is experienced in acute and inpatient rehabilitation. Dr. Jones is very passionate about working with the Neuromuscular population and has had the opportunity to assist with teaching at local physical therapy schools and through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She also enjoys working with developmental, orthopedic, oncology, and post-concussion diagnoses. Dr. Jones is now accepting clients at our Savannah center.

Kiersten Boone

Rehabilitation Billing Specialist

Kiersten began as our Rehabilitation Scheduler and Referral Specialist in 2019, managing the busy schedules of multiple therapists deftly and always with a smile. She took over responsibilities as our Rehabilitation Billing Specialist in 2024.

Caradwyn Turner

Rehabilitation Referral Coordinator/Scheduler

Caradwyn is originally from California. She moved to Georgia in 2018 to be closer to family. She is mom to two Pit bulls who she considers her children. She is a lover of books and will not hesitate to tell you all about her latest read.  Reach out to Cara to schedule speech therapy, pediatric occupational or physical therapy appointments. For more information or to schedule a Rehab appointment, call (912) 355-4601, (912) 214-3156 for Spanish or email Cara through the link below.

Caroline Zuck, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

Caroline Zuck has been with Savannah Speech and Hearing Center since 2007. Dr. Zuck grew up in Savannah and attended the University of Georgia. At UGA, she obtained her undergraduate degree then went on to the University of Florida to obtain her doctorate degree in Audiology. Dr. Zuck enjoys seeing patients of all age levels. She has experience with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing conservation. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Dr. Zuck is licensed to practice Audiology and dispense hearing aids by the Georgia State Board of Examiners. While not at work, Dr. Zuck spends time with her husband and three children. She and her family stay busy enjoying all Savannah has to offer.

Maddie Schmidt, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

A native of Medina, Ohio, Maddie Schmidt graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Bowling Green State University in 2018. She received her Doctorate of Audiology from Ohio University in early 2022, joining the audiology team at Savannah Speech & Hearing soon after. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her kitties, Ziva and Jelly Bean, exploring downtown Savannah, enjoying our amazing southern food, and spending time at the beach with family and friends.

LeighAnn Burke, BC-HIS

Hearing Aid Dispenser

Leigh Ann Burke is our Hearing Aid Dispenser and has been with Savannah Speech and Hearing Center since 2012. She was born and raised in Savannah graduating from St. Vincent’s Academy and Georgia Southern University, becoming a Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser in the State of Georgia in 1999 and gaining Board Certification in 2003. She is a member of the International Hearing Society and The National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Leigh Ann is married with one daughter. She is very active at her Church and her daughter’s school. She also enjoys reading, the beach and St. Patrick’s Day.

Lauren Alvarado

Audiology Assistant

Lauren Alvarado joined Savannah Speech and Hearing Center in 2014. With her years here, combined with her prior experience, she now has a total of over fifteen years working with hearing aids and in the hearing health community. She is originally from Jacksonville, Florida, but has lived in Savannah since 2008. Lauren is mother of two boys and also a lover of coffee, traveling, music, and sunflowers.

Abi Griffin

Audiology Scheduler

Abi graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus in 2022. She is also an alumni of the Savannah Memorial Day School, graduating in 2018 as the Valedictorian of her class. Abi was eager to work with our Center to set a foot forward in her field of study, and add to her practical education and experience.

Carrie Lancaster

Bookkeeper/Biller

Carrie is a Georgia native who moved to Savannah in 1987. With over 35 years accounting experience, Carrie joined our Center in 2019, serving as our bookkeeper and biller.

Jamie Mott

Clinical Administrative Assistant

Jamie is a Savannah native who studied at Georgia College and Armstrong Atlantic University. She manages our Rehabilitation accounts and offers support as needed to our Rehabilitation Scheduler. Jamie also kindly arranges all birthday celebrations here at the Center. She is a cat lover, a protector and savior of all animals, insects, arachnids, and more.

Mallory King, M.A

Teacher of the Deaf

Mallory King is a Savannah native and has been with Savannah Speech and Hearing Center since 2016. She attended Georgia College and State University, where she received her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She returned to GSU to obtain a post-baccalaureate certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She then received her Master of Art in teaching with an emphasis on Deaf Education from Valdosta State University. She has been with the Sound Start program now for over 8 years and specially trained to work with deaf and hard of hearing students in a classroom setting. Mallory loves working with the children and families of the Sound Start program, guiding and assisting them on their journey to use and understand spoken language.

Ashlee Sitzler

Sound Start Teachers Assistant

Ashlee is originally from Huntsville, Alabama and has now lived in the Savannah area for over 6 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Development from the University of Arizona. Not only does Ashlee have a passion for children and a commitment to help them on their speech and language journey but she herself is a mother of two little girls, both profoundly deaf. Her oldest child graduated from Sound Start and was able to enter directly into a mainstream pre-school, and her youngest is currently enrolled in the program. Ashlee understands firsthand all that it takes to raise a child that is deaf or hard of hearing well, enabling them to learn to speak and understand sound in our hearing world. She has true compassion, love, and understanding for the children and their families. 

Jenna Harcher

Outreach Coordinator

Jenna began volunteering with Savannah Speech & Hearing in 2013 and was overjoyed to come on board as Outreach Coordinator in the summer of 2021. She is the host of the “Speak Easy” stroke and TBI Survivors’ Support Group here at the Center on Friday mornings and she orchestrates our community hearing screenings, providing free hearing screenings for nearly 10,000 school children every year. Jenna is a Charleston native and former resident of New Orleans who finds Savannah to be just right. She is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, a longtime practitioner of yoga, and is happily married with two beautiful pups.