Meet The Team
Speech and Language Pathologist and Owner of We Need to Talk and More! LLC
MAlia vigil,m.s.,ccc-slp
Malia is a Native New Mexican with over 25 years experience. Malia received her BA in Communication Disorders and MS in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of New Mexico. She holds a current Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), State of New Mexico license with the Regulation and Licensing Board, is a certified TouchChat trainer and holds a Level III license from the Public Education Department (PED). Malia has worked extensively with both pediatric and special needs adult populations in a variety of settings including; a public school setting, adult home health, 12 years as part of the Albuquerque Public School Assistive Technology Unit, DD Waiver provider, home based service for medically fragile children, a charter school for students who are deaf and hard of hearing in addition to private practice. She is experienced in the assessment and treatment of a variety of communication disorders and cognitive disabilities. These include working with individuals with hearing loss, complex communication needs, augmentative and alternative communication, feeding and swallowing.
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In her free time Malia loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, playing golf, and knitting
Occupational Therapist
cara heckler, motr/l
Cara Heckler MOTR/L graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2014 with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and in 2017 with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Cara completed extensive field work in pediatrics in the school setting, early intervention with Abrazos Family Support Services. She has traveled to Idaho and returned home to New Mexico to work in outpatient pediatrics and early intervention. She is interested in advancing her skills in neurological development and becoming certified in primitive reflexes. Cara has had extensive experience with children prior to becoming an occupational therapist. She has taught swimming, worked with the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department and had many volunteer hours in a developmental preschool program.
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Cara is the mom of two young boys and a dog lover! As a family, they enjoy staying busy and going to places like the zoo, Bosque, Jungle Jam, or even just the park! If she is not having fun out with her family, then she is busy playing and cuddling with them at home. In her leisure time Cara enjoys reading, drawing, exploring the outdoors, riding her bike, watching funny shows or movies, and playing games.
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Cara says, “I love working with children and families and getting the opportunity to be a service is a huge honor.”
Occupational Therapist
Nancy rawcliffe, motr/l, hpcs, c/ndt
Nancy is a New Mexico registered and licensed occupational therapist with 17 years of experience treating pediatric clients. She is Board Certified by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy and is a member of the New Mexico Occupational Therapy Association. Nancy received her BA in Psychology in 2002 and Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of New Mexico in 2005. She became certified in the management and treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy and other Neuromotor disorders in 2014 by the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association. Nancy works exclusively with children (0-21 years of age). She is experienced in the assessment and treatment of children with a wide range of neuro-motor, sensory-motor, or cognitive differences.
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Nancy loves spending time with her husband, horse, dogs, goats, and chickens at their rural NM home.
Speech and Language Pathologist
cynthia Cadman, ms ccc-slp
Cynthia received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Eastern New Mexico University in 1992, B.S. in Communication Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University in 1996 and M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University in 2000. Cynthia has worked with children with visual impairments, developmental delays, autism, articulation disorders and language disorders. She enjoys co-treating with social workers to work on social language skills. She also loves to co-treat with occupational therapists to work on positioning, sensory, and oral motor skills.
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Cynthia is married with 4 children, and 2 grand children. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and journaling. Cynthia loves to travel and loves spending time with family and friends. Her HAPPY PLACE includes a porch, a cold drink, and a good book!
Occupational Therapist
Sarah Girard, OTr/l
Sarah graduated from Texas Tech University in 1996. Sarah has worked in a variety of setting that include: inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, hippotherapy, acute care, skilled nursing, schools, pediatric clinics and home health. Sarah has in interest in working with children and adults with autism, neurological conditions, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, sensory processing disorders, trauma, and developmental disorders. She holds a certificate in sensory integration. Sarah says "I love working in collaboration with families".
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In her spare time Sarah enjoys dance and hiking.
Speech and Language Pathalogist
monica jordan, m.s., ccc-slp
Monica grew up in Albuquerque, NM and graduated with her Bachelors and Masters in Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. Monica has worked as a speech-language pathologist since 2013, working at schools that serve the deaf/hard-of-hearing population using American Sign Language. She also has extensive experience doing home-based therapy with children and adults with a variety of communication disorders. Her professional interests include deaf/hard-of-hearing communication, articulation disorders, and early intervention.
In her spare time, Monica loves playing with her kids, cooking, drawing, painting, gardening, hiking, reading, and perusing garage sales and antique stores.
Occupational Therapist
carolyn pagano m.s., otr/l
Carolyn received her degree from Springfield College, Springfield MA in 1997. Since that time she has worked with pediatrics in early intervention, outpatient rehabilitation, schools and home health. Carolyn knows English, basic Spanish, French and American Sign language. Other areas of professional interest are Craniosacral therapy and taping.
In her free time Carolyn enjoys swimming, gardening, animal rescue, travel, and spending time with her family that includes 6 grandchildren.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Victoria Cordova, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Victoria is a New Mexico native. She graduated with her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of New Mexico in 2021. Victoria chose the private practice setting after experiencing a variety of settings saying, “It has her heart.” Victoria enjoys working with children and adults with a variety of communication and feeding disorders.
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In her leisure time Victoria enjoys spending time with family, trying new restaurants, being active in her church and getting outdoors.
Speech and Language Pathologist
monica zellner,ms,ccc-slp
Monica received her master’s degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in May of 1998.
She has worked in outpatient clinics, private practice, home health care and schools. Monica enjoys working with children and adults with a variety of communication disorders. She has worked with the deaf and hard of hearing using ASL.
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In her leisure time Monica is involved in her church, enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Speech and Language Pathologist
ronit mandelkern, m.s.,ccc-slp
Roni grew up in Connecticut and has lived in New Mexico since 2021, when she began her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of New Mexico. She has experience supporting a wide range of individuals, from preschool-aged children to adults with intellectual disabilities.
Roni is passionate about helping others find their voice through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), improving speech clarity, and building confidence through child-led play. She currently works part-time at We Need to Talk and More with children, and part-time on New Mexico’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver program with adults.
Outside of work, Roni enjoys dancing, climbing, and adventuring. She is grateful for the opportunity to help others communicate and looks forward to working collaboratively with your family.
Speech and Language Pathologist
abigail (Abby) bamberg, ms., ccc-slp
Abby received her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of New Mexico. She currently holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and a State of New Mexico license with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Board. After gaining experience in a variety of settings, from preschools to the inpatient adult medical setting, Abby has found her passion in private practice. She enjoys being able to provide services that are specialized for each child and their families. Abby worked in various childcare positions before she became an SLP, so she always knew that a career with children was where she would end up. Abby currently works primarily with children who have speech-sound disorders, language disorders, developmental delays, and autism, as well as children who communicate using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
In her free time, Abby enjoys traveling, archery, spending time with friends and family, being involved in her church, and being an auntie.
Occupational Therapist
vanessa ochs, mot, otr/l
Vanessa received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish at the University of New Mexico in 2012. Vanessa later on went to get her Masters of Occupational Therapy from UNM also in 2014. Vanessa has worked in acute inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, assisted living and outpatient pediatrics. She has certifications in astronaut training and plans to become certified in sensory integration and increase her knowledge in primitive reflexes and vision.
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I love working with children and their families in order to foster their development and independence in self-care and play activities. Vanessa is also bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish, "I have a special place in my heart for working with Spanish speaking families"
Speech-Language and Feeding Therapist
Jessica Salgado, ms., ccc-slp
Jessica earned her Bachelors degree from ASU. She then spent several years in the workforce before finding her ideal field of study, which led to a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UNM. She enjoys working with children to improve their communication and has an interest in pediatric feeding.
When not practicing speech-language pathology, Jessica loves spending time with her two daughters, looking for the best take-out, and taking in those beautiful New Mexico sunsets.
Speech and Language Pathologist
linda byrne, ms., ccc-slp
Linda is a New Mexico native. She graduated with her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of New Mexico in 2006. Linda has worked in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, public schools, and both private and non-profit clinic settings. Linda enjoys working with children with a variety of communication disorders including articulation, expressive/receptive language disorders, social/pragmatic language delays, and AAC.
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In her leisure time Linda enjoys spending time in her garden, running, bicycling,
or spending time with family and her dogs.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Jessica Hogan, MS., CF-SLP
Jessica is a Native New Mexican who was born and raised in Santa Fe. Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences in 2020 from Eastern New Mexico University and her Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Emerson College in 2025. Jessica has worked with pediatric and adult populations across a variety of settings includingthe public schools, private practice, and skilled nursing. She enjoys working with children to help improve their communication skills and has an interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
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In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her two daughters, husband and animals (three dogs, turtle and bearded dragon!), reading, sewing, being outdoors and traveling.
Speech and Language Pathologist
Laura Benitez M.S., CCC-SLP
​Laura is a bilingual speech-language pathologist at We Need to Talk & More. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University and University of New Mexico. Her sessions focus on each client's needs, with books, music, and child-led play used to keep kids engaged. While she mostly works with toddlers and young children, she loves working with teenagers and runs a teen social skills group!
Speech and Language Pathologist
Arianna Lovato, M.A., CCC-SLP
Arianna Lovato is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for supporting children and families through individualized, compassionate care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders (2018) and her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (2020) from New Mexico State University.
Arianna has extensive experience working in school-based and pediatric settings, supporting children with a wide range of needs, including developmental delays, speech sound disorders, autism, intellectual disabilities, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Her special interests include working with children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
As a fluent American Sign Language (ASL) communicator, Arianna brings a deep respect for and understanding of Deaf culture into her clinical practice, ensuring accessible and inclusive therapy for every child. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the movies, indoor bouldering, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Occupational Therapist
Virginia Lee carroll, ms, OTR/l
Gina is a licensed Occupational Therapist with over two decades of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across a wide range of clinical and educational settings. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University in the city of New York in February 2000. Gina has worked in pediatric clinics, early intervention programs, schools, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, as well as psychiatric outpatient clinics for children and adolescents. Her professional interests include supporting individuals with learning differences and neurodiversity, including ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, and mental health needs. Gina has also completed training in the Therapeutic Listening Program.
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Gina is fluent in English, Spanish, and Swedish, allowing her to connect with families from diverse backgrounds. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking, biking, reading, and watching mysteries, comedies, and independent and international films. She also has a strong interest in anthropology and loves spending time at cafes with family and friends.
Office Administrator
Vanessa Dominguez
I am the Office Administrator for our practice and play a key role in supporting both our clients and team members. I am often the first point of contact and strive to create a welcoming, organized, and supportive experience from the very first interaction. My responsibilities include managing scheduling, communication with clients, handling administrative tasks, and helping ensure the office runs smoothly on a daily basis.
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I take pride in being detailed oriented, dependable, and approachable, and I work hard to make sure clients feel comfortable and informed throughout their experience with us. I also support our providers by assisting with coordination, organization, and behind the scenes operations so they can provide quality care.
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I value clear communication, efficiency, and compassion in my work. I am committed to maintaining a positive and professional environment for everyone who walks through our doors or reaches out to our office.
Office Assistant
Jenny hollis
Jenny is an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) student who is nearing the completion of her program and expects to graduate in August. She has a strong passion for working with diverse populations, with particular professional interests in pediatrics, DD waiver services, autism, and dementia care. Jenny is dedicated to supporting individuals in building functional skills that promote independence and improve quality of life. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys swimming, spending time with her cats, studying to further her knowledge in the field, and relaxing through cooking and baking. Her caring nature and commitment to continued learning reflect her enthusiasm for providing compassionate and effective services.
Office Assistant
Anna Richardson
Anna is a senior at La Cueva with a strong interest in financial planning and analysis. She is passionate about understanding how financial strategies can support long term stability and informed decision making. Fluent in English, Anna brings a thoughtful and well rounded perspective shaped by both her academic interests and personal hobbies. Outside of school, she enjoys playing concert piano, reading, hiking, and skiing these activities reflect her discipline, creativity, and appreciation for balance and personal growth.
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3311 Candelaria Rd NE Suite E, Albuquerque NM 87107
Office: (505) 200-9952
