meet our team
making a difference, one voice at a time
SHOLEH SHAHINFAR
Founder, Owner, M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT
Speech Language Pathologist
Certified Oral Motor Therapist
NLA and Gestalt Language Trained Therapist
Child Communication Specialist
A speech-language pathologist and certified oral motor therapist, Sholeh founded Valued Voices in 2014, shortly after a leap of faith landed her in a sought-after post- secondary teaching position in California. Within months she knew her highest calling was actually to make a significant positive impact on children’s lives.
As Founder and CEO of Valued Voices, Sholeh uses her gift in holistic Child Communication Development to empower children to connect to their authentic voice – helping them grow mentally and physically and form stronger relationships through self-expression. She works closely with entire families to ease the stress of the unknown and find and implement solutions to any communication challenges a child is experiencing.
Her desire to give children the tools to express their most authentic self was born out of her own childhood experiences with self-expression. While part of a close- knit, loving family, Sholeh still had difficulty speaking up and sharing her thoughts and feelings.
She learned through her studies and life experiences that you can express your “voice” through whatever modality fits your needs, whether that be speaking, gestures, a device, writing, art, or dance.
Sholeh has always prioritized family, and shortly before starting her speech and language therapy practice, she supported her cousin by attending her son’s speech therapy appointment with him. Through her participation at that one session, Sholeh realized that she longed to help children — and instantly decided to focus her expertise and ability to nurture on giving families the tools to grow together through connection.
A registered yoga teacher who’s also fluent in Farsi, Sholeh has an innate ability to create calm and promote mindfulness. When she’s not furthering her education outside of office hours, you can find her out in nature or at the beach with her pup Kobe.
Sholeh holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
Her practice is deeply rooted in the belief that we’re all connected. And that only through our connectedness can we reach and impact children to uplift their voices in the world.
ASHLEY TAYLOR
MSEd, CCC-SLP
Therapeutic Operations Director
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech Sound Specialist
Inside Out Sensory Certified SLP
Ashley has always had a love and passion for supporting others to reach their goals. Being given the opportunity to help others every day brings Ashley a tremendous amount of joy and excitement. Ashley received her Master’s degree in science from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. There she was able to work with a wide range of clients in helping them reach their goals.
Ashley enjoys customizing her therapy approach to fit each client. She has a passion for clients that use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and clients with Speech Sound Disorders. Ashley enjoys problem solving and adapting each therapy session to help her clients. She has a deep love for helping give others a voice! Ashley is a new mom and enjoys going to the beach, reading, and cooking.
TAYLOR LASKY
M.S. CCC-SLP
Clinical Director
Speech Language Pathologist
Early Intervention Specialist
As a speech-language pathologist, Taylor finds purpose in empowering her clients and their families. Taylor’s priority is to create an upbeat, welcoming, family-focused environment for clients to build confidence as they grow. Taylor holds a Master of Science degree from Chapman University and feels grateful to use the knowledge gained through her educational, clinical, and personal experiences to touch the lives of others daily.
With a passion for early intervention, Taylor loves to utilize the power of play to maximize communication and social development! She blends fun with functionality to design dynamic and purposeful sessions for each of her clients. Taylor believes that there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” approach to speech therapy, so she always strives to harness each client’s unique set of strengths and areas of interest.
On the weekends, you can find Taylor at the beach reading a book, on a long walk with her dog Sadie, at the gym trying a new workout, or in a coffee shop planning her next road trip.
SARAH GAUSEPHOL
M.S. CF-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Child Communication Specialist
Sarah attended the University of Southern California where she received her undergraduate degree in neuroscience. She then obtained her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders at Chapman University, where she was distinguished as one of the top students in her class and received the Outstanding Student Clinician Award.
Sarah enjoys working with both adult and pediatric populations. She customizes therapy for individuals by utilizing the client’s strengths and passions to target their goals. Sarah strives to create a fun, positive, and safe atmosphere which is crucial to maximizing progress.
In her spare time, you will find Sarah gardening, playing pickleball, cooking at home with her friends and family, or caring for her cat.
LEXY FARAG
M.S. CF-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Child Communication Specialist
Lexy received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Biola University, where she gained the foundational knowledge and experience that have shaped her into the clinician she is today.
She is passionate about building relationships with her clients and their families, and believes that a strong relationship is essential for progress. In her sessions, Lexy draws on the client’s strengths and interests, utilizes evidence-based therapy techniques, and creates a highly affirmative and positive environment. She hopes that every client leaves each session feeling valued and cherished.
In her free time, Lexy enjoys reading in coffee shops, spending time with friends, and going on walks.
NICOLE WARNICK
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Child Communication Specialist
Nicole received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Redlands and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from California Baptist University. There, she developed a love for working with the pediatric population where she is able to build lasting relationships with her patients and their families.
After doing a long rotation at the California School for the Deaf, she is passionate about the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, as well as Fluency, Speech Sound Disorders, and Social Language groups for kiddos of all ages. In her sessions, Nicole makes it a priority that her patients and their families walk out feeling confident, heard, and supported.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, and going camping.
AMANDA SHAUGER
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Child Communication Specialist
Amanda received her undergraduate degree in speech-language and hearing sciences from the University of Arizona and her Master of Science from Chapman University.
Amanda enjoys working both in school and private practice settings. She values the skills that can be developed at school and in the clinical setting. Amanda emphasizes the importance of child-led therapy, intrinsic motivation, and sensory processing needs. Her goal is to see her clients and families feel confident in their growing communication skills. Amanda strives to create a safe space to grow, educate, and have fun with her clients and their families.
On her off days, Amanda enjoys going to the beach, concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.
JANAE GUEVARA
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Child Communication Specialist
Janae’s passion for working with children has been the driving force behind her career. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University Fullerton. Recognizing that effective communication can profoundly impact an individual’s life, she furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree from California State University Chico.
Janae has previous experience working as a speech-language pathologist in the school setting. She has developed a deep appreciation for working with children with speech sound disorders. She enjoys using creative and interactive ways to help each child learn. Janae believes in making meaningful connections with her clients and including families in the therapy process to boost progress toward communication goals.
In her free time, Janae enjoys learning new skills, such as baking or sewing, and spending time with friends and family
