Team

Shelley Bernis, MA, CCC-SLP

Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist

I am a Louisiana native where I received my bachelors degree in Communication Disorders at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and my masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Louisiana Tech University. I consider myself an “Austinite” now as we have made Austin, TX our home since 2008. I have the following experience/training: Oral-Placement Therapy, DIR Floortime, SOS Approach to Feeding, Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk & More than Words, Lee-Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), Social Thinking Curriculum, and Lindamood Bell. I helped develop and run what is now called PEAK Speech Therapy program with DSACT and Speak Freely here in Austin, TX.

My passion lies with young adults pursuing their dreams of higher education and independence. I love supporting them in their journey. I feel that we are all life long learners and I want to do my part in helping them succeed at living an independent life. New speech patterns can still be taught at this age and new skills can still be learned.

I currently live in South Austin with my husband, 2 boys, and 2 dogs. We enjoy exploring the outdoors in and around our great city through hiking, climbing, and camping. In my free time, I enjoy creating art with macrame, gardening, and yoga.

Email me: shelley@empowertelespeech.com

Allegra Burke, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

My interest in Speech Language Pathology began while I was tutoring literacy as an Americorps volunteer in the public schools of Boston.  I saw firsthand how one on one work with students could have a major impact on their success in school.  It was then that I became passionate about helping students with learning differences achieve their academic goals.  Shortly after, I went on a US road trip and eventually settled in Texas.  I completed my Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Texas at Austin, with an emphasis in bilingual and culturally diverse populations. During my time at UT, I had the chance to work in the school’s speech clinic and stuttering lab, the bilingual lab, a skilled nursing facility, and in several public schools.  After graduation, I went on to work in both outpatient clinical and home health settings.  I have served both English and Spanish speaking clients of all ages and backgrounds.  I am certified in The Hanen Centre’s “More Than Words” program, and have training in the Social Thinking Curriculum.  I have also worked for several years with the Down Syndrome Association of Texas’ PEAK program here in Austin.  Some of my professional areas of interest include fluency, articulation and phonology, social/pragmatic communication, and parent education.

I currently live in Round Rock, Texas with my husband, daughter, son, and energetic border collie mix, Leo.  In my spare time I enjoy hiking with my family, yoga, documentaries, and cooking/inventing creative recipes.  My dream is to start a recipe blog for families with food allergies, and hopefully one day publish a cookbook.

Email me: allegra@empowertelespeech.com