Our Approach
We believe children learn through play and aim to make therapy effective yet fun. Your child's progress is our main priority and we know that means involving you every step of the way. We embrace neurodiversity and know that every child has unique strengths and gifts. It takes a village to raise a child and we are honored to be part of yours.
Our Story
Hillary and Alicia met while working in the school system many years ago. They heard countless stories from families who were desperately looking for outside therapy only to be put on miles-long wait lists while precious time was being wasted. They decided to do something about that and open Lighthouse. They reached out to knowledgable coworkers and friends to enhance the services that Lighthouse provides and have developed quite a team!
Meet our Team!
Owners
Hillary Chisholm Hutchins, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner & SLP
Hillary is an ASHA certified Speech Language Pathologist. She graduated from Florida State University and the University of South Florida. She has been a speech language pathologist for 16 years in both the school system and private settings. Hillary specializes in early intervention, receptive and expressive language disorders, and phonological/articulation disorders. She lives in St. Petersburg with her husband and two sons.
Alicia Capen, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner & SLP
Alicia graduated from UF and USF. She was a speech pathologist in the school system for 23 years before transitioning to Lighthouse full time in 2021. Alicia specializes in early intervention, autism spectrum disorders, speech sound disorders, and language impairment. Alicia lives in St. Petersburg and is a mom to three sons. She loves watching Rowdies soccer and the Florida Gators!
Thoughtful Therapists
Emily Dvorak, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily received her undergraduate degree from Tulane University and her Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. She has worked with the pediatric population within the school system and private practice since 2019. Emily specializes in early intervention, language impairment, speech sound disorders, and augmentative alternative communication (AAC).
Jordan Papajeski, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Jordan Papajeski graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2012 with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has a passion for working with the pediatric population and has been trained in sensory integration, primitive reflexes, Handwriting without Tears, visual-motor deficits, VRT (vestibular rehabilitation therapy), The Listening Program, kinesiology for rock taping, and more. A lifelong learner, Jordan has also recently become certified in introductory level A for DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) therapy. She is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). In her spare time, Jordan enjoys reading, gardening, going to the beach and exploring new places with her husband and two children.
Staci Hogan, M.Ed., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Staci graduated from Eastern Michigan University and Oakland University (also in Michigan). She has twenty-five years of experience working with children ranging in age from 3 to 26 with mild, moderate or severe physical/ cognitive disabilities. Staci is a life long learner and enjoys working collaboratively with other disciplines. Staci lives in St. Petersburg with her husband and two sons.
Jena Maronie, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Jena graduated from UF and Mount Mary University and has over 25 years of experience working with the pediatric population in schools and clinic settings. Jena’s doctoral capstone focused on trauma and sensory processing, which is a passion of hers. She been trained in Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI), Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT), Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Model (DIR Floortime), Brain and Sensory Foundations, Foundations for Clinical Neuroplasticity, S’cool Moves, Bal A Vis X, and Brain Gym, and uses this knowledge to support children as well as adults who care for children. Jena has lived and worked in the St. Petersburg for 25 years with her husband and two daughters..
Erin West, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist/Feeding Specialist
Erin is a certified speech language pathologist specializing in pediatric feeding disorders. She comes to us with a background in infant feeding difficulties, oral dysphagia, and sensory feeding/picky eating and utilizes a child-led, whole-systems treatment approach. Erin is passionate about improving the quality of family mealtimes and educating caregivers on how to help their cautious eaters feel more confident at the dinner table.
Rachel Hudson MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Rachel graduated with her Master's degree from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. She has been a pediatric occupational therapist for over seven years and has been trained in Therapeutic Listening, interoception, Trauma-Informed Care, Learning Without Tears, Size Matters Handwriting, ASD Clinical Specialist, DIRFloortime, Executive Functioning, and Sensory Processing.
Bailey Hoch MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Bailey graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Prior to becoming an OT, Bailey worked as an elementary school teacher. She is passionate about promoting independent functioning, child development, sensory regulation, and social-emotional skills through play and exploration! When Bailey is not playing with kiddos she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her dogs, and reading. Bailey lives in St. Petersburg with her husband and two fur-babies.
Terrific Tutors
Katherine Goodloe
Math Specialist
Katherine is an FSU graduate and has worked in Pinellas County Schools as an elementary mathematics teacher and math coach for the last 20+ years. Katherine is able to remediate math deficits, enrich math skills, and help parents learn the "new" way of teaching math. Katherine is married with two sons.
Dana Cosper
Reading Specialist and Barton Tutor
Dana joins us from Pinellas County Schools where she was a Reading Interventionist working with elementary students 1:1 and in small groups. As an interventionist, she received specialized training through the district’s innovative initiative to accelerate literacy achievement. Dana is a certified teacher in Elementary Education K-6 and is Reading endorsed K-12. Dana specializes in connecting with each student and family and conducting and analyzing assessments to identify learning gaps and provide individualized, intensive intervention. She loves celebrating with her readers as they grow their skills and confidence!
Dana lives in St. Petersburg and with her husband and son.
Julie Jones
Academic Tutor
Julie is a former reading coach and current assistant principal for Pinellas County Schools.
Melissa Shible
Academic Tutor
Melissa is a St. Petersburg native who works as an exceptional education teacher in Pinellas County Schools. She is an avid Gator fan and enjoys hanging out with her family. Melissa is married and has a son and daughter.
Donna Logan
Reading Tutor
Donna is a graduate of USF School of Education with a focus in Early Childhood Education. Donna has worked in Pinellas County Schools for 20+ years as both a classroom teacher and a Reading Specialist. She is able to troubleshoot and remediate early reading difficulties by helping younger students improve pre- requisite reading skills, such as letter recognition and phonemic awareness. For early readers, Donna can analyze a child's strengths and weaknesses and provide specific strategies for parents to use when reading with them at home. Donna can also help parents learn how to choose a "just right" book for their child's reading ability level.
Leah Burkett
Academic Tutor
Sharon Weber
Academic Tutor
Sharon is currently a reading interventionist for Pinellas County Schools.
Spectacular Specialists
Shannon Johansen
School Psychologist
Shannon is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) and licensed in the state of Florida. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eckerd College and her Master of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees in School Psychology from the University of South Florida. Shannon has worked as a School Psychologist for Pinellas County Schools for over 15 years. She has experience working with individuals with cognitive and developmental delays, autism, specific learning disabilities, giftedness and other varying exceptionalities from pre-kindergarten through college. Shannon is available to conduct psychoeducational evaluations to determine educational needs, learning characteristics, and behavioral needs relevant to educational planning. Shannon resides in St. Petersburg with her husband and two children.
Katrina Chisholm
Clinical and Educational Audiologist
Katrina has served for over 31 years as an Educational and Pediatric Audiologist for Pinellas County Schools. Her passion for over 40 years as a Clinical and Educational Audiologist leads to a deep understanding of hearing loss and its impact on the development of speech, language, education and social skills. Katrina lives in St. Petersburg with her husband. She has two daughers and four grandchildren.