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).
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..
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.
Veronica Trunk, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Brooke Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Brooke Barnes is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for helping children
find their voice and reach their fullest potential. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment
of speech sound disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), autism
spectrum disorder, and pediatric feeding disorders.
Brooke earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of South
Florida and has gained extensive clinical experience across schools, private practices, and
multidisciplinary therapy settings. She is dedicated to creating individualized, play-based, and
family-centered therapy plans to support each child’s unique needs.
Brooke is excited to be moving back “home” to Florida and joining the team to continue
providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children and families in her new community.
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, B.A., M.Div.
Dyslexia Specialist
Dana provides evidence-based intervention for students diagnosed with dyslexia. She uses the Barton Reading and Spelling System, an Orton Gillingham based program with a multisensory approach, as well as Foundation in Sounds.
Dana is a certified teacher and former reading interventionist with Pinellas County Schools. She was also an adjunct instructor at Eckerd College and worked in hospital settings to support pediatric and adult trauma patients.
Dana lives in St. Petersburg with her husband and son who attends USF Tampa.
Julie Jones
Academic Tutor
Julie is a former reading coach and current assistant principal for Pinellas County Schools.
Domonique Tomlinson
Reading Tutor
Domonique is an experienced educator with 8 years of teaching in grades 1st, 2nd, and 5th. She holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. A former Reading Recovery teacher, Domonique now serves as a reading coach for Pinellas County Schools. She is trained in Flamingo Small Group Instruction and UFLI, and specializes in using research-based strategies to support early literacy and reading development. Domonique lives in St. Petersburg with her husband.
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.
Marcia Youngerman
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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.