Our mission is to provide the highest quality of speech and language services to the pediatric population of Acadiana and its surrounding areas. We provide screening, evaluation, consultation, and treatment for expressive-receptive language deficits, articulation disorders, feeding disorders, and related developmental disorders. We believe each child is unique and strive to create individualized treatment in a fun, engaging environment. Our therapists are committed to continuous learning in order to implement innovative, evidence-based techniques to help your child reach his or her maximum potential. Through collaboration with multi-disciplinary specialists, our goal is to provide treatment that will allow your child to become socially, emotionally, and developmentally more successful.

Speech and Language Team

Michelle Thomas, MS, LPC-S, CCC-SLP

Michelle Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Speech Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP).  She is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Shreveport, where she earned a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.  Michelle also graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in Speech Language Pathology.  She has been practicing in Lafayette for four years as a licensed counselor with a focus on children and adolescents.  Michelle approaches counseling from a cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused perspective in order to help clients better understand and deal with issues that may arise from depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disorders and other life stressors. Previously, she worked in Shreveport as a substance abuse counselor and on a psychiatric assessment team for inpatient mental health.  As a speech pathologist, Michelle has worked with children and adolescents with language, articulation and fluency disorders.  Her primary focus is language and literacy.  Michelle is also a certified provider for Interactive Metronome and uses the tool to improve attention, working memory, processing speed, and overall executive functioning.  She also offers cognitive intervention services to improve planning, organization, studying habits, and other skills related to academic performance.  Currently, Michelle is in the process of training to become certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy to promote healthy relationships between the parent and child.  Michelle believes in the importance of intervention, support, and healthy relationships during childhood because of the impact of early development on social and emotional functioning later in life.    

Taylor Darbonne, MCD, CCC-SLP

Taylor Darbonne is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP). She graduated from Louisiana State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2016. She then pursued a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from LSU Health and Science Center in Shreveport.  Previously, she worked as a Registered Line Technician with children on the autism spectrum. As a speech pathologist, Taylor has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with language, articulation, fluency, and feeding/swallowing disorders.  Her special interests include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), language, feeding, and early intervention.  Taylor believes that every individual deserves a means of communication. She believes in the importance of intervention, parent-child interaction, and social interaction during early development. Taylor aims to create individualized, fun, and positive interventions to allow individuals to maximize their strengths.

Janee Viator, MS, PL-CCC-SLP

Janee is a licensed speech-language pathologist and recently received her clinical competence certification. She attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders with a minor in Psychology in 2016. She then continued her studies at Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge and earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in December of 2019. As a speech-language pathologist, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with language, articulation, and feeding/swallowing disorders.  Janee believes that it is important to help individuals become effective communicators, and enjoy and participate in social interactions through the dynamic involvement of key people in the individual’s lives.

Maggie Whipp, MS, CF-SLP

Maggie Whipp is a Clinical Fellow in Speech-Language Pathology (CF-SLP). She is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Maggie has clinical experience in various settings with children and adults, including private practice, university clinics, inpatient acute care, outpatient care, and school settings. Maggie administers therapy with a client-centered approach. As a student, Maggie has worked with children with articulation, language, feeding, and developmental disorders. Currently, Maggie is working toward earning her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).