Patti Hamaguchi, M.A, CCC-SLP, Founder
Our Approach
Patti Hamaguchi is the founder and Executive Director of Hamaguchi & Associates. With nearly 40 years of experience working with children, she trains and mentors staff, in addition to the research she does developing tests (RESCA-E, TAPS-4) and the 15 apps she has created on the iTunes Store for Hamaguchi Apps for Speech, Language & Auditory Development. Currently, she is working on the RESCA-ELD (Receptive-Expressive-Social Communication & Play Assessment for Early Language Development) and the ELCI (Early Language & Communication Instrument) for Academic Therapy Publications, which are scheduled for release in 2024, as well as the RESCA-A (Adolescent version of the RESCA) and the Hamaguchi Comprehensive Screening Tests. Patti has also written several books for parents (Childhood Speech, Language & Listening Problems: What Every Parent Should Know: Wily & Sons) as well as speech/audiological professionals (A Metacognitive Approach to Treating Auditory Processing Problems, Pro-Edinc.com ) and classroom teachers (It's Time to Listen). She has been awarded the honor of "Fellow" by the California Speech-Language Hearing Association for outstanding clinical work.
Patti has also participated in research, with the 2022 publication of an article in the Infant & Child Development Journal that examines the use of terminology around the world to discuss and assess social pragmatic disorders in the toddler/preschool population https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/icd.2368 as well as the Applied Neuropsychology: Child journal in 2023: Competing views on interventions for pragmatic language skills in persons with pragmatic language impairment: An umbrella review .
Before becoming a speech pathologist, Patti was a reading teacher, and a classroom teacher in NJ and CT, as well as a Selectman in the town of Brookfield, CT. She is very proud of the amazing, dedicated staff at our practice!
Our Director of Clinical Services
Kristen White, M.A., CCC-SLP, ASDCS
As Director of Clinical Services, Kristen mentors our speech therapy staff, as well as participates in the intake/assessment and review process, and writes assessment reports. She consults with parents and staff speech pathologists as an integral member of each child's therapy team.
Kristen has extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum, having worked as an ABA therapist prior to starting her career as a speech pathologist, and having recently become a Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). She enjoys working with families and professionals to motivate and engage even the most reluctant learners. She also has extensive training in the area of apraxia (PROMPT) and oral-motor speech disorders, using Talktools and other methods to make progress where traditional articulation methods have failed. Kristen has a passion for working with social/play groups, and continues to lead several popular afternoon groups.
Kristen has been an integral part of our diagnostics program, including assisting in the field testing, pilot research and normative studies for several standardized tests (RESCA-E, TAPS4, RESCA-ELD, RESCA-A) which are used around the country or in the final stages of development. In addition, she is the co-author of The Hamaguchi-White Phonemic Awareness Screening & Polysyllabic Word Probe.
Kristen joined our practice in 2008. She and her husband Matt are the proud parents of a little girl, Lucy, and twins Adam and Dylan.
Fiona Poon, M.A., CCC-SLP Senior Lead SLP
Fiona Poon, M.A., CCC-SLP Senior Lead SLP
Fiona Poon, M.A., CCC-SLP Senior Lead SLP
Fiona graduated from San Jose State University with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She was the recipient of the Hamaguchi Scholarship at SJSU while a student, due to her outstanding academic and clinical work, as well as rave reviews from her clinical supervisors. So it is with great enthusiasm that we recruited Fiona to
Fiona graduated from San Jose State University with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She was the recipient of the Hamaguchi Scholarship at SJSU while a student, due to her outstanding academic and clinical work, as well as rave reviews from her clinical supervisors. So it is with great enthusiasm that we recruited Fiona to join our practice in 2016!
Fiona is now our Senior Lead SLP, which means she will be assisting with training our new staff members, supporting our SLP team as a mentor, assessments, and other administrative tasks.
Fiona is a cheerful and passionate clinician who enjoys working with children of all ages. Prior to starting her career as a speech-language pathologist, Fiona worked as an ABA therapist for over two years in Los Angeles. She has a special interest and experience in working with children who are on the autism spectrum, Down syndrome, and also those who have auditory deficits (hearing/listening), having worked with children at the Weingarten Children's Center in Redwood City through the Project Aural Impact grant. Fiona is trained in PROMPT, a specialized approach for children with apraxia. She is multilingual and speaks fluent Cantonese, conversational Mandarin, and English. She believes in working closely with parents and families as a team, in order to help their children reach their maximum potential. Fiona loves live music, watching sports, and trying out new restaurants with her friends and family.
Richard Monari, M.S., CCC-SLP
Fiona Poon, M.A., CCC-SLP Senior Lead SLP
Fiona Poon, M.A., CCC-SLP Senior Lead SLP
Richard joined Hamaguchi & Associates after moving from Boston. Prior to becoming an SLP, he worked in public schools as a literacy interventionist and as a special education paraprofessional. Richard is passionate about empowering and encouraging young people, especially those with communication difficulties. He has experience working
Richard joined Hamaguchi & Associates after moving from Boston. Prior to becoming an SLP, he worked in public schools as a literacy interventionist and as a special education paraprofessional. Richard is passionate about empowering and encouraging young people, especially those with communication difficulties. He has experience working with a variety of disorders, including articulation, dyslexia, auditory processing, apraxia, and social/pragmatic communication, He has a special interest in working with children on the autism spectrum. Richard holds a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. Richard has been with our practice since 2021. He firmly believes that healthy, trusting relationships with clients and their families are key to providing quality treatment. In his spare time, Richard loves playing board games, listening to K-Pop, and hanging out with friends!
Dr. Lexie Li, Ph.D, CCC-SLP
Fiona Poon, M.A., CCC-SLP Senior Lead SLP
Grace Hedgecock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lexie (“Miss Lexie” for the children) holds a Ph.D in Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San Jose State University. Prior to joining our practice, Lexie worked in school settings and private practice where she saw a variety of clients, such as children with langu
Lexie (“Miss Lexie” for the children) holds a Ph.D in Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San Jose State University. Prior to joining our practice, Lexie worked in school settings and private practice where she saw a variety of clients, such as children with language delays, articulation/ phonological disorders, apraxia, as well as children on the autism spectrum, with further training in auditory processing. Lexie has a bubbly, fun and enthusiastic personality that is a perfect fit for working with children. She’s creative, engaging, and finds a way to connect and motivate even the most reluctant learner.
Lexie believes that building a trusting relationship with parents and families is essential to successful therapy. She enjoys collaborating with families to create personalized treatment plans as well as to facilitate generalization in the child's natural environment.
Lexie is a native Mandarin speaker and loves working with culturally and linguistically diverse clients. In addition to her clinical/therapy passion with English speakers, she has a special interest in bilingual (Mandarin/English) assessment and providing therapy in Mandarin to those children whose primary language is Mandarin.
While Lexie was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she taught introductory courses in linguistics, academic writing, and psycholinguistics. She transitioned to speech-language pathology because it combines two of her passions: working with speech and language and working with children. Lexie has been with our practice since 2021.
In her free time, Lexie enjoys hiking, watching sports, and playing with her corgi "Bucky"!
Grace Hedgecock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Grace Hedgecock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Grace Hedgecock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Grace joins us at Hamaguchi & Associates with experience in the public schools and hospitals, working with children from early intervention to high school. She is a passionate clinician who knows how to have fun and motivate the children she works with, but also understands the importance of collaboration between parents and families to
Grace joins us at Hamaguchi & Associates with experience in the public schools and hospitals, working with children from early intervention to high school. She is a passionate clinician who knows how to have fun and motivate the children she works with, but also understands the importance of collaboration between parents and families to help with the generalization of goals. Grace has had additional training with apraxia (PROMPT-trained) autism, early intervention, articulation disorders, auditory processing, and language development. Prior to becoming a speech-language pathologist, Grace worked with autistic children as a Registered Behavior Technician in ABA for 2 years. Grace graduated from San Jose State University with a master’s degree is Speech Language Pathology and is an ASHA Clinical Fellow. In her free time, she enjoys making boba, playing board/card games, snowboarding, and running. One of her bucket list items is to run a marathon.
Sharon Lau, M.S., CCC-SLP
Grace Hedgecock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sharon Lau, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sharon joins Hamaguchi and Associates after working in a private practice setting for several years. She has experience with a wide, diverse caseload, including children with language delays, articulation/ phonological disorders, apraxia, as well as children on the autism spectrum. A native English speaker, she is multilingual and speaks
Sharon joins Hamaguchi and Associates after working in a private practice setting for several years. She has experience with a wide, diverse caseload, including children with language delays, articulation/ phonological disorders, apraxia, as well as children on the autism spectrum. A native English speaker, she is multilingual and speaks fluent English, Cantonese and conversational Mandarin. As a therapist, Sharon believes in building strong relationships with children and their families and developing individualized treatment approaches that best support the child’s communication strengths and needs. Sharon graduated from CSU East Bay with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and holds the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competency. Outside of the office, Sharon likes to spend time with her friends and family over a delicious meal, recreating recipes she learned from Youtube, and travel!
Laurel Cuyle, MA, CCC-SLP
Grace Hedgecock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sharon Lau, M.S., CCC-SLP
Laurel joins Hamaguchi and Associates after moving from Southern California. As an SLP, she has worked with a wide variety of clients, including children with articulation/phonological disorders, language delays, apraxia, as well as children on the autism spectrum. Her areas of interest include early intervention, gestalt language process
Laurel joins Hamaguchi and Associates after moving from Southern California. As an SLP, she has worked with a wide variety of clients, including children with articulation/phonological disorders, language delays, apraxia, as well as children on the autism spectrum. Her areas of interest include early intervention, gestalt language processing, and AAC (assistive and augmentative communication systems). Laurel is passionate about providing quality care and empowering families to participate in the therapy process. She loves building relationships with her clients/families and making sessions fun! Laurel holds a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Iowa, and has worked in a private practice before joining us. In her free time, she enjoys singing, spending time with friends and family, visiting new coffee shops, and reading.
Leah Schaier, MS, CCC-SLP
Radhika Kadakia, M.S, CF-SLP
Emily Guenin, M.A., CCC-SLP
Leah joins Hamaguchi and Associates after moving from Florida. Prior to obtaining a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Jacksonville University in 2021, she worked five years as a special education teacher. As an SLP, Leah has experience working in outpatient clinics and in the public schools with children with language dela
Leah joins Hamaguchi and Associates after moving from Florida. Prior to obtaining a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Jacksonville University in 2021, she worked five years as a special education teacher. As an SLP, Leah has experience working in outpatient clinics and in the public schools with children with language delays, articulation/phonological disorders, as well as children on the autism spectrum, and Down syndrome. Leah has a special passion to facilitate and support children in their growing communication abilities with their AAC devices in a fun and interactive way! She has been exposed to the autism community and speech therapy from the age of seven, when her youngest brother was diagnosed with autism. With this unique perspective, she always strives to have strong collaboration with families in order to have the best team to support a child. In her free time, she enjoys reading, binge watching her favorite shows, cooking and baking, going to concerts, and trying out new restaurants.
Emily Guenin, M.A., CCC-SLP
Radhika Kadakia, M.S, CF-SLP
Emily Guenin, M.A., CCC-SLP
Emily lives in Ohio, after working with us in our Cupertino office for four years, but she remains an important part of our team, as she now sees children via teletherapy! Emily has a special interest in articulation/phonological disorders, language delays, social-pragmatic language, hearing loss, and working with children on the autism s
Emily lives in Ohio, after working with us in our Cupertino office for four years, but she remains an important part of our team, as she now sees children via teletherapy! Emily has a special interest in articulation/phonological disorders, language delays, social-pragmatic language, hearing loss, and working with children on the autism spectrum. Emily has received advanced training in working with children with hearing loss using an Auditory-Verbal therapy approach. She is also trained in PROMPT, a specialized approach for children with apraxia. As a therapist, Emily believes in collaborating with parents and families to help develop individualized treatment approaches to ensure that each child’s unique communication needs are met. Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, biking, hiking.
Radhika Kadakia, M.S, CF-SLP
Radhika Kadakia, M.S, CF-SLP
Radhika Kadakia, M.S, CF-SLP
Radhika (pronounced RAH-dikkah), a Cupertino native with a deep connection to the community, has experience working with children with a wide range of speech-language disorders. She has advanced training and experience with autistic children, motor speech disorders, and gestalt language processing. Radhika uses evidence-based practices to
Radhika (pronounced RAH-dikkah), a Cupertino native with a deep connection to the community, has experience working with children with a wide range of speech-language disorders. She has advanced training and experience with autistic children, motor speech disorders, and gestalt language processing. Radhika uses evidence-based practices to enhance communication and social skills. She believes that building strong, supportive relationships with her clients and their families is essential for effective therapy. Radhika strives to create individualized therapy sessions that are engaging for her clients and fun. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Our Office Manager & Assistant
Candace Carson-Brunt, Office Manager
Since joining Hamaguchi and Associates in 2013, Candace quickly won over the hearts of staff and clients alike. She has exceptional organizational skills and ensures operations run smoothly, all with a smile! Candace has over 15 years of administrative experience and previously taught swim lessons to kids and adults alike. In her spare time, she can primarily be found spending time outdoors with her husband Andrew and son, Silas. Candace is in the office on Mondays and Thursdays and works from home on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Carol Cabri, Administrative Assistant
Carol grew up in San Francisco. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Economics from Principia College in Illinois. She had over 15 years of administrative and product marketing experience in the high tech industry before staying home to raise her two daughters, Cate and Julia, who are now in college. She and her husband Frank live in San Jose with their dog Ollie and their daughters when they are home from school. Carol loves to cook, hike and read. Carol works in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Wendy Tang, Administrative Assistant
Wendy works on Fridays at our front office. She is a super cheerful person who comes to us with a wide range of experience and business-related skills including project management and customer relations in the areas of health and tech.
Wendy’s adventurous spirit leads her to try any sport that comes her way. She loves hitting the golf course year-round, snowboarding whenever there's a hint of snow, and basking in the sunshine outdoors. In her downtime, Wendy enjoys creating beautiful plant arrangements and cherishes quality moments with her family, including her furry companions—a dog and two cats—and close friends.
Our Office/Group Aides
Kimberly Nguyen Senior Lead Aide
Sowmya Kumar Group/Office Aide
Sowmya Kumar Group/Office Aide
Kim is our Senior Lead Aide, helping to train new aides and supervise them as well. A San Jose native, Kim has her bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from San Jose State University. A busy bee at heart, she divides her time between working at our office, working at the Morgan Center with children and adults with au
Kim is our Senior Lead Aide, helping to train new aides and supervise them as well. A San Jose native, Kim has her bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from San Jose State University. A busy bee at heart, she divides her time between working at our office, working at the Morgan Center with children and adults with autism, and being a social media/community outreach manager at a dance studio specializing in urban choreography. In her spare time, she loves going to concerts and spending time with her friends and family
Sowmya Kumar Group/Office Aide
Sowmya Kumar Group/Office Aide
Sowmya Kumar Group/Office Aide
Sowmya (pronounced "SO-myuh") is a Bay Area native. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University along with minors in Anthropology and Japanese. She currently splits her time between working at our office, working with teenagers with autism at the Morgan Autism Center, and assisting her father with runn
Sowmya (pronounced "SO-myuh") is a Bay Area native. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University along with minors in Anthropology and Japanese. She currently splits her time between working at our office, working with teenagers with autism at the Morgan Autism Center, and assisting her father with running his business. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, creative journaling and scoping out new places for vegetarian food!
Kendyll Owens Group/Office Aide
Sowmya Kumar Group/Office Aide
Kendyll Owens Group/Office Aide
As a San Jose native, Kendyll Owens has a background in serving the Bay Area community especially by instructing children with disabilities. Kendyll holds a Bachelor’s in English Writing and a Master of Public Affairs. She will begin a special education teaching credential program in 2024. In her free time, she loves to read, write and travel.
Theresa Khong Group/Office Aide
Jessica Garcia Solis Group/Office Aide
Kendyll Owens Group/Office Aide
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Theresa earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University. She has worked as a Behavior Intervention Therapist for the past 6 years, gaining experience with children aged 2 to 18 with various diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder and Down Syndrome. Through her work, she ha
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Theresa earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University. She has worked as a Behavior Intervention Therapist for the past 6 years, gaining experience with children aged 2 to 18 with various diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder and Down Syndrome. Through her work, she has developed a strong passion for making a meaningful impact on people's lives and a desire to empower others to find their voice for self-advocacy. With her sights set on a career as a speech-language pathologist, she is currently pursuing a 2nd Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders and Deaf Education to later pursue a master's degree. In her free time, she enjoys challenging herself with escape rooms, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends
Jessica Garcia Solis Group/Office Aide
Jessica Garcia Solis Group/Office Aide
Jessica Garcia Solis Group/Office Aide
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from UC Santa Cruz. Originally from Southern California, Jessica has embraced the charm and allure of the Bay Area. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jessica is also a dedicated caregiver and volunteers her time at the Santa Cruz animal shelter. Her passion for understanding behavior
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from UC Santa Cruz. Originally from Southern California, Jessica has embraced the charm and allure of the Bay Area. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jessica is also a dedicated caregiver and volunteers her time at the Santa Cruz animal shelter. Her passion for understanding behavioral disorders drives her to constantly seek knowledge in this field. During her leisure time, Jessica can often be found indulging in matcha at local shops, taking serene walks on the beach, or lifting at the gym.
Emma Li Group/Office Aide
Jessica Garcia Solis Group/Office Aide
Jessica Garcia Solis Group/Office Aide
Emma is a Bay Area native and has her bachelor's degree in Physiological Science from UCLA. In her previous work as a teaching assistant and tutor, she discovered her passion for mentoring and caring for children. She hopes to combine this calling with her science background to pursue a career in speech language pathology. In her spare ti
Emma is a Bay Area native and has her bachelor's degree in Physiological Science from UCLA. In her previous work as a teaching assistant and tutor, she discovered her passion for mentoring and caring for children. She hopes to combine this calling with her science background to pursue a career in speech language pathology. In her spare time, she loves golfing, drawing and taking long walks with her family.
Megan Bitler Group/Office Aide
Megan Bitler Group/Office Aide
Megan Bitler Group/Office Aide
Megan is a Bay Area native and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University. She developed a love for speech pathology and decided to pursue the career by continuing her education through Cal State San Marcos in a speech pathology prep program. She plans to further her education by attending
Megan is a Bay Area native and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University. She developed a love for speech pathology and decided to pursue the career by continuing her education through Cal State San Marcos in a speech pathology prep program. She plans to further her education by attending graduate school for a Masters in Speech Language Pathology. Megan looks forward to working with the families that make Hamaguchi and Associates special. In her free time, Megan enjoys creative hobbies such as crochet, and art. She also enjoys spending time with her family.