Crystal Buehre, MS CCC-SLP

Crystal, the founder and owner, is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1998, after which she taught in public schools for 7 years. In 2007, Crystal completed her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

Crystal has experience in hospital, home health, outpatient therapy, rehabilitation, and school settings. After opening her private practice, Crystal primarily focused on pediatric speech therapy with a special interest in early intervention services. She also provides gender affirming voice therapy. She has successfully treated individuals with apraxia, articulation disorders, aphasia, autism spectrum, cerebral palsy, cognitive delays, Down syndrome, dysarthria, dysphagia, feeding delays, language delays (expressive and receptive), learning disabilities, seizures, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Crystal is certified by the Missouri Board of Healing Arts and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

When not working, Crystal enjoys spending time with her children, husband, parents, and pets. She loves fitness activities and traveling.

Jenni Lang, MS CCC-SLP

Jenni is a licensed speech and language pathologist who joined the practice in 2023. She graduated from Western Illinois University in 1997 with her master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. Since graduation, Jenni has worked in many settings including acute and subacute care, skilled nursing, inpatient, outpatient, home health, and the educational system.

Jenni has many passions in the field from speech/language/cognitive disorders to dysphagia management and is currently becoming certified in Vital Stim therapy. School systems and outpatient care have provided her with love of pediatric services. She enjoys working with children from 18 months of age through the elderly.

Outside of her career, Jenni has enjoyed directing the local Kid’s Club, Daisy Scouts, and church programs. When not working, she can be found hanging out with her family, cooking, or reading.

Vanessa Barazza, MS CCC-SLP

Vanessa is a licensed speech-language pathologist who joined the practice in August 2023. She received her Bachelor of Sciences degree from Chico State University, CA in 2021. Vanessa attended graduate school at Missouri State University where she received her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders in May 2023.

Vanessa has worked with individuals ages 3 to 90+ years of age. She has experience in a skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and a school setting. Through her clinical placement in skilled nursing, Vanessa assessed and treated adults with dysphagia, dysarthria, aphasia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cognitive and executive functioning deficits. In her educational setting and outpatient clinic, Vanessa assessed and treated children with language, articulation, and phonological disorders.

Vanessa loves to help her clients communicate their wants and needs. She is excited to be a part of your child’s journey to reach their goals!

In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with family, especially with her partner and their cat, Bitty.

Danelle Carter, SLPA/SLP Student

Danelle is a certified speech-language pathology assistant who joined the practice in August 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Disorders from the University of Kansas.

Danelle has focused on pediatric speech and early intervention services (First Steps). She is pursuing her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Danelle is certified by the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.

When not working, Danelle likes to visit with friends and remodel her house. She loves animals and is a proud dog mom.

Danelle is completing her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Albizu University.

Courtney Moro, OTR/L

Courtney, an occupational therapist, joined our practice in 2015. Courtney obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005.

Courtney has spent most of her career working full time in the specialty area of pediatrics. She has worked in the Missouri State Schools for Severely Disabled, early intervention, outpatient, and home health settings.

Courtney has experience with children of all ages and diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, pervasive developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorder, learning disabilities, cognitive delays, cortical visual impairment, hearing impairments and general developmental delays. Courtney is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and licensed by the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy.

Irene Muir, OTR/L

Irene, an occupational therapist, joined the practice in 2021. She graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Perpetual Help System in the Philippines. She is nearly finished with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Irene is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed by the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy.

Irene has experience with pediatric and adult clients. She previously worked with pediatric clients in the Philippines. Irene also has experience working in skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, and hand therapy. She is certified in Size Matters and HWT for handwriting and is a certified PECS implementer. Irene has additional certification in Sensory Integration from USC Chan and is pursuing specialization in feeding.

Irene continually seeks knowledge, evidence-based practice, and certifications to better understand children with sensory needs and other challenging behaviors. She is passionate in her search for knowledge, especially related to pediatric clients. Irene is a retired Army wife and the mother of two children. When not working, Irene loves to play online games.

Allyssa Dondlinger, COTA

Allyssa is a certified and licensed occupational therapy assistant who joined the practice in June 2023. Allyssa received her AAS degree in occupational therapy from Missouri Health Professions Consortium in August 2021. Allyssa obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Management from Drury University in May 2022. Allyssa is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed by the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy.

Allyssa has two years of experience in school-based occupational therapy services where she worked with children of all ages and diagnoses. Allyssa also has one year experience with home health occupational therapy services, where she gained experience and knowledge working with adult clients with a wide variety of diagnoses.

While not at The Speech House, you will more than likely find Allyssa somewhere outdoors spending time with her family and friends. She loves being at the river, going camping, or pursuing her hobby of photography.

Caitlin Fincher, Admin Director

Caitlin joined The Speech House in February 2023. While Caitlin is new to The Speech House, she is not new to this position and brought over 10 years of administrative experience with her. She looks forward to communicating with families and assisting in therapy needs.

Caitlin has lived in the St. Robert area for most of her life. She is the mom to 2 humans and a cat! Caitlin loves visiting with family and traveling to new places. Her favorite activities include thunderstorms, seafood, Dr. Pepper, and fishing.

Lillie Allen, Finance Director

Lillie is responsible for billing, accounts receivables, insurance issues, and physician authorizations.  Lillie joined the staff in 2012 after retiring from 35 years of business ownership in the hotel drapery design and manufacturing industry.  Previous experiences were in business management, training, payroll, and tax preparation.

When not working Lillie’s hobbies include oil painting, crocheting, cooking, and gardening.  She loves spending time with her family, including her two grown grandsons.

Rebecca Maasen, MS CCC-SLP

Rebecca is a licensed speech-language pathologist who joined the practice in 2023. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders in 1993 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In 1995, she received her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Southeast Missouri State University.

Rebecca has both adult and pediatric experience in the hospital and outpatient settings, home health, and as a First Steps provider. She is certified and licensed by the Missouri board of Healing Arts and the ASHA.

When not working, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her adult son, Andrew, and her partner, Neal. She loves cycling and fitness, travel, reading. She is an avid snow skier.

Stephanie Buie, MS CCC-SLP

Stephanie obtained her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southwest Baptist University. She completed her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University.

Stephanie has worked with patients from 1 year to 80 plus years. She has experience in outpatient and school settings. Stephanie has assessed and treated adults with aphasia, TBI, and cognitive and executive functioning deficits. In her educational setting, Stephanie assessed and treated children with language, articulation, phonological, and fluency disorders. She enjoys working with patients of all ages.

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, granddaughter, and her Frenchie Roscoe.

Audrey Loveall, COTA/L

Audrey is a licensed occupational therapy assistant who joined the practice in August of 2024. She received her AAS degree in occupational therapy from the Missouri Health Professions Consortium in August of 2024.

Audrey has worked with patients from infants to 90+ years. She has experience in outpatient pediatrics, inpatient adults, and skilled nursing through fieldwork locations.

In her spare time Audrey enjoys being outside, going to the river with family and friends, and spending time with her cats, Smokey and Bandit.

Cynthia Witcig, SLPA/SLP Student

Cynthia is completing her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Missouri State University.

Allison Lawhon, OTR/L

Allison, an occupational therapist, joined our practice in 2025. Allison obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy from Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 2024.

Allison has experience in hospital acute rehabilitation and outpatient pediatrics. She loves working with kids and strives to make therapy fun! She has experience with children of all ages and diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorder, developmental delay, chromosomal disorders and cerebral palsy.

Allison is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and licensed by the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy. She is a military spouse and the mother of three boys. She enjoys dancing, reading and spending time with her family and two dogs.

Lauren Taylor, OTR/L

Lauren is a licensed occupational therapist who joined the practice in June of 2025. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Maryville University in 2021. Lauren then attended Cox College where she received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2023.

Lauren is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed by the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy.

Lauren has experience working with children of all ages and various diagnoses in the school-based setting and the adult population in hospital based acute care. Through fieldwork experiences, she has also worked with children in outpatient pediatrics and adults in inpatient rehabilitation. Lauren enjoys helping children gain skills that they will continue to use throughout their lives. In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading, being outdoors, going for walks, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jacob Heimburger, COTA/L

Jacob is a licensed occupational therapy assistant who joined the practice in April of 2025. He received his AAS degree in occupational therapy from the Missouri Health Professions Consortium in August of 2024. Prior to that, he studied K–12 Art Education at the University of Central Missouri. Jacob is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed by the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy.

Jacob has experience working with individuals across the lifespan through his clinical fieldwork, including pediatric outpatient settings and adult rehabilitation. He is passionate about incorporating creativity into therapy sessions to support functional outcomes and engagement.

Outside of work, Jacob enjoys spending time with his dogs, creating art, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.

Alicia Cooper, SLPA/SLP Student

Alicia is a certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who joined the practice in May 2025. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Maryville University St. Louis and is certified by the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.

Alicia has focused on pediatric speech and language clients. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

While not at The Speech House, Alicia enjoys being with her family and exploring the local area.

Callie Soares, Administrative Assistant

Callie joined The Speech House in February 2025 as the front desk receptionist. Though new to the area, she brings strong organizational skills and a welcoming attitude to support families and the therapy team each day.

Originally from a small town in Montana—where the TV show Yellowstone is filmed—she has a deep love for the mountains and the outdoors. She recently relocated to Waynesville, MO, with her military husband.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her two Great Pyrenees and beagle, caring for her chickens, and tackling home improvement projects.

Braedon Serrano, Support Staff