Pediatrics 1st Speech Therapy

Michelle Stewart-Tooson

M.A.,CCC-SLP

Director & Lead SLP

Michelle is the Director & Lead Speech Language Pathologist with Pediatrics 1st. She has been an SLP for over 13 years working in a variety of settings including acute care, rehab services, early intervention, and private practice. Michelle is an ASHA certified, VA licensed and PROMPT trained therapist. Michelle is the mother of two boys and lives in Prince William Va. She is a native of AL and attended graduate school at The University of Memphis in Memphis TN.

Michelle understands how everyday life can be hectic and unpredictable. That is why she gives clients and parents practical activities they can readily use and integrate into their routines.

Michelle's personal interests include reading, socializing, and attending events at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

Leah Hedgspeth, M.B.A.

Administrative Coordinator

Leah Hedgspeth has worked in human resources for over 10 years with companies spanning from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. She has a generalist background and has worked in the areas of recruiting, training and development. benefits, and employee relations. She currently works as an independent contractor for Pro Speaking and Peds 1st.

Jennifer Passsarelli

M.A.,CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Jennifer received both her Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees from the University of Florida. She has been providing speech services in a variety of settings since 1992. She spent 6 years running a preschool speech and language class in the Palm Beach County School System. Besides working in the schools, Jennifer has worked in a Rehabilitation Hospital and provided Early Intervention speech services in Broward County, Florida, Brevard County, Florida and Prince William County, Virginia.

She specializes in treating Expressive Language Disorders, Phonological Disorders, Feeding Issues, Parent Training and Down Syndrome.

Jennifer is the mother of 2 children and a military wife. She spends her free time volunteering in her children’s classrooms and supporting their sports teams. She enjoys traveling, cooking, scrapbooking and spending time with her family.

Traci Berry-Owens, M.S.,CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Traci Owens is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist who works in both the public school system and a long-term care rehabilitation facility in the Northern Virginia area. Prior to this, she worked for several years as an AT/AAC assessor for the New Orleans Public Schools. Traci has a particular interest in assessing the needs of a potential AT/AAC user in the home environment.