Jessica J. Norton
M.S., CCC-SLP, owner of First Words, Inc.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Geneseo and my master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University. I have a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP) from the profession's national organization, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). After nine years as a speech-language pathologist in Virginia public schools, I became a Clinical Instructor in the University of Virginia Communication Disorders graduate program. I actively supported graduate students through clinical education and supervision in the UVA Speech-Language-Hearing Center for five years before choosing to pursue private practice. Additionally, I have been active in the state professional association, Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV); I served two two-year terms as Vice President of Legislative Affairs and was then treasurer of the SHAV Political Action Committee. Furthermore, I have presented at state and national conferences (i.e., SHAV and ASHA) and had an article published in March 2010 by ASHA's Special Interest Division 11, Administration and Supervision.
Brooke M. Lambert
M.Ed., CCC-SLP
After obtaining my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders, I earned my Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Virginia. I have a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), as well as certification to provide Early Intervention services in Virginia. I have experience in outpatient, telepractice, and early intervention settings specializing in early language and feeding difficulties. I have presented at state and national conferences (i.e., Shining Stars and ASHA) on the implementation of telepractice services. Throughout my experience, I have treated a variety of diagnoses with toddlers, school age, and adolescents, and enjoy continued work in Early Intervention.
Alex Howerton
M.Ed., CCC-SLP
I earned both my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and my Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Virginia. During the 2018-2019 school year, I worked part-time in Charlottesville City Schools and joined First Words, Inc. in April of 2019. During graduate school, I gained a variety of hands-on clinical experiences with the pediatric population at the UVA Children’s Hospital (e.g., NICU follow-up clinic, cleft lip and palate clinic, aural rehabilitation program, intensive feeding program, outpatient clinic). Prior to pursuing my Master’s degree, I worked as a case manager at a center for homeless youth, which cultivated a special interest in working with at-risk populations. I value caregiver education and working alongside families to provide the highest levels of care. During my time as a case manager, I created a personal mission statement, which I strive to embody both personally and professionally: to care for people in a way that empowers them to thrive as the unique individual they were born to be. It has been a privilege to discover the unique compatibility between my personal mission statement and my work as a SLP.
Rachel Rinehart
M.S., CCC-SLP
I am a Charlottesville native who attended James Madison University for both my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2017) and my graduate degree in Speech Language Pathology (2019). During my time at JMU, I had several unique opportunities including minoring in Spanish, conducting a research study and composing a report on it that was published in JMU Scholarly Commons, and clinical experiences ranging from adult inpatient hospital settings to pediatric private practice settings. I began my career working with preschool through adolescent populations in the public school system but quickly recognized the value of early intervention in preparing children for success in school and discovered a desire to pursue continuing education and career opportunities in that field of practice. I subsequently joined First Words, Inc. My goal as an SLP is always to collaborate with all members of my client’s team to provide the tools and resources that will allow them to thrive. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, gardening, theater, interior design, photography, music, spending time with my pets, and learning languages!
