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. In this position, I actively supported graduate students through clinical education and supervision at 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. Early Intervention is my favorite work setting - it’s so rewarding to support young children and their families!
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.
Payton Fricke
M.Ed., CF-SLP
I am from a small town outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I received my undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University in 2018 and worked in advertising in Atlanta for the next three years. Though I enjoyed this work, I couldn’t stop thinking about when I shadowed a speech-language pathologist during my senior year of high school. I left my job in 2021 to finally follow this dream. After completing several post-baccalaureate courses through Northwestern University, I went on to receive my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Virginia in 2024. I am a Clinical Fellow through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and am licensed in the state of Virginia. Furthermore, I am certified to provide Early Intervention services in Virginia. While completing my graduate studies, I interned at UVA’s Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services, a local elementary school, and a pediatric private practice. I particularly enjoy early language acquisition and working with children on the autism spectrum. I am a firm believer in neurodiversity-affirming practices and love collaborating with families and other professionals to meet a child exactly where they are and help them achieve their greatest potential. In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, exploring local Charlottesville treasures, and playing with my bernedoodle puppy!
Rachel Ulmer
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!
