Our Team
Marina Bakharovskaya
MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC
Clinical Director, Speech-Language Pathologist, Myofunctional and Feeding Therapist, Lactation Counselor
Marina Bakharovskaya is a licensed speech-language pathologist and founder of Therapy Matters NY SLP PC. She spent the first 10 years of her career as an educator working with young children before obtaining her second Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Adelphi University and diving into the world of clinical speech-language pathology. Marina received invaluable clinical experience from Saint Mary’s Hospital for Children and Winthrop University Hospital, where she became fascinated with the world of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.
Soon after, Marina launched her practice to use it as a platform in making a difference in the lives of children and their families. Marina boasts a unique and wide-ranging skillset and specializes in pediatric feeding/swallowing, oral-motor, and myofunctional disorders. She’s a board-certified lactation counselor and takes special interest in helping breast/chest feeding dyads. She has received training from world-renowned speech therapists like Suzanne Evans Morris, Lori Overland, Catherine Shaker, Debra Beckman, and Diane Bahr, among others. Marina is a proud mom of 2 and an enthusiastic world-traveler.
Elizabeth Schwartz
MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Myofunctional and Feeding Therapist
Elizabeth Schwartz graduated from Adelphi University with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May 2012. She has clinical experience in various adult and pediatric settings including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. In addition she has treated pathologies ranging from voice, articulation, feeding aversions, neurogenic swallowing disorders, head and neck cancer, traumatic brain injury, trach/vent dependent, aphasia, and dysarthria/apraxia of speech.
Elizabeth’s certifications include Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), VitalStim, and training in myofunctional disorders from the International Association of Orofacial Myology. Elizabeth is dedicated to providing a fun and supportive environment, with a strong clinical foundation, for each of her clients so that they can reach their highest potential.
Joanna Valevich
MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BEA
Bilingually Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Joanna is a certified bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), providing individual and group treatment to individuals with a wide variety of communication and cognitive disorders,including difficulties with speech, language, articulation, voice and swallowing. Joanna completed her undergraduate education and obtained her Master’s of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Long Island University.
In addition, Joanna holds a Teacher Of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification as well as a Certification of Clinician Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Joanna has a vast variety of experience with both pediatric and adult populations. Joanna strives to create and tailor therapy sessions to target the needs of each client’s goals. In addition, Joanna provides support, counseling, and models techniques for caregivers in order to increase carry over between sessions. Joanna dedicates herself completely to each and every client and has compassion towards the struggles and frustrations a communication impairment can have on individuals.
Joanna has worked in numerous settings such as schools, developmental centers, private practice, adult outpatient clinics and home health agencies. In addition, Joanna also provides therapy targeting accent reduction/modification for bilingual speakers in order to enhance articulatory precision. These techniques build confidence and aid individuals in achieving a more powerful communicative delivery system. Joanna is passionate and excited about working with and helping all of her clients reach their highest potential and communicate in the most functional and effective manner possible! TOGETHER WILL WE THINK. SPEAK, AND BE HEARD! On a personal level, Joanna is a proud girl mom who loves to travel and live a healthy lifestyle.
Amanda Maniscalco
MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist , Feeding/Swallowing and Oral-Motor Therapist
Amanda received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida. She went on to graduate with her master’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University. Amanda currently holds her Certification of Clinician Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Amanda has worked with children ages 1-18+ years of age in the areas of articulation, language, fluency, voice, social skills, and feeding.
She also has experience working with adults in the areas of speech, language, cognition, voice, gender-affirming voice, and swallowing. Amanda has completed training in the Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding and the diagnosis and treatment of CAS using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC). Amanda has a strong interest in working with feeding and picky eating clients. She enjoys working on building strong oral motor skills with her children and introducing them to new foods through play-based therapy. Amanda brings an understanding and empathetic perspective to her feeding clients, as she grew up as a picky eater herself! When she is not at work, she can be found with her nose in a book, trying out new recipes, watering her plants, or playing with her dog.
Christy Deng
MS-CCC SLP, TSSLD
Christy graduated with a Master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University. Christy has a strong background working with children, particularly those with Autism, Down-Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and various speech and language delays. Christy is also experienced in working with children who are picky eaters or have feeding challenges, helping families navigate and address these concerns.
Christy takes a play-based approach to therapy, creating a fun and engaging environment where children can be themselves while also promoting language development. This model supports natural, meaningful communication, allowing children to learn through play and real-world interactions. A lover of cooking and traveling, Christy enjoys experimenting with new recipes at home and incorporating them into therapy sessions when appropriate. By creating hands-on, enjoyable experiences, it encourages children to develop both their language and social skills while exploring new foods and activities in a relaxed setting.
Christy is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care with an emphasis on empowering individuals to communicate more effectively and improve their overall quality of life. With a holistic approach, a passion for creativity, and a love for making a difference, she strives to help every patient reach their fullest potential.
In addition, she has provided specialized care for individuals affected by a range of complex conditions, including head and neck cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), Christy has advanced training to work with individuals experiencing speech difficulties related to Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions, focusing on improving vocal intensity, speech clarity, and overall communication.
Elina Grinberg
M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Elina is a bilingual (English/Russian) speech-language pathologist licensed in New York and New Jersey with ASHA certification. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Yeshiva University.
Elina holds a New York State certificate for Teaching Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) and has experience working with individuals ages 1–21+ across school, rehabilitation, and private practice settings. Elina is Level 1 PROMPT trained and has completed training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), Sensory-Motor Approach to feeding therapy (TalkTools), Gestalt Language Processing, and Orofacial Myofunctional therapy techniques. Elina is especially passionate about supporting children with speech and language delays, oral-motor challenges, and school-related learning difficulties.
Elina believes meaningful communication begins with connection and uses a warm, family-centered approach to create engaging and individualized sessions. Outside of work she enjoys reading, exploring new bubble tea spots and planning her next travel adventure!
Diana DePasquale
MS, CCC-SLP
Diana graduated from Moravian University in May of 2025 and brings diverse clinical experiences working with both pediatrics and adult populations. Her passion lies in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. With this, she gained valuable clinical experiences in SOS approach to feeding, oral, and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Diana is also knowledgeable in working with gestalt language processors (GLPs), Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC), early language, PROMPT therapy, DTTC hierarchy, and more.
In addition to her pediatric experiences, Diana has experience in acute care settings across multiple hospital departments. She has assisted on instrumental swallow studies, Passy-muir valves (PMV), dysphagia treatment, aphasia, and dysarthria.
Diana enjoys spending her free time with her friends and family, exploring new places, new restaurants, and of course spending time with her two cats River and Rosie.
Rocio Ayala
MS, CCC-SLP
Rocio Ayala is a New York State licensed and ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Yeshiva University and has experience working with both children and adults.
She supports children with expressive and receptive language delays, articulation challenges, social communication needs, and AAC users. She strives to create therapy sessions that are engaging, supportive, and individualized to each child’s strengths and needs. Rocio is bilingual in Spanish and truly values working with Spanish-speaking families. Providing culturally responsive care and collaborating closely with families is an important part of her approach, as Rocio believes meaningful progress happens best when we work together at home and in therapy.