Meet The Team
Julie Martinez Verhoff, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA
Audiologist
Dr. Verhoff holds a BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences, a Doctorate of Audiology, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Audiology. Her research interests include topics related to cochlear implants such as multisensory perception, aural rehabilitation, and cortical plasticity after cochlear implantation. She participated in the Childhood Development after Cochlear Implantation (CDaCI) grant at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders at University of Texas, Dallas for two years, and is experienced in cochlear implant programming, auditory processing assessments, and a variety of other audiological assessments and procedures.
Meredith Ouellette, MS CCC-SLP
Director of Clinical Services
Meredith Ouellette holds a BS from the University of Florida, specialized coursework in Communication Disorders from Howard University, and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Gallaudet University. She is the Director of Clinical Services at the River School and has provided individual speech and language therapy to children with hearing loss there. Ms. Ouellette participates in clinical research projects relating to outcomes in children with cochlear implants. She has certification/training in cochlear implant rehabilitation; PROMPT Oral Motor Training; and evaluation and treatment of children with Apraxia of speech. Meredith serves as site supervisor for the NIH funded grant, Childhood Development after Cochlear Implantation (CDaCI). Meredith also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Gallaudet University and the George Washington University.
Gloria Menezes-Furtado, M.E.D., LSLS Cert AVT
Coordinator of Therapy Services
Deaf Educator and Auditory Verbal-Therapist
Gloria holds a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English Literature, as well as a Master's of Education of the Deaf. She is a certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist and holds certification as a Teacher of the Deaf. She has worked with children and their families for more than fourteen years. Her experiences include supporting mainstream students with hearing loss in areas of language and academics, as well as individualized instruction in speech and auditory skills. Gloria has become a mentor to others in the field because of her expertise in the Auditory-Verbal approach to therapy for deaf children. Her interests include integrating technology into intervention and using a whole-child approach, and working with children with additional disabilities.
Nancy K. Mellon
Executive Director
Nancy Mellon founded The River School in April 1999 and has served as its Head of School since the School’s opening in January 2000. She holds a BA in English from Colby College, and a master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. From 1994 to 2001, Ms. Mellon served as Clinical Coordinator of the Listening Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Nancy was a founding board member at The River School and currently serves as President; she also sits on the Board of Trustees of New Legacy School and River ACCESS, and is the public member on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Governmental Relations Public Policy Board. In addition Nancy is a member of the District of Columbia Sub-Committee for Independent Education (formerly the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington).
Veronica Sabogal, M.S,
Latino Family Liaison
Executive Administrator
Veronica holds both bachelors and master's degrees in management in addition to graduate studies in deaf education. Veronica has worked with children with hearing loss both domestica1ly and abroad, in school and vocational settings. As native user of Spanish and a parent of a child who is deaf, Veronica has a unique role as facilitator and advocate for the twenty plus percent of our clients whose home language is Spanish, in addition to her administrative role.
Patricia Gates-Ulanet, PsyD
Educational Psychologist
Dr. Ulanet is a Clinical Child Psychologist with a specialization in Behavioral Medicine and Pediatric Neuropsychology. She holds a BA degree in Psychology, a Master’s of Arts degree in Mental Health and Human Development, and was awarded a Doctorate of Psychology. Dr. Ulanet is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics at the George Washington University Medical Center. At Chattering Children and The River School, Dr. Ulanet’s role encompasses developmental consultation, staff education, academic assessment and teacher and parent support, as well as psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessment through the River Reach Clinic. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.
Tracy Greer, MS OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Tracy Greer holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has had extensive training in sensory integration theory and practice, listening programs that include therapeutic listening, REI or rhythmic entrainment, and Berard Auditory Integration Training. She also has training in Handwriting Without Tears and interactive metronome. Tracy completed her certification to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test. Tracy received her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Dina Fanizza, MS OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Dina holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy. She has nine years of experience conducting OT with children. She currently works at The River School. Her previous employment experience includes time at The Manhattan Children’s Center (an independent school serving children with autism ages 4 to 12), and service as an independent contractor for the New York City Board of Education. She is trained in Sensory Integration, Handwriting Without Tears, and neurological rehabilitation.