OUR TEAM
Meet the Dedicated Team Behind Talk Time Boston
Our team of passionate staff members is committed to empowering children and families on their communication journey. Learn more about the talented individuals who bring expertise, creativity, and care to every session, ensuring personalized support for each child's unique needs. We're here to help your family thrive!
Alessandra Spaulding
M.S. CCC-SLP
Executive Director
alessandra@talktimeboston.com
Growing up in the suburbs of Massachusetts, Alessandra has always loved to work with children. Graduating with her A.B. from Princeton University and her M.S. from Boston University in speech pathology, Alessandra has worked in both educational settings and in private practices in the Massachusetts area. She is passionate about helping children become confident communicators and empowering parents and caregivers.
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When she is not practicing, she loves spending time with her three children, writing novels, and doing art in her bullet journal.
Nicole Curtis (Overy)
M.S. CCC-SLP
Executive Director
nicole@talktimeboston.com
Working with children has always felt natural for Nicole. She started out as the neighborhood babysitter and went on to receive a BS at Emerson College, followed by an MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. After completing her Clinical Fellowship in Phoenix, AZ, she moved back to the greater Boston area and has spent the last several years working in both school and pediatric outpatient settings.
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When she is not practicing, Nicole loves spending time with her dog, Toby, writing short stories, and playing video games. She got married in a gorgeous desert wedding and now has an adorable baby girl.
Kendra Hennegen
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
kendra@talktimeboston.com
Originally from Southern California, Kendra has always had a passion for helping and working with children. She received a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from Point Loma Nazarene University. After college she worked as a nanny and a preschool teacher before going on to earn a M.S. in speech pathology from Boston University. Kendra has worked as an SLP in schools, clinical summer camps, and private clinics before starting at Talk Time Boston.
When she isn't practicing, Kendra loves to cook, read novels, and practice yoga.
Julia Zackular
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
julia@talktimeboston.com
Julia has loved working with kids for as long as she can remember. She always knew she wanted to make a career out of working with little ones and fell in love with the field of speech-language pathology. She earned her B.A in Public Health from the University of South Carolina and then traveled back home to complete her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Regis College. She is so excited to get started at Talk Time!
When she is not practicing, Julia enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Allessandra Farrar
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
farrar@talktimeboston.com
Allessandra got her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware (go Blue Hens!) and moved back home to Boston to get her masters from Emerson College. She is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice, play-based therapy, and all things AAC. She has experience working in a special education collaborative with middle and high schoolers.
In her free time Allessandra enjoys going to concerts, cross-stitching, and planning next year's Halloween costume.
Sarah Burstein
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
sarah@talktimeboston.com
Sarah attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges for her undergraduate and earned her Master’s in Communication Disorders from Emerson College. She has always enjoyed working with children and discovered her interest in speech and language while working at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys traveling (particularly to Europe!), going to the beach, hiking, yoga and pilates, as well as reading historical fiction.
Jenny Cullen
M.S. CF-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
jenny@talktimeboston.com
Jenny grew up in Wrentham, MA, and has loved working with children from a young age. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences with a minor in Disability Studies from the University of Maryland, followed by her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College. Jenny has clinical experience in school and pediatric outpatient medical settings.
When she is not practicing, Jenny loves to travel, explore Boston, and spend time with friends and family.
Tara Ellard
Practice Coordinator
tara@talktimeboston.com
Tara has always loved working with children. After graduating from Bates College with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Music, she joined the field of education as a preschool teacher in Boston. She is excited to bring her passion for early childhood development and family support to the team at Talk Time.
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In her free time, Tara enjoys running with friends, watercolor painting, and spending time at the beaches in her hometown on Cape Cod.
Amanda DeRosa
M.S. OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Amanda is a dedicated occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience, primarily working with children. She is passionate about helping kids build independence and confidently participate in group activities. Currently working full-time in an elementary school, Amanda has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children across all ability levels. She specializes in fine motor skills, visual motor development, sensory processing, and activities of daily living (ADLs).