Meet Our Staff
Lisa Wess
Owner & Managing Director
✉️ lisa@milestonesnh.com
Lisa is the Owner and Managing Director of Milestones Pediatric Therapy Center, LLC. Lisa received her Business Management degree from Merrimack College. She has over twenty years of experience in the medical billing, insurance industry and medical therapy setting. Lisa has also completed a variety of advocacy training programs. Lisa has personal experience as a parent trying to access quality services for her child and is passionate about helping parents maneuver the system and educate themselves on their options. Lisa opened Milestones Pediatric Therapy Center in 2014 because she believes strongly that a family centered practice is the best way to incorporate activities that children and their caregivers can enjoy together, which in turn fosters growth! While Lisa loves her work and spends a lot of time doing that, in her free time she likes to go to the gym, read, shop, and head to the beach with her husband, son and daughter.
Gabrielle Mascali, M.S. OTR/L
Occupational Therapist – Team Lead
✉️ gaby@milestonesnh.com
Gaby received both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. Gaby was born and raised in New York, but after coming to New Hampshire to attend school, she decided she loved this state too much to leave. Gaby has had experience working with children in various settings, including at a sleep away camp in Michigan, a residential school in northern New Hampshire, as well as a sub-acute children’s hospital in Washington D.C. Gaby has been with Milestones since its inception in 2014 and is currently the OT Team Lead. She is one of the local area providers trained in the Therapeutic Listening program and has received her proficient certification in DIRFloortime. Gaby also runs our nature-based program, Milestones: OUTDOORS, and has received education regarding nature-based therapy. She is extremely passionate about utilizing strengths-based and child led strategies within her treatment sessions and is very committed to connecting and supporting her children and families. In her free time, you can always find her doing something outside, practicing yoga, or spending time with her friends and family; PLAY is her favorite occupation!
Shannon Coughlin, M.S. CCC/SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist – Team Lead
✉️ shannon@milestonesnh.com
Shannon grew up in Massachusetts before receiving her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. She then moved to Seattle where she received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington. She is passionate about building trust and connection with clients and their families using a strengths-based, neurodiversity affirming approach. She loves engaging clients in working toward their communication goals within experiences that are fun and meaningful to them! Shannon has received post-graduate training in the Natural Language Acquisition framework for gestalt language processors, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), sensory processing through the Inside Out Sensory Course for SLPs, DIRFloortime, play-based speech and language therapy, and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for childhood apraxia of speech. In her free time, Shannon enjoys making pottery, rock climbing, and playing with her cats: Mack and Ernie.
Michelle LaCroix, M.S. CCC/SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
✉️ michelle@milestonesnh.com
Michelle has been part of the Milestones speech-language pathology team since 2019. After growing up in Western Massachusetts, Michelle attended the University of New Hampshire where she received both her Bachelor and Master in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Michelle completed graduate coursework to gain a concentration in early childhood (infant to early elementary) communication disorders and worked as a research assistant in UNH’s Social Communication Intervention & Assessment Lab (SoCIALab). Michelle has gained additional clinical training in the Lively Letters multi-sensory reading program, gestalt language processing and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for children with CAS, the Smart but Scattered executive skills program, and more. Michelle grew up surrounded by children at her mother’s home childcare center, and has worked with infants to teenagers in outpatient therapy center, school, and residential summer program settings. She is dedicated to helping kids grow their skills, build on their communication strengths, and find the best ways for their brain to learn. In her free time, Michelle enjoys paddle boarding, playing tabletop games, making pottery, and working on her other crafty hobbies.
Ashley Williston, M.S. OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
✉️ ashley@milestonesnh.com
After growing up in New Hampshire, Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. During her studies Ashley gained clinical experience working with individuals of all ages, including infants to young adults, in outpatient, acute care, and school settings. Ashley has been working with the Milestones team since 2020! She has completed advanced trainings in DIRFloortime, regulation and trauma, sensory processing, and neurodiversity affirming and strengths-based approaches through Learn Play Thrive. In addition, Ashley has completed trainings for medically complex children and babies, is certified in kinesiology taping through RockTape, and carries over experience from her work in the inpatient hospital setting. Ashley is currently working towards her ADHD clinical service provider certification and has an interest in pediatric vision disorders and intervention. Ashley coordinates student fieldwork experiences at Milestones and enjoys mentoring future occupational therapy professionals. Ashley is passionate about incorporating each child’s interests and strengths into their sessions, fostering joyful connections, and supporting children and families to feel successful in their daily occupations. In her free time, Ashley’s favorite leisure activities are yoga, bike riding, reading, and spending time outdoors!
Abigail Aye, M.A. CCC/SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
✉️ abby@milestonesnh.com
After growing up in Eastern Massachusetts, Abigail attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communication Disorders. She continued her education at UMass and earned her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. During graduate school, Abby gained experience working with individuals across all ages with a variety of communication needs. Abigain is passionate about connecting with clients and their families using a strengths-based, neurodiversity affirming approach. She has received post-graduate training in the Natural Language Acquisition framework for gestalt language processors, as well as training in phonological-based approaches, DIRFloortime, and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for childhood apraxia of speech. Abigail also hopes to continue learning about tethered oral tissues and feeding therapy. Abigail is the co-creator of the Milestones Newsletter. In her free time, Abigail enjoys hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and spending time with her husband and shih-tzu, Dexter.
Trisha Wheeler, M.S. Ed. CCC/SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
✉️ trisha@milestonesnh.com
Trisha grew up in Upstate New York, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from SUNY Cortland and her Master of Science Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The College of Saint Rose. She then moved to Tucson, Arizona and worked as a speech-language pathologist in both pre-school and elementary school settings for a few years. Trisha has received training in the Natural Language Acquisition framework for gestalt language processors, as well as the areas of phonological-based approaches, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Trisha is passionate in building meaningful connections with the children she works with through a play-based, child-led approach. In her free time, Trisha enjoys hiking and being outside with her family and yellow lab, Dax!
Alie Thomas, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
✉️ alie@milestonesnh.com
Alie grew up in New Hampshire and received her bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College and her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Elon University in North Carolina. Alie has always focused her studies and career on the pediatric population. She started her career as a physical therapist in schools before transitioning to the outpatient clinic setting where she has years of experience. This includes extensive involvement working with children of all ages (starting at birth) and various challenges and diagnoses. Alie is also one of the local area providers certified in multiple levels of Dynamic Movement Intervention.
Emily Ludwig, M.S. CCC/SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
✉️ emilyslp@milestonesnh.com
Emily grew up in Michigan before receiving her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. She then moved to New York to earn her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Mercy College. While in New York, she gained experience working with both children and adults with a variety of communication needs. She is passionate about supporting a child’s communication goals through play-based therapy. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Megan Mathis, M.S. OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
✉️ megan@milestonesnh.com
Megan grew up in Florida before receiving her Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies from West Virginia University. During her time there, she was able to minor in Infant and Toddler Development. Her family moved to New Hampshire, where she then received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Megan has always had a passion for working with children and completed both of her fieldworks in pediatric settings. She hopes to continue learning and specialize in feeding therapy and sensory processing. In her free time she enjoys traveling, going ot concerts, puzzles, painting, baking, and exploring New England. She is excited to start her career at Milestones!
Krysten Walker, M.S. OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
✉️ krysten@milestonesnh.com
Krysten grew up in Manchester, NH and received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. She has gained experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings including school, outpatient, and community-based settings. Krysten is passionare about helping children reach their greatest potential through activities that are motivating for them. She has completed training in neuro-based self-regulation strategies and hoped to specialize in DIRfloortime, sensory processing, and strengths-based appraoches. In her free time she enjoys traveling, baking, playing tennis, and going out for ice cream with friends.
Fran Volante, M.S. CF/SLP
Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow
✉️ fran@milestonesnh.com
Fran is thrilled to join the Milestones team as a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow. After growing up in a suburb outside of Boston, Fran earned her Bachelors and Masters in an Accelerated Masters program at the University of New Hampshire. She participated in research where she co-presented a poster investigating the efficacy of Treatment to Establish Motor Program Organization (TEMPO), an apraxia of speech treatment, at the 2022 ASHA Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Through working in various settings including private practices, early intervention clinics, and schools, Fran has furthered her passion for pediatrics. Fran uses a family-centered, play-based approach to assist in supporting communication goals. Her areas of clinical interest include early intervention (birth to 3), ASD, social language, articulation, and fluency. During her free time, Fran enjoys reading, knitting, playing with her gerbils, Duck and Goose, and her hamster, Sweet Potato.
Taylor Vartanian
Program Assistant
Taylor graduated from Merrimack College with her Bachelor of Rehabilitation Science. She started at Milestones as in intern in 2022 and later became Milestones’ first Program Assistant. She assists the therapists with their sessions as well as prepares activities for the clinic. She also helps with management and front desk tasks. Taylor is part of the Milestones: OUTDOORS program and enjoys spending time outside. She is pursuing her Master of Occupational Therapy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and is expected to graduate in 2025. She absolutely lovers her experience working with kids and dreams of working in a pediatric setting in her future.