Leadership
Tommie L. Robinson, PhD
Locations
Departments
Audiologists
Tracey Ambrose
- Lead Audiologist
Tracey Ambrose
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
- Balance and Vestibular Program
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Restoration Program
- Hearing and Speech
Biography
Tracey Ambrose, AuD, CCC-A, is a lead audiologist at Children’s National Hospital for the past eight years with a focus on underserved populations in hearing health. She has a background rooted in research starting with her fellowship for her AuD, at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where they participated in monitoring ototoxic medication and hearing loss treatment. More recently in her career as a department lead, she has focused Children's National providers on best practice protocols and continued clinical research to improve their specialty within the medical field. In 2021 the hospital was awarded a LEND grant with the audiology department as a key component to the team where she is a faculty member. Tracey partook in training residents and fellows at Children's National and has been part of presentations at national conventions including, SENTAC, ASHA, AAO and NBASLA. She participated in research/mission trip to St. John and St. Thomas USVI as the team audiologist at the height of Zika outbreak and follow-up trip. The team was assembled by the CDC from across the country with specialists to research effects of Zika virus in this population but evolved into a return trip to address the disparity in specialty services available on the islands after the hurricane forced many to leave. Tracey is the audiology representative for American Academy of Audiology (AAA) ASLP-IC Legislative Summit to increase access for patients between states by developing inter-state compacts. She is in great standing in the pediatric audiology field and have been a peer reviewer for national journal Acta Oto-Laryngological and for updated AAA Audiological Guidelines for the assessment of hearing in infants and young children.
Claire Buxton
- Audiologist
Claire Buxton
Languages
- English
Departments
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Restoration Program
- Hearing and Speech
Biography
- Claire Buxton, AuD CCC-A joined the Children’s National Hearing and Speech team in 2007 as a fourth year audiology extern. Dr. Buxton was part of the cochlear implant team at Children’s for seven years before moving on to work as a clinical educator at the University of Maryland and Gallaudet University. At Gallaudet, Dr. Buxton developed clinical lab experiences for graduate students in audiology and co-instructed the cochlear implant course. Dr. Buxton returned to Children’s in 2020 to work with the cochlear implant team and serve as a team lead for the newborn hearing screening program. She holds a certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is part of a humanitarian audiology team that travels to Guatemala on an annual basis to provide training for local audiology technicians.
Kayla Coleman
- Audiologist
Kayla Coleman
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Kayla Coleman, AuD, CCC-A, began as an audiology graduate fellow in 2022. At that time, she also served as a trainee in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program and participated in research that investigated hearing aid wait times for patients with hearing loss in the DMV.
Dr. Coleman graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a minor in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture from the University of Virginia in 2019. She went on to receive her Doctorate in Audiology at Towson University in 2023. She performs behavioral audiologic evaluations and auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluations, as well as the fitting and programming of hearing aids and bone conduction devices. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) in Audiology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
Patricia Craun
- Audiologist
Patricia Craun
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Restoration Program
- Hearing and Speech
Bio
Patricia Craun, AuD, CCC-A, joined the Children’s National Hearing and Speech team in 2006 and is a valuable member of the Cochlear Implant Program team. Dr. Craun provides support to our patients in English, as well as Spanish and American Sign Language. She earned her doctorate in Audiology from Gallaudet University in 2005. Dr. Craun holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is also a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. Additionally, she enjoys traveling with her family and hopes to one day visit the Grand Canyon.
Marjan Davoodian
- Audiologist
Marjan Davoodian
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Marjan Davoodian, AuD, CCC-A, earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Maryland, where she also completed a research internship at Boys Town National Research Hospital with a focus on pediatric cochlear implants. As part of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, Dr. Davoodian conducted research on the impact of meningitis onset age on cochlear ossification and hearing outcomes in the pediatric population. She also has an academic background in early childhood education, which enhances her work with children and families. Dr. Davoodian provides audiologic assessments, auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, newborn hearing screening and fitting and management of hearing aids and bone-anchored hearing devices. She is trilingual in Farsi, Urdu and English, allowing her to provide culturally responsive care to diverse families. Dr. Davoodian holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Aubrey Ellis
- Audiologist
Aubrey Ellis
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Aubrey Ellis, AuD, CCC-A, is an audiologist with the Cochlear Implant Program. Dr. Ellis earned her doctorate of Audiology from the University of Memphis in 2019. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a minor in Psychology and Distinguished Communicator Certification from Louisiana State University in 2015. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.
Megan Ellmaker
- Audiologist
Megan Ellmaker
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Megan Ellmaker, AuD, CCC-A, ABAC, joined Children’s National Hearing and Speech Center in 2025. She earned her doctorate of audiology from Pacific University and completed a pediatric fellowship at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she researched cochlear implant care adherence. She holds board certification from the American Board of Audiology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Ellmaker provides audiologic, neurodiagnostic and vestibular assessments, as well as hearing aid and bone conduction device fittings. Previously, she advanced pediatric services and cochlear implant programs at Precision Hearing in Sydney, Australia.
Emily Fustos
- Audiologist
Emily Fustos
Languages
- English
Departments
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Restoration Program
- Hearing and Speech
- Turner Syndrome Clinic
Bio
Emily Fustos, AuD, CCC-A, joined the Children’s National Hearing and Speech team in 2016 and is a member of the Cochlear Implant Program. Dr. Fustos provides support to our patients in English as well as American Sign Language. Dr. Fustos earned her doctorate in Audiology from Vanderbilt University in 2016. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with minors in Psychology and Business, from Pennsylvania State University in 2012. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is also a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.
Jessica Hatcher
- Audiologist
Jessica Hatcher
Languages
- English
Departments
Gemma Messina
- Audiologist
Gemma Messina
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Gemma Messina, Au.D., CCC-A, joined the Children’s National Hearing and Speech team in 2021. Dr. Messina earned a Doctorate of Audiology from Gallaudet University in 2021. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders in 2017. Dr. Messina performs audiologic assessments, vestibular assessments, and auditory processing evaluations as well as the fitting and programming of hearing aids and bone conduction devices. She holds a clinical certification in Audiology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
Irene Sideris
- Audiologist
Irene Sideris
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Karen Woolman
- Audiologist
Karen Woolman
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Karen Woolman, AuD, CCC-A, is a pediatric audiologist. She completed her undergraduate studies at State University at New York (SUNY) New Platz with a Bachelor of Arts in communication disorders and her graduate studies at Gallaudet University with both a Master of Science and Doctor of Audiology degrees. Dr. Woolman was awarded the Pediatric Education Audiology Emphasis (PEAE) Grant during her time at Gallaudet University, which allowed her to focus her studies and training on the pediatric population.
Prior to working at Children’s National Hospital, she worked at a non-profit audiology, speech-language pathology and occupational therapy clinic and a private practice ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinic. Both clinics were in the Northern Virginia area. Dr. Woolman currently holds a board position for the Virginia Chapter of Hands & Voices. She has held regional events for the chapter and has attended the Annual Hands & Voices Leadership conference. She presented at the Virginia Early Hearing Detection Identification (EHDI) conference and Opening Doors Unlocking Potential Conference. She has also done presentations for local organizations and for hospital grand rounds. Dr. Woolman holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Fellows
Meghan Bedford, MS, CF-SLP
- Fellow, Speech-Language Pathology
Meghan Bedford, MS, CF-SLP
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Meghan Bedford, MS, CF-SLP, joined the Hearing and Speech team at Children’s National Hospital as a speech-language pathology clinical fellow in July 2025. Her pediatric externship brought her to Children’s National Hospital in January 2025 and she was selected for a clinical fellowship at Children’s National Northern Virginia.
In her current role, Ms. Bedford provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to children from birth to 21 years of age. She specializes in early intervention, language disorders, and working with children diagnosed with autism. Ms. Bedford has experience evaluating and treating receptive, expressive, and social-pragmatic language disorders, as well as articulation, motor speech, and fluency disorders. Her clinical passion lies in supporting children and families across all forms of communication. She firmly believes that everyone deserves a voice and that all communication is valid—no matter the modality. Ms. Bedford earned her Bachelor of Science degree in communication sciences with disorders and Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from James Madison University, making her a proud Double Duke.
Margaret Roman, MA, CF-SLP
- Fellow, Speech-Language Pathology
Margaret Roman, MA, CF-SLP
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Margaret “Maggie” Roman, MA, CF-SLP, is a speech-language pathology clinical fellow. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in hearing and speech sciences and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Maryland. Roman’s graduate training included specialized clinical work and coursework supporting children with hearing loss in developing speech, language and auditory skills. She further strengthened her clinical background by completing an auditory-verbal practice training course offered by the Institute for Cochlear Implant Training (ICIT). She also has an interest in early intervention and emerging language development. She previously worked as a research assistant at the University of Maryland, contributing to projects investigating the effects of auditory training and investigating the persistence of childhood stuttering. Roman is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
Speech Language Pathologists
Alaina Agatone Alaina Agatone
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Tiara Booth
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Tiara Booth
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Restoration Program
- Hearing and Speech
Biography
Tiara Booth, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist. She completed training at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in hearing and speech sciences and a Master of Arts degree in speech-language pathology. Tiara worked with pediatric and adult patients at a private practice from 2019 to 2021 before transitioning to Children’s National Hospital in 2021 as an outpatient pediatric speech-language pathologist. Tiara serves on the Cochlear Implant Team and particularly enjoys working with early intervention, hearing loss, and fluency patients.
Tiara has served as a guest lecturer in undergraduate and graduate courses as well as professional organizations. She is a board member for the University of Maryland’s Research Equity and Access in Communication and Hearing (REACH) Program. Tiara believes in mentorship and supporting younger generations in the field. She is a graduate clinician supervisor at Children’s National and mentors students through the University of Maryland and Maryland Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA) programs.
Tiara was recently awarded the 2025 ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for her service to the community. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH).
Sharon Netta Curcio
- Lead Speech-Language Pathologist - Outpatient Services
Sharon Netta Curcio
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Christopher Johnson
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Christopher Johnson
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Christopher S. Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist. He completed undergraduate training at Towson University with a Bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology and a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Old Dominion University. He completed his clinical fellowship at Children’s Evaluation and Therapy Center in Lanham, Maryland. Christopher joined the speech-language pathology team at Children’s National Hospital in 2025.
He believes in a child-centered, holistic and strength-based philosophy and uses this approach as he helps children develop and improve their communication skills. This includes assisting with speech sound/articulation development, receptive and expressive language disorders, social/pragmatic communication challenges as well as voice, fluency and feeding/swallowing difficulties. Additionally, Christopher works closely with families, teachers and other professionals to support the child’s progress in school and daily life. Christopher holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Courtney Long
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Courtney Long
Languages
- English
Departments
Natalie Lyman, MS, CF-SLP
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Andrea Martinez Stokes, MS, CCC-SLP
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Andrea Martinez Stokes, MS, CCC-SLP
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Andrea Martinez Stokes, MS, CCC-SLP, is a full-time outpatient speech-language pathologist. She completed undergraduate training at the University of Maryland and received her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology at Loyola University Maryland. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia and New York.
She has many years of clinical experience diagnosing and treating pediatric speech and language disorders. She is a member of the Cochlear Implant Team at Children’s National Hospital, specializing in working with children with hearing loss who wear amplification devices, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Heather Turnbull
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Taiwo Whetstone, MA, CCC-SLP
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Taiwo Whetstone, MA, CCC-SLP
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Taiwo Whetstone, MA, CCC-SLP, joined Children’s National Hospital as a speech-language pathologist in January 2024. She has worked with the pediatric population as a clinician in both outpatient, as well as school settings. Ms. Whetstone takes a special interest in literacy, articulation/phonological disorders, and fluency disorders. She also works with children with motor speech, social pragmatic, expressive, and receptive language disorders. Ms. Whetstone completed her graduate training in communication sciences and disorders at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and received her undergraduate degree at Sarah Lawrence College in vocal performance and was a participant in the Juilliard School’s Opera Workshop. She continues to use elements of music to inform therapy with patients whenever possible.
Ms. Whetstone is committed to providing child-centered care and feels fortunate to work with children with diverse communication abilities and needs. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Whetstone has published and presented research on the elements of melodic intonation therapy.
Vanessa Whyte, MA, CCC-SLP
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Vanessa Whyte, MA, CCC-SLP
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Vanessa Whyte, MA, CCC-SLP, graduated with her master’s degree from Hampton University School of Science in 2018. She provides speech and language diagnostic and therapy services. She specializes in cleft/craniofacial anomalies, velopharyngeal insufficiency and children diagnosed with autism. She also collaborates with the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she collaborates with psychologists to provide mini-team autism evaluations.
VaRysa Williams, MSEd, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
- Speech-Language Pathologist
VaRysa Williams, MSEd, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
VaRysa Williams, MSEd, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is a speech-language pathologist and feeding therapist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in hearing and speech sciences from the University of Maryland, followed by a master’s degree in education and special education from Johns Hopkins University.
Williams served as an elementary special educator in Baltimore City and Montgomery County, MD, for several years before pursuing her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology at Gallaudet University. She has experience in diverse medical settings, including pediatric outpatient care, inpatient rehabilitation and long-term acute care. She joined Children’s National Hospital in 2021, and she has become an integral member of both the outpatient and inpatient teams.
At Children’s National, Williams provides evaluation and treatment for children with developmental and acute needs in the areas of feeding and swallowing, language, cognition, voice, and speech sound production. In 2024, she completed advanced training in flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and now performs swallow studies in collaboration with the Otolaryngology (ENT) team. She is passionate about empowering patients and families through compassionate, individualized care. She holds certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland.
Jill Wiscount
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Jill Wiscount
Languages
- English
Departments
Scottish Rite
Barbara Bustamante
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Barbara Bustamante
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
Barbara Lynna Bustamante, MS, CCC-SLP, graduated with her master's from the Howard University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2015. She completed her clinical fellowship year here at Children's National Hospital in 2016 and has remained at the Scottish Rite Center for Communication Disorders, now at Takoma Theatre, where she provides speech-language therapy and diagnostic services. She is also a doctoral student in the department of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences at Gallaudet University. Ms. Bustamante’s research interests focus on bilingualism and autism.
Ms. Bustamante services children from birth to 21 years old but specializes in early intervention for children from birth to three. She also specializes in working with children diagnosed with autism. She diagnoses and treats children with receptive, expressive and social-pragmatic language, articulation, motor speech and fluency disorders. Ms. Bustamante is also a member of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder where she collaborates with psychologists to provide bilingual mini-team autism evaluations for Spanish-speaking families. Her clinical passions relate to providing equitable services and increasing access to services for underserved populations.
LaShundra Collins Young
- Speech-Language Pathologist
LaShundra Collins Young
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Lawrence House
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Lawrence House
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Daniela Misri
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Daniela Misri
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Care Team Professionals
Jessica Martinez
- Audiology Assistant