Archives: Employees

VernaAnn Kotansky, MA CCC/SLP,  is a native of Western New York. She received both her BA and MA in Speech-Language Pathology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo. VernaAnn’s 30+ years of experience has focused on pediatrics in the hospital, rehabilitation center, developmental center and public school settings.

VernaAnn’s areas of interest related to Speech-Language Pathology include Assistive Technology (Augmentative Assistive Communication), Autism, Social Skills/Pragmatics and Executive Function. VernaAnn holds a Certifications for Assistive Technology for Communication and in the Classroom from South Florida University. She is T.E.A.C.C.H. certified and PECs trained. VernaAnn is also a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar.

VernaAnn holds her Certification of Clinical Competence through the American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a member of the Ohio Speech Language Hearing Association (OSLHA), the  Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) as well as Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT). VernaAnn continues to practice speech-langauge therapy in the public school setting.

VernaAnn proudly serves as the President of   Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC.  who’s mission is to provide affordable quality products and therapeutic resources to enhance the lives of individuals with communication deficits. Our Playground Communication Boards are sold nationwide.

VernaAnn resides in Lakewood, OH with her husband and 2 daughters. She is thrilled to be part of the Lakeshore Team and looks forward to working with you and your family.

Ellen Spear, M.A.CCC-SLP is the co- founder and owner of Lakeshore Speech Therapy, LLC. She is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 30 years experience evaluating and treating children with speech, language and social communication disorders. Ellen has worked in a variety of settings in her career which include private practice, schools, and hospitals. Ellen is certified by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed by the state of Ohio in Speech Language Pathology.

Ellen completed her undergraduate degree in Communications at Marquette University and holds a Master of Arts from Cleveland State University. She is trained in the PROMPT method which targets Motor Speech Disorders. Ellen is also certified in the Hanen Method It Takes Two To Talk. She is passionate about parent involvement in the private practice setting and feels that it is the hallmark of success. Areas of interest include Early Intervention, Autism, and Motor Speech Disorders. The Connecting for Kids Organization honored Ellen with the Professional of the Year Award in 2017.

Ellen proudly serves at the vice-president of Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC.  who’s mission is to provide affordable quality products and therapeutic resources to enhance the lives of individuals with communication deficits. Our Playground Communication Boards are sold nationwide.

Ellen resides in Lakewood with her husband and 5 children.