About NJ STEPS

Not only is Shery a dual-certified speech-language pathologist and special education teacher, but she is also a mother to 3 children and is bilingual in Russian and English. As a therapist and mother, Shery understands that there is nothing more sacred than the well-being and development of your child. She has over 20 years of experience working in healthcare and is devoted to learning, educating, and providing the best quality care for all of the patients at NJ Steps.

Shery has worked in a variety of settings as a speech-language pathologist and a special education teacher, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, early intervention, and private practice. She specializes in articulation disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, feeding and swallowing therapy, and myofunctional therapy. She is trained in Interactive Metronome, Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT, Bridging Trained), Vital Stimulation® , Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP), Talk Tools ® Level 3, International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM, pending COM), and It Takes Two to Talk® — The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Language Delay, Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding ® (SOS), and has extensive experience and training in numerous oral motor therapy programs, including myofunctional remediation.

Janelle joined NJ Steps in January of 2017 and since then has enjoyed observing and being a part of the NJ Steps team's tremendous growth. 

Janelle received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from James Madison University and her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Montclair State University. She brings prior clinical experience working in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and most significantly the public school setting, having previously worked in the Franklin Lakes public school district for seven years as a full-time SLP.

Janelle loves incorporating clients' interests into the therapy session to make it a motivating and effective therapeutic experience. She also enjoys coaching and training caregivers on ways to implement their children’s goals at home. Janelle is trained in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) and continually takes courses on evidence- based treatment methods and strategies. Janelle holds particular interest in treating language delays and disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency and social-pragmatic skills. 

Aside from being a Speech-Language Pathologist, Janelle is also a proud mother of two boys. She believes motherhood has fostered an even deeper understanding and connection to her clients and their caregivers.

Amelia Terpstra M.S., CCC-SLP holds her Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. She received her Bachelors of Science in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Speech Language Pathology, and a minor in Disabilities Studies from The University of Delaware. Amelia works part-time at NJ Steps and works as a speech-language specialist for the Fair Lawn School District. She currently holds her CCC-SLP from the American Speech Language Hearing Association and is a licensed New Jersey Speech-Language Pathologist. Amelia has experience working in specialized schools, public schools, private practice, and home-based settings. She enjoys utilizing clients’ interests to address their individualized speech and language goals. Her experience includes working with children and adults with receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, auditory processing disorders, and developmental delays. Amelia's professional credentials include training in Natural Language Acquisition, PROMPT Level 1 training, and Talk Tools MyoTools 101 and 102.

Marissa is a licensed New Jersey Speech-Language Pathologist and holds an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competency. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University. Marissa works part-time in our office while also working full-time as a school-based Speech Language Pathologist in the Bayonne School District. Marissa has experience working in public schools, private practice, hospitals, and in-home settings. She is passionate about establishing a strong rapport with clients and families to promote growth and success in an engaging environment. Marissa has experience working with children of all ages with articulation/phonological disorders, receptive/expressive language disorders, pragmatic language disorders, AAC, fluency disorders, oral motor deficits, and feeding disorders. Marissa is trained in natural language acquisition, Talk Tools Oral Placement Therapy Level 2, Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT Level 1), and AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding.

Dana Cappello M.S. CCC-SLP holds her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pace University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Nova Southeastern University. She has experience in private practice settings, rehabilitation centers, teletherapy, public school districts, private schools, preschools and daycares. 

Dana has experience treating children with articulation/phonology disorders, expressive/receptive language impairments, AAC, feeding difficulties, and fluency disorders. She has supported her clients by collaborating with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, and audiologists. Dana enjoys building strong connections with her clients through child-led, play-based sessions. 

Dana is trained in Prompts of Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT trained). She has pursued additional training and education in natural language acquisition, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and orofacial myofunctional therapy. She has a special interest in working with children who are gestalt language processors.

Dana holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and her New Jersey and South Carolina Licenses for Speech Language Pathology.

Savannah holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Mercy College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rider University. Her clinical journey encompasses diverse roles, from serving as a school-based speech-language pathologist in the Denville Township School District to her part-time engagement at NJ Steps.

She is deeply committed to providing therapy across a broad spectrum of age groups, ranging from infants to school-aged children. Savannah's areas of expertise include articulation/phonology, expressive/receptive language, pragmatic and social language, and fluency. She consistently augments her proficiency in addressing speech sound disorders.

Savannah adopts a play-based therapy approach, which she has found to be both effective and engaging for her clients. Embracing a holistic approach to therapy, she coordinates closely with occupational therapists to tackle sensory and motor aspects that may impact speech and language development. Furthermore, Savannah collaborates extensively with school professionals, including teachers and counselors, to ensure seamless support for her clients within the educational environment. This collaborative ethos facilitates a comprehensive and integrated therapy approach, ultimately enriching outcomes for her clients.

Savannah's professional credentials include certifications in PROMPT Level 1, Talk Tools Myotools 101, and various play-based therapy techniques. Licensed in New Jersey, she holds certifications as a speech-language specialist and an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competency.

Lauren has been a practicing Speech Language Pathologist since 2002, and is passionate about helping each of her patients find their voice. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Stockton University and her Masters of Science degree in Communication Disorders from William Paterson University. She is licensed as a Speech Language Pathologist in the state of New Jersey, holds her Certificate of Clinical Competency through the American Speech and Hearing Association, as well as a Speech Language Specialist Certification from the New Jersey Department of Education.

Lauren is trained in the use of Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention, MNRI ® Method, DIRFloortime ®, and is a Level 2 PROMPT trained clinician. She has had the opportunity to implement this specialized training in a variety of settings, most recently in schools and private practice. Lauren utilizes a child-led, relationship-based therapy approach and believes wholeheartedly that the most effective way to learn is through play. In fact, her Master’s Thesis explored the effects of using play as a therapeutic tool for improving shared attention and expressive language. 

Lauren has been part of the NJ Steps family since July 2023 in a part-time capacity. She has recently become a full-time member of the team as both a treating SLP and Director of Operations. She loves being a mom to her teen daughters, Sophia and Charlotte (and a “bunny mom” to Lola!) When Lauren isn’t working, she appreciates lazy days at the lake, live music, and reality TV. She believes in the power of human connection, the importance of communication, and that life is meant to be enjoyed!

Brielle Peters received her Master of Science in Speech Pathology and Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Marywood University. She has experience in private practice settings, rehabilitation centers, teletherapy, public school districts, charter schools, preschools and daycares. 

Brielle has experience treating children with articulation/phonology disorders, expressive/receptive language impairments, AAC, and fluency disorders. She has assisted her clients by working closely with educators, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and social workers. Brielle takes pleasure in fostering meaningful relationships with her clients through sessions that are child-led and centered around play.

Brielle is trained in Prompts of Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) and TalkTools MYOTools 101 and 102. She has pursued additional training and education in natural language acquisition and orofacial myofunctional therapy. 

Brielle holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and her New Jersey License for Speech Language Pathology.

Sophie has been an indispensable member of the NJ Steps team since September 2021, bringing with her 26 years of invaluable experience in the medical field. Throughout her career, she has worked with Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, ENTs, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists. Holding various titles such as Medical Receptionist, Medical Biller, and Office Manager, Sophie's extensive office background and genuine passion for assisting others have positioned her in every office capacity at NJ Steps whenever the need arises. She remains unwaveringly dedicated to supporting clients, therapists, and the administrative team at NJ Steps, backed by her certification in Medical Billing from the State of New Jersey Medicaid and a wealth of knowledge in working with insurance companies in the area.

Beyond her contributions to NJ Steps, Sophie is a devoted mother of two children, finding joy in watching movies, reading, and baking with her kids.

Dr. Galo is an educator, occupational therapist, and the founder of Sensory Therapeutics of NJ. He has spent the last 9 years working with children & adolescents in specialized schools, clinics, home care and early intervention. Dr. Galo has worked with a variety of diagnoses that range from sensory challenges to complex physical, cognitive and communication disorders. He has taken continuing education courses to advance his clinical skills and has a variety of certifications. Dr. Galo obtained his post professional clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Mount Mary University. He always seeks to learn more about the field of occupational therapy and utilizes evidence based interventions to better serve his clients. Dr. Galo has strong interpersonal skills and is an effective communicator. He values parents and family members input and collaborates with each other to better support the client.

Dr. Galo realized that he wanted to serve children & adolescents with special needs on an individual basis in any setting and not be limited by insurance companies, therapy caps or school administrators. He founded Sensory Therapeutics and offers occupational therapy services. He serves clients 3-21+ and their families to facilitate participation and independence to live life to its fullest.

Dr. Galo was named a “NJ Favorite Kids’ Docs and Exceptional Healthcare Provider in 2016 , 2017 and 2019” by New Jersey Family Magazine. The professionals on the list were nominated as “exceptional” by readers of the magazine.



Anna received her clinical training from Seton Hall & Caldwell University. Anna has over 15 years of experience working with children and families with disabilities in a variety of settings including public and private schools, hospitals, homes, communities and nonprofit organizations. Anna specializes in servicing children and families with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and Executive Functioning Skill Deficits. Anna is passionate about teaching social, self-help, and advocacy skills as well as promoting inclusion and acceptance for children of all abilities. Anna has spent 9 years of her career in a public school setting working as a behavior analyst and special education teacher servicing children ages preschool through high school. Anna is the proud mother of a 5-year-old son and currently serves as the Vice President for a local nonprofit organization. As a mother and a clinician, Anna believes that “you must be the change you wish to see in the world” and that TOGETHER we can give our children the roots to GROW and the wings to FLY!

In my early medical years, working in hospitals, I observed autopsies revealing disease states and blood samples with unidentified artifacts with no real medical explanation. Extensive training with pathologists gave me the insight of the human body, which many nutrition focused health professionals have not been privileged to witness.

Blood observed through microscopy revealed a true picture of the patient’s health. Their ailments were undeniable and completely astonishing to see. Many years later, the pieces of the health puzzle came together.

I realized that we often have the power to change our health once we understand it.

In light of my educational journey, I have the ability to comprehensively and holistically address my client’s medical needs through nutrition. My medical nutritional practice is supported by evidence-based research. Often I receive ‘answers’ from simple micronutrient or genetic analysis to support patient care.

This field is now called ‘Functional Medicine” but I have been practicing this way for over 30 years. I look forward to meeting you and helping you on your way to better health!

I also participate in nutritional outreach in various communities to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their diet and nutritional behaviors.