.png)
Meet The Team
Ariella Kaplan
Owner/Speech Pathologist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
I am Ariella Kaplan, a CCC-SLP and Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and the co-owner of Atlanta Speech & Wellness. I provide integrated, person-centered speech therapy to support clients in reaching their full potential after a brain injury. With nearly 15 years of clinical experience, my passion for working with brain injury patients deepened during my time at the Shepherd Center, where I was inspired daily by my clients and the resilience of the human brain. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and my master’s degree from the University of Georgia. My journey has led me to become a licensed SpeakOut for Parkinson’s provider, a certified Ampcare provider for swallowing, and to earn a certificate in the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) through Aphasia Access. I currently serve as the Vice Chair on the Georgia Aphasia Project board and as the president-elect for the Georgia Speech and Hearing Association. My commitment to collaboration is at the heart of my work. I prioritize understanding my clients' values and goals, ensuring that therapy aligns with what is most important to them. I believe in instilling hope and the possibility of progress at any stage of recovery. When I'm not working, you can find me at home with my husband and two children, often taking our two very energetic Australian Shepherds on walks. We love exploring our neighborhood parks and farmers markets together.
Julie Witten
M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Julie Witten received her B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from San Jose State University and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Georgia. Julie has over 20 years of experience working in the field, specializing in stroke and brain injury rehabilitation in a variety of settings including outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, assisted living, and home healthcare. Julie spent the majority of her career working at Emory Rehabilitation Center where she specialized in treatment of aphasia, dysarthria, cognitive disorders, and dysphagia. Julie enjoys working with her clients through patient-centered therapy to gain greater independence and confidence to achieve their goals.
Claire Hampton
M.Ed., CF-SLP
I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia. During my graduate training, I gained experience in a variety of settings, including the Shepherd Center’s Complex Concussion Clinic and Acquired Brain Injury Unit, the University of Georgia Speech and Hearing Clinic, and elementary schools. These experiences helped me develop a well-rounded perspective and a passion for working with individuals with acquired brain injuries. My goal is to empower individuals in their communication and cognitive recovery journey through personalized, evidence-based therapy. I am a certified Ampcare provider for swallowing and have completed SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd training for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, which allows me to incorporate specialized, evidence-based techniques into my therapy. I’m dedicated to providing personalized, functional, and compassionate care to help each client communicate and return to their lives with greater confidence and independence. Outside of work, I enjoy practicing yoga, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and exploring all that Atlanta has to offer. As a proud UGA grad, you’ll also find me cheering on the dawgs during college football season!
Lorelei Benham
Owner/Speech Pathologist
I am a Georgia native with a passion for helping others. My interest in neuroscience started in high school and my passion only grew as I entered college. I completed my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Two years later I completed her master’s degree in speech and language pathology at the University of West Georgia. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Boulder, Colorado where I worked in a pediatric clinic as well as an elementary school. After two years, Georgia was calling so my husband and I moved back to pursue new career opportunities. In 2015, I joined the team at Shepherd Center in the acquired brain injury post-acute setting as a speech therapist on the outpatient day program team. While at Shepherd Center I have gained experience and knowledge in not only working with individuals with acquired brain injuries, but also those with multiple sclerosis. I have a deep rooted passion for making therapy functional and increasing independence. I thrive on creativity and thinking outside the box of traditional therapy. It is important to me that clients and care partners are at the center of every treatment plan and part of the rehabilitation process and decision making. We will work together to create goals that are important to you and that will continue to be motivating to you. I am always humbled to be given the opportunity to be invited along someone’s rehabilitation journey and to be a trusted person in this healing process. The best part of my job is helping others to navigate life and challenges in a new way while taking charge of their lives! In my free time I love spending time with my two daughters and husband. We love going on bike rides, to the park, and spending time with friends and family. My husband and I love exploring new places and watching our daughters’ imaginations run wild with each new adventure!
Jaclyn Snyder
CF-SLP
I completed my Bachelors of Science degree in Neuroscience at Brigham Young University and obtained my Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from University of Akron. I trained in a variety of settings including preschool, private pediatric, acute care, in-patient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation clinics. I’ve always been passionate about the brain, but after my own father’s battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), I developed a deep desire to serve clients with neurological injuries and neurodegenerative conditions. I have witnessed the profound impact that communication has on quality of life. My approach focuses on understanding each client’s unique needs, tailoring strategies that empower them to express themselves and connect with loved ones. I combine evidence-based practices with compassionate support, helping clients navigate the challenges of their conditions while fostering independence and enhancing their overall well-being. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the resilience and progress of my clients as we work together on their journey. I’m a native of the Pacific Northwest but have lived in the Atlanta area for 15 years and am proudly raising my 3 children in the South. In my free time I love to read, eat, travel, and adventure in the outdoors with my husband. I’ve backpacked 90 miles of the Appalachian Trail so far, and have my sights set on a trek to Base Camp at Mount Everest.
Kaitlyn Darley
MS OTR/L
I became an occupational therapist because I am passionate about helping people regain confidence, independence, and connection to the activities that matter most to them. I believe the best therapy is person-centered, motivating, and built around each individual’s unique goals and strengths. My approach focuses on creating a supportive and encouraging environment where clients feel comfortable, valued, and empowered. I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017. From there, I gained specialized experience working with individuals recovering from brain injury in inpatient and outpatient settings at Shepherd Center. Since 2025, I have also been proud to work part-time with Atlanta Speech and Wellness, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide compassionate, individualized care. In addition to my clinical work, I serve on the Board of Directors for the GA RSVP Clinic, helping support access to care for uninsured and underinsured individuals living with brain and spinal cord injuries. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, running, workout classes, traveling, and making memories with my husband, son, and mini bernedoodle.
Ready To Get Started?
Click below to schedule a free consultation or contact me via email or phone
ariella@atlspeechandwellness.com
phone: (470) 782-1878
fax: (404) 689-0278
1708 Peachtree St NW. Suite 207 Atlanta, GA. 30309