Meet Our Therapists | Strides Therapy and Educational Services

Our Staff

Did you know?

Speech-Language Pathologists have extensive education and training!

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120 credits for a Bachelor's degree as a pre-requisite to a required Master's program

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A Master's program that includes 38 or more credits

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400 Clinical practicing hours

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9 month full time employment with direct supervision

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State License

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Certification through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association ( ASHA )

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At least 30 continuing education credit hours every 2 years

LOREN J. DLUGOS, M.S. CCC-SLP

FOUNDER/CEO

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Loren began her career as a speech-language pathologist after receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at Towson University. While at Towson, Loren graduated Magna Cum Laude in her undergraduate studies and was a recipient of the Faculty Award for Graduate Academic Excellence in graduate school. She has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 19 years. Loren has experience in evaluating and treating children and adults with varying diagnoses and disorders in a variety of settings. However, she has a passion for pediatrics and has chosen to specialize in childhood disorders and delays. She has received specialized training in Hanen’s “It Takes Two To Talk,” PROMPT and PECS. Loren holds her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in the state of Maryland. She has received an ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE) in 2008 and 2017 for her commitment to lifelong learning by attending above and beyond the required hours of course work to further her expertise within the field of speech-language pathology. She also subscribes to The Informed SLP to stay up to date monthly on the most recent research to implement into her evaluations and treatment sessions.

Shyne Ara Tipon

CLIENT COORDINATOR

Bio coming soon!

Shelby Mongeluzzo, M.S. CCC-SLP

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST / CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Shelby Mongelluzzo is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University, where she also minored in Psychology and Special Education. She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Radford University.

Shelby’s passion for helping others began at a young age, inspired by her brother with special needs and her experiences volunteering at a camp for individuals with disabilities. These early influences shaped her commitment to supporting others in finding their voice and achieving greater independence through communication.

With over seven years of diverse experience, Shelby has worked with both children and adults across a wide range of diagnoses and settings. Her background includes not only direct clinical work but also leadership roles, allowing her to approach therapy with a well-rounded perspective.

Shelby is excited to be part of this dedicated team and looks forward to continuing to expand her skill set to best serve and support the clients and families in our community.

Connie Benson, B.S.

Educational Services Growth and Outreach / SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

Connie is a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in Maryland and a proud graduate of the University of Maryland, where she earned her B.A. in Hearing and Speech Sciences. She has a passion for working with children and helping them grow into confident, capable communicators.

Outside of the therapy room, you can find Connie spending time with her husband, Joey (mostly playing pickleball!), anything fitness related, and exploring new towns and cozy coffee shops.

Dana Morgan, M.S. CCC-SLP

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST / EDUCATIONAL SERVICES MANAGER

Bio coming soon!

Lauren Nowicki, M.S. CF-SLP

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY CLINICAL FELLOW

Biol Coming Soon!

Kenny Mae Velasco

Admin Assistant

Kenny Mae Velasco is a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in healthcare recruitment, administrative support, and client services. She has a proven track record of managing full-cycle recruitment processes, including candidate sourcing, screening, and onboarding, while maintaining strong relationships with both clients and healthcare professionals. Her background also includes sales, marketing, and business operations, supported by a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing Management.

Currently, she serves as an Admin Assistant at Strides Therapy & Educational Services, where she provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to ensure efficient day-to-day functions. Kenny is recognized for her strong communication skills, professionalism, and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, consistently delivering high-quality results and contributing to organizational success.

JULIA LYONS, M.S. CF-SLP

Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathologist

Julia moved from North Carolina to Maryland to attend graduate school at Towson University and quickly fell in love with the area, deciding to make it her home. As a speech language pathologist, she has experience working with individuals across a variety of ages, but her true passion lies in pediatrics. Julia believes in a child-led, play-based approach to therapy that allows each child to take the lead and learn through meaningful, engaging experiences. She strives to create a supportive environment where communication growth feels natural, fun, and rewarding. In her free time, Julia enjoys exploring new areas, spending time outdoors, doing crafts, and connecting with friends and family.

Sherelle Duncan, M.A. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Sherelle Duncan is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Hampton University. A Maryland native, Sherelle discovered her passion for working with children early in life, spending summers volunteering at camps and supporting children in daycare settings. That foundation of genuine care has carried through every stage of her career. As a devoted wife and mother, she understands firsthand the importance of patience, dedication, and trust. These are values she brings to every client relationship.

Sherelle specializes in pediatric speech and language delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder, with over 13 years of experience across various public and private educational settings. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of supporting individuals with special needs and their families. She is guided by the belief that meaningful progress comes from a holistic, team-based approach that brings together all the key people in a child’s life to assess and address their unique needs.

Sherelle is proud to be part of the Strides team, and she deeply values the collaborative, family-friendly environment that makes this work so rewarding.

KAREN KNIGHT

BUSINESS MANAGER and SPECIAL EDUCATOR/TUTOR

I am excited to join the Strides Therapy & Educational Services team! I am a former elementary school teacher and
a mom of 3 kids, 2 of whom currently receive speech therapy. I have 10 years of experience teaching in both MD and TX.
I have taught First, Second, and Third grade, as a General Educator as well as a Special Educator. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master‘s Degree in Special Education. I am also National Board Certified in Early Childhood Generalist. I enjoy CrossFit, reading, and snowboarding when I get the chance. I also love Disney!