Meet Our Team
Heather Gotthelf, MS, CCC-SLP
Co-owner
heather@auburntlc.com
Heather received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders degree from Auburn University in 2001. She proceeded to receive a Master of Science in Communication Disorders degree from the University of Montevallo in 2003. For over 15 years, she has evaluated and treated children with the following difficulties/diagnoses: articulation, receptive and expressive language, feeding, Down syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Heather had a clinical supervisor role at the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic from January 2012 until July 2016. She provided supervision and guidance regarding evaluations and treatment for graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Communication Disorders. From September 2011 until July 2017, Heather has evaluated and treated children with various difficulties at pediatric outpatient facilities in Auburn, AL since 2011. She resides in Auburn with her husband, Gabe, and two boys, Bryce and Logan.
Kathy has worked as a speech language pathologist for more than 20 years, primarily with children. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from Auburn University in 1986, and earned a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. in 1998. Before moving back "home" to Auburn in 2011, Kathy worked for St. Mary's County Public Schools in Maryland and Dianne D. Epplein and Associates in Virginia Beach, VA. Since moving back to Auburn, Kathy has worked for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services - Early Intervention, and spent 5 years as a clinical instructor for Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic supervising graduate students conducting testing and treatment. Kathy and her husband Aaron (Auburn Class of 1985, 2016) a retired Navy Commander, reside in Auburn. They have one son, Collin (Auburn Class of 2014), living in Maryland and working as an aerospace engineer for the Navy.
Kathy McAtee, MS, CCC-SLP
Co-owner
kathy@auburntlc.com
Kirby McCard - Office Manager
billing@auburntlc.com
Kirby received a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree from the University of Phoenix in 2016. She proceeded to receive a certified coding certificate from the American Academy of Professional Coders in 2016 and a Billing certificate from U.S .Career Institute in 2017. Kirby moved to Auburn with her family in 2002 and graduated from Auburn High School in 2004. She has 15 years in the medical field with the last 4 years in medical billing and coding. Kirby resides in Opelika with her husband, Allen, son Cash, and two dogs Stella and Cruz. In her spare time, you can find her cheering on her son’s travel baseball team, spending time with friends on lake martin, and camping with her family.
Jesse Bowen, OTR/L
OT Team Leader
jesse@auburntlc.com
Jesse received her bachelor's degree from Auburn University in Human Development & Family Studies and received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Alabama State University. Jesse grew up knowing she wanted to work with kids and loves that OT gives her the perfect mix of teaching and medicine. She incorporates a play-based, child-led atmosphere utilizing sensory inputs to encourage the development of gross and fine motor skills. Jesse resides in Opelika with her husband, Brit, daughter Mallie, and pup, Charlie.
Aliyah Simmons, MA, CCC-SLP
aliyah@auburntlc.com
Aliyah grew up in Anniston, AL and earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Auburn University at Montgomery. She received a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Faulkner University. Aliyah is devoted to working with children and adults, helping them develop communication skills and strategies to navigate through life. She has a variety of clinical experience evaluating and treating individuals in all stages of life. Aliyah is excited to relocate to Auburn with her dog, Gator, and begin her career as a speech-language pathologist.
Katie Taylor, OTR/L
katie@auburntlc.com
Katie was born and raised in Sylacauga, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. She earned her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Tennessee Wesleyan University. Katie enjoys working with children of all ages and helping them be as independent as possible in their home and school environments. She resides in Auburn with her husband, Clayton, and dog, Finley.
Andrea Austin, MS, CCC-SLP
andrea@auburntlc.com
Andrea received her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and received her master’s degree from Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN). After working in the school system, Andrea transitioned to working in a private practice in Nashville. She has experience with preschool, elementary, and middle school aged students with speech, language, and feeding difficulties. She has a passion for working with children to help improve their overall communication skills, increase confidence, and provide education to parents to help with carryover of skills. She is originally from Dothan, Alabama and moved to Nashville after college, where she got married to her husband, Jake, and had her first child, Millie. Andrea and her family recently relocated to Auburn to be closer to family. She is excited to be back living in sweet home Alabama!
Abigail Bennett, MS, CF-SLP
abigail@auburntlc.com
Abigail was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. She received both her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and her Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Auburn University. Abigail's experience includes treating and evaluating children of all ages. She enjoys helping children learn communication skills that can be carried over into their everyday lives. In her free time, you can find her cheering on any and all Auburn sports teams. Abigail is thrilled to be back in Auburn with her fiancé, Ford.
Savannah Tucker, MS, CF-SLP
savannah@auburntlc.com
Savannah was born and raised in Hoover, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Spanish and her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Auburn University. Savannah’s experience includes evaluating and treating children and adults with a variety of speech, language, and feeding challenges. She has a passion for empowering children of all ages to find their voices and believes in the power of communication! When she is not working with little ones, you can find Savannah out on the lake with her family, cheering on the Tigers at home games, and making people smile from behind the camera through her photography! She is incredibly honored and excited to continue living in the loveliest village on the plains and work with your little ones!
Claudia Tucker, MS, CF-SLP
claudia@auburntlc.com
Claudia is from LaFayette, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Auburn University. Claudia recently graduated from Faulkner University with her master’s degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. Claudia is passionate about working with children of all ages, helping instill confidence and overall improve communication skills. She has experience in treating and evaluating children with a variety of disorders. Claudia enjoys going to Lake Martin with friends and family and spending time with her dog Mav and fiancé Daniel.
Laney Clark, MS, CF-SLP
laney@auburntlc.com
Laney grew up in Birmingham, AL and earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Auburn University in 2021. She then received her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo in 2023. She recently got married and moved back to Auburn where she and her husband look forward to spending time on the loveliest village on the plains! Laney has evaluation and treatment experience in medical, school, and home settings. She is passionate about communication access for all individuals. Laney is excited to continue to work in the field of Speech-Language Pathology and serve her local community!
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