Roots Developmental & Therapeutic Services, Inc. takes pride in creating an individualized comprehensive team that meets every child's needs.
Erin is originally from Clinton County, New York and moved to Tampa, Florida in 2012. In 2004, Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Erin received her Masters of Science as a Literacy Specialist Birth-6th grade from
Erin is originally from Clinton County, New York and moved to Tampa, Florida in 2012. In 2004, Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Erin received her Masters of Science as a Literacy Specialist Birth-6th grade from the State University of New York at Albany. Following graduation, Erin started teaching in Albany County, New York as a 3rd grade teacher. She was honored to be promoted into a leadership role as the Coordinator of Student Support Services shortly after beginning her teaching career. In 2012, Erin finished an internship as a PreK-2 School Principal while completing her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. In 2012, Erin and her family moved to Tampa, Florida where she started teaching in Pasco County as an Exceptional Student Education Pre-Kindergarten teacher working with children ages 3 to 5. Throughout her career, Erin has worked with a variety of children with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities by providing instruction and implementing a variety of research-based interventions in all areas of development. In addition to being an educator, Erin also has a child that received Early Intervention Services & Exceptional Education Services. As a parent, Erin was selected to participate in the Early Intervention Partners Training Project in New York State. She became a trained parent advocate where she was able to mentor and support other families through the Early Intervention and Exceptional Education process. Erin is a wife and mother of two children. Erin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and relaxing at the beach.
Elizabeth is originally from Westchester County, New York and moved to Tampa, Florida in 2007. In 2013, Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exceptional Student Education from the University of South Florida. She graduated Summa Cum Laude as well as received the Laurie Ann Richardson High Academic Achievement Award. Follow
Elizabeth is originally from Westchester County, New York and moved to Tampa, Florida in 2007. In 2013, Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exceptional Student Education from the University of South Florida. She graduated Summa Cum Laude as well as received the Laurie Ann Richardson High Academic Achievement Award. Following graduation, Elizabeth started teaching in Pasco County as an Exceptional Student Education Pre-Kindergarten teacher working with children ages 3 to 5. In 2016, Elizabeth received her Master of Arts degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Severe Intellectual Disabilities from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked with a variety of children with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities by providing instruction and implementing a variety of research-based interventions in all areas of development. In her first year of teaching, Elizabeth was honored to be selected as one of the five Pre-K teachers in the county to participate in a Pasco County Curriculum and Assessment work group, in which she helped adopt and implement new curriculum and assessment tools for all Pasco County Pre-Kindergarten teachers. In 2016, Elizabeth was nominated and selected to be the teacher for the October/November cover of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Teaching Young Children magazine. She also received a spread in the magazine! For the 2020-2021 school year, Elizabeth was nominated and chosen for Teacher of the Year at her school. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking dance classes, and relaxing at the beach.
Valerie is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and moved to Tampa, Florida is 1987. Valerie’s love of children started in 1995 when she had her first child and then her second child in 1998. Valerie has worked in the childcare industry for approximately 18 years. Valerie has taught and cared for all ages of children infants through sc
Valerie is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and moved to Tampa, Florida is 1987. Valerie’s love of children started in 1995 when she had her first child and then her second child in 1998. Valerie has worked in the childcare industry for approximately 18 years. Valerie has taught and cared for all ages of children infants through school-age. Other positions included Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Director. In 2007, she decided to further her education by enrolling at Saint Petersburg College. In 2013, Valerie received her Bachelors of Science degree in Exceptional Education as well as graduated Cum Laude. Valerie holds Educator Certificates in Exceptional Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6, Prekindergarten/Primary Education age 3-3rd grade, and endorsements in ESOL and Reading. After graduation, Valerie took a position teaching Varying Exceptionalities for children with special needs ages 3-5 with Pasco County. Valerie loves what she does and cannot imagine herself teaching and caring for any other age. She has always been blessed to truly love and enjoy her career choices and where she has chosen to work. Valerie now lives in the Hernando County area where she loves to spend her free time with her family and/or relaxing while reading a good book or educational literature.
Kira Baker is a Pre K and ESE certified teacher with 5 years in a PreK Sensory Behavior Communication classroom. She currently works as a Kindergarten teacher, often implementing special education strategies into the general education classroom. This is her third year working with Roots, and she is excited to continue and help young children bridge the gap between Pre K and kindergarten!
Hello! My name is Nicole DiNicolantonio. I have resided in the Tampa Bay Area for most of my life and am a proud graduate of USF. I have been an educator for 11 years in both general education and special education in the early education grades so I am aware of the expectations of kindergarten students and can help them prepare for the tr
Hello! My name is Nicole DiNicolantonio. I have resided in the Tampa Bay Area for most of my life and am a proud graduate of USF. I have been an educator for 11 years in both general education and special education in the early education grades so I am aware of the expectations of kindergarten students and can help them prepare for the transition to elementary school. When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog. I also love spending time at the beach or pool with a great book!
My name is Mercedes Martin and I am so excited to venture into this journey with your child! I am originally from Texas and have lived in Florida for the past five years and really love it here! I have been working with young children for the past 20 years in all types of settings from day cares to school settings. I am currently a Pre-K
My name is Mercedes Martin and I am so excited to venture into this journey with your child! I am originally from Texas and have lived in Florida for the past five years and really love it here! I have been working with young children for the past 20 years in all types of settings from day cares to school settings. I am currently a Pre-K and ESE certified teacher and work for Pasco County. I teach Pre-K Varying Exceptionalities. I also have experience working as a kindergarten teacher, so I can help prepare your child with that transition. I am a very determined person and believe in finding ways and solutions to help children succeed. I get very excited and happy when I see a child be able to perform a particular skill he or she was not able to perform before. I am passionate about teaching and cannot see myself doing anything else. On my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family doing various things such as swimming, watching movies, and traveling. The beach is my favorite place to go to relax and enjoy that part of nature.
I cannot wait to meet your child!
I am looking forward to working with your child! I have my Masters in K-12 Exceptional Student Education and my Bachelors in Preschool Education. I am certified in Pre-K Primary, ESE K-12, and Preschool Education. I have been working with Pre-K students for 18 years. I started in a daycare working with 2 year-olds and moved up to the VPK
I am looking forward to working with your child! I have my Masters in K-12 Exceptional Student Education and my Bachelors in Preschool Education. I am certified in Pre-K Primary, ESE K-12, and Preschool Education. I have been working with Pre-K students for 18 years. I started in a daycare working with 2 year-olds and moved up to the VPK teacher. I have worked with Early Head Start, Head Start, Pre-K Varying Exceptionalities, and Pre-K Social Behavior and Communication classrooms. Currently, I teach in a Pre-K SBC classroom in East Pasco County. I believe all students have the ability to learn; they all learn in a different way. Using different strategies for each student gives them the needed positive help to want to learn. When I am not working I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family. I look forward to meeting your child and working with them to have a great learning experience!
Amy Benedict is originally from Omaha, NE but moved to Tampa, FL. In 2008, she graduated from University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bechelor's in Elementary Education: General Education K-6 and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) K-12. After graduation, she moved to Tampa and worked in the School District of Hillsborough County where she was an
Amy Benedict is originally from Omaha, NE but moved to Tampa, FL. In 2008, she graduated from University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bechelor's in Elementary Education: General Education K-6 and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) K-12. After graduation, she moved to Tampa and worked in the School District of Hillsborough County where she was an elementary DHH classroom teacher for K-5 students for five years. In 2013, Amy pursued and graduated with a second Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from USF Sarasota to transition to a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). She started working with District School Board of Pasco County as an SLP for the next eight years at Seven Oaks Elementary. During this time, she completed her Master's in Speech Language Pathology in 2018. Amy has worked with many elementary students ranging from Pre-K through 5th grade with multiple disabilities including DHH, Speech Impairments, Language Impairments, and ASD. This included students who were in general education classrooms and self-contained ESE classrooms. During this time, she found her niche working with the Pre-K population where she saw the most growth. Working with students has always put a smile on her face! In her free time, Amy belongs to several Jeep groups and enjoys trail riding, and hanging out with her friends.
As a native Floridian, Jen grew up in Pasco County. She graduated with her Bachelors and Masters in Communication Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 2004. She began her work in Osceola County as a Speech Language Pathologist at Deerwood Elementary School. In 2005, she moved back to Pasco County and took over as the Speech
As a native Floridian, Jen grew up in Pasco County. She graduated with her Bachelors and Masters in Communication Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 2004. She began her work in Osceola County as a Speech Language Pathologist at Deerwood Elementary School. In 2005, she moved back to Pasco County and took over as the Speech Language Pathologist at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School. She has been with Pasco Country schools since then, transitioning to work primarily with the Pre-K population. Throughout the years, Jen has attended many ASHA Conventions to continue her education. At home, she and her husband are raising their two very energetic sons. She enjoys theater, crocheting, and entertaining family and friends.
Jenna is a nationally licensed (ASHA) and state licensed (Florida) Speech Language Pathologist.
Jenna attended Valdosta State University for her Master’s of Education in Communication Disorders in 2016 and the Florida State University (Go Noles!) for her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Disorders in 2014. Jenna started her career wo
Jenna is a nationally licensed (ASHA) and state licensed (Florida) Speech Language Pathologist.
Jenna attended Valdosta State University for her Master’s of Education in Communication Disorders in 2016 and the Florida State University (Go Noles!) for her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Disorders in 2014. Jenna started her career working for Hillsborough County Public Schools in 2016 for 3 years, following that position she worked at Communication Corner and More starting out as a Lead Speech Language Pathologist (2019), Assistant Clinical Director (2021) and then promoted to the Clinical Director (end of 2022). Her most recent position was as a Contract Speech Language Pathologist for Orange Tree Staffing and worked for Seven Oaks Elementary School in Pasco County (2023-2024). She has used her experiences in these various areas of the field to tailor her therapeutic methods and strategies for treating children with a variety of disabilities and ages.
She strongly enjoys early intervention therapy, play based therapy, and training families on strategies to implement within the home. Although Jenna is always enthusiastic to work with children of all ages, abilities, she is highly proficient and passionate about working with the toddler, PreK population. She considers it an absolute privilege to be a part of each child’s learning, and growth towards their communication goals.
Jenna utilizes trainings to grow and support the children and families she serves from infancy through upper elementary school. She is an ASHA ACE Award Winner for the past 3 years for completing above the required CEUs. She is currently completing the Beckman Oral Motor training.
While not fulfilling her role and dream of being a speech language pathologist, Jenna enjoys spending time with her husband, son, family and friends. She appreciates any time spent outdoors, exploring and exploring all the good eats around the Tampa Bay area.
Katie is a Tampa local, born and raised! She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University (Go Noles!) and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida. Katie has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Florida Public Schools for the last five ye
Katie is a Tampa local, born and raised! She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University (Go Noles!) and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida. Katie has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Florida Public Schools for the last five years at the elementary and preschool age levels, with an affinity for servicing early emergent communicators with varying exceptionalities. Katie enjoys the beach, attending sporting events, and playing with her dog Ari.
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