About Us

Vanessa Castillo, M.S., CCC-SLP

Vanessa is a dedicated Speech Language Pathologist and New Mexico native who earned her master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University in 2011. With experience in the Midwest and Central Texas, she developed a passion for treating articulation disorders and individuals with severe unintelligibility. Since returning to New Mexico in 2016, Vanessa has been committed to improving communication skills for children and their families using evidence-based practices. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, exploring restaurants, and pursuing hobbies like reading, cooking, and shopping.

Therese Lopez, M.A., CCC-SLP

Therese was born and raised in Santa Fe, and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication Disorders from New Mexico State University. She also holds a certification from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. She had an immediate interest in providing therapy services to all age levels and in the various disorders and disabilities which benefit from speech language therapy. One of her passions is to support people of all ages to develop or rehabilitate communication and cognitive skills. Therese’s professional experience includes working in the school settings, rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, home settings, and private clinics in Texas and New Mexico. 

Therese says: “Westside Speech Academy is where I’ve worked six years with a team of professionals who are truly dedicated to support development or rehabilitation of communication, cognition, language, articulation and feeding skills.” 

Julie Kump, M.S., CCC-SLP

Julie first became interested in speech and language therapy while pursuing a degree in Communication Studies. Following work as a preschool administrator for birth to preschool aged children, she knew her passion was working with Communication Disorders. She graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders. After several years working at the school her children were attending, she was ready to complete her education and move forward in the field of speech and language disorders and therapy. Julie completed her Master’s Degree through Baylor University. West Side Speech Academy was her first practicum placement. She enjoyed the environment and co-workers so much that she continued working with WSSA as an Apprentice, then Clinical Fellow, before completing her licensure requirements to become fully certified as an SLP. 

Alex Morris, M.S., CCC-SLP

Alex's interest in speech and language therapy began when her mother brought her to work at various outpatient clinics and rehab facilities throughout her career. Alex graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders and received her Master's Degree in communicative disorders from the University of Rhode Island. Growing up in the northeast, Alex always wanted an adventure out west. After graduate school, she began her career in Arizona where her passion and love for pediatric speech and language disorders and therapy deepened. After three years in Arizona, life brought her to Albuquerque for the first time. She has enjoyed getting to know New Mexico and all of its rich history and beauty and is looking forward to more Southwest adventures.

Amy Anderson, M.A., CCC-SLP

Amy is a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. She is a New Mexico State University graduate, with her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in Communication Disorders. Throughout her 17 years of practice she has provided services to children in various settings, from public schools to private clinics and early intervention. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including: receptive/expressive language, pragmatics, executive functioning, stuttering, articulation, autism spectrum, literacy and language, and other developmental delays. 

Amy remarks: "I have the best job!  Everyday I'm afforded an opportunity to help children. That makes every day a blessing."

Alice "Alli" Burrows

Clinic Manager

Alli is a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) she has a degree in Health Information Technology from Carrington College. She is currently working on her Health Information Management Degree. She is a member of the Nation Health Career Association. She has a background in working with children in Special Education Programs. She is also a member of the American Health Information Management Association. Alli is our admin professional for WSSA.  Alli is our organizing and retention expert.

Brady Goldsberry

Administrative Professional

Brady makes his home in Albuquerque. He is a student at CNM. Brady has many talents. He is certified in unmanned aerial systems. He helps keep the WSSA front offices organized. Brady is also working on his pilot's license. Brady keeps busy outside of work with his family and dogs.

Laura Monge

Administrative Professional