Our Staff

Paula Beckett Herrington, MS CCC-SLP, founded CLASS, Inc. in 1998. Her passion for children is supported by an extensive background and experience in child development and speech-language-communication disorders, with in-depth training in apraxia of speech and autism spectrum disorders.

Paula is an experienced PROMPT level II therapist. Additionally, she is trained in the following methods of treating apraxia, articulation disorders and oral motor challenges: Beckman, Kaufman, and Rosenfeld-Johnson.Working with many children who are non-verbal or minimally verbal spurred Paula to develop expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. She is a founding member and past president of the Northwest Augmentative Communication Society and a current member of ASHA's special interest division on Augmentative and Alternative Communication. At CLASS, Inc., Paula provides both diagnostic assessments and therapy for children who benefit from picture boards, PECS, and computerized speech generating devices.

Paula has extensive training and experience in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders including: ABA, SCERTS, RDI, sensory integration and advanced FloorTime Training at the International Council for Learning Disabilities with Stanley Greenspan in Virginia.

Over the last 20 plus years as a speech-language pathologist, Paula has enjoyed success with feeding therapy, which CLASS, Inc. offers to children both individually and in small groups. She has developed ways to make feeding therapy fun for even the most sensory sensitive children.

Paula has worked as a special education preschool teacher, school-based speech language pathologist, and international consultant to families of children with autism spectrum disorders. She has served as the speech-language pathologist for the ASTAR Center, under the medical direction of neurologist Gary Stobbe, where she provided diagnostics, individualized therapy and social skills development groups for autistic children. She currently serves on the ASTAR scientific advisory board.

Paula received the 2003 FEAT, Washington's "Reach for the Stars Educator of the Year" award. She has contracted with school districts locally and nationally to provide in-service training and expert support for staff working with children on the autism spectrum as well as direct services to children for whom successful therapy is especially challenging within the school district setting.

Paula has been nominated for the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association's 2010 Speech-Language Professional of the Year. View nomination

Kendre Howland came to CLASS, Inc. with a background of rich experiences in early childhood education and a love for children. Knowing that she wanted to pursue her passion helping children, Kendre studied at the University of Washington where she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Upon her 2008 graduation from the UW, Kendre transitioned from working with typically developing children to CLASS, Inc., where she has immersed herself childhood articulation and language delays.

Recognizing the power that augmentative communication provides for children with severe expressive communication challenges, Kendre showcases her creative talents and technical savvy in both the augmentative communication device overlays that she designs and programs for minimally verbal clients of CLASS, Inc. as well as the imaginative games and activities that she prepares for all of our clients.

Through CLASS, Inc., Kendre has provided contract services to several local school districts that rave about her vibrant personality and dedication to each child's success!

Sheryl has a lifelong passion for working with children. She is the oldest of six siblings, and knew from the outset that she wanted her profession to benefit children. Sheryl received her Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences From California State University, Chico in 2002. Sheryl joined Class, Inc. upon completion of her Master's Equivalent in Medical Speech Language Pathology in August 2008.

Sheryl's areas of interest and expertise include Sensory and Feeding Disorders, Augmentative Communication, Fluency and Traumatic Brain Injury. She has experience working with children with diagnoses of ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, and cognitive challenges, treating children with articulation, language, and literacy difficulties.

Taking pride in the special bonds she forms with the children she treats, as well as their families, the toughest part of Sheryl's work is saying goodbye to one of "her kids", and she is committed to ensuring that children receive the services necessary to achieve their highest levels of development and happiness.

Sheryl is also a member of the Seattle Women's Chorus, and enjoys music, movies, and spending time with her niece and nephew.

“As you know so well, the right words can be hard to find. Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation we feel for the loving care you show for Mitchell each week at therapy in helping him find and use his words. He has grown and learned so much from you and looks forward to therapy each week. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do. You have given Mitchell and us the words to say, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU!"”

Carrie Andros

Meagan received her BS in Speech & Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington in 2006. That summer, she studied French in southern France and upon returning stateside joined a local school district as a SLPA. Meagan has experience with a broad range of children with her primary focus being in Early Childhood/Preschool and Elementary School ages. Additionally, Meagan has worked with young adults ages 18-21 in the school district transition program and brings insight to CLASS, Inc. on the needs of communication challenged individuals in the vocational setting. Meagan has experience working with children with cognitive challenges, autism, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Down Syndrome and other challenges. Meagan brings energy, enthusiasm and vitality to her clinical experience and is a joy to be around.

Brittany was first introduced to the field of speech language pathology during her work as a special education classroom aid where she developed a passion for working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts as well as her Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Washington in addition to her Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from the University of Oregon. During her graduate studies, Brittany's areas of interest expanded to include general pediatric communication disorders, Apraxia, implementation of social skills groups, augmentative and alternative communication, feeding therapy, and aural rehabilitation. Brittany also enjoys treating children with articulation, language and literacy delays where she is committed to incorporating family values and priorities into the individualized, evidence-based treatment sessions she implements for each of her clients.

In addition to her passion for treating children with speech and language difficulties, Brittany is interested in contributing to the body of research in both language acquisition and the treatment of language disorders. Recently, she completed a project examining the neurophysiological responses to grammatical errors in typically developing 3-4 year old children. She is currently developing a project to examine the effectiveness of group treatment in targeting social skills.

“My son Brett has Autism and has been going to CLASS, Inc. for 1 year. The change in him has been amazing! The staff @ CLASS Inc have been very supportive of Brett and have brought him out of his shell. A year ago (he had) no language, now he is starting to talk and use an AAC device. Brittany... has worked very hard with Brett on getting him to focus, follow directions and have fun playing. I like how she is able to engage me in Brett's treatment plan. I feel like I'm part of the team and my input is valuable. Brett is a different kid today thanks to CLASS, Inc. and all the wonderful programs and play groups. Now I can see a bright future for Brett!”

Aileen Blowers

Kjerstine received her BS degree in Communications, Sciences and Disorders from Western Washington University in 2007. After graduation she interned at the Tacoma Speech and Hearing clinic for the summer. That fall she started working for the Steilacoom School District as an SLP-A. Her stellar skills and fantastic abilities with children led to a conditional certificate as a Speech Therapist. Kjerstine has invested the past three years improving various articulation and language disorders in middle and high school students. Kjerstine is also interested in improving the lives of children and families impacted by Autism. In 2008, Kjerstine joined the local Tacoma Autism Walk team and helped plan that year's Autism Walk. She enjoys learning about and working with children who are challenged by autism and related disorders. Kjerstine is a life-long learner and plans on continuing her education in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. At CLASS, Inc., Kjerstine looks forward to expanding her knowledge in Alternative and Augmentative Communication methods and Feeding Disorders.

Kjerstine is very excited to join the team at Class Inc. and we are thrilled to have her!

David Pozolinski received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin in 1990. He worked in radio and television broadcasting for 10 years in the midwest. He returned to school in 1997 and earned his degree as a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) from Seattle's Shoreline Community College. David is currently persuing a Master's degree with an emphasis on assistive technology for communication.

Prior to joining CLASS, Inc. in June 2005, David worked as an SLPA for the Highline School District where he served students from ages 3-21 who had a variety of diagnosis' including Autism, articulation disorders, social communication challenges, C.P., Lowes Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, profound deafness, and dyslexia, which is a professional interest of his.

David has advanced training and clinical treatment experience with successful implementation of augmentative communication and assistive communication devices. He has provided instruction to children and teens who are non-verbal that has enabled them to more fully participate in school, home and their communities. Local school districts contract David's direct therapy services for some students using speech generating devices as well as for on-site school staff training

Shayna received her BS in Speech & Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington in 2007. After graduation, Shayna started working as a speech therapy assistant at a small private clinic working with preschool and kindergarten aged children. At this clinic, Shayna found her passion for working with children on the Autism Spectrum. Soon after, Shayna was conditionally certified in the Tacoma School District as a Speech Language Pathologist, working with children ages 3-18 with an incredibly wide variety of diagnosis', and was able to work with a self-contained Autism program at an elementary school.

In the fall of 2009, Shayna joined the CLASS, Inc. team and is incredibly excited and motivated to be working with the children and staff here. She has already learned so much, and is very interested in feeding therapy, social groups, and Augmentative Alternative Communication devices. She plans to continue her education in Speech Pathology in the near future. In addition to speech, Shayna enjoys coaching high school volleyball, spending time with family and her dog, and staying in contact with her fiance in Iraq.

“My daughter Quen loves coming to Class Inc. Her communication skills,Speech & pronunciation have vastly improved since working with Shayna Snover. It is also refreshing to know my child is learning from someone with such a bright positive attitude that radiates onto others. Shayna keeps my daughter enthusiastic about learning,And effectively keeps me updated on progress after each session.”

Jennifer Young, July 9,2010

Amaisha received her BS in Communication Disorders from Minot State University in North Dakota in 2008. Shortly after, she moved to Washington to pursue graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology. Amaisha came to CLASS, Inc as a graduate student intern in January 2010. In May, she earned her Master's degree from Eastern Washington University and joined our team as a speech-language pathologist. She has worked with children in the university clinic, public schools, and with children with hearing loss at an ear-nose-throat clinic. Amaisha is excited to begin her career at CLASS, Inc. Her clinical interests include pediatric communication, augmentative and alternative communication, and pediatric hearing loss.

“When Amaisha first became our speech therapist, Tyler was unable to make "K" and "G" sounds. After working with Amaisha, Tyler is now able to complete these activities with ease. Amaisha is very patient and works at Tyler's pace. Amaisha's creative approach and techniques make learning difficult tasks much easier for Tyler. Tyler enjoys working with Amaisha and looks forward to his sessions.

Amaisha keeps me apprised of Tyler's progress, gives me additional home exercises, and encourages me to see the positive improvements Tyler is making. Amaisha is very easy to work with and is very adaptable to our needs. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to continue working with Amaisha.”

Monique Harrington