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

Sarah is a student at University of Washington where she is completing her double degree in Spanish and Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Latin American Studies. In 2010 she taught English to elementary school students in Cadiz, Spain. The experience teaching overseas and her coursework at the University of Washington have fostered a love of teaching and facilitating the communication skills of her students. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology. In her spare time Sarah enjoys hiking, bicycling and speaking Spanish.

Sarah is excited about the opportunity to continue her education outside of school through her work here at CLASS, Inc.!

Amanda received her BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington in 2008. That summer, she moved to California to pursue graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology from Cal-State, Northridge. During her graduate studies, Amanda worked as a behavioral therapist in the Los Angeles Unified School District for two years where she found her passion for working with children on the autism spectrum. In January 2011, Amanda joined the CLASS, Inc. team as a speech-language pathologist. Amanda has a strong interest in working with pediatric communication disorders, oral motor disorders, developmental delay, and autism.

Heather received her BA in English Literature with a concentration in Professional & Technical Writing from Western Washington University in 2008. After graduation, she was employed with the Federal Way Symphony as their Office Administrator and was responsible for everything from running payroll to writing grants. Her family runs a local small business where she manages patient records and insurance billing. A Federal Way native, she has volunteered with children all over Federal Way. Heather joined us in summer 2011 and is excited to be working with all the staff and families of CLASS, Inc! In her spare time, she likes to read, play video games, and cook and bake.

Raised in Federal Way, Miriam spent a few years pursuing an Art degree down in Portland, OR. After reconnecting with a charming man from Tacoma, she moved back to her home area where she now attends Tacoma Community College in pursuit of an Exercise Science Degree. Miriam has aspirations of utilizing her knowledge and talents to help educate children in healthy eating habits and being physically active to promote good health. She has participated in half marathons, gone on fitness retreats, and enjoys being in the great outdoors or at the beach. If not working or studying she enjoys relaxing with her three dogs, working out, or catching up on her favorite shows with a cup of coffee, or tea, in hand.

Miriam has a real passion for helping others, and is excited to be apart of Class, Inc.

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

“My children are 16 year-old twins with autism and severe communication deficits. Both have made remarkable progress working with David Pozolinski. I have seen a significant increase in my daughter's expressive vocabulary. She has a much greater ability to communicate and is now able to get her ideas across, often using several word phrases. She now wants to sit and talk about people and activities, a real chatterbox! My son has also shown increased interest in communicating and his articulation is much clearer. David has also helped them to learn to use their new (augmentative communication) devices in social groups with other children, which my children really enjoy. David provides me with clear feedback and is an excellent source of ideas. I am very grateful to have found such a wonderful speech therapist for my twins.”

Cynthia Stoffel, Ph.D.

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 diagnoses, 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. Currently, Shayna has transitioned over to the administrative side of the clinic, acting as the Clinic Manager. In the future she hopes to explore more of this position and pursue a Masters in Healthcare Administration. In addition to speech, Shayna enjoys snowboarding, reading, keeping active, and spending time with her husband and daughter!

“My daughter Quen loves coming to Class Inc. Her communication skills, Speech & pronunciation have vastly improved since working with Shayna Raphael. 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

Bijou is one of the newest members of the CLASS, Inc. team. She is a portuguese water dog and a therapy dog in training. If you see Bijou around CLASS, Inc. please be sure to pet her-she is here to put a smile on your face!