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Our Team

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About Our Team

At New Horizon Therapy, our goal is to empower patients to meet their full potential. We offer speech and language therapy for children and adults plus occupational therapy, orofacial myofunctional therapy, dyslexia assessment and treatment, social skills, feeding therapy, and telehealth options to the children and adolescents of the Southeast Valley and surrounding areas.

Led by Armida Carr, M.S., CCC-SLP, our team of seasoned professionals provide individualized services that will foster positive communication experiences, enrich family relationships, and achieve healthy child development and adult rehabilitation. We believe our families are just as much a part of the therapy process as our staff. We provide caregiver consultation and education following each session, as well as offer parent classes to increase the opportunities for your child to thrive in their everyday environments.

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your children, parents & grandparents! We love what we do – we promise.

Armida Carr, SLP, Founder

SLP, Founder Bilingual

Armida Carr is the founder and owner of New Horizon Therapy. Armida holds a MS from Arizona State University, is licensed by the State of Arizona, and is certified as a Speech Language Pathologist by the American Speech-Hearing and Language Association (ASHA). As a bilingual speech-language pathologist, Armida has extensive experience with both the pediatric and geriatric population in providing monolingual and dual-language therapy. She holds certifications in Orofacial Myology Disorders, SOS Approach to Feeding, Myofascial Release and Hanen Parent Training “It Takes Two to Talk” in addition to providing individualized services to address speech and language disorders. Armida has been practicing speech and language therapy for 13 years and is driven to ensure that each of her patients receive the best quality treatment and care.

Wife to husband (Geoff Carr) and mom to (3) 1 daughter/2 sons, Ms. Carr appreciates time spent with family. Together they travel and simply enjoy one other’s company at home. On her off time, Armida also practices Summits yoga, which is known as a combination of Bikram and Vinyasayoga. She loves to hike, read, may also be spotted at a nearby café where she enjoys a delicious cup of coffee and a tasty, (organic) sweet roll.

Natalie Gonzales

Office Manager/Billing Administrator

Natalie holds a certificate in medical billing and has extensive experience working in the medical setting. In her time at New Horizon Therapy, she has excelled in her duties of patient customer service, billing, payment processing, and financial counseling. She also is fluent in both English and Spanish, which has been very beneficial in our clinic. Natalie has been a great addition to our team and always goes above and beyond what is asked of her.

Natalie was raised in California but calls Arizona home. Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and being outdoors.

Natalie has also discovered a passion while working at New Horizon Therapy and has realized how much she enjoys helping kids and their families.

Kendall Hisamoto, OT-A

Occupational Therapist Assistant

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I attended Arizona State University and graduated in 2021 with my bachelors of science in clinical exercise science. After graduating from ASU, I moved back to Denver to attend Pima Medical Institute to obtain an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.

I have worked with kids ever since I can remember, my first job being a babysitter. I completed one of my level II fieldwork rotations at an outpatient pediatric clinic which really solidified my passion for working with children. Like New Horizon Therapy, I value empowering individuals and their families by giving them tools and skills they need to thrive. I knew that New Horizon Therapy was the right place for me instantly.

During my down time, I enjoy cooking and baking, reading, and crocheting. My favorite quote is, “Perfection is boring. Constant improvement is beautiful” – Misty Copeland

Lori Roberston, SLP-A

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Lori was born and raised on the west coast, in CA. She received her first degree, a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from NMSU; and second, Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Disorders from ASU; 10+years working in speech. We love her passion for STEM and Robotics; she serves as a mentor for FIRST: For Inspiration & Recognition of Science and Technology, a robotics non-engineering non-profit for LAUNCH Team Robotics K-12.

Ms. Robertson’s favorite quote is “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” from Winnie the Pooh movie.

Rachel Mahon, OTR/L

Rachel was born and raised in Kansas City. Rachel began her journey by earning her Bachelor’s in Human Biology with minor studies in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science. After finishing her Master’s Degree at the University of Kansas Medical Center in May of 2020 she relocated to Phoenix Arizona to enjoy the sunshine and adventure spots!

Rachel’s professional background includes work with individuals across the lifespan. She has worked with children for over a decade in various capacities. She gained clinical experience with medical placement within inpatient hospitals at Truman Medical Center, Olathe Medical Center, and Honors Health inpatient rehab. Rachel’s outpatient experience included neurorehabilitation and consultation with neurodegenerative conditions. Since joining New Horizon Therapy over 3 years ago Rachel has acquired additional training and successfully gained status as Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist with Evergreen Certifications.

In her down time, Rachel stays active and enjoys volunteering with dogs in shelters. One of her favorite quotes is also one of ours, and is a credo we live by: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou

Lindsey Woodruff, SLP-A

Born and raised in Chandler, AZ, Lindsey received a Post Baccalaureate in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Upon joining the team at New Horizon Therapy, she felt immediately “at home”. Lindsey is a compassionate and kind provider and appreciates the support our team shows one another. We appreciate her work ethic & integrity! Her passion for helping clients to feel comfortable and confident in their speech journeys is empowering for both she and the client!

In her down time you can find Lindsey walking her dog, drinking coffee and taking in a good book. She also loves to sing. Stop by and say hi to Lindsey!

Savannah Ayers, SLP-A

Savannah was born in Chandler, raised in beautiful Flagstaff Arizona. She earned her Bachelor’s of Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University. We’re so delighted to have Savannah as part of our team – we knew straight away by the hours she has devoted to volunteerism in classroom and child care settings, coupled with her education and experience, that she would be a wonderful addition to the New Horizon family! Savannah was recently certified by MeaningfulSpeech in the Natural Language Acquisition framework and gestalt language processing to support individuals who communicate using delayed echolalia (often called scripting).

When she’s not working you can find her participating in a variety of outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. Next time you’re in, say hello to Savannah!

Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelo

Sarah Giedraitis, OTDR/L

Sarah was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She made her way to Phoenix to attend Arizona State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She then completed her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Northern Arizona University graduating in May 2024. Sarah has a passion for pediatrics and was introduced to the clinic when she completed a fieldwork rotation at New Horizon Therapy. She knew the environment was a perfect fit and started her professional journey at the clinic soon after graduating.

Outside of the clinic Sarah is a dog mom for two adorable fur babies, a corgi and a husky. She is part of a sand volleyball league and enjoys playing pickleball with a tight group of friends.

Favorite Quote: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene

Kiana Clah, SLPA

Kiana was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. She is originally from the Navajo Reservation in Northern Arizona.  Kiana earned her Bachelor’s of Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University in December of 2020. Before joining New Horizon Therapy, Kiana provided Speech and Language therapy in School based settings for 4 years and preschool clinic-based settings to clients with a wide range of communication impairments. As well as, provided academic tutoring services to Native American school-aged children one-on-one with students in the classroom or After-School Tutoring Program. Kiana is passionate about positively impacting the lives of children and their families as well as supporting therapists. In her downtime, loves playing or watching basketball with her family and friends, being outdoors, and reading a great book.

‘’There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.’’-  C.S. Lewis

Monique Avendaño, M.S., CF-SLP

Born and raised in Southern California, Monique Avendaño has happily called Arizona home for the past several years. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in biological psychology, sparking a deep interest in the brain and its connection to communication. She went on to complete a post-baccalaureate program in communication sciences and disorders, followed by a master’s degree in the field.

Throughout graduate school, Monique gained diverse clinical experience working with clients across the lifespan. Her training included inpatient work with adults diagnosed with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes. She also provided therapy to children ages 18 months to 10 years in both clinic and school settings. Additionally, she completed an externship in an acute care hospital, supporting adults with cognitive deficits, dysphagia, and other communication needs.

Drawn to New Horizon Therapy’s warm, supportive environment, Monique chose the practice for its commitment to connection, growth, and serving both adults and children.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and exploring the beauty of Arizona—from finding new spots around the Valley to heading up north for a quick escape from the heat. Monique is fluent in English and Spanish, and her experience as a research assistant at ASU in bilingual assessment and intervention strengthened her dedication to providing culturally and linguistically responsive care.

Jordana Wuls, SLP-A

Jordana Wuls was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where her passion for supporting others took shape early on. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences, inspired by a lifelong desire to uplift others and help them reach their fullest potential. Authentic, compassionate, and deeply committed to her work, Jordana knew from the start that a career in speech therapy was the perfect path for her.

Outside the therapy room, Jordana loves exploring the world around her—from traveling to new destinations, to relaxing at the beach, staying active, and spending quality time with her family.

She carries with her a favorite quote that guides both her personal and professional life:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Samantha Clay

Office Coordinator

Sam was born in Michigan and moved to Arizona at the age of 16. She married her college sweetheart, and together they have two amazing kids. Before joining New Horizon, she spent most of her career in the dental field, working as a Dental Assistant and in the Dental Front Office. She came to New Horizon for a change and is so glad she did! Outside of work, she stays busy as a mom, shuttling her kids to sports and dance, taking her fur babies to the dog park, and enjoying a good book when time allows.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

Larissa Dominguez, SLP-A

We’re proud to welcome Larissa Dominguez, SLP-A, to the New Horizon Therapy family! Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Larissa is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a heart for helping children grow, thrive, and find their voice. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University and brings valuable experience working with students from kindergarten through sixth grade in school settings.

Larissa’s path to speech therapy began while working as a bilingual reading interventionist. With a passion for both medicine and education, she found her perfect fit in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.

When she’s not working with clients, Larissa and her husband enjoy discovering new coffee shops and restaurants—they’re self-declared foodies! She’s also an avid reader of thriller novels, loves traveling, and stays active through running.

What drew Larissa to New Horizon Therapy? The people. She instantly connected with our team’s warm, collaborative spirit and the meaningful relationships we build with every family we serve. She knew this was a place where she could make a difference—and we’re so glad she’s here!

Rachelle Dunn

Front Desk

Rachelle was born in Ohio, where she spent 14 years building a successful career in banking. In 2010, she moved to Georgia, working as a paraprofessional and supporting students from K-12. In 2021, Rachelle relocated to Phoenix, where she became the Front Office Coordinator at Basis of Ahwatukee. Her passion for animals led her to work as an Administrative Assistant at a veterinary clinic, where she combined her office skills with her love for pets.

Rachelle’s dedication to giving back is evident through her volunteer work. She volunteered at an equine center, helping provide therapeutic riding programs for children and adults. She also worked with Canine Assistants in Georgia, becoming a certified dog trainer to assist individuals with everyday tasks.
In her spare time, Rachelle enjoys walking, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and swimming in her pool.

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