Staff Biographies

Kirsten Metzger-Gilbert, MA, CCC-SLP
Kirsten is the Director of Building Blocks Therapy. She purchased the practice from the previous owner in 2008 after working for Building Blocks for the prior 4 years. Kirsten received a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and Master’s degree from George Washington University.  She became interested in working with kids with special needs after having a cousin diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Kirsten enjoys working with children with dyspraxia, developmental delays, and feeding and swallowing challenges.  In her spare time, she loves watching college basketball, the Red Sox and Patriots, reading and traveling.

Melissa Mimidis, MS, CCC-SLP, PROMPT trained
Melissa has been with Building Blocks Therapy since 2007, after working for a pediatric rehabilitation clinic in Pennsylvania. Melissa completed her undergraduate work at Penn State and received her Master’s degree from James Madison University. She is a native of the northern VA area.

Laney Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP
Laney has been with Building Blocks Therapy since 2009. She received her undergraduate degree at Radford University and completed her graduate work at Louisiana State University.  Laney worked for Louisiana’s early intervention program before joining Building Blocks in September 2009. She is a native of Northern VA.

Melanie Pensak, MS, CCC-SLP, Beckman Oral Motor trained
Melanie has been with Building Blocks Therapy since 2010. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Duquesne University.  Melanie recently re-located from the Chicago area, where she worked with pediatrics and oversaw the development of a new speech, occupational, and physical therapy practice, to Washington DC.  In her free time, she loves to travel, cook, and explore the city. We are excited to have her join the Building Blocks team!

Rachel Brumbaugh, MS, CF-SLP 
Rachel has been with Building Blocks Therapy since January 2011. Rachel completed her undergraduate work and received her Master’s degree from James Madison University. She has previously worked for Fairfax County public schools in special services and a preschool for children with Autism. She enjoys working with many different children, but has special interests in developmental delays, dyspraxia, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and feeding/swallowing challenges. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors and being with friends and family.

Cristin A. Brophy, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Cristin has been with Building Blocks Therapy since March 2011.  She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Michigan and received her Master of Education from the University of Virginia.  Cristin has completed the Introduction to PROMPT Technique, the Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders:  SOS Approach to Feeding Conference, and the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol.  She specializes working with children with developmental delays, apraxia of speech, Autism Spectrum Disorders, fluency and language disorders, and feeding and swallowing difficulties.  Cristin enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and having fun with friends and family.

What's New!

Free Sessions!
Photos from
Summer Camp 2010
Groups/Activities

Books

Tools for Parents
Speech & Language Milestones by Age