Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc.
Office: 813-296-7122
Fax: 813-303-1074
707 W Lake Drive, Wimauma, FL 33598
Meet Our Team
Luz E. Gaona
M.S., CCC-SLP
Luz Gaona, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. She is a bilingual speech-language pathologist and owner of Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. She received her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University. Luz has provided speech and language therapy in a variety of settings that includes in-home, pre-school, daycare, public school, senior living facilities and hospital outpatient clinic. Her clinical decisions are rooted in evidence-based practice and she believes in looking at the whole child when tailoring goals to the individual child. Luz has received training in PROMPT level 1 Trained, D.I.R. Floortime® and Myofacial Release. She is thrilled to work with the caring, professional, and passionate team of therapists at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. to support children and their families reach their fullest potential! Throughout her professional career, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of diagnoses and speech-language disorders such as articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders, expressive/receptive delays, pragmatic disorders, autism, Down Syndrome, cleft palate, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and Cerebral Palsy. She has worked in private clinics as well as outpatient rehabilitation centers alongside therapists from other disciplines and is eager to be able to continue to do so at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. Luz is passionate about creating a safe and fun environment where children can find their voice and reach their full potential by using functional therapy programs while also making sure families/caregivers are involved every step of the way. In her free time, Luz unwinds in the kitchen learning new recipes, practicing yoga, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spend time with family and friends.
Eunice E. Arias
B.A., SLPA
Eunice E. Arias, B.A. SLPA, is a pediatric speech language pathology assistant at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. Eunice is a first generation college graduate who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of South Florida. She initiated her career in speech language therapy at a private school setting working with autistic children with a variation of speech-language disorders. Eunice is an advocate for the bilingual and underrepresented population in speech-language therapy. She has presented in FL-ASHA advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of speech language pathology. Eunice is passionate in the evidence based practice that bilingualism does not cause a speech-language delay. Eunice enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking, watching sunrises at the beach, spending time with her puppy and traveling.
Anacarolina Berben
SLP-A, B.S.
Anacarolina Berben, SLPA. is a bilingual pediatric speech language pathologist assistant at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. She acquired her bachelors in Health Sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences from the University of South Florida. Anacarolina was inspired by the field of speech pathology after experiencing the positive impact her brother’s speech pathologist made in his life. Her goal is to provide children with tools for better enrichment and success in life. Anacarolina enjoys Pilates, indulging in gluten-free snacks and spending time with family and friends during her free time.
Iris Frazier
OTD, OTR/L
Iris Frazier, OTD R/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist at Southshore Bilingual Therapy Inc. She graduated from her Doctorate program at Gannon University located in Ruskin, Florida with a focus in Pediatric Sensory Feeding therapy. She has always had a passion for working with kids and turning work into play. In her free time, Iris enjoys lifting weights, reading, and spending quality time with her dog, Piper.
Jennifer Torres
COTA/ L.
I became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to satisfy my heart for healing and to express my innate creativity to help people achieve independence in life.
I graduated from Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, New York, in 2001, with an Associates of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy. I am registered with the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy since 2001. Beginning my career in NY, I have 20+ years of clinical experience in diversified fields, including geriatrics and pediatrics in private clinics, rehab facilities and home health. This diverse experience has afforded me the knowledge and opportunities to provide Occupational based interventions for my clients success to achieve the highest functional independence in their lives. I love spending time with my family traveling and being outdoors. The beach, the soccer field, and arts and crafts keep me busy in my spare time.
Juliana Galarza-Mercado
COTA/L
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Juliana Galarza-Mercado, COTA/L is a bilingual pediatric occupational therapy assistant at Southshore Bilingual Therapy Inc. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of South Florida, and recently graduated from Keiser University with her Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has always had a passion for working with kids, and her goal is to help each child live meaningful and functional lives and learn skills through play. In her free time, she enjoys photography, reading, hiking, traveling, and going to the beach.
Our Patient Coordinators
Patient Care Coordinators assess, plan, and advocate for the patients’ health needs. As trained healthcare professionals, they monitor and coordinate patients’ treatment plans, guide them to comprehend the status of their progress. They answer patient calls, emails and questions, including finding insurance estimates and providing community resources. Our team confidentially manages patient accounts, schedule patient visits, and answer pre-visit questions, about billing, requirements, and more, while ensuring compliance with professional standards & regulatory protocols.
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