Meet The Team

Luz Gaona M.S., CCC-SLP, founder of Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc., is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 16 years across a variety of settings including in-home, daycare, senior living facility, public school, outpatient hospital, and private practice. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorder from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University. Luz has received training in PROMPT level 1 Trained, D.I.R. Floortime®, and Myofascial Release.
A first-generation Mexican American, Luz's roots are deeply embedded in the farm-working community of Wimauma, Florida. As a BIPOC bilingual clinician returning to the community where she was raised, she understands the importance of representation for vulnerable and marginalized individuals. She strives to provide quality pediatric therapeutic care and increase access to all regardless of their backgrounds or socioeconomic status. Over the last 16 years, she has dedicated herself to supporting families as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system to achieve services for their loved ones. Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc., has been one of her most significant accomplishments, allowing her to stay true to her mission to serve with a deep sense of purpose. Additionally, as a graduate school preceptor and Clinical Fellow mentor, she aims to create an environment where future clinicians can learn to practice with a cultural humility approach and gain real-life experiences. During her spare time, Luz enjoys traveling, yoga and meditation, hanging out with her dogs, boating, and cooking Mexican food.

Anacarolina Berben, B.S., SLPA. is a bilingual pediatric speech language pathologist assistant at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. She acquired her bachelor's 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

Jamie has lived in Florida for 14 years now, but is originally from Littleton, Colorado. Jamie graduated with her BA in Speech Communication Disorders with a minor in Childhood Psychology from Colorado State University and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Northern Colorado. She taught ESE programs for 18 years and decided a couple of years ago that she wanted to return to speech. Jamie loves children and helping all children learn to communicate, whatever that looks like for them. Her experience in the classroom and training as an SLPA gives her the ability to help children in multifaceted ways. Over the years she has been certified as a dyslexic coach to help children learn to read, using methods from Orton Gillingham and the Linda Mood Bell Program. She is also trained in rhe RTI process and has vast knowledge of IEPs and the process. Jamie has her wonderful husband Aron whom she has been married to for 25 years. She also has 2 beautiful daughters, Audrey and Erica. Audrey recently graduated from UCF and Erica is in the UCF nursing program. In her spare time you can find her cooking, reading, or on a boat with her husband. 

Juliana Galarza-Mercado, B.A., A.S., 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

Selena Berrios, B.S., A.S., COTA/L, is a passionate pediatric occupational therapy assistant. Before being an OTA student and now working at South Shore Bilingual Therapy, Selena was an emergency medical technician with experience in trauma-based medical care. After working in emergency medicine, she wanted to see the growth and progress of her patients, which prompted her career change to Occupational Therapy. She attended Keiser
University to receive her OTA degree and is currently certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. Selena enjoys hiking with her two dogs, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

Alexus Rivera is a pediatric speech therapist at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech, Language, and Hearing, as well as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

Before pursuing her graduate degree, Alexus worked as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) during the pandemic, where she developed a strong foundation in supporting children’s communication needs. She is currently completing her clinical fellowship year and will soon be applying for her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).

Alexus is passionate about helping children develop their communication skills in a supportive, collaborative environment and believes every child deserves the opportunity to have the ability to communicate in whatever capacity they are able to.

Melissa is a newly certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) who graduated from the University of South Florida in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders. Eager to launch her career, she advanced quickly into a role as a Speech Therapy Assistant, where she works under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Outside of her professional life, Melissa is enjoys trying new coffee shops, as well as finding new restaurants in Florida. Melissa also loves traveling and spending time outdoors—whether she’s walking trails, biking around, or exploring new natural spots.

Emely Hernandez is an SLPA currently attending grad school at USF to become an SLP

Jessica Gamez-Novoa is a trained healthcare professional. Specializing in organizing payments and record receipts, verifying insurance information, collecting copays, and providing community resources to all patients at Soutshore Bilingual Therapy. She also provides important information regarding the Step-Up program at Southshore. Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors, getting ready, shopping, spending quality time with my family, baking, and doing crafts during her freetime.

Joey is our office manager who handles scheduling and is in charge of making sure administration and daily operatoins at Southshore Bilingual Therapy Inc. runs smooth and efficiently.