Melissa Rose Ortiz is a Speech-Language Pathologist born in Brooklyn, NY. She has resided in Staten Island for over 20 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from St. Josephs College (now University) in 2012. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Long Island University, in 2016. Melissa is currently licensed as a Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist in New York and holds both a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities certificate by the NYDOE, and a Certificate of Clinical Competence by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Since the Fall of 2016, Melissa has worked for the New York City Department of Education, working with grades ranging from Pre-K- 5th grade. She’s gained experience addressing diagnoses, such as: receptive and expressive language delays, pragmatic language disorders, phonological and articulation disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In addition, she has worked in early intervention since 2018, encouraging language and social development in early language learners. Melissa loves working with children and being part of helping them find their voice. On her free time, you can find Melissa spending time with her family and her 12-year-old chihuahua, Missy Rose. She loves the beach, to sing, go to the movies, travel, and Jesus.