Meet Our Team of Certified Speech Pathologists
Sarah Weinstein, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner of Metropolitan Speech & Language Center
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sarah is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience at MSLC. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University.
As the owner of MSLC, Sarah leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to excellence. With her 15+ years of clinical experience and extensive expertise in speech and language development, Sarah brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge and heartfelt dedication to the practice. She is passionate about fostering a warm, family-centered environment where both therapists and clients feel supported, valued, and encouraged to thrive.
She lives in Livingston with her family and their French bulldog, Mando, who brings a lot of personality (and snoring) to their home. Sarah loves spending time at the beach and traveling with her family.
Sarah is extremely proud of the work we do at MSLC and feels incredibly lucky to be part of such a wonderful team.
Kim Stiller, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Metropolitan Speech & Language Center
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kim Stiller is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with over 27 years of experience, including the past 22 years at Metropolitan Speech & Language Center, where she proudly serves as Director.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University.
Kim is PROMPT trained (Levels I & II) and has a particular passion for working with children with childhood apraxia of speech, early language delays, and selective mutism. She also has extensive experience in pediatric feeding therapy and oral motor skill development.
Kim is known for her compassionate, individualized approach to therapy, always recognizing that every child is unique. She incorporates a multisensory, play-based philosophy that supports both communication growth and confidence in her clients.
Kim lives in Montville with her husband and their beloved Shih Tzu, Phoebe. She is a proud mom of two young adults, one pursuing a career in early childhood and special education, and the other beginning law school. Outside of work, Kim enjoys long walks, catching up with friends, watching reality TV, and indulging in sushi.
Kim truly loves what she does and who she does it with. Her passion for helping children communicate and her deep-rooted commitment to families are at the heart of MSLC’s warm, supportive environment.
Trish Gomes
Office Manager of Metropolitan Speech & Language Center
Trish Gomes has been a valued member of Metropolitan Speech team since 2006, bringing warmth, organization, and personal touch to every client interaction. As Office Manager, her goal is to ensure that every family’s experience is seamless, welcoming, and stress-free from the very first call. Outside the office, Trish loves spending time with her husband and daughter and is always planning her next adventure- especially trips to her beloved Portugal
Kari Shron, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kari is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has worked at MSLC for 12 years. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Hunter College.
Over the years, she has worked with both pediatric and adult clients. Kari is passionate about her work as an SLP, and takes an individualized and evidence-based approach to each client she works with. She has particular interest in treating fluency disorders and language impairments.
Kari lives in North Caldwell with her husband, 2 kids, and 2 small dogs. Kari's hobbies include cooking, reading, and exercising.
Kari joined MSLC when she moved out of New York City 12 years ago, and it has truly become her second family.
Allison Bier, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Allie is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in Communication Disorders & Deafness from Kean University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. She began her career in New York City, where she spent eight years working in a school setting, before bringing her expertise to Livingston, New Jersey. For the past eight years, she has been an integral part of the team at Metropolitan Speech. Allie is passionate about her work and adores helping children meet their communication goals. When she's not working, Allie enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys, listening to a good podcasts, and catching up on her favorite shows. She is honored to be a part of the wonderful MSLC family!
Lilly Dollinger, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
As the former owner of the Metropolitan Speech & Language Center for 25 years, Lilly has had the privilege of serving Livingston and the many surrounding towns of our community.
She began her career as a speech-language pathologist at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, and also worked at the ARC‘s Stepping Stones Program and the Visiting Nursing Services before starting her own private practice in Livingston known as “Lifetime Speech” before acquiring the Metropolitan Speech & Language Center in 2000.
Throughout her career, Lilly has worked with both children and adults facing a wide range of communication challenges, and feels so lucky to be able to say that she loves the work that we do as SLP’s with a passion and dedication.
Lilly earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Arts from Montclair State University. She is a life Member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NJSHA), organizations that reflect her long-standing commitment to the field.
Lilly is an invaluable member of the team at Metropolitan Speech which is a close-knit group of 15 professionals who bring heart, skill, and respect to every client they serve. She is deeply proud of the care they provide and the collaborative spirit that defines the practice.
Outside the office, you’ll find Lilly enjoying life with her husband Jeff, whether they’re having dinner out, playing pickleball, taking easy hikes, or visiting their kids in Vermont.
Lauren Rose, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren Rose is a licensed speech-language pathologist who has worked at MSLC for the past 13 years, supporting children of all ages in areas such as speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, fluency disorders, and social-pragmatic skills. She is passionate about helping children achieve meaningful progress through fun and engaging therapy.
Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 2001 and went on to complete her Master’s of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Kean University in 2003.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her friends and family, caring for her children, going for walks, and planning relaxing vacations. She lives in North Caldwell with her husband, 10-year-old son, and 14-year-old daughter.
Lauren feels grateful to be part of such a supportive and dedicated team at MSLC.
Sara Schneiderman, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sara is a licensed New Jersey Speech-Language Pathologist and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a special concentration in Teaching at Ithaca College.
Sara has experience working with children and adults across the lifespan in a wide variety of settings including in public schools, outpatient rehabilitation, home-based settings, and teletherapy. She is a Licensed SPEAK OUT! Provider from the Parkinson Voice Project.
Sara is dedicated to building strong relationships with clients and families to provide engaging and meaningful therapy. She is excited to be part of the MSLC team.
Staci Handler, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Staci has been helping children find their voices since 2003. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland and went on to complete her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Emerson College in Boston.
Over the years, Staci has worked in Early Intervention programs in both Massachusetts and New Jersey, and worked as a team member at school for children with multiple disabilities. She has a passion for working with young children in need of speech, language and/or feeding therapy. Staci truly enjoys helping every child make progress in their own unique way.
When she’s not working, Staci loves spending time with her husband and three daughters—and soaking up the sun at the beach whenever she can!
Karen Convery, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Karen is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience in the field. She earned her undergraduate degree from Villanova University and went on to complete her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Saint John’s University.
Since November 2005, she has been a valued team member at MSLC. Throughout her career, Karen has worked in both public and private school settings, providing services to a wide range of students from pre-kindergarten through high school. She is currently employed at a local elementary school, where she is known for her commitment to helping students develop strong communication skills.
Karen’s professional interests include the diagnosis and treatment of Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) and exploring the intricate relationship between language development and literacy skills. She is particularly passionate about supporting children and adolescents in developing the foundational language abilities that contribute to successful reading and academic achievement.
Outside of her professional life, Karen lives in West Orange, New Jersey, with her husband and two children. She enjoys reading, cooking, listening to true crime podcasts, spending time with her kids, and all things New York Mets and Villanova Wildcats.
Shari Grey, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Shari Grey has been a dedicated member of the Metropolitan Speech and Language Center team for over 23 years, serving as both a clinical supervisor and licensed speech language pathologist. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Hartford and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Hofstra University.
Throughout her career, Shari has worked with clients across a wide age range, specializing in areas such as fluency, apraxia, auditory processing, oral motor, linguistics, and more. Her approach to therapy is centered on making each session engaging, individualized, and effective, with the ultimate goal of helping every client reach their fullest potential.
Shari lives in North Caldwell, NJ, with her husband and their English Cream Golden Retriever Skylar. She is the proud mother of two adult children, ages 25 and 23. Outside of work, she enjoys, golf, Pilates, seeing concerts, and spending time with her family and friends.
Being part of the devoted team at MSLC is a privilege for Shari, who considers them her second family.
Sari Melamed, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sari Melamed is a New Jersey and New York State licensed and nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist who maintains certification from the American Speech Language-Hearing Association. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University and her master’s in speech-language pathology from Hofstra University.
Sari has had over 20 years of experience and has completed extensive coursework in the treatment of feeding disorders, articulation disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, apraxia, tied oral tissues (tongue and lip tie) and orofacial myology.
Sari is PROMPT trained and a Qualified Orofacial Myologist. She specializes in pediatric development and has worked in a variety of settings as a speech pathologist including schools, early intervention and private practice.
As a PROMPT trained and qualified orofacial myology therapist, her practice is focused on speech, language, feeding, and orofacial myology providing functional outcomes for the more challenging cases. She provides customized therapy to the needs of each individual client and family while providing care giver education and instruction. Sari feels strongly that family involvement is key to the success of each patient.
Sari lives in Livingston with her husband and their twin boys. Outside of work, Sari enjoys exercising, reading a great book with her feet in the sand and traveling to new places.
Carol Zimmerman, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Carol Zimmerman is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience in the field. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Kean University in 1997. She has worked at MSLC since September, 2000.
Throughout her career, Carol has worked in both public and private school settings, bringing her expertise to a diverse range of students from pre-kindergarten through 21 years old. Currently employed at a local public school, Carol is known for her commitment to fostering communication skills in her students. She is trained in PROMPT Levels 1 and 2. Her approach is rooted in multi-sensory techniques, ensuring personalized and effective interventions tailored to each client's needs.
Outside of her professional life, Carol is a proud mother of three sons. She enjoys participating in book clubs, spending quality time with friends, attending concerts, and traveling.
Franca Apirian, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Franca is a Speech Language Pathologist with over 10 years of experience at MSLC. In addition, she has been working in both public and private schools for the last 13 years. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Maryland and her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from New York University.
Franca specializes in helping children with a variety of communication needs, including speech sound disorders, language delays, social communication challenges, and more. She is dedicated to creating individualized, engaging, and effective therapy plans that empower each child to reach their full potential.
Whether working one-on-one or collaborating with families and educators, Franca is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children she supports.
She lives in Livingston with her husband and three boys. Her boys love sports so you can always find her on a sports field. When Franca gets some time to herself she loves to be active and do yoga or go for a hike. Her happy place is the beach!
Jessica Silvers, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Towson University and completed her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Loyola University Maryland. For the past 14 years, she has had the privilege of working with the pediatric population, addressing a wide range of communication needs, including articulation, receptive and expressive language, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
For the last 8 years, she has been proud to be part of the team at Metropolitan Speech and Language Center. Jessica truly loves working with our clients and the incredible MSLC team. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is helping children find their voice and supporting their ability to express themselves with confidence and thrive in all areas of life.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, staying active through exercise, and traveling whenever she can.
Tracy Blaesser MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
“Speech is power: to persuade, to inspire, to reach the heart.”-
Ralph Waldo Emerson