The Communication Blooms Team

Mackenzie Shiba, Owner and Speech-Language Pathologist at Communication Blooms in Lodi, CA.

At Communication Blooms, we believe that every child deserves to be supported in a way that honors their unique strengths, needs, and communication style. Our team takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach to speech and language therapy, celebrating differences and building on what makes each child special.

We follow a child-led, play-based therapy model, creating meaningful connections through language, play, and trust. Sessions are thoughtfully designed to be sensory-informed, engaging, and responsive to each child's interests and comfort.

When appropriate, we incorporate Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) strategies to support children who use echolalia or gestalt language processing. Our therapists specialize in working with Autistic children, as well as those with a wide range of other diagnoses—including orofacial myofunctional disorders, Down syndrome, Apraxia, speech sound disorders, late talking, and receptive/expressive language delays.

We're here to empower communication in a way that feels authentic, joyful, and effective—for every child, every step of the way.

Contact Us

Our Team

  • A woman with medium length dark wavy hair, smiling, wearing a black shirt with a logo, hoop earrings, and a delicate necklace, standing against a beige background.

    Mackenzie Shiba, M.S. CCC-SLP, CMT® - Owner & Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Myofunctional Therapist

    Mackenzie is an AAC Specialist, NLA Trained (echolalia, scripting, gestalt language processing), PROMPT Trained, Feed the Peds® Trained therapist and Certified Myofunctional Therapist®.

  • A young woman with long brown hair, smiling, wearing a black t-shirt with a logo, light blue jeans, a white watch, and jewelry, standing against a plain beige wall.

    Ariel Correa, M.S. CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist

    Ariel is certified in Natural Language Acquisition strategies and passionate about working with clients who are Gestalt Language Processors! She is also an AEIOU trained feeding therapist.

  • A woman with long dark brown hair smiling, wearing a black shirt with a logo that reads 'Communication Bloom Speech & Language Therapy'.

    Arlett Gamez, M.S. CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist

    Arlett is bilingual (English & Spanish) and passionate about working with clients who are AAC users and Gestalt Language Processors! She is also Natural Language Acquisition certified. She has taken extensive training in supporting clients with Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

  • Sarah Vandenburg, B.S. SLPA - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

    Sarah is a speech-language pathology assistant and administrative assistant. She is dedicated to providing compassionate services to clients in her community.

  • Annette Buenrostro, M.S. CCC-SLP - Social Media Assistant

    Annette is a speech-language pathologist and supports Communication Blooms’ social media presence.

  • Katie Frink, M.S. CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist

    Katie is certified in Natural Language Acquisition and passionate about supporting AAC users and Gestalt Language Processors.

  • Chloe Koll, M.S. CF-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist

    Chloe is dedicated to providing quality services to Autistic learners and those with complex communication needs.

  • Kailey Pengilly - Administrative Assistant

    Kailey is dedicated to quick responses to current and prospective clients, scheduling, billing, and ensuring our office runs in an organized manner.

At Communication Blooms we offer the flexibility of In-person and Virtual sessions

Contact To Book