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.

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

    Mackenzie is an AAC Specialist, NLA Trained (echolalia, scripting, gestalt language processing), PROMPT Trained, and orofacial 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 - Speech-Language Pathologist M.S. CCC-SLP

    Ariel is trained in Natural Language Acquisition strategies and passionate about working with clients who are Gestalt Language Processors!

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

    Arlett Gamez- Speech-Language Pathologist M.S. CF-SLP

    Arlett is bilingual (English & Spanish) and passionate about working with clients who are AAC users and Gestalt Language Processors!

  • A young woman with light brown hair tied back, smiling and wearing a white button-up shirt, sitting on a balcony during sunset with a cityscape in the background.

    Valeria Carrillo - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant B.S., SLPA

    Valeria is a speech-language pathology assistant who has experience working with autistic clients. She is passionate about working with clients who use AAC!

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