Therapists

Jessica Aubin, MS CCC-SLP

CEO | Speech-Language Pathologist

Jessica is a 2005 Speech Language Pathology Graduate from the University of Washington. Her work experience covers a broad range of settings from in-patient rehabilitation, long-term care, and Outpatient services to the public school setting. She started the Aubin Aphasia Speech and Language Center LLC in 2010 to help improve needed access to services on Bainbridge Island and also acquired a local tutoring service, Island Educational Services in 2022.

Apart from being a Washington State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist she holds multiple specialty certifications including certifications from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Vital Stimulation NMES certification for dysphagia, competence with the Claudia Allen Dementia Scales, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), SPEAKOUT! Provider, and PROMPT training for Apraxia of Speech.

“I believe in making a functional difference in people’s lives. Initially, I did this by working directly with clients to help them achieve their life goals. Now, I find that I can help more people by supporting a variety of service providers to do whatever is needed to to train, staff, connect, and deliver the best services possible.

I am honored to also be a Board Member of Vitalize Kitsap, an organization supporting young adults with disabilities all over Kitsap County. This is yet another extension of my goal to help clients and families obtain the best quality of life possible.”

Melissa katz, MS CCC-SLP (speech language pathologist)

Melissa earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania and then received her master's degree in speech-language pathology from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. Most recently, she was a Senior Speech-Language Pathologist at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, primarily on the inpatient stroke and brain injury unit where she worked with patients who had complex neurological conditions involving dysphagia, aphasia, and other cognitive-communication disorders. She also helped co-initiate the music therapy department and lead the Cancer Care Committee. She has a passion for advocating for her clients while also supporting their families. Melissa is a SPEAKOUT! Provider. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and going to the beach.

Ursula Mancino, MS CCC-SLP (speech language pathologist)

Ursula Mancino is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with experience in the evaluation and treatment of complex communication and swallowing disorders. She earned her Master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Oregon.

Before she joined the Aubin Aphasia Speech and Language Center, Ursula practiced in the inpatient hospital setting, evaluating and treating patients with dysphagia, aphasia, motor speech disorders and cognitive-communication disorders. She is skilled in performing Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized, functional therapy plans. Ursula also has experience working with the head and neck cancer population and children with brain injury and brain-based disorders. Ursula is committed to providing supportive, goal-driven care that empowers clients to achieve independence and confidence in communication.

In her free time, Ursula enjoys traveling, yoga, wilderness backpacking, and spending time with her family and pet poodle.

Rachel Lishinsky MS CCC-SLP (speech language pathologist)

Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2023 followed by her Master of Science from the Pennsylvania State University in 2025. Rachel served as a member of the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) team. She worked with pediatrics and young adults with complex communication needs to assess and develop their own way to communicate effectively. 

After graduation, she completed her clinical fellowship in a skilled nursing facility in Pittsburgh, PA where she gained extensive experience with adult cognition and dysphagia treatment. Rachel is a certified SPEAKOUT! Provider. She is committed to individualizing speech therapy sessions to be engaging and effective for each of her clients. 

Outside of her time with clients, Rachel enjoys spending time with family, reading, and traveling with her husband and their dog, George.

Brenda Lee MS CCC-SLP (speech language pathologist)

Brenda Lee is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in adult neurogenic language disorders. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Psychology, and her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from New York University.

She served as the sole SLP at a skilled nursing facility and has had experience with adults across the continuum of neurological rehabilitation, including stroke recovery, cognitive-communication disorders, swallowing disorders, motor-speech disorders, and language disorders. Brenda is passionate about helping adults rebuild confidence and reconnect with the people and activities that matter most. Before becoming an SLP, she worked in the biotechnology industry aiding in laboratory research, which strengthened her appreciation for science, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. 

She enjoys spending her free time sea glass hunting, traveling, writing short stories, jogging, and always having an arts and crafts project in progress. 

Tea Mercer, MS CCC-SLP (speech language pathologist)

Tea Mercer (they/them) is a recent graduate of the Communication Disorders and Sciences Master’s program at the University of Oregon and is excited to be joining the AASLC team as of July 2026. Prior to becoming an SLP, they worked in education as a K-12 long-term substitute teacher in a Spanish-English bilingual school district and an academic tutor, as well as in music as a private voice instructor, and a professional singer and musician. They are originally from San Diego, California and were raised by a medical profession family (family practice physician father, nurse mother) and have lived in all three states on the west coast. 

Tea holds the equivalent of three undergraduate degrees in Drama, Education Sciences, and Speech Pathology, as well as a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences. They provide services at AASLC’s Bainbridge office as well as via telehealth.

Tea likes to spend their free time hiking, singing karaoke, watching movies, reading books, attending musical theater performances, and trying new restaurants.

Oliver Petraitis, MS CF-SLP (speech language pathologist)

Oliver Petraitis is a recent graduate of the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Western Washington University and has been with AASLC since April 2024. Prior to becoming an SLP, his background was in applied foreign languages, sociolinguistics, ESL, and foreign language instruction, in which he has 10+ years of combined experience. He has also worked in many other fields including the music industry, as a mechanic, as a localization specialist for Nike, and has held teaching positions at various universities in the US and Germany.

He holds degrees in English literature, German, French, psychology, as well as two Masters in Sociolinguistics and Communication Disorders.

He provides services at AASLC’s Poulsbo office house the North Kitsap Medical Suite as well as via telehealth.

He spend his free time riding mountain bikes, writing music, keeping old cars running, and shooting billiards. 

administration

Melissa Molello, PCC (Patient Care Coordinator) | Human Resources Manager

Melissa is the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) and Human Resources Manager, supporting both clients and clinicians with care, organization, and clear communication. With a degree in Supply Chain Management, she brings a thoughtful, systems-oriented approach to keeping the practice running smoothly.

Melissa is passionate about creating a welcoming experience for every client and a supportive environment for the team. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors and exploring with her German Shepherd.

Emily lee, PCC (Patient Care Coordinator)

Emily is the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) serving our Kitsap Peninsula and greater Seattle communities. Also a fellow University of Washington graduate in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Emily brings 20 years of experience in Office Administration, Finance, Insurance, Database Management, New Business and Medicare knowledge to our team. 

When she's not running errands or shuttling her family off to their extracurricular activities, Emily enjoys low tide beach days, collecting cool rocks, painting, volunteering and participating in local Corgi meetups. 

Flain Kim (Front Desk)

Flain has a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Vincent’s College in Communication. He has been working in the communications and client services field since 2007 and loves helping people in any of the multiple languages that he speaks.

Born and raised in the Phillipines, Flain lives on a little island with his wife and teenage children. In his spare time, he loves to go to festivals and spend time with his family.

Jobert (JB) paderna (Billing specialist)

In 2012, I started working in Customer Relations, specializing in Billing. I've been with companies such as Telco, Bank, and Healthcare services. Now being part of AASLC, my commitment to providing excellent assistance is a top priority.