Leadership
Robbie is a healthcare technology and services CEO with 30 years of experience in growing, improving, and exploring new markets for healthcare services and technology-enabled companies across the U.S., South America, Western Europe, and Africa. Widely recognized as a consensus builder, Robbie maintains a sense of calm even amidst chaos. He thrives on mentoring executives, nurturing talent, and implementing strategies that foster long-term success for teams and organizations. As an authentic and visionary leader, he adeptly manages conflicts with respect, upholds integrity in actions, and actively seeks diverse opinions on issues.
Formally trained as a neurophysiologist in the U.S., Robbie has clinical experience worldwide, both within the for-profit company he founded and through his work with various NGO and charity organizations. Rooted in his initial career as a clinician, he maintains a patient-centered and care delivery focus in all his endeavors. Raised in a military family, he moved frequently during his formative years, and this trend continued with multiple relocations within the USA. Robbie and his wife have a blended family of nine children, three of whom are adopted from other countries, and their family dynamic reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Chairman of the Board (He/Him)
Brie leads the Meliora Health business and is a member of the Healios Executive Leadership Team. As an experienced clinician and veteran of five digital health companies, Brie is passionate about ensuring equitable access to the right care, at the right time and place for everyone who needs it. Initially practicing as a frontline nurse, Brie set up out-of-hospital access to midwifery care across rural Guatemala, which helped her develop a critical understanding of the way in which access to care results in potential inequalities in care received. From there, Brie successfully built a clinical operation in the San Francisco Bay area, to provide digital access to primary care services to some of the largest on-site employee populations in the US. Her work enabled cancer patients to experience digital monitoring and care during their treatment. In recent years Brie has focused on developing digital access and services in mental health therapeutics across the US and UK.
Brie’s work at Meliora is focused on ensuring access to high quality, evidence-based healthcare services. While she has roots in the US, and worked in clinical operations there for 15 years, she now lives in England with her husband and wonderful children. In her free time, she loves exploring the outdoors and staying active with her friends and family.
Senior Vice President of Operations (she/her)
Cheryl is a board-certified developmental pediatrician with over 20 years of experience in the field of developmental and behavioral problems of children and teens. Cheryl is also the Professor of Pediatrics at Penn State Children’s Hospital (PSCH), Division of Developmental Medicine. Having graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and received her MPH in Child and Maternal Health and Advocacy at Harvard School of Public Health, she completed her Fellowship in Behavior and Developmental Pediatrics and General Academic Pediatrics Combined Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Boston. Cheryl’s other clinical areas of expertise include sleep disorders and childhood apraxia of speech. Cheryl has also enjoyed her time leading in the non-profit space, collaborating with other large nonprofit and advocacy organizations in Pennsylvania to improve the lives of those with disabilities.
Clinicians
Jane Potter Baumer came to speech language pathology after a long career singing and teaching voice and choral music at the K-12 and university levels. A pediatric SLP specialist since 2017, her interests include autism, orofacial myofunctional therapy, telepractice, language processing, and stuttering. Jane enjoys RV camping with spouse Matt, hiking and paddleboarding along Western PA’s beautiful rivers, and as much pickleball, weight-lifting, interval training, yoga, and swimming as she can manage. Now that the kids have flown the nest, fur-kids Mandy and Bella (12 year old mutts) and guinea pigs Reesie and Sundae keep Jane busy at home. Committed to non-profit work in the arts, Jane is in her third year as board president of Pittsburgh’s professional vocal ensemble, The Pittsburgh Camerata, in which she sang for 15 years. She was the founder of the Indiana University of PA Community Music School, now in its 11th year. Currently she sings in the wonderful Shadyside Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir in Pittsburgh.
Speech-Language Pathologist (she/her)
Rebecca Bequer is an experienced licensed and certified Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist in the state of Florida and Pennsylvania. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Rebecca graduated from Albizu University with a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. She has experience in working with clients of varied needs and conditions that include; Autism Spectrum Disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Echolalia, Early Intervention, Receptive/Expressive Language Disorders, Articulation Disorders, and Social Language Skills. Rebecca has worked in varied settings that include; schools, home health, clinics, and prescribed pediatric extended care centers. Rebecca lives in Miami, Florida. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband, stepson, baby boy, and English Bulldog.
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (she/her)
Dr. Anthony Bocchicchio has been a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania since 2009 but has over 25 years experience providing mental health and behavioral health services. He received his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. For the past 15 years, Anthony has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. He has received extensive training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT); Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); parent training; and the management of severe problem behaviors.
Personally, Anthony lives on a farm in Chester County, PA. The farm is home to several animals including horses and miniature pigs. Anthony is a dog lover and has two Labrador Retrievers. He is active in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Anthony is married and has two children.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (he/him)
Meghann is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with experience in pediatrics in both school and medical outpatient settings. She completed her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree at West Virginia University. In her five years in the field, she has evaluated and treated children with autism spectrum disorder with various communication needs across the pediatric age span. She has also initiated and implemented both high and low-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to support functional communication. Additionally, she has experience in treating speech sound and motor speech disorders including Childhood Apraxia of Speech, expressive and receptive language disorders, and other social communication disorders.
Something Interesting About Me You May Not Know:
Personally, Meghann currently lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She enjoys relaxing with her dog, sewing, and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys watching The Great British Bake Off and hopes to recreate a few popular dishes from recent seasons.
Speech-Language Pathologist (she/her)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Melissa graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology in 2001 with a specialty in child psychology. She has been practicing as a licensed psychologist since 2004. Throughout her career, Melissa has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including medical facilities, schools, and behavioral health clinics. Melissa’s clinical practice includes conducting diagnostic evaluations with children and adolescents. She has specialized training in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Melissa is also a certified cognitive therapist. In her free time, you can often find Melissa hiking or out for a trail ride on her bicycle.
Education/Experience
BA in Psychology, Bloomsburg University, MA in Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, PsyD in Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, The Pediatric Psychology Center of Chester County, Downingtown, PA, Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Lancaster, PA, WellSpan Behavioral Health, York, PA, Regional Director of School Based Services, Northwestern Human Services, Lansdale, PA, Pre-Doctoral internship, The Children’s Psychiatric Center, Miami, FL, Pre-doctoral training, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, Il, Cook County Hosptial, Chicago, IL, and Hartgrove Hospital, Chicago, IL.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Team Lead (she/her)
Dr. Adriane Maier is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst who specializes in autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions..
Dr. Maier provides developmental evaluations and follow up support for children, adolescents and adults. She has extensive experience treating delays in communication development, social skill differences and challenging behaviors in schools, homes and clinical settings. Dr. Maier is trained in gold standard autism diagnostic tools and is a certified provider for the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (Peers). She is passionate about providing neurodiverse affirming support and treatment during and after the diagnostic process and utilizes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Verbal Behavior Analysis (VBA) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in her clinical practice. She strongly believes that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to treatment and is a strong proponent of incorporating values-based, trauma informed, person centered planning when working with children and their families.
Prior to joining the Meliora team, Dr. Maier worked as a Clinical Director in the US Virgin Islands where she developed the first ABA programs throughout the territory, trained clinicians and consulted with schools and universities. Dr. Maier was recently a joint recipient of a grant to create “autism friendly” businesses in the community. She is thrilled to be a part of the Meliora Team and its mission to provide caring, individualized therapeutic services to children, teens and families.
Dr. Maier’s personal interests include scuba diving, underwater photography, painting, hiking, and performing music. She is also a certified Hatha Yoga instructor and PADI Divemaster.
Neurodevelopmental Practitioner (she/her)
Michelle N. McGuinness is a Florida, New Mexico, Texas, California, Pennsylvania and New York state licensed and American Speech and Language Association (ASHA) Certified Bilingual Spanish Speech Language Pathologist. Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University, Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from The City University of New York and Bilingual Extension from Columbia University. She also holds the Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification in New York State.
Michelle is fluent in English and Spanish and her multicultural background gives her a unique vantage point to understand diverse populations. Michelle has extensive experience working with the pediatric population including but not limited to: intellectual and developmental disabilities, receptive and expressive language disorders, selective mutism, childhood apraxia of speech, articulation/phonological disorders, reading disabilities, fluency disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder and social/pragmatic language impairment. Michelle is PROMPT trained (for articulation and phonological disorders). She has worked in several different settings including schools, non-profit, and clinics. Michelle has experience in It Takes Two To Talk, the Hanen Program for parents of children with language delays as well as Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC).
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys yoga, reading, savoring different foods, attending the theater, art galleries, museums and traveling.
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (she/her)
Julie brings extensive experience as a pediatric nurse for over 20 years. Throughout her career, Julie has used her expertise and talents to work with families and their children in medical centers, outpatient clinics, clinical research projects, and behavioral health settings. Julie is passionate about helping children and their families. Her excellent people skills along with her commitment and dedication to her patients provide families with confidence and trust. In her free time Julie enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, exploring new places and learning about their history.
Clinical Nurse Specialist LPN, CCRC (she/her)
Management and Admin
Kaitlyn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in December of 2021. She moved to Brooklyn, New York from Atlanta, Georgia shortly after graduating and started working for Meliora Health in 2022. Kaitlyn has 8 years of experience in customer service settings through a wide variety of positions. In University, she worked as a research assistant for the Grady Memorial Hospital Trauma Lab, investigating PTSD and trauma responses in young adults. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Kaitlyn worked as a medical assistant testing children and teens for COVID-19 at the Grady Pediatric Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Kaitlyn loves rainy days and her favorite time of year is Halloween. You can usually find her reading a book or jogging around the park.
Junior Practice Manager (She/Her)
Katie is the Operations Project Manager for Meliora Health, as well as a speech-language pathologist licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Duquesne University in 2008 and 2009, respectively. She also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a licensed level II teacher for children with speech and language impairments in Pennsylvania. Katie has more than 14 years of experience working with children with autism and a variety of other diagnoses. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and cats, baking, and watching hockey.
Speech-Language Pathologist and Operations Manager (She/Her)
Tess Candell is a Denver transplant by way of Philadelphia. Tess is the Business Development Manager for Meliora Health. She received her Bachelor of business administration in Marketing with a minor in Psychology from the George Washington University. Tess has spent the last 10 years in health tech startups, focusing on Marketing and Business Development. In her free time, Tess enjoys walking her dog, working out in her garage gym with her husband, baking sourdough, and catching up on the latest new Netflix series.
Business Development Manager (She/Her)
Colette Fisher is an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certified speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2001 and her Masters of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2003. Colette has experience working with neurodiverse children and adolescents within private and public schools, community and home based settings, as well as in the outpatient setting. Colette’s clinical interests include child language, clinical and linguistic diversity, speech sound disorders (articulation and phonological disorders), as well as pragmatic language and functional communication. She has a special interest in evaluation and assessment of children and adolescents with unique communication needs and thinking outside the box to come up with solutions to individual and family needs. Additionally, Colette has trained and used Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), as well as the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and the Competent Learner Model (CLM). Personal interests include being physically active in activities such as yoga, hiking and weightlifting; as well as nutrition and healthy eating. Colette also enjoys spending time with her blended family of 4 children ages 11-24, 3 grandchildren and German Shepherd. She is often found supporting her children in numerous activities including football, golf, basketball, baseball, and track and field.
Speech-Language Pathologist/Clinical Operations Manager (she/her)
Mark Pagano is our Provider Relations Manager and heads up Meliora’s growth department. He is responsible for account management with existing and new referral partners and educating prospective partners on Meliora’s services. Mark comes from a long background in outside diagnostics & laboratory sales with a focus in relationship building. Mark is a South Philadelphia native & Temple University alumni. While not working for Meliora he spends time with his wife and 2 children and enjoys his classic car on the weekends.
Provider Relations Manager (He/Him)
Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is currently working on further developing her knowledge in the web development and cyber security sphere. One of her biggest passions in life is animals. She has opened her home to several rescue fur babies and dreams of one day establishing an animal sanctuary. Outside of work she enjoys running, yoga, HIIT workouts, and snuggling with her dogs watching K dramas. She is excited to be a part of the team and as one of the Spanish speaking team members, happy to be able to serve her community.
Client Support Specialist (She/Her)
Your child deserves the best possible care.
At Meliora Health, we take pride in offering thorough diagnostic assessments. Our multidisciplinary and experienced care teams include clinical psychologists, developmental pediatricians and speech language pathologists (including Spanish-English bilingual therapists). We use a wide variety of assessment tools and gather insights from a variety of individuals in the child’s life to ensure accurate and comprehensive evaluations.