Our Team
Kerri Baldwin, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist, Spokane
Kerri joined Early Life Speech & Language in 2006, after working as a therapist at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Every day, she is thankful for the chance to work with so many bright children—and their dedicated parents—who can receive the support they need to learn to communicate at home, in school and for life, at no cost to families. Kerri earned her master’s degree in speech and hearing science from Eastern Washington University. She is a devoted Mariners fan.
E-mail Kerri at kbaldwin@earlylifespeech.org.
Chandelle Micklich, MS, CCC-SLP
Director of Programs/Speech Language Pathologist
Chandelle’s smile has been lighting up the Early Life Speech & Language Spokane clinic since September 2011. She is delighted to be able to work with families in a fun, friendly environment where parents and caregivers are directly involved in therapy. Chandelle holds a master’s degree in communication disorders from Eastern Washington University.
E-mail Chandelle at cmicklich@earlylifespeech.org.
Speech Language Pathologists
Alice Hollopeter, MA, CCC-SLP
Clinic Manager / Speech Language Pathologist, Walla Walla
Alice joined Early Life Speech & Language as Walla Walla Clinic Manager and Speech Language Pathologist in February 2017. Prior to joining the team, Alice worked as a K-12 Teletherapist, as a public school SLP, and for a non-profit clinic. She received her undergraduate degree from Minot State University and Master's degree from U of M, Duluth. Alice grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada. She says the best part of working at Early Life Speech & Language is helping children reach their potential and providing families with the opportunity to be part of their child’s success.
Email Alice at ahollopeter@earlylifespeech.org.
Beth Novak, M.S., CCC-SLP
Clinic Manager / Speech Language Pathologist, Bremerton
Beth joined Early Life Speech & Language as the Bremerton Clinic Manager and Speech Language Pathologist in August 2018. She spent the last 10 years working in pediatrics in the medical setting, most recently at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Beth served in the Peace Corps in Tonga, where she met the King, and has traveled to over 30 countries. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences and then went on to receive her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington. Beth says the best thing about working with kids at Early Life Speech & Language is helping each child reach their fullest potential without the worry of speech holding them back.
Email Beth at bnovak@earlylifespeech.org.
Asha Pence, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist, Spokane
Asha joined Early Life Speech & Language with a passion for helping young children and their families build meaningful communication skills that support success in everyday life. She earned her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Washington University in 2014.
Asha believes the best learning happens through play, connection, and individualized therapy. She loves discovering each child's unique interests and strengths, then incorporating them into sessions—whether that means movement, friendly competition, creativity, or imaginative play—to make learning both engaging and effective.
Outside of work, Asha enjoys reading, comedy, creative projects, and spending time at the lake with her family and two children. She loves being part of the Early Life Speech & Language team because it allows her to provide individualized, evidence-based care while putting children and families first.
E-mail Asha at apence@earlylifespeech.org
Samantha Fantin, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist, Spokane
Samantha "Sam" Fantin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies of Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northern Arizona University in 2017 and her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Washington University in 2020. She has experience providing speech and language therapy in both private practice and school settings.
Sam has a longstanding connection to Early Life Speech & Language. She was a recipient of an ELS&L student scholarship, completed her graduate internship with the organization, and has remained connected to the team ever since. She loves being part of an organization that removes barriers to care, provides evidence-based services, and ensures children receive the support they need to thrive.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys attending spin classes, hiking with her husband and Bernedoodle, curling up with a good book, and exploring all that Spokane has to offer.
E-mail Sam at sfantin@earlylifespeech.org
Administrative Support
Alana Willmann
Office Manager, Spokane
Alana joined Early Life Speech & Language in Spokane as office manager in October 1996. She is a “never-say-no” administrator who adeptly manages correspondence, client files, fiscal accounting and so much more. It makes Alana happy to see a transition in the children who come to Early Life Speech & Language for services: “I love watching the kids change from being shy and timid when they start therapy to confident and ready to conquer the world when they graduate.” E-mail Alana at awillmann@earlylifespeech.org.