Owner/SLP:
Danielle Ninic, M.A. CCC-SLP
Hi! I’m Danielle. Speech-Language Pathologist and Owner of Lake County Speech.
I am 32 years old although I don’t feel it! That’s all that matters, right? Wife and mama to 3 year old Meredith and mama-to-be to a new baby boy. Some of my hobbies include spending time with my family of course, and puzzles and reading even though I never have time for those things. I’m working on it. I’m also pretty passionate about health and fitness and eating DQ blizzards (figure that one out ). I love watermelon, giraffes, and the color yellow. Grew up in Mentor on the Lake and have lived in Lake County ever since (except for a year stint in Spain). Early Childhood Education was my first career and I pretty much love anything with that age group! I decided to go back for speech therapy when I realized I wanted to do more to help on a deeper level.
I was motivated to open up my practice right out of graduate school when I learned that so many kids in our area were going without services due to very long waiting lists. I worked at an incredible Autism facility that shaped my career and life in so many ways while I built up my practice. We are now settled into our office space in Mentor and happily helping so many kids every day!
Jessica Melaragno, M.A. CCC-SLP
Clinic-based full time clinician
Hi! My name is Jessica Melaragno and I graduated from Cleveland State University with a master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. I also have earned a certification in autism spectrum disorder through Kent State University. I have been with Lake County Speech for over 2 years and it has been the most rewarding experience. I have a passion for treating the pediatric population as I admire children’s compassion, resilience, and imagination. I am 100% Italian and come from a large Italian family. My fiancé Mike and I will be getting married in September 2024.
Payton Skender, M.S. CF-SLP
Hybrid - Clinic based and school based clinician
Hi! My name is Payton Skender. I recently graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I love to be surrounded by family and friends, watch baseball, and work out in my free time. I chose this career because I’ve always had a passion for helping others in some capacity. This career provides me with a sense of purpose and excitement knowing that I will make a difference in the lives of others. My goal is to provide my clients and families with the tools necessary for effective communication and developing a plan of care that is individualized to their needs. I value each client's strengths and talents, while also providing support for challenges and needs. Im so excited to be a part of Lake County Speech!
Kayla Schinke, M.A. CCC-SLP
Social Skills Groups Clinician
Hello! My name is Kayla Schinke. I graduated from Cleveland State University in 2020 with my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Since then, I have been working full time in the schools, working directly with students in Kindergarten-8th grade. In February 2023, I also began to work at Lake County Speech with the social skills groups. Growing up, I had a close family member who received speech therapy services. Witnessing their journey and the transformative effect of speech therapy led me to choosing this career in hopes of helping others. I enjoy being able to help children communicate and grow in their confidence. In my free time I enjoy baking, reading, and being outside. I am excited to continue to work with the Lake County Speech team!
Nicole Michalski
Office Manager
Hi! My name is Nicole. I am a proud momma to 4. I also have 4 fur babies! Some things I just absolutely love are: animals, camping, fishing, hiking, all things blue and baking/cooking with my
kids. My all time favorite hobby is bowling and my favorite sport is hockey. I went to school for Medical Assisting and enjoyed a few years in a medical office. I have recently been a stay at home mom for some time and enjoyed every bit of it! While at home, I watched some children
in my home. Needless to say, my day involves children at every moment and I wouldn’t want it any other way! I am so excited to be a part of your child’s journey here.