Meet Cristina, a Speech-Language Pathologist with the McKibben & Monte team in Columbus. Cristina earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston in South Carolina and her Master of Science in Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. She specializes in autism, school-based services, LAMP Words for Life (WFL), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), bringing a strong foundation of clinical expertise to her work with children and families.

Cristina’s favorite part of being a therapist is helping children expand their language and literacy skills—and witnessing the positive impact this growth has across so many areas of their lives. Her passion for speech therapy began while volunteering in both hospital settings and public schools in South Carolina, where she saw firsthand the difference communication support could make in a child’s development.

Her approach to therapy is child-centered, naturalistic, and facilitative. By meeting each child where they are, Cristina creates supportive, engaging sessions that encourage progress in a way that feels comfortable and fun. She particularly enjoys finding ways to tailor therapy to each child’s unique strengths and needs, ensuring meaningful growth in both communication and confidence.

Cristina’s favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and as a child she loved the imaginative story of Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends—often outdoors.

With her thoughtful, child-centered approach and dedication to empowering children through communication, Cristina is a valued member of the McKibben & Monte team.