Who We Are

Dr. Hayward-Sneider has been practicing in Erie and Huron county for over 20 years, in various settings, including schools, hospitals, residential homes, home health, and private practice. She has a Bachelors degree from Bowling Green State University, a Masters degree from Cleveland State University, and a Clinical Doctorate from Northwestern University. Danielle has extensive experience in pediatric therapy with a specialization in pediatric feeding, speech and language, and autism therapy. She has a special interest in parent/caregiver involvement and believes that every child should have access to the most up-to-date, evidence-based therapy. “Miss Danielle” can’t wait to meet you and your child, and show you the Bright Ideas difference!

Kait has over a decade of experience providing speech therapy services in North Central Ohio. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Bowling Green State University and a graduate certificate in dyslexia. For the past six years, she has specialized in conducting comprehensive reading evaluations and delivering targeted, Orton-Gillingham-based interventions as well as autism assessments. Currently, she is expanding her expertise by working toward a certificate in autism.

She is passionate about supporting neurodiverse individuals through communication, language, & literacy. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices & personalized to meet each learner’s unique needs.

Kristen has 8 years of experience providing occupational therapy services to a variety of populations including skilled nursing, home health, acute care, school based therapy and outpatient pediatrics. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Findlay. For the past 6 years, she has been focused on providing school based services to students from pre-school to high school as well as children of a variety of ages in the outpatient setting. She is passionate about using a multi-sensory approach and play based therapy to develop fine motor skills, visual motor skills and daily living skills. She is particularly interested in helping students and children develop their handwriting skills and utilizing play as that is a child’s primary “occupation.” She is passionate about helping children develop the skills and confidence they need to engage in meaningful daily activities and promote independence for real-life success!

Lindsey Esker, M.A. CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years experience. Specialties include autism spectrum disorders, early intervention, receptive/expressive language disorders, and parent training. Lindsey is trained in administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and has provided diagnostic assessments for those suspected with autism spectrum disorders for over 12 years. She has served children in a variety of settings including outpatient therapy, schools, and early intervention. Outside of her clinical work, Lindsey enjoys working with local nonprofit organizations to improve inclusion and access for those who have developmental disabilities and who identify as neurodivergent. Lindsey prioritizes family involvement and collaboration in her clinical work. She has two school-aged daughters who keep her on her toes and in her free time loves to be in her garden.

Mandi is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 8 years of experience supporting children and families across inpatient, outpatient, school-based, and home environments. She has a strong passion for early intervention language acquisition, articulation, voice therapy, and providing school-based services within children’s functional academic environments—believing therapy is most effective when it supports communication where learning and life actually happen.

Mandi is PROMPT trained and LSVT for Kids certified, and she brings experience from both hospital and clinic-based settings. With a background in music and vocal performance, she blends clinical expertise with creativity, often using music to engage children and support meaningful communication.

Mandi feels blessed to partner with families in cultivating communicative independence, helping each child grow in confidence and find their voice.

Natalie Gonyea, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with 8 years of experience providing services to children from Early Intervention through high school. Natalie has prior work experience across school-based, early intervention, and pediatric outpatient settings. She specializes in early language development and AAC assessment and implementation, with a strong focus on helping children communicate meaningfully within their daily routines.

Natalie is passionate about child-centered, play-based therapy that targets functional communication skills and emphasizes parent involvement and home carryover. Her therapy style incorporates multisensory play, incidental learning opportunities, and creative, engaging practices designed to meet each child where they are and support real-world communication success. Natalie is neurodiversity-affirming and prioritizes meaningful connection and joy in her work with children. She believes that fostering shared engagement through each child’s highly motivating activities supports communication as a powerful tool for expressing wants and needs, sharing ideas, commenting, refusing, and participating socially.

Outside of work, Natalie is a proud mom to a newborn baby boy and a toddler, who keep her busy, imaginative, and continually inspired—both as a clinician and as a parent.