Meet Our Ruckersville Team
Our Ruckersville office is our original location, where we started in 2012. This office is located in beautiful Greene County right on Rt. 29, within easy access to Charlottesville and Albemarle County, as well as to Madison County, Orange County, and Culpeper. This space offers two separate gyms which provide sensory experiences and gross motor skill development. Each of our therapy spaces is unique! Your child will enjoy the non-clinical feel of our therapy rooms. We work to make our clients feel at home and comfortable, starting with a welcoming front porch where families can choose to sit while they wait. Stop by and say hello!
Contact Us Today 434-481-3524
Email: stephanie@smalltalkva.com | Office Manager
69 Deane Rd, Ruckersville, VA 22968
Melanie Canada | Owner
Speech-Language Pathologist
Melanie Canada, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the proud owner of Small Talk Pediatric Therapy Center and a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who believes every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, connect, and succeed to reach their fullest potential. With over 30 years of experience serving children and families, Melanie is passionate about creating a supportive, collaborative environment where children can grow and thrive. Her goal is to create an environment where families, caregivers, and loved ones feel included and part of the team. Melanie’s vision for Small Talk is rooted in compassionate care, clinical excellence, and building meaningful relationships with the families and communities the practice serves.
Stephanie Buck
Office Manger & Billing Specialist
Stephanie graduated from Orange County High School in 1991. She has worked at Small Talk as Office manager since 2014. Stephanie loves being around kids. She is married with 3 children, and has 3 dogs. In her spare time she likes baking, shopping, and spending time with friends.
Cary Bingelli
Speech Language Pathologist
Cary is a resident of Greene County, a wife, and a mother of two. She has been working as a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist since 1999, in the public schools, private practice, and early-intervention settings. She has experience working with children with developmental delays, Down Syndrome,Apraxia, hearing impairments (including cochlear implants), auditory processing disorders, expressive, and receptive language delays and speech delays/disorders. She is PROMPT trained and is also trained in a variety of Talk Tools therapies. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University in 1996 and her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Old Dominion University in 1999. Cary is licensed and certified by the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a license with the Virginia Department of Health Professions in Speech-Language Pathology.
Paxton Kochuba
Speech Language Pathologist
I attended college in Charlottesville and my husband and I moved back to the area in 2020. I received my B.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Virginia and received my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University. I have previously worked in pediatric outpatient therapy and early intervention services for Infant & Toddler Connection in Richmond, VA. I have experience working with toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents with a variety of speech and language disorders and diagnoses, including receptive and expressive language disorders, early childhood language delays, speech sound disorders, fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and gestalt language processors. I have a special interest in speech sound disorders, including articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and motor speech disorders, specifically childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). I have experience implementing Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), which is an evidence-based motor-based treatment approach for childhood apraxia of speech. I also have experience working with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users. I have completed device trials and evaluations for children that need AAC devices. I have also completed the Meaningful Speech course on gestalt language development and follow the Natural Language Acquisition framework in therapy with children who are gestalt language processors. I also love working on a multi-disciplinary team with our occupational therapists, physical therapists, and reading specialist!
In my spare time, I love to be outdoors and love to read. My husband and I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, swimming, skiing, and going to lakes and beaches. We also have a goal to visit as many National Parks as possible- Yosemite National Park in California and Glacier National park in Montana are my favorites so far!
Ashley Harvey
Speech Language Pathologist
I am originally from Roanoke, Virginia and moved to Ruckersville in 2020 after completing my master’s degree and getting married! I completed my Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford University in Radford, Virginia (go Highlanders!). I then completed my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia (go Lancers!). I am certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed through the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. I have worked as a pediatric therapist within the public schools for a year and completed my Clinical Fellowship during that time. While working in the schools, I provided therapy to elementary, middle, and high school aged students. I have worked with various speech disorders, language disorders, and diagnoses. These include individuals with speech sound disorders, social communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, expressive and receptive language disorders, fluency disorders, and children using Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my dog!
Bridget Hoadley
Reading Specialist
Hi! My name is Bridget Hoadley and I have lived in the Charlottesville area with my husband and 3 children for over 20 years. I received my undergraduate degree in education from Clarion University in Pennsylvania. In 2011, I graduated with a Master of Education from James Madison University with a reading specialist endorsement.
I have 19 years of teaching experience. I was employed by Greene County Public Schools for the last 13 years as a reading specialist. I have had training in several reading programs over the years that I implemented with my students in small groups and one-on-one reading instruction.
I am also trained in the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach to reading. This program uses explicit, direct, sequential, systematic, and multi-sensory instruction to teach reading in a one-on-one setting. I use this reading approach to plan and implement differentiated lessons tailored to each child's specific reading needs.
I’m excited to have the opportunity to provide a reading intervention program through Small Talk Pediatric Therapy Center.
Amy Williams
Speech-Language Pathologist
I am originally from Palmyra, Virginia and currently planning on moving to Charlottesville, VA. I completed both my Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as my Master's at Radford University in Radford, Virginia (go Highlanders!). I am currently completing my Clinical Fellowship at Small Talk and I am provisionally licensed through the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. In Radford, I had the opportunity to complete externship placements in a skilled nursing facility setting and a pediatric out-patient clinic as well as participating in a summer camp style autism clinic giving me a variety of experiences. While working in out-patient pediatrics I worked with a variety of medical diagnoses and syndromes giving me the opportunity to work with a diverse caseload. I have worked with various speech disorders, language disorders, and diagnoses. These include individuals with speech sound disorders, autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, expressive and receptive language disorders, fluency disorders, and clients using Alternative Augmentative Communication devices (AAC). In my free time I enjoy visiting different coffee shops in Charlottesville and spending time with my family and friends!
Anna Samuels
Occupational Therapist
Anna is an occupational therapist serving the Ruckersville and McGaheysville locations. A Greene County native, Anna is passionate about serving the local community. She graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from James Madison University in 2024, following her undergraduate studies in Health Sciences, also from JMU, where she earned her degree in 2022. Throughout her academic journey, Anna gained valuable clinical experience working with children with a wide range of abilities. She has worked with individuals with diagnoses including Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, emotional regulation disorders, and developmental delays. Anna’s approach is centered around providing holistic, client-centered care. She values working closely with families to ensure each child’s unique needs are met. With a deep passion for working with children, Anna is thrilled to serve and connect with the communities in which she works. She finds great joy in making a positive impact on the lives of the children and families she supports.
Samantha E. Parker
Sam is an occupational therapist with diverse pediatric experience, including in areas such as concussion, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, sensory integration, brachial plexus injury, gross and fine motor delays, visual motor skills, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. She received her BA in Sociology at the University of Virginia and went on to receive her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014. Sam has spent the majority of her career working in outpatient settings but also has experience in schools and Early Intervention. She is passionate about making the therapeutic process fun and joyful for children in order to help them reach their highest potential.
Sam recently moved to the area from Fredericksburg, VA where she grew up. She enjoys spending time with her husband and four dogs, bike riding, seeing live music, exploring the region historical attractions, and cheering on the UVA Cavaliers basketball and football teams. Sam is thrilled to be a part of the Small Talk team!
Occupational Therapist
Jamie Pirie
Physical Therapist | Harrisonburg & Ruckersville Offices
Jaime is a licensed physical therapist with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a solid foundation in pediatric and neurological rehabilitation. She has provided care to children ranging from infancy through young adulthood in both outpatient and inpatient settings, addressing a diverse range of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, cardiopulmonary conditions, orthopedic impairments, and complex neurological disorders. As a graduate of the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (VA LEND) program and holder of a Certificate in Disability Leadership and Mental Health First Aid training, Jaime led a leadership project focused on improving mental health support for children with disabilities. She believes that exercise is for everyBODY and develops engaging, individualized therapy sessions designed to foster confidence, functional independence, and joy in movement.
Jaime is excited to join the Small Talk Physical Therapy team and looks forward to collaborating with families to support each child’s unique developmental journey within a nurturing, play-based environment. Outside of work, Jaime enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and walking her dogs—bringing the same energy, curiosity, and joy into her therapy sessions every day.
Tania Parrales
SLPA/Office Assistant
Tania Parrales is a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant from Chesapeake, VA. Tania received her bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders at James Madison University in 2022. Previously Tania worked as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in Harrisonburg City Public schools and has experience providing speech therapy with school aged children grades Pre-K through 8th Grade. Tania is passionate about bilingualism and multilingualism and is a fluent Spanish speaker. During her spare time Tania enjoys going on walks with her dog, watching movies, and crafting.
Courtney Schlund
Occupational Therapist