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
Meet Melanie Canada | MS, CCC-SLP - OWNER + Speech-Language Pathologist
Professionally, It’s actually hard for me to pinpoint my “specialty” (I have been working for over 20 years in speech so I have seen quite a few cases). I truly enjoy working with a wide variety of needs and conditions. I like to tap into the big picture and address the “whole child”, tying together sensory input, oral motor skills, and functional language.
In terms of formal training, I graduated from University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor of Science in Hearing and Speech Sciences, followed by a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, where I gained extensive training in working with people with hearing loss. There I also gained experience working with cochlear implants, aural rehabilitation, and teaching lip reading skills to name a few. I continue to use sign language regularly in many of my sessions as a supplement to spoken language.
I have most recently taken off with the Oral Placement Therapy approach to remediating motor-based speech disorders when traditional therapy approaches have not been successful. I have done extensive training with TalkTools to gain invaluable skills in this area, and have seen wonderful success with my clients. Tying in with this is using motor and sensory components to establish feeding programs for children, many times children who are on the Autism Spectrum. Who knew teaching kids to “play with their food” could be so much fun! I have been to multiple trainings and workshops in this area and see this as an increasing need in our community.
I also have extensive training and experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum. I particularly enjoy working with other professionals such as occupational therapist, physical therapists, behavioral therapists, teachers, and parents to come up with goals and strategies together. Seeing the progress when working with children who in the beginning of services often do not have joint attention and play skills then be able to engage in structured play activities and have a conversation is priceless and rewarding.
Lastly, anything with augmentative communication devices I find fascinating….evaluating, programming, training, and personalizing. Providing people with a tool to have their “voice” is an experience that is priceless. I have a great team to work with to help diagnose and prescribe the right device for both adults and children. I love working with more simple low-tech methods also, such as pictures, symbols, and visuals to supplement communication for small children who may be non- or minimally verbal. These visual aids are also valuable to help structure therapy sessions for children who need some help making transitions and to keep them engaged in activities that help them meet their goals.
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 I am so excited to be living here again! 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 children birth to 3 years old 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 language delays, apraxia of speech, articulation/phonological disorders, fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and various genetic conditions. I particularly enjoy working with toddlers with language delays, working on social language/social skills with school-aged children, as well as, working on functional communication with children using augmentative and alternative communication devices. I love working on a multi-disciplinary team with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and behavioral therapists too. In my spare time, I love to be outdoors... hiking, camping, kayaking, swimming, driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway... anything that allows me to be outside!
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
Occupational Therapist | Harrisonburg & Ruckersville Office
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.