Meet the Team
Radina Veliova, M.S., CCC-SLP
Radina is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinical Director of the Voice & Speech Center. She specializes in voice therapy, aphasia treatment, and early intervention, with a deep passion for helping individuals overcome vocal and speech challenges.
With over two decades of experience as a vocal coach, Radina blends clinical expertise with artistic insight, offering a holistic approach that supports both vocal recovery and performance. She works extensively with professional voice users—including singers, actors, and speakers—as well as anyone seeking to restore or enhance their voice.
Radina is also dedicated to early intervention, ensuring that children receive the support they need to build strong communication skills from the start. Her work reflects a commitment to vocal health, confidence, and individualized care, helping every client find their voice with clarity and ease.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your job?
Being an SLP is incredibly versatile! Most people don’t realize that we don’t just treat speech and language disorders—we also work with swallowing difficulties, vocal disorders, and cognition. It’s a field that connects communication, science, and artistry in so many meaningful ways.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or workday ritual?
I create both weekly and daily goal lists with everything I want to accomplish, then prioritize based on urgency and importance. I also make sure everything is in my calendar—it keeps me focused and organized throughout the week.
Who has influenced your career or work ethic the most?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors across different areas—some in Speech Pathology, others in Voice, and others in Business. Each of them has shaped how I think and grow professionally. Beyond that, my family and friends have been a huge source of support and inspiration throughout my career.
Ric Ruiz, M.S., CCC-SLP
With a passion for helping others reach their communicative goals, Ric is known for working closely with families and creating individualized treatment plans for the pediatric population. He is known for his collaborative approach with families and his commitment to creating engaging, meaningful therapy experiences that promote lasting progress. His clinical strengths and compassionate care contribute to the exceptional services provided at Voice & Speech Therapy Center. Outside of work, you can find him playing music, skateboarding, snowboarding, or spending time outdoors.
Speech Language Pathologist Based in Culver City
ric.ruiz@voicespeechcenter.com
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your job?
Communication goes beyond just talking; it embodies gestures, signs, AAC, facial expressions, body language, and every meaningful way a person shares who they are with the world.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or workday ritual?
I like to start my day drinking coffee and reviewing my caseload while developing lesson plans for each session. I like to use sticky notes for reminders, and I use a white board to write down and check off tasks. I also enjoy a midday espresso to keep me going!
Who has influenced your career or work ethic the most?
Past supervisors and clinical mentors have played a significant role in shaping the clinician I am today. They taught me how to thoughtfully plan sessions, develop individualized goals, and integrate research into my therapy approaches. My strong work ethic and determination were developed through the coaches who guided me in various sports, including wrestling, boxing, judo, and football.
Yulia McAfee, M.S., CCC-SLP
With a passion for speech-language pathology, Yulia is known for providing personalized, functional speech therapy to an adult population. Yulia provides diagnostic and treatment services to adults with communication, speech, cognitive-linguistic, swallowing, and voice disorders in an outpatient setting. Outside of work, Yulia enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her labradoodle, practicing yoga, reading, and traveling.
Speech Language Pathologist Based in Culver City
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your job?
SLPs treat a wide variety of deficits in people of all ages.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or workday ritual?
Have a general structure to the upcoming session with plan A and plan B to allow adjustment if necessary. Timely daily notes and paperwork. Communication with patient, CG, and colleagues to ensure skill generalization and relevance to daily activities.
Who has influenced your career or work ethic the most?
My mentors back in the day when I worked at a large, busy hospital.
Abhinaya Ganesh, M.S., CF-SLP
Abhi is from India and works with adults who have aphasia, voice, or speech sound problems. She connects easily with children, adults, and parents, helping patients feel supported and understood during therapy at Voice & Speech Center.
Raised in a multicultural, multilingual family, Abhinaya values both cultural differences and shared experiences as key tools for building strong relationships and giving personalized care.
Outside work, she loves performing, especially acting, and enjoys time with friends, watching TV, and exploring the city.
Speech Language Pathologist Based in Los Angeles, CA
abhi.ganesh@voicespeechcenter.com
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your job?
Even a small change in therapy can be a huge step in the right direction for a client. I strongly believe in progress over perfection, and that progress can look different for everyone. Sometimes the biggest victories are the little moments that help someone communicate more confidently and independently in their everyday life.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or workday ritual?
My go-to productivity trick is preparing the night before. I like reviewing the clients I’ll be seeing the following day and planning ahead so I feel prepared for each session. I’m also a huge believer in digital calendars and reminders to help me stay organized and on track throughout the workday.
Who has influenced your career or work ethic the most?
Growing up in a multicultural environment, traveling across countries, and meeting people from different backgrounds at a young age has greatly shaped both my work ethic and the way I connect with others. Those experiences taught me adaptability, empathy, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. My past supervisors have also played a major role in influencing the clinician I’m becoming, and my grandparents have been some of the biggest influences in my life through their resilience, values, and support.
Jill Davidson M.A. CCC-SLP
With a passion for early intervention, Jill brings over 25 years of experience in both school and clinical settings. She is known for building strong connections with children and families while helping children grow in their communication abilities. She plays a key role in helping Voice & Speech Center deliver exceptional results. Outside of work, you might find her cheering on her son at high school basketball and baseball games, doing Pilates, or traveling with friends.
Speech Language Pathologist Based in Culver City
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your job?
Every child develops differently, and getting support early can reduce frustration and build confidence for both the child and family. For many early intervention kids, the goal is not simply “making them talk.” The goal is helping them connect, express themselves, and participate meaningfully in their world.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or workday ritual?
Reviewing my schedule ahead of time and preparing motivating, individualized activities for my clients so I can maximize engagement and make each therapy session meaningful and fun.
Who has influenced your career or work ethic the most?
Past mentors, fellow colleagues, and close friends who are speech-language pathologists have all greatly influenced my career and work ethic. They’ve inspired me through their dedication, creativity, and passion for helping others. My parents have also had a major impact on me by showing me the value of hard work while still maintaining strong family relationships and personal interests.
Samantha Celis
With a passion for helping others and ensuring smooth patient experiences, Sam is a dedicated and reliable member of the team. Known for her attention to detail and warm communication style, she plays a key role in helping Voice & Speech Center deliver exceptional results. Outside of work, you might find her reading novels, watching crime documentaries, and sipping her favorite matcha.
Clinic Assistant Based in the Philippines
samanthac@voicespeechcenter.com
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your job?
Being an office assistant isn't just about answering emails or scheduling—it's about creating a seamless experience for both clients and clinicians. There’s a lot of multitasking, problem-solving, and empathy involved behind the scenes.
What’s your go-to productivity trick or workday ritual?
Starting the day by reviewing my to-do list while listening to country music really sets the tone. I also like using the Pomodoro technique—it helps me stay focused and avoid burnout during long tasks.
Who has influenced your career or work ethic the most?
My mom has been my biggest influence—she showed me the value of being dependable, working hard, and treating everyone with kindness, no matter the role or task.