Supporting our student's ability to communicate to the best of their abilities
The speech department at Alpha School provides services in individual, group and co-treatment sessions with other disciples. It is dedicated to providing each student with a means to functionally and socially communicate with others throughout their school day. Therapy services may be provided in an integrative or pull out setting to optimize acquisition and carry over of skills.
Speech language therapy services are provided by certified speech-language therapists. Therapists work collaboratively with classroom staff, teachers, job coaches, parents and other therapy staff to promote communication skills across domains. Our therapy department embrace a total communication approach to facilitate effective interactive with others and enhance overall communication skills.
Our Speech Therapy Highlights:
- Verbalization, gestures, sign language
- Oral motor interventions including PROMPT
- Speech generating devices
- Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Voice output communication aids (VOCA)
- Picture communication symbols/picture exchange communication systems (PECS)
Meet our Speech Therapists
Denise E. Kumpel, M.A. CCC/SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist
I have been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 2002. I initially earned an A.A degree through Ocean County College and a B.S degree in Speech from Stockton University, before going on to acquire an M.A. degree from The College of New Jersey in the area of Speech and Language. I was employed on an emergency certified basis in a special needs school in N.J., while continuing to pursue my education. Following the completion of my Master’s Degree, I joined the Alpha School family, and have provided speech and language services to children and students from the ages of Preschool-21. I primarily service the High School students at Alpha, and enjoy focusing on increasing social and pragmatic skills, and further transferring those skills over into community settings. In addition, I work for Early Intervention servicing the birth-3 population, and also do part-time private therapy work as well. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with and taking walks with my dog, drawing, exercising, and cooking/baking.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Kean University in May of 1992. I went on to receive my Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology in August of 1993. My first job experience was as a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Children’s Center of Monmouth County. I have worked for a private practice in Monmouth County as well as for several agencies throughout Ocean County. I currently have a part-time private practice.
Jessica L. Gurry M.S. CCC-SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist
Hi! J I am Jess Gurry! I am one of the speech therapists here at Alpha School! At a young age, I knew I wanted to do something to help others. I was a rather social child growing up and realized that I loved making connections and communicating with others, so I attended East Stroudsburg University and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology in 2009 and with my Master’s degree in SLP in 2011. I dabbled with out-patient rehab and public-school positions; however, a private school setting is where my heart lies. Before obtaining my Speech–Language Specialist position at Alpha School in 2013, I was a paraprofessional during my college breaks at a Children Center of Monmouth County and School for Children (now Hawkswood School). I really love my job and thoroughly enjoy what I do! I love my students and treat them as if they were my own. I try to make therapy fun and engaging! I am not sure who is more excited when goals are reached! My students definitely know when I am so proud of them! To me, there is no greater super power than being able to give my kids a "voice" and help them communicate with their families and connect with their friends and community.
In my free time, I love to hang with my family and friends, make Cricut crafts, listen to music, have dance parties in my kitchen, and go to the beach! I am also an 80-year-old at heart and obsessed with Hallmark Movies, so I volunteer at the Hallmark Christmas Con every year in Edison- since they started in 2019!
Tami Zemel, Speech Therapist
Hi! My name is Tami Zemel, and I am a speech-language pathologist at the Alpha School. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Gratz College and my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University. I joined Alpha School in March 2025 and have truly enjoyed working with our wonderful students and dedicated staff.
I work closely with classroom teachers, staff, and fellow therapists to provide comprehensive, functional therapy that enables our students to communicate effectively throughout their daily routines. I’m passionate about supporting each student’s unique strengths and challenges, and I feel privileged to be part of their growth and progress.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, and traveling.
Tziporah Silberman, Speech Therapist
Hi! My name is Tziporah Silberman, and I am a speech language pathologist at the Alpha School. I received my bachelor's degree from Excelsior College, and my master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. I first joined the Alpha school in 2020 while covering a leave, and am very excited to be back! I have worked as a speech therapist in multiple settings, including private practices, public schools, private schools and hospitals. My favorite thing about being a therapist is helping my students find a voice, watching them progress and making a difference in their lives! I feel very fortunate to be able to work in such a setting!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends cooking, baking, and hosting parties. I also enjoy spending time with my son- hence I can say that my life is one big speech therapy session!
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