Loren J. Dlugos, M.S. CCC-SLP

Owner / Speech-Language Pathologist

Loren began her career as a speech-language pathologist after receiving her Bachelors and Masters Degrees at Towson University. While at Towson, Loren graduated Magna Cum Laude in her undergraduate studies and was a recipient of the Faculty Award for Graduate Academic Excellence in graduate school. She has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 16 years. Loren has experience in evaluating and treating children and adults with varying diagnoses and disorders in a variety of settings. However, she has a passion for pediatrics and has chosen to specialize in childhood disorders and delays. She has received specialized training in Hanen’s “It Takes Two To Talk,” PROMPT and PECS. Loren holds her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in the state of Maryland. She has received an ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE) in 2008 and 2017 for her commitment to lifelong learning by attending above and beyond the required hours of course work to further her expertise within the field of speech-language pathology. She also subscribes to The Informed SLP to stay up to date monthly on the most recent research to implement into her evaluations and treatment sessions.

Speech-Language Pathologist

BETHANY lEMAK, M.S. CCC-SLP

Bethany’s passion for speech language pathology started early in her life. While working on her undergraduate degree at Bloomsburg University, she was a member of the Bloomsburg University Honors Program. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Additionally, she received a minor in Psychology at Bloomsburg University and was invited to be a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She was selected to present her own Honors research study related to the field of speech language pathology at the National Collegiate Honors Council conference in Chicago in 2015. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Towson University. During graduate school and beyond, she has worked in diverse settings to treat and evaluate both children and adult clients with widespread diagnoses and disorders. Currently, Bethany services students for our local public school contracts and also sees clients in our clinic.

Kathryn Mills, M.A. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Katie attended the University of Maryland, College Park for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She received a Bachelors degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2002 and her Masters degree in Speech Pathology in 2004. She has over 15 years experience as an SLP, including 10 years in pediatrics, working with the 3 year-old to 12 year-old population. Katie has received specialized training in PROMPT and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and she also has ample experience working with children with a variety of significant developmental disabilities. Katie is licensed with the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and with the state of Maryland. Katie sees students for Strides Speech Therapy local public school contracts and also sees clients in our clinic.

Ilona Benderson, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

lona Benderson graduated with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University. She received her Bachelor’s degree as a Magna Cum Laude in 2007 and Master’s degree in 2009. Ilona has over 10 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist. In her practice, Ilona has evaluated and treated both children and adults with a variety of diagnoses in a multitude of settings. Yet, her true passion lies in working with the pediatric population. Ilona holds her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) as well as her Maryland state license. Currently, Ilona services clients in our clinic and at various sites convenient for our clients, including home, school, and daycare.

Julia kustusch, M.S. CCC-SLP

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Julia’s passion for language and communication began early in life when she learned English as her second language at the age of 8. This experience emphasized the importance of language and communication. She earned her undergraduate degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences at the University of Maryland and her master’s of science in Speech Language Pathology at Loyola University of Maryland in 2014. Julia has experience working with clients of all ages (infants-geriatric) in a variety of settings. Currently Julia services students in local public schools as well as our clinic.

yuliya Raboi, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-language Pathologist

Yuliya practiced speech language pathology full time since 2002, when she earned her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Towson University in 2002. Prior to that, Yuliya earned Bachelor’s Degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences at the University of Maryland College Park in 1999. Yuliya is licensed in the state of Maryland, a member of American Speech Hearing Association, and an affiliate of its Telepractice group. Yuliya is registered with ASHA as a bilingual therapist fluent in Russian language. Over the 18 yearsof clinical work, Yuliya practiced speech language pathology serving clients of all ages in a variety of settings in Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, which included rehabilitation centers, home health care, pediatric community-based services, public schools, charter schools, and private schools. Yuliya joined the team of Strides Speech therapists in the summer of2020. Yuliya is an experienced clinician in treatment of developmental and acquired speech-language disorders and swallowing. Her specialty training includes ABA, PECS, PROMPT, E-stim for dysphagia, and Myofascial Release Therapy for dysphagia.

Karen Knight

ADMINISTRATION assistant

Hi. I’m Karen Knight. I am excited to join the Strides Speech Therapy team! I am a former elementary school teacher and a mom of 3 kids, 2 of whom currently receive speech therapy. I have 10 years of experience teaching in both MD and TX. I have taught First, Second, and Third grade, as a General Educator as well as a Special Educator. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master‘a Degree in Special Education. I am also National Board Certified in Early Childhood Generalist. I enjoy CrossFit, reading, and snowboarding when I get the chance. I also love Disney! I’m looking forward to assisting the team with administrative needs as we move forward.

Did you know?

Speech-Language Pathologists have extensive education and training! 
  • 120 credits for a Bachelor's degree as a pre-requisite to a required  Master's program
  • a Master's program that includes 38 or more credits
  • 400 Clinical practicing hours
  • 9 month full time employment with direct supervision
  • State License
  • Certification through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • At least 30 continuing education credit hours every 2 years