Our Team
Rachel Chalom (she/her)
M.S., CCC-SLP
I am an autistic speech therapist and founder of Choose Kind Therapy. I received my Bachelor's degree from Florida State University and my Master's degree from the University of South Florida. During my Master’s program, I completed a thesis entitled Aligning Voice and Communication with Identity – A Survey on Transgender and Gender Diverse Populations. My project concluded the desperate need for a call to action to provide person-centered, quality, and comprehensive care for gender expansive folks. The research I’ve completed and the work I continue to do within the community is very personal and meaningful to my practice.
My passion is empowering my clients with identity-affirmative, inclusive care. First and foremost, I specialize in working with Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) using the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework, non-ableist pragmatic language therapy, and in gender-affirming care. I find it so rewarding to empower others to find joy in expressing their unfiltered, authentic selves using my own lived experience along with current research and intervention methods.
I also pride myself in working with clients in the following areas: language, speech, self-advocacy, vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), feeding, such as selective eating and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), dynamic communication needs such as those with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices, verbal diversity for stuttering, and parent/caregiver coaching.
No two brains work the same and therapy should mirror that. I provide individualized treatment plans and therapy services tailored to my client’s unique needs. It is important that my clients feel safe, secure, and affirmed in their identities. My goal is authenticity in self-expression through communication and providing skills to help my clients live their lives to the fullest.
Over the years, I have acquired the following training and certifications:
In my free time, I love to make flower bouquets, play with my black Labrador mix, Cody and watch scary movies. I look forward to working with you!
Valerie Rompa M.S., CCC-SLP
Hi! I’m Valerie. I have been a Speech and Language Pathologist since 2007 and have vast experience across numerous settings to include adult vocational settings, Early Intervention programs, home health and school settings.
In addition, I have been certified by the American Hippotherapy Association and provided Hippotherapy at Horse-N-Around Therapeutic Riding Center in Lancaster, SC. Currently, I works for the DoDEA school system providing speech and language services to military connected students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade, serving a navy base in Virginia. Prior, I had lived and served on military bases in both Germany and Okinawa, Japan. I have a deep passion for working with Autistic clients, people who stutter and clients in the birth to three age range.
I am motivated by my mission to bring mindfulness, creativity and holistic approaches to therapy, and I am inspired each day by my three children and my husband Dennis.
I am currently taking clients in Stafford, VA and surrounding areas!
Caleigh Fogel M.S., CCC-SLP
Hi, I’m Caleigh (pronounced “Cali”)! I’m a neurodivergent speech-language pathologist newly based in the DC area. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Loyola University Maryland. My clinical experience includes supporting elementary-aged children with diverse communication needs in school settings. In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to live and work as a speech therapist at a private practice in Australia, broadening my perspective and skills.
My therapy approach is child-led and relationship-based. I firmly believe that building meaningful connections is the foundation for fostering language development. By incorporating play and a child’s special interests into therapy, I create an engaging and supportive environment where learning thrives. I’m especially passionate about working with Gestalt Language Processors (GLP) and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) users. My experience in schools has also strengthened my dedication to advocating for students and ensuring their voices are heard in academic settings.
Beyond my work, I’m an animal enthusiast and volunteer with the Wildlife Rescue League. I also have a love for adventure and enjoy spending my free time backpacking and exploring new places around the world!
I am currently taking clients in Northern VA and DC!
