About Propel

Previously Meredith White Speech Pathology, Propel has been serving the Brookhaven/Decatur community since 2010. We are dedicated to providing evidenced-based and personalized/family-centered speech-language therapy to children. We consider behaviors as children trying to communicate. Our job is to propel those voices to be heard. We also provide some adult services such as orofacial myofunctional therapy and fluency therapy.

 Meet our Therapists

  • Cettina Chiarelli

    Co-Owner of Propel Pediatric Therapy

    MS CCC-SLP

    Cettina received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Linguistics from New York University and her Master’s of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a Bilingual Extension (in Spanish and Italian) from Teachers College at Columbia University. She has attended various advanced seminars such as the 28-Hour IAOM Orofacial Myofunctional Course (taught by Mary Billings), PROMPT Levels 1&2, Social Thinking, Nancy Kaufman, SOS Feeding Approach, PECS, Lea Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT- Level 1), and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing. She has also undergone more coursework in the areas of pediatric feeding disorders, reading/dyslexia, and sensory regulation. Cettina has been working in private practice since obtaining her license and her experience includes: Apraxia of Speech, articulation disorders, early language delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, genetic abnormalities, language learning delays, hearing impairment, feeding difficulties, Cortical Visual Impairment, and AAC. Cettina enjoys spending time hiking with her husband and visiting her family in New York.

  • Alexandra “Alex” Johst (nee Harpole)

    Co-Owner of Propel Pediatric Therapy

    MS CCC-SLP

    Alex received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia and her Master’s in Speech, Language, and Learning from Northwestern University. She is a co-author of published research in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research for the article topic: Taking Language Samples Home: Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity of Child Language Samples Conducted Remotely with Video Chat Versus In-Person (2020). Alex has extensive experience with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, pediatric and adult fluency disorders, pediatric feeding disorders, language disorders, pediatric speech disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. She has been recognized as a member of the Apraxia Kids Directory as well as been the co-chair of the 2022 and 2023 Atlanta Apraxia Kids Walk. She has been trained in the following evidenced based therapy strategies for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing, the Nancy Kaufman approach, as well as multi-sensory cueing and principles of motor learning. She’s taken additional trainings for pediatric feeding, pediatric fluency, adult fluency, Lindamood Bell’s Visual and Verbalizing, Floortime, and Social Thinking. Alex enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and cat, Noodle.

  • Celeste Benes

    MA CCC-SLP

    Celeste graduated from the University of Akron where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree. Her experience draws from a wide variety of clinical settings including private practice, early intervention, public schools, and private schools serving a wide range of pediatric ages. Celeste has advanced clinical training in evidence based techniques that include Visualizing and Verbalizing, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), SATPAC articulation, Wilson, Orton-Gillingham, and Social Thinking. Celeste also draws from experience from working with young children providing early intervention services, articulation disorders, language disorders, dyslexia, hearing loss, Autism Spectrum Disorders, language learning difficulties, and apraxia of speech. Celeste is able to provide unique insight into how speech and language deficits impact functioning in academic school settings especially in how it impacts reading comprehension and written expression abilities. In her off time, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, finding unique spots on Buford Highway, and spending time with her family.

  • Kaitlin "Katie" George

    MA CCC-SLP

    Katie graduated from the University of Akron where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees. Her experience comes from the private practice and school settings across a variety of ages. She has developed a special interest in early intervention, autism spectrum disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech. She has undergone advanced training in apraxia of speech that includes PROMPT Level 1, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), and Nancy Kaufman. Additional trainings include Lindamood Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing, Floortime, Social Thinking, and the Son -Rise Program. She is undergoing extensive mentorship in orofacial myofunctional therapy. Katie enjoys playing soccer and spending time with family and friends.

  • Tristan Shilo

    MS CF-SLP

    Tristan is a highly qualified and dedicated clinical fellowship professional. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of West Georgia and obtained a Master's degree from Georgia State University. Her clinical journey has been marked by diverse and enriching experiences, including externships across various settings, from schools to acute care in hospitals. Specializing in pediatrics, Tristan finds immense joy in providing early intervention services. Her expertise extends to addressing a range of speech and language challenges, including articulation, apraxia of speech, and autism spectrum disorder. Her training in apraxia of speech includes proficiency in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing, as well as multi-sensory cueing/principles of motor learning, highlighting her commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices. Outside of her professional pursuits, Tristan leads a fulfilling personal life. She is an avid enthusiast of cooking and baking, showcasing her creativity in the kitchen. Additionally, she enjoys dancing as a form of expression and values quality time spent with her family and friends.

  • Dawson White

    Office Coordinator

    Dawson is our intake coordinator and office coordinator. He strives to provide a welcoming environment to the practice, especially for other neurodivergent people. Dawson is proud to be a person with autism and provides a unique worldview as an adult on the spectrum. He loves creating new games and decorations for the waiting room and collects stuffed animals, both on his desk and in his spare time.

  • Kristina Sherrill

    Special Projects Coordinator

    Kristina received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University in Linguistics. She has been with the clinic since 2017 and previously served as both Intake Coordinator and Front Office Manager. She is now pursuing her Master's degree and serves as our Project Coordinator.

  • Laura Wilson

    Billing

    Our biller, Laura, is a part-time employee who works remotely. If you have any billing questions, she can be contacted via email: billing@meredithwhite.com

"Our son had a moderate disfluency when he first started working with Alex. I was skeptical about how much could really be achieved with a half hour session once a week. Well, within 2 months his teachers were telling us he was making huge improvements with communication in class, and by 6 months you wouldn't even know that he had a disfluency!  He loved 'visiting' with Alex once a week and we are so grateful for her caring, support and encouragement."
Everyone has been so kind to us! Our therapist, Alex, is always professional and patient with my daughter. Thank you Dawson, with the front desk, and Meredith for creating such as warm environment for learning.