Meet The Team

Luz Gaona M.S., CCC-SLP, founder of Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc., is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 16 years across a variety of settings including in-home, daycare, senior living facility, public school, outpatient hospital, and private practice. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorder from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University. Luz has received training in PROMPT level 1 Trained, D.I.R. Floortime®, and Myofascial Release.
A first-generation Mexican American, Luz's roots are deeply embedded in the farm-working community of Wimauma, Florida. As a BIPOC bilingual clinician returning to the community where she was raised, she understands the importance of representation for vulnerable and marginalized individuals. She strives to provide quality pediatric therapeutic care and increase access to all regardless of their backgrounds or socioeconomic status. Over the last 16 years, she has dedicated herself to supporting families as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system to achieve services for their loved ones. Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc., has been one of her most significant accomplishments, allowing her to stay true to her mission to serve with a deep sense of purpose. Additionally, as a graduate school preceptor and Clinical Fellow mentor, she aims to create an environment where future clinicians can learn to practice with a cultural humility approach and gain real-life experiences. During her spare time, Luz enjoys traveling, yoga and meditation, hanging out with her dogs, boating, and cooking Mexican food.

Anacarolina Berben, B.S., SLPA. is a bilingual pediatric speech language pathologist assistant at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, Inc. She acquired her bachelor's in Health Sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences from the University of South Florida. Anacarolina was inspired by the field of speech pathology after experiencing the positive impact her brother’s speech pathologist made in his life. Her goal is to provide children with tools for better enrichment and success in life. Anacarolina enjoys Pilates, indulging in gluten-free snacks, and spending time with family and friends during her free time

Jennifer graduated from Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, New York, in 2001, with an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy. She is registered with the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy since 2001. She has 20+ years of clinical experience in diversified fields, including geriatrics and pediatrics in private clinics, rehab facilities, and home health. This diverse experience has afforded her the knowledge and opportunities to provide Occupational-based interventions for her clients' success to achieve the highest functional independence in their lives. She loves spending time with her family traveling and being outdoors. The beach, the soccer field, and arts and crafts keep her busy in her spare time.

Juliana Galarza-Mercado, B.A., A.S., COTA/L is a bilingual pediatric occupational therapy assistant at Southshore Bilingual Therapy Inc. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of South Florida and recently graduated from Keiser University with her Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has always had a passion for working with kids, and her goal is to help each child live meaningful and functional lives and learn skills through play. In her free time, she enjoys photography, reading, hiking, traveling, and going to the beach

Selena Berrios, B.S., A.S., COTA/L, is a passionate pediatric occupational therapy assistant. Before being an OTA student and now working at South Shore Bilingual Therapy, Selena was an emergency medical technician with experience in trauma-based medical care. After working in emergency medicine, she wanted to see the growth and progress of her patients, which prompted her career change to Occupational Therapy. She attended Keiser
University to receive her OTA degree and is currently certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy. Selena enjoys hiking with her two dogs, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jessica Gamez-Novoa is a trained healthcare professional. Specializing in organizing payments and record receipts, verifying insurance information, collecting copays, and providing community resources to all patients at Soutshore Bilingual Therapy. She also provides important information regarding the Step-Up program at Southshore. Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors, getting ready, shopping, spending quality time with my family, baking, and doing crafts during her freetime.

Joey is our maintenance guy.