Be a pioneer of change! We're thrilled to share that esp is coming to Savannah, GA! You are invited to be part of this groundbreaking journey from the very beginning by joining our fundraising campaign. Your support will not only help us establish esp in this new city but also pave the way for transformative impact and inclusive opportunities for all. Let's make history together – donate today and be a catalyst for positive change in our newest esp community!
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In pursuit of our vision, the organization has spent the last 35+ years creating a blueprint for what a successful “ESP community” looks like. With thousands of families needing ESP’s support, the organization is now poised to use this blueprint to scale its transformative work to other communities across the Southeast.
Meet the Savannah Champion Board
Anna F. Salter, MS, CCC-SLP
Anna is a native Savannahian, Georgia Tech graduate, and speech-language pathologist (SLP) with nearly 10 years of experience with the pediatric population. Following her return to Savannah after her undergraduate career in Atlanta, she went on to earn her master’s degree and become an ASHA-certified SLP. Outside of the treatment room, Anna has taken on more responsibility in the growth of Coastal Pediatric Therapies. She believes wholeheartedly in the mantra “A little progress every day, adds up to big results!” Outside of work, Anna enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the ESP Savannah venture!
Becky S. Brown, MS, CCC-SLP
Becky and her family have been in Savannah since 2011, creating deep roots and connections in the community. Originally from West Virginia, she now calls Georgia home. Becky is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Coastal Pediatric Therapies. Her special interests include treating children with disabilities, autism, as well as working with children who have language and learning disabilities, receptive and expressive language delays, articulation concerns, auditory processing issues, and limited social skills. Becky’s daughter, Maryn, receives OT, PT, and ST at Coastal Pediatric Therapies. Becky enjoys all that the coast has to offer and cannot wait to bring esp to Savannah!
Caroline Gillespie, MSW/MA
Caroline has been visiting the greater Savannah area with her family since 1998 and made Savannah her official home in August of 2023. Caroline earned a dual-master’s degree with a Masters of Social Work from New York University and a Masters of Arts in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College. Currently, Caroline works at Joye Psychology & Wellness to provide mental health services to children and their families. She uses play therapy techniques, expressive arts, and child-centered approaches to encourage personal growth and address behaviors and emotions. She is also currently working to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. In her free time, Caroline loves to be outdoors, travel, spend quality time with her family and friends, and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs! She loves being a part of the ESP community and is excited to bring ESP’s joy to Savannah!
Allie Finnegan
Allie is originally from central Illinois, but met her husband Brian at Georgia Southern University. Her family moved back to Savannah after living in the Atlanta area for over 5 years. Brian and Allie have 2 young girls, the oldest of which has a rare genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome. They have been advocating for their daughter by spreading awareness through fundraising and sharing their story to help other parents feel less alone on the journey that comes with parenting a child with a disability. Allie owns House Of Colour Central Savannah and on the weekends you can find her at Forsyth Park or at the beach with her family. She is so thrilled to be a part of a life changing organization like ESP for families in the Savannah area!
Kearney Fender
Kearney grew up in Savannah and taught school in her hometown for 35 years. A graduate of Georgia Southern College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters degreefrom Armstrong State College, she focused her career on early learners and the importance of a child’s personal development. Kearney joined Coastal Pediatric Therapies in 2019 as the Director of First Impressions and serving the families in a variety of ways. She enjoys being around children, reading good books and being with family and friends.
Seeds of hope are being planted for esp Savannah thanks to our founding donors:
Majorie and Mark McClain | Kim and Myles Gillespie | Vincent and Rosemarie Ferraro | Teresa Fusile | Linda and Roy Mulholland | Anna and Jonathan Salter | Janie Gordon | Emily Kehoe | Becky and Ric Brown | Martha Waters
