I am a Speech-Language pathologist and the owner of Desert Speech. I was born and raised in Belarus and grew up in New York City. Outside of work, I enjoy practicing yoga, snowboarding, and traveling. My favorite adventures are spending time with my family, our three boys, our dog, and our bird. My favorite drink is grapefruit juice mixed with sparkling soda and a leaf of mint!
About Desert Speech Therapy
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A Personal Approach to Speech and Language Therapy.
Finding the right speech therapy practice can feel like a big decision. You want clinical care that is thoughtful and informed, but you also want to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing what matters most to your family.
Desert Speech Therapy was established to provide high-quality, individualized speech and language services to children and adults in the Coachella Valley. Based in Rancho Mirage, our practice is committed to creating a supportive environment where clients and families feel understood, encouraged, and genuinely cared for.
Meet Our Team
- Meet Oksana Derderian
SLP
- Meet Oksana Derderian
SLP
- Meet Lori Torline
SLP
- Meet Lori Torline
SLP
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with over four decades of experience working with children of all ages in many different settings. I am originally from Kansas, where the culture of working hard and being kind to others runs deep and is the foundation on which I live my personal and professional life. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech pathology from Wichita State University, home of the Shockers! I enjoy playing golf, reading and drinking iced tea!
- Meet Jennifer Dolan
SLP
- Meet Jennifer Dolan
SLP
I am a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for helping children and families build meaningful communication skills and confidence in everyday life. I specialize in pediatric speech, language, feeding, and early communication, with a strong focus on family-centered strategies that can be carried over at home. Outside of my work as an SLP, I enjoy photography, travel, and exploring new places. Fun fact —my favorite drink is sparkling water!
- Meet Milly Chepkoech
SLPA
- Meet Milly Chepkoech
SLPA
Hi! I’m Milly Chepkoech, a certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) with over 10 years of experience. Born and raised in Kenya. I am a mom of 2. For the last 10 years, I’ve worked with children with a variety of communication and behavioral challenges. My sessions are filled with energy and structured play to help every child. I believe families play an essential role. I value collaborating with parents and caregivers. I am passionate about running, hitting the gym, or enjoying anything coconut-flavored! My favorite drink is protein matcha!
- Meet Jon Ravin
SLPA
- Meet Jon Ravin
SLPA
My name is Jon Ravin, and I am a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at Desert Speech. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in Communicative Disorders and a minor in Spanish. As an English-Spanish bilingual clinician, I enjoy supporting children’s communication development while recognizing the importance of each child’s individual needs, language, and background. I strive to make therapy engaging, encouraging, and fun while helping children build confidence and celebrate their progress. My favorite drink is an Arnold Palmer!
Built Around the Person, Not a Template.
No two people communicate in exactly the same way. That is why therapy should not be reduced to a standard checklist or a one-size-fits-all plan. We take time to understand each client’s strengths, challenges, routines, and goals, then shape care around what will be most meaningful and useful for them.
For children, therapy may focus on building communication through play, connection, and purposeful activities. For adults, it may focus on speech, language, voice, fluency, or communication skills that support everyday life. In every case, the plan begins with listening.
Evidence-Based Care With a Human Feel.
Our practice combines evidence-based speech and language services with a warm, compassionate approach. We stay attentive to developments in speech-language pathology and communication technology, including augmentative and alternative communication, while keeping care personal and practical.
You should understand what therapy is working toward and how it connects to daily life. We welcome questions, explain progress clearly, and encourage collaboration with families and caregivers throughout the process.
Growing With the Coachella Valley
Desert Speech Therapy began with one therapist and a simple vision: to create a speech and language therapy practice where every client receives individualized, thoughtful, high-quality care. Since then, the practice has grown into an established clinic serving children and adults throughout the Coachella Valley.
Today, we continue to serve the local community with a commitment to helping individuals improve their communication skills and overall quality of life.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide exceptional, evidence-based speech and language services while creating an environment where clients and families feel supported, understood, and genuinely cared for. We believe therapy should never feel one-size-fits-all. Each treatment plan should reflect the individual, their abilities, their challenges, and the goals that matter most to them.
Our Vision
Our vision is to continue growing Desert Speech Therapy as a trusted resource for speech and language services in the Coachella Valley while maintaining the personalized approach and quality of care on which the practice was built.
Let’s Talk About What You Need
If you have questions about speech or language therapy, we are here to listen. Contact Desert Speech Therapy in Rancho Mirage to learn more about the practice and the services available.