The Vision Behind the Practice

Resilience, Advocacy, and Heart. 

At Atlantic Speech & Swallowing Center, our mission is to serve the community with expertise and compassion by improving communication, cognition, and swallowing across the lifespan. In response to limited access to specialized services in South Jersey, we provide timely, high-quality, evidence-based care close to home. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes through personalized, functional treatment and by building strong, collaborative relationships with patients and their families—supporting each individual in communicating with confidence, swallowing safely, and living fully

Nicole Troendle, M.S., CCC-SLP

Co-Founder & Speech Language Pathologist

Nicole earned her undergraduate degree from Stockton University and her Master’s degree from Towson University, building a strong academic foundation for her career in Speech-Language Pathology.

Nicole believes that every patient deserves a champion—someone who prioritizes their dignity, hope, and quality of life. As an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist, she specializes in helping adults navigate the complex journey of neurological recovery with compassion and expertise.

With over 17 years of experience, Nicole has dedicated her career to the adult neurological population. Before co-founding ASSC, she refined her clinical skills at the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation, where she treated individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and a wide range of cognitive-communication challenges.

Nicole is certified in SPEAK OUT!, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD), myofascial release therapy, and is a provider of VitalStim Therapy. She is committed to staying current with the latest evidence-based treatments and integrating modern therapy approaches and technology into her care.

She blends clinical precision with a warm, supportive style that helps patients and families feel comfortable, understood, and motivated throughout the recovery process. Nicole advocates fiercely for her patients, ensuring they feel heard and supported every step of the way.

Whether helping someone rebuild memory skills, improve communication after a stroke, or regain confidence in daily life, Nicole’s goal is simple: to help each person live their most resilient and meaningful life.

Laura Gentile, M.S., CCC-SLP

Co-Founder & Speech-Language Pathologist, Adult & Pediatric Care

Laura is a licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Stockton University and her Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, and is dedicated to providing individualized, evidence-based care to the community she serves.

Her primary clinical focus is on adult neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders, including aphasia, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, cognitive-communication deficits, and dysphagia related to stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions.

With experience in both public schools and acute rehabilitation at Bacharach, Laura brings a comprehensive, functional approach to every session. She is a certified provider of VitalStim (NMES) to support improved swallow function and safety as well as a SPEAK OUT! provider for people with Parkinsons.

In addition, Laura provides pediatric services in feeding, speech, and language. She has completed over 90 hours of advanced training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and works with children experiencing feeding challenges, sensory aversions, oral-motor delays, speech sound disorders, and language delays.

Laura is passionate about helping patients and families build meaningful connections—whether through improved communication or safe, confident eating—and is committed to supporting progress that carries over into everyday life.

Kendra Kent, M.S., CCC-SLP

Kendra is a dedicated Speech- Language Pathologist specializing in pediatrics and people with special needs. A graduate of Stockton University, she is passionate about using play based therapy to support meaningful communication development. She is also highly knowledgeable in the use of AAC and incorporates it thoughtfully to empower her clients. 

Kendra brings warmth, creativity and compassion to every session. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys sunflowers, spending quality time with loved ones and the timeless charm of disney. 

Julia Zabihach M.A., CCC-SLP

Julia is a licensed SLP with over 12 years experience treating communication and swallowing impairments for individuals of all ages.  She holds a Master's Degree from Temple University and maintains NJ state and ASHA licensure.  She has extensive experience in acute care, inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on neurogenic disorders, dysphagia and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).  She has also worked extensively with the pediatric population focusing on early childhood cognitive-linguistic development, focusing on family centered intervention for a variety of communication disorders including autism.  She is passionate about tailoring therapy plans to suit each individual client's goals and interests.  Her clinical philosophy focuses on functional gains that make a difference in day-to-day life.

Hailey Carano, M.S., CF-SLP

Hailey is an SLP Clinical Fellow at Atlantic Speech and Swallowing Center. A Stockton University graduate with a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she treats speech and swallowing disorders across the lifespan with clinical expertise.

Specialized in the SPEAK OUT!® program for Parkinson’s, Hailey prioritizes individualized care. She is passionate about building patient confidence and fosters a supportive environment by creating strong connections with families.

Outside the clinic, Hailey loves the beach and time with friends. She always starts her day with a great cup of coffee!

Our Clinical Philosophy

Trusted by Our Community for Compassionate, Expert Care. 

We believe that professional care should feel personal. Our practice is built on the foundation of evidence-based therapy, advanced technology, and genuine relationships.

  • Experience that Matters: We bring decades of combined experience from leading rehabilitation hospitals directly to our outpatient clinic.

  • Specialized Technology: From VitalStim for swallowing to advanced cognitive tools, we use the best technology to stimulate progress.

  • Supportive Partnership: We don't just provide a service; we advocate for your quality of life, your independence, and your family's peace of mind.