Our Team. Our Story.

Courtney D. Sistak, M.S., CCC-SLP

Licensed and Certified Speech-Language Pathologist

President & Co-Founder of Grow with Words, Inc.

Courtney’s passion for working with children began when she took her first client as a habilitation provider and saw the impact that the right therapies could have on a family. This led her to continue to work with additional families and professionals as she pursued her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science at Arizona State University. Courtney continued to further her education by pursuing her master’s degree in Communication Disorders. Between her experiences as a Habilitation Provider, Speech-Language Pathologist, school volunteer, mom, and even a Girl Scouts leader, Courtney has worked with kids of all ages for over twenty years. She has advanced training in early intervention, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, sensory-based feeding disorders, articulation and phonology, gifted and talented supports, social cognition skills, and reading, including interventions for dyslexia. When she’s not working with kids, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children, and her fur babies, Venus, and Luna.

Ms. Bridget, C-SLPA

Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Bridget is a recent graduate of Arizona State University. With a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science, Bridget has a deep passion for exploring pediatric speech and language disorders. She completed her Speech Language Pathology Assistant internship at Grow With Words and is thrilled to be coming on as an SLPA.

While in undergrad, Bridget had the opportunity to engage as an undergraduate researcher for the College of Health Solutions. While in this role, she was able to investigate students' aptitude for phonetics in correlation to their musical backgrounds. Bridget presented her findings at the 2023 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention and was recognized with a Meritorious Poster Submission for exceptional and innovative work. She is excited to continue her education and research at ASU's Master of Communication Disorders program in the Fall of 2024. When not in school you can find Bridget playing guitar, in a group fitness class, or baking with friends.

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind" - Clare Pooley

Ms. Ryleigh, SLPA

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Ryleigh is excited to be a part of the Grow With Words team. Ryleigh grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, and she attended Campo Verde High School. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northern Arizona University in snowy Flagstaff, Arizona. At NAU, Ryleigh was in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she met a lot of great people and has fond memories. Aside from planning for speech therapy sessions, Ryleigh enjoys traveling to new places, going to concerts, trying new restaurants with family, and doing activities with friends in her spare time.

“Finding your voice is about having the confidence to know you matter so you can use your strongest voice.” - Cammi Granato

Ms. MeLanie, SLPA

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

MeLanie was born and raised in Arizona. She has worked with children in the early childhood setting for 15 years and loves watching them discover new things. She recently obtained her license as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant and is currently working on her Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders through NAU. When she isn’t studying, MeLanie enjoys spending time with her children and exploring nature.

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." - Xun Kuang

Robert Sistak, B.S.

Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder

Robert has been around early education most of his life, first with his mother working as a special education preschool school teacher, and now with his wife of 16 years working as an SLP. Robert has been working in the healthcare industry for 18 years with experts in over 25 states across the country. Specializing in school-aged patient care, Robert understands the importance of early intervention in a child's medical services to help them excel in the classroom and ultimately later in their adult life. When he's not working, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and kids playing games, watching movies, and enjoying the great outdoors.