Who we are
The staff at Basic Concepts strives to empower children to grow and reach their fullest potential.
It is our philosophy that children learn best in a stimulating and challenging environment where they are able to gain self-confidence and take risks while developing age-appropriate academic and social skills.
Our staff consists of licensed speech language pathologists and certified special educators working together to meet the needs of your individual child.
Katy Whidden, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a partner at Basic Concepts. She received her master's degree in speech language pathology from the University of Maryland. With over 25 years experience in private practice, public school and hospital settings, Katy specializes in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of auditory processing disorders, receptive and expressive language delays, articulation disorders, and social skill deficits that often accompany autism disorders, down’s syndrome and learning disabilities. She enjoys implementing programs to enhance children's written communication and reading skills as well. Katy also specializes in designing and implementing therapeutic and educational curriculum for children ages 3-10.
Sarah Graf, M.Ed., CEIM, is a partner at Basic Concepts. She received her master's degree from the University of Maryland in special education. Sarah has worked in a variety of educational settings. With a comprehensive background in early intervention, she is skilled in designing and implementing educational programs for children with disabilities from birth through 5th grade. In addition to educational programs, Sarah specializes in developing social skill and behavioral programs for use in natural environments such as home, private school, and day care settings. Sarah also enjoys her role as a certified educator of infant massage.
Ashley Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech language pathologist who received her master’s degree from Purdue University. Ashley has experience providing speech therapy services both in the public schools and on a private, home-health basis. She has worked with a variety of children from ages birth through 16 and is skilled in assessing and treating language, articulation, oral-motor, play, social-pragmatics and utilizing augmentative and alternative communication devices.
Heather McIntosh, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech language pathologist. She received her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Heather has experience treating children and adolescents in both private and public settings. She is skilled in assessing and treating articulation, language, and pragmatic language disorders. Heather specializes in working with children to improve play and social skills.
Astrid Korte, M.A., CF-SLP, received her masters degree from University of the District of Columbia in speech language pathology. Astrid has experience assessing and treating preschool through middle school students with articulation, language, and social-pragmatic needs in both private and public settings. Astrid specializes in working with children to improve academic and social skills and in adapting lessons to meet the needs of all learners