About Us

Darlene Hanson

Co-founder, Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist, Director of Communication

Hello!  I am a Co-Founder of Kindred Communication.  I have been a speech and language pathologist for over 35 years now.  All of my work has been with those with complex communication needs.  I believe “everyone communicates” and always have as my professional goal to support the communicator to be their own advocate.  I have learned over the years this means we must be engaged and trusting communication partners.  That is why the past 10 years has included a heavy focus on supporting the communication partners.

I have my Masters of Arts in Communication Disorders from Whittier College in California.  My professional experiences have included work in the public schools, private practice, Director of Communication Services for a Non-Profit, and I am on staff with Disability Voices United.   I have also taught at the university level, presented at local, state and national conferences, and conducted training on autism, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategies throughout the United States. My role at Kindred is to continue to support families and professionals so communicators have access to the systems and strategies.

Frances Burt

Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist

Born and raised in Southern California, Frances comes to Kindred with over 35 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Chapman University, and her Master of Arts from Whittier College. Her vast experience includes Medical Speech Pathology, and working primarily with adults who have experienced a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Frances transitioned to education in 2003, and began work with students at the high school and transition ages.

In 2021, Frances made a complete change in her life and moved to Northern California. When she is not working, Frances enjoys spending time with her two adult sons and raising her three Goldendoodles. Her doodles use the FLUENT method to communicate their basic needs.

“I believe that everyone communicates with one method or another, or with multiple methods.  Everyone has a voice and that voice deserves to be heard. “ - Frances

Julie Curcie

Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Hi! My name is Julie. I am a bilingual Spanish/English speaking Speech and Language Pathology Assistant here at Kindred. My passion is helping both individuals and families strengthen their communication skills through building stronger connections and gaining access to multimodal communication. I love incorporating sensory activities into my sessions and accommodating those with various learning styles. I believe that a play based approach to learning is the most motivating way to build language skills. - Julie

Eliana Morales

Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Hello everyone! My name is Eliana (pronounced EllieAnna). I am grateful to be a part of Kindred Communication. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your family. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and enjoy continuing to learn American sign language. I believe all communication is communication, even that eye-roll! I incorporate music, arts, crafts, spontaneity and play into my therapy. I am at my happiest when I am working with children, taking care of people, feeling the sunlight on my face or swimming in the ocean. I completed the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program at Orange Coast College as well as obtained my Bachelors of Arts in Communicative Disorders from California State University of Fullerton. I believe in being a life long learner, always learning and improving. My favorite quote was from a supervisor who told me to “put it on a rung”, to remind me to allow myself the grace of a growth mindset. I enjoy trying new food. If you have a food recommendation I would love to hear about it! The spicier the better! - Eliana

Karen Cladis

Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist

I have worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Irvine, California, for the past 26 years. My practice initially focused on helping individuals with anxiety and depression and working with couples to restore their relationships. I still do a great deal of this work but also now spend equal time with people on the autism spectrum. I support the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder helping to maintain their families and marriages. As well as work directly with young adults with ASD. This specialty came about primarily because of my daughter Emma, who is a non-speaking autistic young woman. I know firsthand as a parent the difficulties and possibilities of raising a child with these challenges. As a professional, I draw on my years of training and incorporate that with my personal experience to support the autistic community.

Roda Delos Santos

Controller

Lori Barnett

Communication Specialist

Hi! I’m Lori Barnett, and I am one of the Communication Specialists and Practitioners at Kindred Communication. I have a diverse background with experience in education, overseas mission work, office management, work as a certified coach and communication specialist, self published co-author of children’s books, and small business owner. I often describe myself as an Achiever, Believer, Communicator, and Dreamer. It is a passion of mine to connect with others through our own stories and discover the strengths within to build a deeper connection and purpose. I am thrilled to join the Kindred team and bring this experience to equipping families and nurturing the growth of a worldwide community. 

In 2004, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in music. Since then, and through years of varied opportunities and experiences all over the world, I have found that my passion is working one-on-one with individuals and families and breaking down perceived barriers to reach goals in learning and everyday life. 

I have had the privilege to work with and learn from educators, therapists, and many other professionals, but my greatest learning experiences have been from the one-on-one education I acquired from individuals living the experience and navigating various challenges. While continuing this work virtually, I also had the opportunity to complete additional training and certifications in the various AAC modalities in which we train and support families.

Communication is one part of a person's need for a full, engaging, and meaningful life, and finding the right strategies, supports, tools, and resources is life changing and sets a foundation for success. I have found that an individualized, whole-person approach is not only freeing but also empowering to the person and their family. 

I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you and to seeing your growth as individuals, families, and communities. It is a privilege and honor to work with this phenomenal team and all of the amazing families of Kindred and beyond. I believe that the Kindred Communication community will be a driving force toward bigger and better things with each connection made.

Lori Barnett

Nolan Shaffer

Co-founder, Communication Specialist, Certified S2C Practitioner

Hi, I’m Nolan Shaffer and I’m one of the Co-Founder’s here at Kindred. I started working with individuals with Autism when I was 20 years old. Originally I pursued schooling to become a Pastor but soon found my passion and gifts were used to impact a neglected population. I have a passion for unlocking the hidden voice in the mind of individuals with autism and I want to see you experience the joy and peace that can come once communication begins to happen. I’ve witnessed the excitement and relief first hand when family members are finally able to begin communicating with their loved one and this is what keeps me motivated to impact the world on autism.

In 2018 I founded Iceberg Abilities in Colorado, a program that combines personal training, fit light training (light therapy), interactive metronome (music therapy), and Spelling to Communicate. This program has been greatly successful in maximizing the individual’s abilities and motor skills which translates quickly onto the letter boards. I chose the name Iceberg Abilities because I believe we can only see a fraction of the internal life beneath the surface of individuals who are non speaking or unreliably speaking. 

Around the world there is a massive deficit in resources for individuals who are non speaking or unreliably speaking to access professionals who can coach and train families in Spelling to communicate and similar communication modalities. I chose to move to Colorado partly because there were no certified professionals in the entire state and the surrounding states. Kindred Communication was born out of that need, we want to reach every part of the world to give individuals the dignity to communicate. We provide an alternative to working with an in person practitioner. This brings you, the parent or guardian, front and center into your child’s communication process and cuts back on the wait time to access certified specialists to help your family. We can now reach anyone and this is my new mission.

Through my personal work with individuals with Autism, I have developed increased empathy and compassion for these individuals and families. I have witnessed your struggles and I want to help alleviate your stress, unlock your child's voice and bring a feeling of joy and peace to your home life. My belief and hope is this can start to happen when these communication skills are learned and implemented.

When I’m not working you can find me escaping urban life in some way. My hobbies include rock climbing, fishing, golfing, reading and spending time with my family and friends. 

I sincerely hope and believe we can help you create a transformed life for your loved one. I hope I can be a partner with you in this new adventure. 

Nolan Shaffer

Josh Cooper

Co-founder

Hi, I’m Josh Cooper and I am one of the Co-Founder’s at Kindred Communication.  I started working with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder at a company I founded, Cooper Life.  Helping young adults find purpose and ambition is a passion of mine and I was able to do that through health and fitness.  What initially started as a fitness company, organically  grew, to include mentorship programs, life-skill development programs, and more.

Through my work, I realized that I wanted to do more for families of children with Autism.  What I noticed in the Autism community was a lack of resources that teach and coach families to communicate with their loved ones…..Kindred was born.      

When I’m not working I love mornings with my two kids- drinking good coffee, working out and surfing Southern California’s beaches.  I value God and family above everything, I love spending quality time with my family and friends.   

My wish is for you to simply communicate with your child.

Josh Cooper