OUR FOUNDERS
Jennifer Basch and Nika Williams met while studying for their master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at Southern Connecticut State University. They both went on to professional careers that allowed them to help children with special needs, particularly those facing the challenges presented by autism. This shared passion ultimately led them in search of a way to deliver a higher level of quality care to the children they worked with.
Jennifer and Nika also dreamed of creating a fun work environment where therapists would feel like they were part of a team and be able to get excited about the work that they do. This dream became a reality in 2003 when they founded Connec-to-Talk, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children with special needs and a support system for the families who love them.
JENNIFER BASCH
Managing Partner/Co-Founder
Jennifer is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed by the Connecticut and New York State Health Departments. She is trained in Michelle Garcia Winner’s social curriculum, Nancy Kaufman Speech Praxis, PROMPT (a multidimensional approach to speech disorders), and PECS (a picture exchange system). Before entering into the private sector, Jennifer was the Director of Speech Services for a private foundation in Milllwood, New York.
Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University.
NIKA PASATO
Managing Partner/Co-Founder
Nika is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed by the Connecticut and New York State Health Departments. She is trained in PROMPT, Michelle Garcia Winner’s social curriculum, Nancy Kaufman Speech Praxis, and Pivotal Response Treatment approach. She also holds a Connecticut teaching certificate. Prior to her founding Connec-to-Talk, Nika served as a speech language pathologist in a public school in Fairfield County, Connecticut, as well as in a clinical setting at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, New York.
Nika received her bachelor’s degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland College Park and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University.