Meet our Founders

M.S. Ed, CCC-SLP

Founder/Executive Director

Charlene, an educator and speech-language pathologist, started the Happy Talkers program from her home in 2001 with a simple mission: Don’t give up on any child and ensure their true potential is unlocked. Within a few short months, more than 100 children filled her home as word got out about her inclusive programs and remarkable results for children with autism and delays.

Today, Charlene is an industry pioneer, having created the award-winning School of Imagination and Happy Talkers — the region’s only inclusion preschool and clinical practice based on ESDM, a Time magazine Top 10 Medical Breakthrough for treating autism.

Click Here to watch and read more about Charlene’s mission and journey to create the School of Imagination & Happy Talkers.

Founder/Chief Financial Officer

Mitch met Charlene, his future wife and inspiration in college where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sports medicine & athletic training.

While in New York, Mitch served as Director of Sports Medicine, working alongside renowned NY Jets Team Physician Dr. Nicholas, creating the Locust Valley Unified School District program while launching free injury clinics and multidisciplinary examinations for public school student-athletes. He also served as the Head Men’s Athletic Trainer for Florida Atlantic University.

Mitch has been published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine, The Physician and Sports Medicine, and co-authored the revision of the New York State E.M.T. protocol for managing spinal cord injuries in football players.

In 2006, Mitch left his career to help bring Charlene’s vision to life and is responsible for her operations and development. Learn More