Interested in joining our team? Please send your resume to: risetherapynm@gmail.com
Michelle E. Garcia SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Founder & Director, Rise Therapy Services – Santa Fe, NM
An experienced and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist, Michelle has been dedicated to supporting communication and lifelong learning since 2009. As the Founder and Director of Rise Therapy Services in Santa Fe, NM, she leads a multidisciplinary practice focused on individualized, evidence-based care for diverse and special needs populations across the lifespan.
Michelle brings a strong track record of success in both educational and healthcare settings, with specialized expertise in language acquisition, American Sign Language (ASL), literacy development, aural rehabilitation, and speech therapy. Certified as a Child Language Specialist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and credentialed in telepractice by the American Telemedicine Association, she also offers high-quality virtual services to clients statewide.
Having completed a Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) at Northwestern University, Michelle is deeply committed to professional growth and innovation in the field. Her work continues to be guided by a passion for accessible, person-centered communication services that empower individuals of all ages. Michelle loves spending time with her husband and son in the great outdoors.
Jessica Bulley, MEd, CCC-SLP
Jessica is a New Mexico based speech-language pathologist from Athens, GA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Jess has diagnostic and therapeutic experience in language disorders, articulation, Autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fluency disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and other communication difficulties. Jess values providing evidenced-based, family-centered, and culturally competent care to each and every child to help them achieve their communication goals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Henry.
Melissa Martinez, MS, CF-SLP
Melissa is a Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathologist, born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a background in early childhood education. She studied at Eastern New Mexico University where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communicative Disorders. Melissa has clinical experience working with a range of populations, settings, and communication needs.
Her approach to therapy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and centers on curiosity, creativity, and seeing children as capable, confident learners. She loves creating play-based, child-centered sessions that build on each child’s strengths and interests, while working closely with families to make communication strategies feel natural and useful in everyday life.
Outside of work, Melissa is a proud mom of one and enjoys trying out new hobbies. From baking and knitting to painting and games, she’s always learning something new and brings that same playful, curious energy into her work.