Dr. Michelle E. Garcia
Founder & Director of RISE – 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 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) in 2026 from Northwestern University, Michelle is deeply committed to professional growth and innovation in the field. Michelle loves spending time with her husband and son in the great outdoors.
Jessica Bulley, MEd, CCC-SLP
Jess is a board-certified Speech-Language Pathologist from Athens, Georgia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in linguistics and her master’s in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Georgia. Jess has clinical experience in many communication domains including speech sound production, autism, expressive-receptive language, fluency, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) and early literacy development. She values providing evidenced-based, family-centered, and neurodiversity-affirming care to each and every child to support their unique communication needs. In her free time, Jess enjoys music, playing games, painting, and spending time with her family and pets.
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.
Angela Bussolini, OTR
Interested in joining our team? Please send your resume to: risetherapynm@gmail.com