Ownership

Joan L. Aronson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP (retired) Owner & Founder

Joan founded Greater Atlanta Speech & Language Clinics in 1982, inspired by her earlier years serving a large clinic affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County in California.

Prior to that, Joan had earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech- language pathology from the University of Miami in Florida. She then went on to specialize in cranial facial anomalies, oral myofunctional disorders, voice disorders, hippotherapy, and infant and toddler language stimulation.

Following the initial creation of GASLC, she expanded services to include three clinic locations,(Gwinnett County, Smyrna/West Cobb, and Marietta/ East Cobb), along with services to sixteen private schools and many preschools.

In later years, due to the very rapid growth in the Marietta/ East Cobb communities, GASLC was consolidated to the current one location in East Cobb.

Joan chose to retire in 2013 in order to spend more time with her family, continue her lifelong equestrian passion, and to travel with her husband.

Joan continues to be a Co-Owner and to participate on the Board of Directors.

Mindy Elkan, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, Owner & Consultant

Mindy Elkan is a speech-language pathologist, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families across the Greater Atlanta area. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Oswego State University and her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Hofstra University in New York.

Mindy joined the ownership team of Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics (GASLC) in 1990 and has played a pivotal role in the organization's growth and development for more than three decades. Under her leadership, GASLC expanded beyond speech-language services in the early 2000s to include occupational and physical therapy, creating a comprehensive, multidisciplinary pediatric therapy practice that serves children with a wide range of developmental needs.

Prior to relocating to Georgia, Mindy worked with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York within the Autism and Communication Disorders Program. She also operated a successful private practice, providing services to children and adults, including serving a nine-office neurology team.

In 2009, Mindy founded MDE School after recognizing a significant need in the community for an educational environment designed specifically for children who learn differently and require more individualized support. As a speech-language pathologist and co-owner of GASLC, she saw firsthand the challenges faced by children with communication disorders, academic learning differences, and social skills deficits. What began as a school serving just three students has grown into a thriving program serving more than 120 students. In 2016, MDE School achieved nonprofit status, further expanding its ability to serve families throughout the community. Mindy continues to serve as the school's Executive Director, helping guide its mission of providing individualized education and support for students with diverse learning needs.

Beyond her professional roles, Mindy is deeply committed to community involvement and service. She is a member of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and was selected to participate in the prestigious Leadership Cobb Class of 2018–2019. She has also served on the Board of the East Cobb Rotary Club since 2018 and volunteers with numerous organizations throughout the community. Mindy believes strongly in giving back and works to create opportunities that positively impact children, families, and the broader community.

Through her leadership at both GASLC and MDE School, Mindy has dedicated her career to helping children find their voices, achieve greater independence, and reach their fullest potential.