Our Team
Our team of professionals are here to assist you or your family member with their communication needs.
Yelena Gerez M.S., CCC-SLP
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Yelena Gerez is the Founding Director of Honeycomb Speech Therapy. She received her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento and her Master’s degree in Communication Science & Disorders from Loma Linda University. She holds both state and national licenses through the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers board and the American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA). Her unique and diverse clinical experience, including inpatient trauma center, skilled nursing facility, public school, private practice, and even a children’s hospital in Hangzhou, China, has helped her become an exceptional provider! Additionally, Yelena received specialized training in the area of Orofacial Myology: evaluation and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, chewing, swallowing, dentition, and overall physical and mental health.
As a mom of 2 little boys, Yelena has mastered the art of providing structured yet, FUNctional therapy in a highly engaging setting in effort to maximize therapeutic outcomes. She is passionate about helping clients find their voice. Her life motto is inspired from the Book of Proverbs; “Kind words are like HONEYCOMB, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”. Hence, the inspiration for the company name, Honeycomb Speech.
When she is not busy working, Yelena enjoys cooking, traveling, and swimming laps with her little boys.
Rita Tsyura M.S., CCC-SLP
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Rita Tsyura is a licensed speech and language pathologist with over 8 years of clinical experience. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento. She holds both, state and national licenses through the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers board and the American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA). Her areas of interest include; early language development, family-centered intervention, and articulation disorders. Rita is fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English. As a mom of 3, beautiful, school- aged children, she has developed a gentle, yet proactive approach to intervention in effort to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
In her free time, Rita enjoys singing, traveling, and baking professional and exquisite cakes for weddings and other significant life events.
Elvina Biletsky SLPA
SPEECH PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Elvina Biletsky is a state-board certified, bilingual (English and Ukrainian) speech and language pathology assistant (SLP-A). Prior to completing her SLP-A program, Elvina gained valuable experience in the field of early childhood education, working with a variety of behaviors and diagnoses. Her experience stems from Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy assisting children with Autism and ADD improve their language, communication, attention, social, memory, and academics skills.
When she is not busy working or studying, Elvina spends her time creating extravagant cookies in her at-home bakery. She has been ranked as a #1 cookier in the San Francisco/ Bay Area in 2022, Top 25 baker and cake designer in 2021, 2022, and 2023!
Vanessa Orozco SLPA
SPEECH PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Vanessa Orozco is a passionate bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Assistant who is committed to supporting individuals in their communication development. Vanessa is a Spanish speaker who takes pride in her cultural background and utilizes her bilingual skills to help a diverse range of clients.
Vanessa graduated from Sacramento State University in May 2024, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and completed the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program in August 2024. She is now a licensed SLPA with experience in early childhood education. Prior to becoming a licensed professional, Vanessa experienced working with preschool-aged children in early education settings and assisting young adults with traumatic brain injuries. Her primary area of interest is pediatric settings where she is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of children and their families.
Vanessa's hobbies include the gym, travel, playing on her Nintendo Switch, and spending quality time with her family.
Aleksandr Gerez MHA, BAS
CEO/ ADMINISTRATOR
Aleksandr Gerez received his undergraduate degree in Biology & Chemistry from Dallas Baptist University and his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University. His experience includes various administrative roles with primary targets on safety, quality, and exceptional patient care experience. In addition to managing the private practice at Honeycomb Speech, Aleksandr serves as the Board President of a non-profit health and wellness clinic serving Placer County and surrounding communities. He is known for developing strong partnerships with hospital leadership teams to implement optimization of workflow processes and overall service improvements.
When he is not busy working, Aleksandr enjoys spending time with his two boys, reading, and attending jazz and classical music concerts.
