|
|
MEET THE TEAM!Review us on Google!
Looking to be a part of the Speech Inspirations family? Visit the Careers tab! |
|
Jessica Ortler
Speech Language Pathologist M.A., CCC-SLP Owner of Speech Inspirations LLC |
Jessica graduated from Kent State University and resides in Raleigh area. She has provided speech and language services all across the country. She has a drive and a passion to serve individuals with a multitude of communication disabilities across the lifespan. Although she is skilled and trained in multiple disorders, her passion lies in the treatment of individuals with autism, dyslexia, and reading difficulties. Jessica has experience working with various medical conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), dysphagia, dyslexia, autism, and articulation disorders. She decided to open her own practice in 2020 because she wanted to spend more time with her clients and make a difference in the community
|
Lakisha Hooks
Community Outreach Care Coordinator |
Lakisha Hooks, the vivacious firecracker hailing from the heart of Boston, MA, is now making an impact in sunny Raleigh, NC. With a marketing degree proudly tucked under her arm from Virginia State University, Lakisha is armed with the power to make a difference in people’s lives. As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Speech Inspirations, a leading advocate for speech and occupational therapy, Lakisha puts her problem-solving skills and extraordinary customer relations ability to work, shaping a brighter future for those in need.
|
Briana Rosenbaum
Quality Assurance Executive Manager Speech Language Pathologist MS, CCC-SLP |
Briana Rosenbaum graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and has worked in a variety of settings over the last three years in Oregon, including homes, clinics, preschools, and daycares. Therapy experience includes Articulation/Speech Sound disorders, Phonological disorders, Language disorders, Social/Pragmatic disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Feeding delays, Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Her primary experience is with children from birth through elementary school age, but she loves working with individuals of all ages. She Loves to travel, be outdoors, and experience live music in my free time.
|
|
Alexandria Bilenkin
Speech Language Pathologist M.S |
Alexandria is from Staten Island, New York. She graduated from Adelphi University in 2017 with a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Since then, she has gained experience in a variety of settings—including schools, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics—and has worked with diverse speech and language needs across the lifespan, such as articulation and language delays in children aged five to middle school, autism, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. As a SLP, Alex enjoys expanding her clinical knowledge and looking to the evidence to try new techniques and strategies. In her free time, she is probably scolding one of her dogs for eating a sock, trying a new recipe or tweaking an old one, attempting to pay attention to an audiobook (in a former life, she was an avid reader), or making another list.
|
Carlee Schmelzer
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP |
Catherine Vaughan
Speech Language Pathologist- Clinical Fellow M.S.,CF-SLP |
Catherine is originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Catherine received her Bachelor’s of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from Auburn University and her Master’s of Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University. Catherine enjoys working with children of all ages to help them reach their speech, communication, and language needs. Outside of speech therapy, she enjoys running, reading, being outside, and drinking coffee!
|
Claire Tero
Occupational Therapist MSOT,OTR/L |
Claire has been an occupational therapist for 12 years. Prior to becoming an OTR, she was a respite caregiver for parents of children with autism as well as adults in the home. She has a variety of experience working within the field of occupational therapy, including working in the schools, outpatient adults, assisted living with adults with dementia, and early intervention. She now contracts with schools through Speech Inspirations. She has a certification as an Autism Clinical Specialist and enjoys providing insight for coordinating with parents and teachers on all things related to autism. She is also a mom, a bonus/step mom, a dog mom, and a cat mom. In her spare time, you might find her taking a dance class, painting or writing, walking with her son and dog, traveling to England where her family lives, or practicing yoga.
|
|
Eileen Hackney
Occupational Therapist OTR/L |
Eileen is a school-based and pediatric occupational therapist who is passionate about working with children with disabilities. Her journey to occupational therapy began with her older brother by attending his animal assistive and aquatic OT sessions. Since then, she has had experience working in a summer camp with children (ages 5-18) with mild to severe physical and mental illnesses (including Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Autism, and Cerebral Palsy). She has experience working as an occupational therapist in both the outpatient and school settings. She has lived in Virginia and Maine, but calls North Carolina home with her husband. Outside work, she enjoys going to the gym, walking outdoors, going fishing, cooking, and traveling.
|
Emma Stewart
Administrative Assistant |
Yolanda Bonefant
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
Yolanda's passion for speech therapy came from my own personal experiences. She is a first generation Haitian-American. Her family moved to the United States in 1998. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S in Communications Sciences and Disorders. Yolanda's first language growing up was French-Creole. In addition to my own journey my sister was diagnosed as hearing impaired/Deaf. I was able to learn ASL alongside my older sister at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. She is passionate about showing up in ways others may not be able to. Life has never been black and white for her but she has always been extremely attuned with helping others and giving back to the community.
|
Joe Erbstoesser
Occupational Therapist OTR/L |
Joe graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a background working in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, schools, behavioral health clinics, and hospitals. He has experience working with both children and adults, most recently working with children with behavioral health disorders including attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, oppositional defiance disorders, and developmental delays. Joe has an especially strong passion for working with children with complex needs related to social skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and fine motor development. Outside of work, Joe loves writing music, being physically active, thrift shopping, spending time with friends and family, and trying new restaurants around the area.
|
Julia Ryan
Occupational Therapist OTD,OTR/L |
Julia was born and raised in Cleveland, OH where she developed her passion for occupational therapy while working as a gymnastics instructor for children with varying social, sensory, and developmental disorders. In May 2024, Julia graduated with a doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Julia has experience providing therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fragile X, Epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, and other medically complex diagnoses. She also has experience administering Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) to pediatric stroke survivors and children with Hemiparesis. She is passionate about ensuring that all children have the skills and support needed to reach their highest potential!
|
|
Kendall Sicari
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
Kendall Sicari is a state-certified Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University. During her undergraduate career, she was an active member of Overcoming Barriers, a club dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through physical activity and mentorship. Kendall collaborates closely with licensed Speech-Language Pathologists to implement individualized therapy plans. She has experience with toddlers, elementary-age children, and middle school students with receptive and expressive language disorders, speech sound disorders, pragmatic language disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Kendall implements a child-centered approach and works with caregivers and other professionals to best address the unique needs of each individual.
|
Kierstin Spottswood
School & Contracts Executive Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP |
Kierstin is originally from Memphis, Tennessee and currently calls the Tar Heel State home. She loves to travel and has resided in 4 different states over the last 7 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Arkansas and a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from North Carolina Central University. She has 7+ years of experience working with children and adults across school and hospital settings. Her areas of interest include language and articulation, cognition, and social communication/pragmatic skills. Outside of speech therapy she loves being outside, trying new coffee shops, attending concerts and sporting events, and exploring new places.
|
Kristen Ruiz
Occupational Therapist OTR/L. |
Kristen Ruiz was born and raised in Florida, where she received a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Since then, she has been a practicing pediatric OT and has worked with children ranging in age from under 1 year to over 18 years in their homes, daycares, and schools. She has worked with children with developmental delays, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, TBI, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Sensory Processing Disorder and many more through a play-based and client-centered approach. She is dedicated to engaging with children in activities that are most important to them as well as supporting parents through collaboration and coaching to make a meaningful and lasting difference in their family’s lives. She enjoys spending her free time outside on walks with her family and dog, painting, reading, and exploring North Carolina.
|
Loic Adjevi-Neglokpe
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP |
Loic, is a 26-year-old speech-language pathologist who earned his Master's in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Florida. When he is not helping people find their words, you can find him spending time with his wife, writing, or playing music.
|
Meredith Mull
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP |
Meredith is an NC native who graduated from Appalachian State University with both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has experience working with children and adults across the lifespan. Meredith’s areas of interests include treatment of individuals with dysphagia, cognitive impairments, language and articulation disorders and Autism disorder. When she is not working, she loves spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, practicing yoga, attending concerts, enjoying foods from different
cultures and traveling. |
|
Portia Monroe
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
Portia is a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant who received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2006.
Portia has 14+ years of experience working in a variety of settings including: daycares, schools, private clinics, and homes. She has provided speech and language therapy for children with various diagnoses including receptive and expressive language delays, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders, pragmatic language disorders, and developmental delays. She believes in early detection and looks forward to helping young children reach their speech and language goals! In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family. |
Rebecca Foltz
Clinical Executive Manager Speech Language Pathologist M.S. CCC-SLP |
Rebecca is originally from Maryland and moved to Raleigh, NC following graduate school. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2022 with her Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. Throughout her clinical experience she has worked with individuals of all ages with a variety of diagnoses. Her areas of interest include language, AAC, articulation/phonology, dysphagia/feeding, cognition, and social communication skills. When not working, she enjoys reading, spending time outside, and making crafts
|
Seida Campos
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
Seida is a bilingual speech language pathologist assistant who graduated from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in 2017. Seida has 7+ years of experience working in a variety of settings including: daycares, schools, private clinics, teletherapy and homes. She enjoys working with pediatric patients and their families. Her hobbies are dancing, taking long walks, listening, music, cooking, coordinating events, traveling, and shopping!
|
Silvana Cheney
Speech Language Pathologist MS, CCC-SLP |
Silvana received her Masters degree in Communication Disorders from North Carolina Central University. She additionally holds a Bachelors degree in psychology. She resided in Georgia most of her life and moved to North Carolina in 2018 to begin her career as a speech-language
pathologist. She has the most experience working with children and adolescents ranging from ages 1 to 15 in home, daycare, and school settings. Silvana has experience working with various diagnoses, specifically autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome. She has worked with delays in articulation, expressive and receptive language, and social communication. As an SLP who speaks English and Spanish, she finds ultimate fulfillment in educating clients and their families about strategies to help each other communicate more effectively. In her spare time, Silvana enjoys spending time with her husband, video calling her parents, hanging out with her Husky, trying new foods and drinks, and walking and running outdoors. |
Yi-Ting Huang
Speech Language Pathologist M.Ed. CCC-SLP |
Yi-Ting earned her Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from North Carolina
Central University. She is bilingual (English/Mandarin) and has worked with monolingual and bilingual children with communication disorders. During her clinical experiences in graduate school, she provided services to individuals of all ages, as well as evaluated and treated individuals with a variety of disorders including: articulation disorders, language delays, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, social skills deficits, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, hearing impairments, and fluency. She has worked in a variety of settings that included: an elementary school, outpatient rehabilitation, bilingual clinic, and in the home. She also had experiences providing accent modification services to adults who speak English as a second language. She believes therapy should be functional and fun. She takes the time to know each child and finds creative ways to help them achieve success. |
Sophia Colt
Patient Services Manager Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator |
Sophia graduated from Winthrop University in 2021 with a Bachelors in Business Administration and Marketing. She has a background in SEO Marketing with experience in social media marketing, content creation, and website creation! In her free time she spends time with all of her animals, and you can find her on the back of her horse, or spending time with her friends.
|
Nichole Wright
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
Nichole is originally from Michigan and graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. While working as an elementary/middle school teacher, she developed a huge interest in Speech Pathology and returned to school to become an SLP-Assistant. Nichole has 6 years of experience as an SLP-Assistant in both the clinical and school settings while living in Texas. Nichole is passionate about utilizing her experience in education and speech pathology to help others achieve their goals in a creative and fun environment. In her free time, Nichole enjoys spending time with her family and exploring North Carolina.
|
Allison Stockwell
Occupational Therapist OTR/L. |
Allison is originally from Jamestown, NY and recently moved to Charlotte to pursue her career as an occupational therapist. She graduated from the University at Buffalo with her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2024. Allison's clinical experience in graduate school allowed her to work with a variety of individuals of all ages and with a wide range of diagnoses. When she is not working, she is spending time with friends and family, going to the gym, watching movies, and reading.
|
Kiernan Mullin
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CF-SLP |
Kiernan was born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida and after spending time at the University of South Florida, and Valdosta State University, transitioned to the Raleigh area to continue learning as a Clinical Fellow. Kiernan’s years of therapy experience includes working in both the pediatric private practice setting and in the school system and has spent time treating children experiencing Autism Spectrum Disorder, Language disorders, Social/Pragmatic disorders, Feeding delays, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Neonatal Drug Exposure, Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Kiernan is very passionate about improving the lives of both children and their families, and enjoys reading, exercise, making art, and spending time outdoors when not working.
|
Yolonda Beatty
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLPD |
Yolonda is a native of North Carolina, a graduate of East Carolina University and Hampton University. She is a recent doctoral graduate of Nova Southeastern University, where she focused on trauma-informed care practices in speech-language pathology. Over the years Yolonda has grown a passion for early intervention, pediatric feeding, and ASD intervention. Helping others is what she aims to achieve. Yolonda enjoys family time with her husband and two children.
|
Morgan Savage
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant |
Morgan is originally from Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Piedmont Technical College with an Associate’s degree in occupational therapy and now resides in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She is very excited to start her career in pediatric therapy! Growing up in a family of 11 has sparked her passion to support and encourage kids to be more independent in daily living. Her student fieldwork experience has given her the opportunity to work with an assortment of diagnoses within a wide range of settings and ages using her creativity and therapeutic use of self. In her free time, Morgan enjoys playing pickleball and beach volleyball, and going on hikes with family and friends.
|
Haley Watson
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLPD |
Haley is an NC native from Hickory, NC, who moved to Charlotte after receiving her master's degree in 2023. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State University (Go Mountaineers!) and her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology from The Medical University of South Carolina.
She loves working with children of all ages and has experience supporting those with expressive and receptive language delays, speech sound disorders, fluency challenges, pragmatic language difficulties, and AAC needs. Haley's goal is to create a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where every child can thrive and grow in their communication skills. Outside work, you can find her enjoying the best of both worlds—trips to the mountains and the beach! Haley also loves baking sweet treats and spending quality time with her playful mini golden doodle, Sully. |
Robin Pierce
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
Robin is a graduate from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She always had a passion for healthcare and helping those around her reach new heights! With this passion she discovered ABA Therapy and the individual benefits it presents. All while becoming familiar with AAC devices, handling eloping and much more. She is no stranger when it comes to supporting the neurodivergent and neurotypical population from infants to high schoolers in all areas of Speech. Knowing the importance of communication pushes her to provide unique and results driven care for your loved ones.
|
Leah Wiltgen
Occupational Therapist OTR/L |
Leah Wiltgen is a registered and licensed occupational therapist. She has over 5 years of experience with pediatric OT and loves working with children. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and Family Relations at East Carolina University in 2016 and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2019. In 2020, she became a Certified Autism Specialist and mastered competencies in the understanding of Autism, parent communication, and behavior modification. Leah has also participated in training for feeding interventions and reflex integration.
|
Carolynn Salazar
Billing Coordinator |
Carolynn brings nearly ten years of billing experience to our team, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and top-notch service in every aspect of our billing process. She holds a Master’s degree in History from West Texas A&M University and combines her attention to detail with a strong commitment to helping clients navigate their billing with ease. Originally from New Mexico, Carolynn enjoys life outside of work with her two kids and energetic Australian Shepherd. In her free time, you’ll often find her crocheting, listening to audiobooks, or out on the trails hiking and camping with her family.
|
Anthony M. Pandolfo Jr.
Financial & Administrative Operations Coordinator |
A graduate of the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, Anthony brings sharp wit, strong organizational instincts, and a love of creative problem-solving to Speech Inspirations. As the Financial & Administrative Operations Coordinator, he keeps the numbers in line and operations on track—with just enough flair to keep things interesting. Originally from New Jersey, Anthony is a humorist by instinct, a humanist by heart, and a determinist when the printer breaks for no reason. A lifelong performer, he’s active in local theatre, thrives on turning awkward moments into comedy, and has a deep appreciation for classic films, competitive board games, and the occasional well-earned bowling win.
Favorite quote: "Knowing what you've got, knowing what you need, knowing what you can do without—that's inventory control." |
Julia Miller
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CF-SLP |
Julia is originally from Maryland and moved to Charlotte, NC after completing graduate school. She earned her bachelor's degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master's in Speech-Language Pathology from Regis College in Boston, MA. Passionate about working with children in various settings. Julia has experience in schools, clinics, and private practice. She is dedicated to helping children develop their communication skills through engaging, evidence-based interventions. Julia’s areas of interest include language development, AAC, articulation, autism, and social communication. Outside of speech therapy, Julia enjoys traveling, baking, skiing, going on runs, and listening to jazz music. She is also a big New England sports fan!
|
