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MEET THE TEAMReview us on Google!
Looking to be a part of the Speech Inspirations family? Visit the Careers tab! |
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Jessica Ortler
Speech Language Pathologist M.A., CCC-SLP Owner of Speech Inspirations LLC |
Jessica graduated from Kent State University and resides in Charlotte area. She has provided speech and language services all across the country. She has a drive in a passion to serve. A multitude of communication disabilities across the lifespan, although she is skilled and trained in multiple disorders, her passion lies and treatment of individuals with autism, dyslexia, and reading difficulties. Jessica has experienced working with the following medical conditions stroke, TBI, dysphagia, dyslexia, autism articulation! 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
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Lakisha Hooks
Community Outreach Care Coordinator |
Lakisha Hooks , the vivacious firecracker hailing from the heart of Boston, MA and now conquering hearts 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.
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Briana Rosenbaum
Speech Language Pathologist MS, CCC-SLP |
Briana Rosenbaum, Graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and worked in a variety of settings over the last three years in Oregon, including homes, clinic, preschool, 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. Primary experience with birth through elementary school age, but love to work with all ages. Strong desire to work with those with complex communication needs. Love to travel, be outdoors, and experience live music in my free time.
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Alexandria Bilenkin
Speech Language Pathologist M.S |
Alexandra 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) and a variety of speech and language needs across the lifespan (articulation and language delays in children from five to middle school age; autism; stroke; 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.
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Alyse May
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Alyse is originally from northern Virginia. She holds a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Virginia University. She has 5 years of experience working with children and adults in both school and SNF settings. Alyse’s areas of interests include language and articulation, dysphagia, and cognition. Outside of speech therapy, Alyse enjoys being active by rock climbing and boxing, seeing live music, and spending times with friends and family. She recently moved back to the east coast from San Diego to the Raleigh area.
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Carlee Schmelzer
Speech Language Pathologist MS, CCC-SLP |
Catherine Vaughan
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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!
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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 have 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 contract to the schools with Speech Inspirations. She have a certification as an Autism Clinical Specialist and enjoy providing insight for and coordinating with parents and teachers on all things with 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.
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Donna Adams
Occupational Therapist ORT/L |
Donna is a graduate from Columbia University. She has worked as an Occupational Therapist for well over 30 years. She has a variety of work experience within the pediatric population in private clinics, schools-based settings, and early intervention. She has treated children with
physical, motor, sensory, and behavioral challenges. Donna is NDT certified and has received training in Sensory Integration, Therapeutic Listening, Sensory Feeding Aversions, and Handwriting without Tears. Donna has a passion for creating a fun and engaging environment with her kids while helping them to achieve their functional independence. In her free time, Donna enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. |
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Eileen Hackney
Occupational Therapist ORT/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.
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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.
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Jessica McEnaney
Occupational Therapist OTR/L. |
Jessica McEnaney is an Occupational Therapist. She graduated from Messiah University in 2020. She has 3 years of experience with working in an outpatient clinic, school -based setting. Jessica has experience with different age levels Jessica focuses on a sensory-integration approach supporting emotional regulation, behavioral management, strength & coordination delays, and fine-motor deficits utilizing all aspects of a child’s environment. Jessica has a high interest in utilizing nature and the outdoors to facilitate these skills and abilities to support the child. Her goal in this field is to let each child know there is plenty of room at the table for all of us. When not treating, you might find her in the mountains, with a book, or crafting.
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Joe Erbstoesser
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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.
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Julia Ryan
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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!
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Kat Gregory
Administrative Executive Manager |
Kat was born and raised on the East Coast, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication in Millersville, P.A. Upon graduation, Kat moved to the sunny San Diego, C.A. coast, where she worked as an Autism specialist for over a decade before earning her second degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Studies from Utah State University. After spending years as a functional communication specialist, focusing on receptive and expressive language delays and social pragmatics, Kat has moved back east and settled in beautiful North Carolina for the first time. Despite spending every summer on the amazing Outer Banks as a child, Kat has not formally lived in NC and is thrilled to get to know all the state has to offer. With joy and contagious enthusiasm, she is thrilled to continue her practice with children and families.
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Kendall Sicari
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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.
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Kierstin Spottswood
Speech Language Pathologist MS, 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.
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Kristen Ruiz
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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 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 enjoy spending my free time outside on walks with my family, painting or drawing, watching and attending hockey games, and exploring this beautiful state!
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Loic Adjevi-Neglokpe
Speech Language Pathologist MS, 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.
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Meredith Mull
Speech Language Pathologist MS, 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. |
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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 Fellowship Speech Language Pathologist M.S, CF-SLP |
Rebecca is originally from Maryland. she graduated from West Virginia University, and now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Throughout her graduate experience she worked with individuals of all ages with a variety of diagnoses. Her areas of interest include language, articulation, dysphagia, cognition, social and communication skills. When she is not working, she enjoys reading spending time outside and relaxing with friends and family.
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Sieda Campos
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
Sieda is a bilingual speech language pathologist assistant who graduated from Cadwell Community College and Technical Institute in 2017. She enjoys working with pediatric patients and their families. Born and raised in Flushing Queens, New York. She moved to Charlotte in 2012 with her husband and two children. In 2021 a new member joined her family her four-legged Havanese Mambo. Her hobbies are dancing, taking long walks, listening, music, cooking, coordinating events, traveling, and shopping.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Kiernan Mullin
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA |
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.
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Miranda Ramsey
Administrative Assistant Manager |
Miranda was born and raised outside of Asheville, NC and moved to Charlotte, NC to pursue academics. She have been working in the medical field for about a year and a half, mainly in pediatrics. She recently got married to my husband in December 2023 and relocated to Lancaster, SC. In her free time I enjoy spending time with her husband and traveling to the mountains to see family.
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Randilyn Sasser
Occupational Therapist OTR/L. |
Randilyn was born and raised in Texas. After earning her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University, she decided to move to the Charlotte area. Her passion for OT began when she shadowed an occupational therapist in the mountains of North Carolina, working in early childhood intervention. She has since gained experience in various settings, working with populations
ranging from the NICU to geriatrics. Randilyn is truly passionate about occupational therapy and enjoys working with people across the lifespan. She aims to increase independence in patients’ meaningful daily occupations through therapeutic use of self and a client-centered approach. In her free time, you’ll find her traveling, working out, reading, or enjoying the outdoors—whether it’s paddleboarding, hiking, snowboarding, or visiting a local farmers market. |
Yolonda Beatty
Speech Language Pathologist MS, CCC-SLP |
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.
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Andrea Baker
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