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Meet the Speech Therapy Team |
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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.
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Meredith Mull
Clinical Manager 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. |
Brittany King
Instructional Assistant Brittany is a dedicated professional with a background in school psychology, mental health, and public service. She brings skills in education and building relationships with individuals of all ages. She is passionate about supporting others, maintaining efficient operations, and contributing to a positive, team-oriented workplace.
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Carlee Schmelzer
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP Carlee is originally from Ohio, with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the Ohio State University, and a Master's in Communication Science and Disorders from Bowling Green State University. Her areas of interest include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Gestalt-Language Processing and social/pragmatic language. She is passionate about taking a collaborative and child-led approach to therapy, working closely with families, caregivers and fellow therapists to address communication challenges through a holistic lens. When she is not working, Carlee enjoys spending time in nature, doing yoga, and reading.
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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 and 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. |
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!
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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 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 with various diagnoses ranging from ages 1 to 15 in home, daycare, and school settings. 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.
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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, ASD, developmental delays, social skills deficits, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, hearing impairments, and fluency. 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. |
Haley Watson
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLPD Haley is an NC native from Hickory, NC, who moved to Charlotte after becoming an SLP 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. |
Connor Daughtridge
Speech Language Pathologist SLP Connor is a North Carolina native who earned her degree in Speech Pathology after attending East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has experience working with both children and adults across the lifespan and is passionate about helping children build confidence and develop the skills they need to thrive. Her clinical interests include dysphagia, language, articulation, pragmatic, and cognitive impairments. Apart from work, Connor enjoys spending time with family and friends and being outside!
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Shelby Payne
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP Born and raised in Indiana, Shelby studied Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University and later earned her master’s degree from Ball State University. Her passion for the field began while shadowing a SLP who worked in the special education department, where she witnessed firsthand the many ways individuals communicate and the profound impact that the right support can have. Shelby recently moved to Raleigh in 2023 to pursue her career and is dedicated to helping children and their families build confidence and achieve their goal. Outside of work, she enjoys making pottery, weightlifting, and exploring new coffee shops.
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Kia Thatch
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP Kia earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from North Carolina Central University and has been practicing as an SLP for the past seven years. She’s had the privilege of working across diverse settings—including early intervention, schools, ABA centers, and assisted living facilities—treating individuals of all ages and needs. Kia’s passion for supporting growth through speech and language development has remained steadfast throughout her career. She has a special interest in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), articulation and speech sound disorders, and fostering language skills through child-led play. Outside of work, Kia enjoys reading, interior design, spending time with family and friends, and belting out Hamilton at the top of her lungs.
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Nicole Jones
Instructional Assistant Nicole Jones is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a strong background in behavioral health, education support, and healthcare administration. She holds a
bachelor’s degree in psychology from SNHU and is pursuing a master’s in clinical psychology. Nicole brings hands-on experience working with adolescents and adults in structured environments. She has experience in school settings and is skilled at building rapport with students, supporting participation, and adapting to diverse learning needs. She is passionate about helping students feel confident, supported, and empowered in their communication abilities. Nicole is especially interested in contributing to environments that promote learning, development, and meaningful progress for every student. |
Kara Haywood
Speech Language Pathologist M.S., CCC-SLP Kara is originally from New York but considers herself a Tar Heel, having moved to North Carolina at the age of 9. She lives in Cary with her two sons, ages 14 and 17, and brings more than 25 years of experience as an SLP in the Raleigh area. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from UNC–Chapel Hill. Her areas of interest include language and articulation skills in young and school-age children; social/pragmatic language development; using art and music to support speech-language goals; and speech-language development in young children from bilingual families. Kara believes strongly in collaborating with families, teachers, and other therapists to support the whole child. In her free time, she enjoys photography, puzzles, singing and playing guitar, and walking on the greenways near her home.
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Amanda King
Instructional Assistant Amanda is originally from New York but now proudly calls North Carolina her home. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After graduating, she partnered with Teach For America and taught in Guilford
County Schools, where she developed a strong passion for supporting children through relationship-building and meaningful learning experiences. She looks forward to continuing to help children access the services and support they need within the school system, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family and being outdoors, especially when she’s paddle boarding on the lake. She also loves spending time with her three dogs and exploring new places across North Carolina. |
Emily Lester
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant - In Training Emily is from Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders. Having worked in linguistics research as well as editing and publishing, Emily has a particular interest in language disorders—especially dyslexia and developmental language disorder. You can often find Emily golfing, experimenting with all things sourdough, running, and eating dark chocolate.
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Mitch Walker
Instructional Assistant Mitch brings 14 years of experience working in public school Exceptional Children’s programs, where he has dedicated his career to supporting students with diverse learning needs. A native North Carolinian, Mitch is deeply passionate about helping students achieve their very best and believes in creating supportive, inclusive environments that allow every learner to succeed. His
commitment to education is grounded in strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Outside of his professional work, Mitch is a lifelong supporter of UNC basketball and enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and participating in trivia. |
Siatta Mansaray
Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Siatta is a speech-language pathologist who earned her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from North Carolina Central University. Her background and experience lies in working with children ranging from preschool age to high school. While she uses different evidence based strategies to help students progress in their goals, Siatta’s uniqueness as a speech language pathologist stems from teaching her students to work on their goals from a place of empowerment and confidence. When she is not working, she loves writing, baking, cooking, reading and hiking.
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Jessica Williams
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant SLPA Jessie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Carolina University. Before joining Speech Inspirations, Jessie worked in childcare as a preschool assistant teacher. She spent about a year in a preschool setting and loved getting to know the children, building meaningful connections, and watching them develop language skills and big personalities. When she’s not at work, Jessie can usually be found at the YMCA or in the kitchen baking something she saw on TikTok. She also enjoys watching documentaries, Stranger Things, and trying new workout classes. Jessie is based in Cary and is a firm believer in “but first, coffee!”
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Madeline Webber
Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Originally from upstate South Carolina, Maddy is now a local to Pittsboro, NC. She earned a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina and, in 2023, became a Certified Autism Specialist. Her work is deeply rooted in child-led therapy, with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming care. She has developed special interests in autism, gestalt language processing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), expressive and receptive communication disorders, and speech sound disorders. Outside of speech, Maddy loves crafting at home, going on runs, and visiting local coffee shops!
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Kristi Caputo
Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Kristi is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years of experience in school settings across New Jersey, California, Hawaii, and Delaware. She specializes in working with students from kindergarten through 8th grade, focusing on articulation, language, and pragmatic skills, with a particular passion for helping students improve their inferencing skills. Currently residing in Key West, Florida, Kristi enjoys spending time with her boys, ages 6 and 3, while continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of students.
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Stephanie Alvarez
Speech-Language Pathologist - Clinical Fellow SLP-CF Stephanie is originally from Miami, FL, and moved to Charlotte in 2022. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Nova Southeastern University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from West Coast University. Her areas of professional interest include language development, articulation, cognition, and social communication/pragmatic skills. She is passionate about supporting children and their families through collaborative, personalized care, and she strives to give back to the Charlotte community whenever she can. Outside of speech therapy, Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her husband, attending sporting events, working out, and traveling.
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Sierra Sunshine
Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Originally from the Connecticut and Rhode Island area, Sierra now calls North Carolina home and recently relocated from Durham to Hillsborough. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Native American Studies from Colgate University before pursuing her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from North Carolina Central University. Sierra has worked in private practice settings providing early intervention, home-health, and clinic-based therapy to children and young adults from ages 2 to 22. Coming from a proudly neurodivergent family, she feels especially passionate about supporting autistic children and partnering with families to help every child communicate in ways that work best for them. When she’s not working, Sierra enjoys gardening, making miniatures, and spending time with her two very spoiled cats.
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