WHO WE ARE

About Us

Speak To Me, Inc. is a pediatric therapy practice providing Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy services including evaluations, diagnosis, and therapy to infants and children.

We serve Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Catawba, Caldwell, Alexander, and Burke counties in the Charlotte, NC area. For the comfort and convenience of our patients, we provide services in a daycare, at your home, or in our Mooresville clinic.

Opening our doors in 2007, we began our work to meet the growing need for speech therapy in the Charlotte area. Our founder, Leslie Giambrone, had worked solo since 2003 but saw she could help more infants, children, and adults by adding new therapists to the practice and building a team.

Leslie has over 23 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She has traveled throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with Operation Smile to help children and adults with cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Currently, she is on a Charlotte cleft palate team under the direction of Dr. Kapitan at Carolinas Center for Oral and Facial Surgery. Born with Tongue Tie herself and then having her son born with the same condition inspired Leslie to take the TOTS class to help others. Because of this specialized training, she can assess whether someone is a candidate for a procedure to improve feeding.

We equip our therapists with the training, mentorship, and continuing education opportunities to ensure we’re providing the best evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment possible. Because we have an extensive knowledge base, we can take on more complex cases and help those who may need higher levels of care. Making a difference is what drives us every day.

Meet our Therapists

Leslie R. Giambrone, Speech-Language Pathologist

Owner and Founder

Leslie is the owner and founder of Speak To Me and helps infants, children, and adults improve their communication and feeding skills for over 25 years.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from North Carolina State University and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from North Carolina Central University. She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) with a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Pathology and licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology.

Leslie is married to Gary and has two children, Evan and Ryder, a boxer named Nayla, and two hermit crabs, Blue and Sandy. She enjoys hiking, camping, and doing Pilates.

Specialized Training

Introduction to PROMPT-trained (2013), TOTS (Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty-2017), Orofacial Myology Training (2021)

Alisa Frady, Lead Intake Coordinator/Community Liaison

Alisa Frady attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She then continued her education at Asheville Buncombe Technical College, where she graduated with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Radiography. Soon after graduation, Alisa and her husband, Jamie, plus their two children Kylee (23) and Kannon (21), moved to Mooresville, NC, where they’ve been for more than 19 years.

Alisa joined Speak to Me in 2014 and has watched the company grow. Throughout her time on our team, she’s enjoyed helping so many children with a wonderful group of therapists. She finds it such a pleasure to be a small part of changing kid’s lives.

Nikki Degner – Lead Physical Therapist

Nikki graduated from Marquette University with her Masters in Physical Therapy and Bachelors degree in Psychology. She has over 20 years of experience in pediatrics in multiple settings including private practice, early intervention, schools, and NICU settings. She specializes in treating infants, torticollis, children with gross motor delays, and coordination deficits. She has taken many courses in therapeutic taping, NDT, aquatic therapy, and is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. Nikki has a passion for working with children and watching them achieve their goals. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids-who keep her very busy, and her dog. She enjoys being outside, traveling, and loves going to the beach.

Caroline Brannon, Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

Caroline graduated from Appalachian State University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2014. She then earned a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her clinical experiences include diagnosing and treating preschool and school-age children, adults, and geriatric patients with varying degrees of diagnostic categories, including Dysphagia, Aphasia, Articulation/Phonological Disorders, Cognitive Functioning, Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders, Fluency Disorders, Central Auditory Processing, Apraxia, Dysarthria, Voice Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Hearing Impairments.

Before joining our team, Caroline worked at CMC Northeast Outpatient Rehabilitation and Rowan-Salisbury Schools. So, her passion for helping children has been evident throughout her career. She finds it rewarding to assist children in effectively communicating and working with their families to help them reach their goals.

Caroline also enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs. You can also find Caroline reading, traveling, shopping, and enjoying the lake on a nice day.

Heather Tinkham, Lead Occupational Therapist

Heather earned her Masters in Occupational Therapy from New England Institute of Technology, Associates in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Northshore Community College, along w/ her Bachelors in Business/Administration/Fitness from Fitchburg State College. Heather has over 12 years of OT experience with a primary focus in pediatrics. Heather has certifications/Training in S.O.S Approach To Feeding, Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), and Therapeutic Listening. Heather has always had a love for children, helping others, learning, health/wellness, and the arts. Heather’s mission is to bless one kiddo at a time, with no greater joy than seeing a child thrive. In here spare time Heather loves being a Mom to her 2 year old daughter, the beach, dancing, theatre, arts/crafts, and fitness/wellness.

Amanda Pirtle, Speech-Language Pathologist

Amanda graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Entrepreneurship. Afterward, she received her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Appalachian State University. Since then, she has served in various pediatric settings, including private practice, early intervention, schools, daycares, in-home visits, and telehealth. Amanda has worked with different populations and speech-language disorders, including Articulation and Phonological Disorders, Auditory Processing, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome, Expressive and Receptive Language Delays, Feeding and Oral Motor Disorders, Fluency, and Literacy.

Amanda also enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Maddie O’hara, Occupational Therapist

Maddie graduated from UNCC with a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a double minor in psychology and Child and Family Development. She recently earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Wingate University where she was a member of their inaugural class. Maddie has always loved kids and knew she wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of others but really found her calling when she discovered occupational therapy. She has a passion for helping kids reach their greatest potential and enjoys learning about new technology and equipment within the field of occupational therapy.

Maddie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves traveling the world, going to the beach, working out, and caring for her pets and plants.

Suzanne Jenkins, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Suzanne graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. She was an Exceptional Children’s teacher for the Rowan-Salisbury schools, where she worked with children (PK-5) with varying disabilities, delays and disorders. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham and Reading foundations. She holds a current NC teaching license in Learning Disabled K-12. She graduated with an Associate degree from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and is a newly licensed Occupational Therapy Practitioner. She has a true passion for working with children with developmental delays and they bring such great joy to her life! Suzanne is married to Ryan (her Catamount sweetheart), and they live in Salisbury. They have one son, Carter (21) and one daughter, Parker (18). Suzanne enjoys traveling to tropical destinations with her family, spending time with her friends, shopping for shoes, and making fun activities for her kiddos that she works with. She loves to teach kids skills that will help them flourish.

Deirdre O’Malley, Occupational Therapist

Deirdre O’Malley is from New York just outside of NYC and moved to North Carolina in 2021. She graduated from Sacred Heart University in CT with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Psychology in 2018 and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2021. Deirdre has always enjoyed working with kids, from her time as a coach, camp counselor and now occupational therapist. She loves seeing kids become more confident, engaged and independent in activities that are meaningful and important to them and their families!

When not at work, Deirdre loves finding new parts of North Carolina to explore, exercising on the Peloton, listening to music, going for walks, finding any excuse to get coffee, going out to eat and spending time with family and friends.

Mindy Grieb, Speech Language Pathologist

Mindy graduated from New Mexico State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders, followed by a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Iowa in 2010. A recent transplant to the Mooresville area, her previous experience includes working with babies aged birth to three through the early intervention program in New Mexico, the school setting, and her own private practice with a focus on children ages 3-12. She has experience diagnosing and treating children with a variety of delays and disorders, including Articulation/Phonology, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Receptive and Expressive Language, Fluency, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mindy particularly enjoys working with families. This allows her to better understand each child within the unique cultural and family dynamics that make them who they are. This also allows her to empower parents to support their child’s progress towards communication goals within the home.

In her spare time, Mindy can be found sailing, falling off her paddleboard on Lake Norman, and enjoying time with her husband and three children.

Beth Ferriss, Speech Language Pathologist

Beth graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders, and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from North Carolina Central University. She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) with a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Pathology. She is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology. She has served in various pediatric settings, including private practice, early intervention, schools, daycares, and in-home visit. Beth has worked with different populations and speech-language disorders, including Articulation and Phonological Disorders, Auditory Processing, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Expressive and Receptive Language Delays, Oral Motor Disorders, and Fluency.

Beth also enjoys spending time with her husband, and two kids who are in high school and college. She loves reading, the beach and shopping.

Kristine White, Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Kristine has been with Speak To Me since August 2020 and has two children. However, she didn’t start her career in the speech world. Before joining our team, Kristine spent six years in the NC Air National Guard based at the 145th Airlift wing in Charlotte, NC. She also graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice in 2016, and her goal was to work in forensics. But when Kristine had her son that same year, her plans changed. Her interest in communication grew during his journey through speech therapy. She was amazed at his growth in such a short period, and it encouraged her to research the field further. He helped her find her calling, and now, it’s her passion to help little ones learn to communicate better and more effectively. In her role, she can give back to the community and assist other children in finding their voice like her son!

When she’s not working with little ones, Kristine enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, hiking, kayaking, or going on any other outdoor adventure. She loves finding new experiences and trying cultural foods.

Yuliya Orlandini, Lead Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Yuliya began her career in massage therapy. However, early on, she knew she wanted to do more. She’s always loved kids and wanted to do something that would change the world for the better and make an impact. At Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Yuliya discovered she wanted to become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. And when she graduated in 2017, she joined our team. She immediately fell in love with the speech and communication world, enjoys working with children, and has since addressed various communication disorders. She finds it very rewarding to see these kids succeed in their communication skills and know she played a part in positively impacting their lives.

In her spare time, she plays pickleball, watches Netflix, and cares for her two fur babies – Nala and Keke, both cats. Yuliya is originally from Ukraine and moved to the United States at seven years old. She has a huge tight-knit family who loves eating traditional Ukrainian dinners together with foods like – Borscht, Plov, and Olivie. For vacation, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her husband, Jayson.

Kelly Crowther, Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Kelly Crowther was raised in the suburbs of Chicago before moving to North Carolina in 2018. She graduated from the University of Alabama in May of 2022 with a degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and became a certified Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant. Growing up, she has worked in various settings with children and has been fascinated by their development and has always known she wanted to work with kids as an adult. She is passionate about helping children to learn and grow and providing them with services to enrich their lives. Kelly is perusing her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

When Kelly isn’t working with kiddos, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her boyfriend who is in the US Air Force. Some of her hobbies include making craft coffee (she used to be a barista!), attending yoga regularly, cooking and baking, as well as boating and swimming on Lake Norman.

Stephanie Monterroso, Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Stephanie has been with Speak To Me since July 2023 and was a student at Speak To Me since October 2022, while she was completing her degree in SLP-Assistant at Caldwell Community College. She also graduated with a degree in Multidisciplinary Anthropology and Spanish from Appalachian State University in 2019. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology. Her interest in communication grew during her time at Appalachian State University when she started taking ASL classes. Growing up, she has worked with pediatrics in various settings (behavior, education, etc.). It is such a great joy for Stephanie to work with little ones and help them learn how to communicate better. When Stephanie is not working at Speak To Me, she enjoys traveling, going to the mountains, trying new foods, and spending time with her friends, family and boyfriend.

Ying Liu, Speech Language Pathologist

Ying Liu was born and grew up in China. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Beijing University, she went to University of Hawaii for Graduate School. It was there she discovered the profession of Speech-Language Pathology. She earned her master’s degree in Speech Pathology from University of Iowa in 2002 and has been working with children 3-21 years old in Iowa City since then. Ying is passionate about helping children and their families find ways to make connections. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and has extensive experience working with children with complex communication needs. Ying is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) with a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Pathology and Licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology.

Ying, her husband Bill, and their dog Congo are relocating to North Carolina to be closer to family in summer 2024. Their daughters, Emma (21) and Helen (19) are in colleges, ready to spread their wings. In spare time, Ying enjoys swimming, trying new recipes, and traveling.

Sharon Butler, Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Sharon moved to North Carolina from the Tampa, Florida area in 2020. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. After many years working in museums in various HR and sales roles, she decided to pursue her passion for Speech Therapy. She was inspired by her son’s journey with Speech Therapy when he was a toddler. She recently graduated from the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, NC. Sharon has previous experience working with children as an online ESL teacher for four years and juggling a busy teaching schedule with three ESL companies. She found teaching very rewarding and teaching ESL. This motivated her to pursue a career in Speech Therapy.

Sharon’s other interests are spending time with her husband and three children. She has two sons, one in elementary school and one in high school, and a daughter in college at Western Carolina University. She is also a huge animal lover and loves spoiling her two dogs, Elle and Abby, and her two cats, Natalie and Sammy. She enjoys hiking, anything involving nature, reading, trips to the mountains, and coffee!

Sharon is so excited to start her career with the Speak To Me team!

Heidi Kempert, Physical Therapy Assistant

Heidi Kempert is a physical therapist assistant with 14 years of pediatric experience. She also completed the advanced proficiency program for pediatrics through the American Physical Therapy Association. She worked at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation for 14 years before recently relocating to North Carolina. Heidi has published several peer reviewed articles and has presented similar information nationally and internationally on topics including chronic pain, student sports injury prevention, case studies, pediatric yoga, and coordination disorders. She is passionate about her work and helping to improve children’s lives through enhanced function! In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, cooking, and reading.

Discover How We Can Help in 3 Easy Steps

1. Contact us.

Complete the online form or call us at (980) 317-0985.

2. Make an Appointment.

We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule your appointment.

3. Work With Us.

Work with an experienced therapist to evaluate your child and create a treatment plan to fit your needs if your child qualifies for services.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT