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We proudly serve the Charlotte, NC area, covering Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Catawba, Caldwell, Alexander, and Burke counties. For the convenience and comfort of our families, we offer therapy at our Mooresville clinic, in home, or at partnering daycare facilities.
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. 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.
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.
Specialized Training: Introduction to PROMPT-trained (2013), TOTS (Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty-2017), Orofacial Myology Training (2021)
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.
Brenda was born and raised in Oklahoma and moved to St. Louis to attend Urshan College. After graduating with her music degree, she attended the University of Missouri/St. Louis as an English Major. Brenda moved to Winston-Salem after marrying her husband, Jerry. She worked for 20 years in Risk Management at Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation until her move to Statesville. She has two children, Alexandra, a UNC/Chapel Hill graduate, and Grant, a UNC/Charlotte Senior, and Oreo, the cutest little Shih Tzu! Brenda loves traveling the world with her family, interior design, and cooking for family and friends.
Spanish Interpreter
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.
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 a pediatric hospital in Ohio before 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 a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and stays active in her field by collaborating with other clinicians. 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, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
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.
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.
Caroline graduated from East Carolina University in 2021, with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Psychology. She recently earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Presbyterian College, where she completed her Doctoral Capstone on the emerging practice of Neonatal Hydrotherapy. Additionally, Caroline volunteers with the nonprofit, Therapy Across Borders to provide direct therapy services, advocacy, and education for children with disabilities in Kenya.
Caroline has always enjoyed working with kids. While nannying for children with special needs, she discovered the diverse field of occupational therapy. The ability to assist children in meeting their developmental goals through fun, yet meaningful occupations, such as play, is what sparked her passion to be an OT!
Caroline loves spending time with her family, friends, and goldendoodle named Stella. She loves to travel, decorate, and help others in any way that she can!
Madisyn graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2017 with a bachelors degree in exercise science and a minor in psychology. She then worked in ABA therapy for one year before returning to school at Cabarrus College of health sciences to become an occupational therapy practitioner. Madisyn has always enjoyed working with kids of all ages and has experience in various pediatric settings.
Madisyn is married with a 7 month old daughter, Merritt. In her free time she enjoys all things outdoors including hiking, kayaking, spending time on her family’s farm and fishing with her husband.
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.
Caroline earned her Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders (2012) and Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology (2014) from Appalachian State University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has experience treating a range of conditions across all age groups, including Dysphagia, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Language Disorders. Previously, she worked at CMC Northeast Outpatient Rehabilitation and Rowan-Salisbury Schools, showcasing her passion for helping children communicate effectively and supporting their families. Outside work, Caroline enjoys time with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs, as well as reading, traveling, shopping, and lake outings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shanaiya was born and raised in Greensboro, NC, Shanaiya is passionate about helping children develop effective communication skills. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2018 and her Master’s degree from the University of the District of Columbia in 2020. Shanaiya’s journey into speech-language pathology was inspired by her close relationship with her godbrother, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a young age. This experience ignited her desire to support children with communication challenges. She has dedicated her career to working with children aged 2-12 years, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Shanaiya is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. She is also licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology. When she’s not working, Shanaiya enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, indulging in retail therapy, and bonding with her beloved labradoodle, Benji.
We’re excited for the opportunity to learn more about your needs to help your child overcome challenges, gain confidence, and thrive!
Call our office at (980) 317-0985 or complete the online form to get started.
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