McKinzie Sheridan M.S., CCC-SLP

Lead SLP - Director of Therapy Education and Administration

Centre College, B.S. in Psychology
University of Kentucky, M.S. in Communication Disorders
North Carolina Licensed in Speech Pathology
Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)
ASHA Certificate in Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

McKinzie was born and raised in Kentucky, before moving to the Chicago area following graduate school.  She has lived in Alamance County for the past five years.  McKinzie has experience treating clients of all age groups, but holds the greatest passion toward the pediatric population. She previously worked in private practice, providing therapeutic services in a multi-disciplinary clinic setting, as well as daycares and homes. She recently worked for Alamance Burlington School System, both as speech-language pathologist for elementary aged children, as well as the EC department chair.  She is well versed in school special education and is highly dedicated to helping families understand and navigate that process.  McKinzie has treated pediatric clients with articulation/phonology disorders, apraxia of speech, language disorders, fluency disorders, auditory processing disorders, sensory feeding, social language disorders, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, as well as additional disorders.  She has a therapy bunny, named Midnight, who also loves children of all ages.  McKinzie values close personal relationships with clients and families, and incorporates a variety of skills, technique, and fun into all of her sessions!  She is enthusiastic, compassionate, and highly motivated to help families, care-givers, and clients grow!  McKinzie enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, crafting, and exploring surrounding NC cities!

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Contact - mckinzie@speechstarsnc.com

 

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Juliet Bourgeois-Berwyn M.S., CCC-SLP

Lead Feeding SLP

Masters of Science in Speech Pathology, North Carolina Central University

Bachelor of Arts  in Linguistics and Minor in French, California State University

Teaching Certificate in ESL

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology 

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Juliet is a graduate of North Carolina Central University's Communication Disorders Master of Science Program. Juliet is originally from Los Angeles, California where she completed her undergraduate work in Linguistics and ESL teaching. During her Masters program, Juliet had the opportunity to intern within a variety of settings from public school, inpatient and outpatient hospital setting, and at a pediatric speech and feeding clinic. Currently, Juliet's passion is research in neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders and she is currently completing her first research study on right hemispheric brain disorder. Juliet lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband, daughters, and two dogs.

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Contact - juliet@speechstarsnc.com

 

 

Christina Twele M.S., CCC-SLP

Masters of Science in Speech Pathology, James Madison University

Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Communications, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology 

Prompt and SOS Feeding Trained

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Christina is a Raleigh native who began practicing in the state in 2013. After spending four years in the DC area, she is happy to be back in her home town. She has worked exclusively with the pediatric population in private practice and outpatient settings treating children with a broad range of diagnoses, including speech sound disorders, receptive/expressive language disorder, pragmatic language deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, other chromosomal disorders, and TBI. She loves working with children and their families to help every child achieve their full potential and has experience using verbal language, simple signs, picture exchange, and speech generating devices. Therapy typically involves meeting the child where they are by following their interests and incorporating play-based techniques to keep sessions fun and engaging. She encourages parents and caregivers to be involved as much as possible to empower them to utilize therapeutic opportunities across environments. Outside of therapy, you can find Christina singing and spending time with her husband, young kids, and her two spoiled cats.

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Contact - christina@speechstarsnc.com

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Megan Whited M.S., CCC-SLP

Masters of Science in Speech Pathology, Appalachian State University

Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, Appalachian State University

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology 

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Megan obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Throughout graduate school and work experience, Megan has had the opportunity to treat both pediatric and adult clients in a variety of settings, including daycare, home environment, preschool and elementary school, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, and a preschool language classroom. Megan has experience treating children with articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, fluency disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Autism, and various other syndromes. Megan loves reading, and incorporates books and literacy into her sessions whenever possible! Megan lives in Caswell County, NC with her husband and son.

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Contact - megan@speechstarsnc.com

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Courtney Smith M.A., CCC-SLP

Appalachian State University, BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Minor in Child Development

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, MA in Speech-Language Pathology

North Carolina Licensed in Speech Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

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Courtney Smith graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Child Development. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she received her Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. Since graduating in 2016 she has been working in pediatric private practice where she sees children with a variety of diagnoses. Some specific areas of interest include early intervention, Autism, articulation and phonological skills, and AAC. Courtney loves learning new things and enjoys the challenge of tailoring each therapy session to meet the child’s individual needs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cooking. Courtney lives in Northeast Raleigh with her husband, daughter, and their fluffy dog.

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Contact - courtney@speechstarsnc.com

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Sarah Brinkley M.S. CCC-SLP

James Madison University Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Minor in Exceptional Education 

University of Louisiana at Monroe Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

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Sarah attended James Madison University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minor in Exceptional Education. She also obtained a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sarah continued to pursue her career and education by obtaining a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She always knew she wanted to be a Speech-Language Pathologist from the inspiration of her brother. While Sarah enjoys working with all ages and populations, her heart is with the pediatric population. She has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, daycares, schools, and home environment. Sarah has experience treating children with articulation/phonological disorders, expressive/receptive language disorders, Apraxia, fluency disorders, feeding, literacy, children that are non-verbal, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and various other syndromes. She recently relocated from Carolina Beach where she won Best of Shore for Speech Therapy. Sarah strives on making each session fun and engaging while incorporating a variety of skills and techniques all while maintaining a positive relationship with the children and their families! When she is not in the clinic doing what she loves Sarah enjoys spending time with family, friends, and especially her two fur-babies Bentley and Dallas!

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Contact - sarah@speechstarsnc.com

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Kathryn Sartori, M.S. CCC-SLP

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Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University

Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Appalachian State University

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

 

Kathryn was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina.  She received her Bachelors from Appalachian State University and later received her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Carolina University.  Kathryn will be completing her clinical fellowship with Speech Stars. Kathryn has experience treating patients in a variety of settings including public schools, pediatric private clinics, adult acute care, and homes.  Kathryn has treated pediatric patients with a broad range of diagnoses including expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, dysphagia, pediatric feeding disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, Autism, and Down Syndrome.  One of Kathryn’s favorite things about working with pediatric patients is developing long-lasting relationships with both her patients and their families.  In her free time, Kathryn enjoys spending time outdoors, reading books, and she’ll never turn down dessert!

 

Contact - kathryn@speechstarsnc.com

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Kara Pinkleton, M.A., CCC-SLP

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Kara is a North Carolina Board certified Speech-Language Pathologist and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in Speech-Language Pathology after graduating from James Madison University with her BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  

 

Kara has worked with a variety of age groups but is passionate about pediatric clients.  Kara has experience treating clients in their natural environment including home, preschools, head starts, and daycares.  Kara’s experience with pediatrics includes treating expressive and receptive language disorders and delays, feeding and swallowing disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and articulation/phonological disorders.  She is also a Certified Lactation Counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) and enjoys working with mothers and babies to meet their breastfeeding goals.  Kara enjoys working with young children and their families in their natural environment to develop communication in daily routines.  She enjoys following her client’s interest and making each session fun and interactive.  Kara also has a passion for helping children with their feeding and eating skills to improve family routines and mealtimes.

 

Kara lives in Durham, NC with her husband and young daughter.  When she isn’t providing therapy, Kara enjoys cooking and baking, going for walks, and spending time with her family.

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Contact - kara@speechstarsnc.com

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Sara Anne Baker, M.S. CCC-SLP

Master of Science in Speech Pathology, North Carolina Central University

Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Appalachian State University

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

ASHA Certificate in Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

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Sara is originally from Burlington, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Science in 2018 from Appalachian State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Sara continued her graduate studies at North Carolina Central University where she earned a Master of Science in speech-language pathology.

During graduate school, Sara served as a research and graduate assistant. During her clinical rotations, Sara worked with both children and adults and completed internships with local public schools, private practices specializing in early intervention, and adult rehabilitation centers.

Sara is passionate about working with young children and loves helping develop early communication skills. She has a strong interest in developmental disabilities and natural language acquisition.

Sara is licensed by the board of North Carolina and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Sara lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In her free time, she loves spending time with her friends, family, and most importantly her dog Scrump.

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contact - saraanne@speechstarsnc.com

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Myranda Tuck, M.A. CF-SLP

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis of Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

 

Myranda grew up in Caswell County and currently resides there. She earned a Bachelor of Communication Studies with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis of Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May, 2019. After working for the Autism Society of NC as a Behavior Technician, Myranda pursued a Post-Baccalaureate track to earn a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in May of 2023. 

 

Myranda enjoys working with the pediatric population targeting expressive and receptive language, articulation and phonology, apraxia of speech, pediatric feeding, literacy, and augmentative/alternative communication modalities. Myranda has experience in a variety of settings, including preschools and primary schools, UNCG Speech and Hearing Center, private practice, and international clinical experience in schools and community clinics. Myranda utilizes a neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approach, which involves creating individualized care plans with clients and families while supporting the child’s strengths, unique abilities, and authenticity (PlaySpark, 2023). Myranda often uses a client-centered, play-based therapy delivery model to ensure speech-language therapy is both enjoyable and effective. She especially loves incorporating clients’ interests into therapy activities. Myranda is passionate about educating the surrounding community, client advocacy, and empowering families. In her downtime, Myranda enjoys being with family and friends, traveling, and spending time in nature.

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Contact - myranda@speechstarsnc.com

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LaRaven Danielle Carter M.S., CF-SLP 

Masters of Science in Speech Pathology, North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

ASHA Clinical Fellow
 

LaRaven graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She then attended North Carolina Central University where she received her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. LaRaven will be completing her clinical fellowship with Speech Stars. LaRaven has experience treating patients in a variety of settings including pediatrics, public schools, nonresidential health care facilities, and homes. LaRaven has treated pediatric and adult patients with a broad range of diagnosis including fluency disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, autism, aphasia, Down Syndrome, and expressive/receptive language disorders. Having the opportunity to work with such a variety of age groups and skills is one of LaRaven's favorite aspects of working with pediatric patients. In her free time she enjoys shopping, trying new restaurant’s, and working out. 

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Contact - raven@speechstarsnc.com

 

Samantha Lipscomb, MS CCC-SLP

Masters of Science in Speech Pathology, North Carolina Central University

Bachelor of Science In Exercise and Sports Science

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association

ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology

 

Samantha is a graduate of North Carolina Central University's Communication Disorders Master

of Science Program. During her master's program, Samantha had the opportunity to intern with

a variety of settings from public school, NCCU Speech clinic to a developmental center.

Samantha has experience treating children with articulation and phonological disorders,

expressive and receptive language disorders, pragmatic disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury,

Childhood Apraxia of Speech, fluency disorders, Autism, and various other disorders and

syndrome. She loves incorporating literacy into her sessions and making sure each session is

tailored to meet each client's individual needs. She is a resident of Caswell County, NC.

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Contact - samantha@speechstarsnc.com

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Ashley Rose, Administrative Assistant

 

Ashley is one of our Administrator Assistants. Prior to joining Speech Stars she was a Endodontic dental

assistant for eight years in Fayetteville, NC and Clayton, NC. Ashley enjoys working in the

garden, being outside, camping and spending time with her family. She lives in Clayton, NC with

her husband Tim and four daughters.

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Contact - ashley@speechstarsnc.com