McKinzie Sheridan M.S., CCC-SLP

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

Clinical Director 

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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

 

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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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. CCC-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

 

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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Katherine Paone, MS CCC-SLP

East Carolina University, M.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders

North Carolina State University, B.A., Communication Studies, Concentration in Communication Disorders,

Minors: Linguistics, Spanish

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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Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Communication-Disorders from North Carolina State University and earned her master’s degree from East Carolina University. Katherine has been a treating pediatric speech-language pathologist since 2010. She has worked in a variety of settings, including private school, public school, private practice, daycares, and home health, with an emphasis on treating school-aged children and the birth through age three populations. Katherine has been trained with CAN-EAT feeding approach through the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and has co-treated with occupational therapists using the SOS feeding approach. Katherine has also received training with Orton-Gillingham and integrates literacy and preliteracy into therapy sessions for articulation, phonological and language therapy. Katherine treats children using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and has assisted clients in integrating the use of these devices across all settings. She has worked with a variety of clients given a variety of diagnoses such as Down’s Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Attention Deficit Disorders, Ehlers Danlo Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Apraxia and Epilepsy. Katherine’s passion is a multisensory approach to therapy. Her methodology is that all children benefit from a compassionate therapist who supports a collaborative child-led environment. Katherine stays current on evidence-based practices and encourages collaboration with other health professionals, including occupational and physical therapists, for a multi-disciplinary approach.  When she is not working, Katherine enjoys cheering on her beloved Wolfpack, cooking, spending time with her two sons and husband, and loving her Goldendoodle, Basil. 

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Contact - katherine@speechstarsnc.com

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Anna Chadwick, Speech Language Pathologist Assistant 

B.A. in Speech Pathology, North Carolina A&T State University 

 

Anna is from Eastern North Carolina and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology in May of 2021 from North Carolina A&T State University. In 2022, she registered with the state of North Carolina as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Throughout her undergraduate studies and currently, Anna has dedicated her passion to the pediatric population, specifically in the school setting. She has experience with articulation, expressive & receptive language disorders, and stuttering. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and families, spontaneous shopping sprees (sometimes!), and listening to music.

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Contact - anna@speechstarsnc.com

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Lila Chaffin, M.A. CF-SLP

 

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

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

Minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology 

 

Lila is originally from Charlotte, NC and is a proud “double Tarheel” after attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both her undergraduate and graduate degree. She has worked exclusively with the pediatric population in local elementary schools, private practices, and university clinics. Lila has experience treating children with expressive and receptive language disorders and delays, articulation/phonological disorders, autism, augmentative/alternative communication (AAC), and natural language acquisition. She also completed her last clinical placement at UNC Children’s Cochlear Implant Center and has experience working with children with hearing loss and incorporating aspects of a Listening and Spoken Language approach into therapy. 

 

She is especially passionate about providing therapy with a neurodiversity affirming approach and creating a fun and collaborative environment. She often does this through child-centered and play-based therapy sessions where the focus is on what the child and parents need. She enjoys finding unique ways to include a child’s interests into therapy and forming a trusting relationship with caregivers. 

 

She lives in Durham, NC with her husband and lab rescue, Peanut. When she is not in the clinic, she loves to explore new restaurants, work on puzzles, and spend time with her family and friends. 

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Contact - lila@speechstarsnc.com

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Susan Baker, M.S. CCC-SLP

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Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology, University of NC at Chapel Hill

Bachelor of Science in Speech/Language Pathology, 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 

 

Susan is originally from Durham, NC. She has resided in the Burlington and Elon, NC area since completing her Master’s degree in Speech/Language Pathology. She joins the Speech Stars’ team with 34 years of experience with skills and experience in providing speech/language screening, diagnostics, and therapeutic services to both adults and children. Susan has experience in treating patients of all ages with most of her work in pediatrics. She has worked in a variety of settings including public, private and charter schools, private clinics, daycare, preschools, and patients’ homes. Over the years, Susan has also managed a local private practice as a clinical director. She also enjoys supervising and mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and CF candidates in the speech/language pathology field.

Most recently, Susan has provided dedicated service to elementary and middle school students for the Guilford County School System and the Alamance-Burlington School System where she also served on the Autism Evaluation Team. She demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the special education process, and she enjoys collaborating with a team to support students in all aspects of their education. Susan treats pediatric patients with a variety of delays and disorders including articulation, phonological processes, apraxia of speech, language delays and disorders, social language disorders, fluency, Autism, and Down Syndrome as well as additional disorders. 

Susan likes to read, knit, crochet, and spend time with her husband and their two daughters along with their families. She also loves spending time outdoors with her dog, Coco.

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Contact - susan@speechstarsnc.com

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Stephanie Koon, SLP-Assistant

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Stephanie is from Ohio, but migrated to North Carolina in 1999. She is a mother of 7, 3 are step children. She is a military veteran. She served 8 years in the US Navy, after graduating high-school. She graduated from Fayetteville Tech Community College in 2010 with a degree in Associate in Applied Science Speech Language Pathology Assistant. She is registered with the State of North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologist and Audiologist. She has dedicated the past fourteen years to pediatric speech therapy. She prefers using a child centered play based therapy approach so that kids are able to experience hands on learning! She has experience with articulation, expressive and receptive language disorders, stuttering,  and ASD. She enjoys spending time with her family, her pets and gardening.

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Contact - stephanie@speechstarsnc.com

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Caroline Myers, M.S. CCC-SLP

 

East Carolina University, BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The University of Southern Mississippi, MS 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

 

Caroline is a Caswell County native, but currently lives in the eastern part of NC with her husband and two children. Caroline provides virtual teletherapy to clients. Caroline has experience working with diverse pediatric and geriatric populations in the areas of articulation, language, feeding/swallowing disorders, apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, auditory processing disorders, social language disorders, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, as well as additional disorders. Caroline particularly enjoys working with feeding/swallowing disorders in both populations. 

She has experience working in private practices, NC Public Schools, skilled nursing facilities, daycares, homes, preschools, and outpatient facilities. Caroline has supervised numerous clinical fellows, graduate students, and interns. She enjoys providing teaching experiences to trainees, as well as, children's caregivers to ensure a collaborative approach to a child's learning. She enjoys providing speech-language and feeding therapy in all environments and believes that a child can better thrive when they have access to fun and learning in a variety of settings. Caroline loves to travel locally and abroad, go to the beach/lake, and spend time with her family and friends.

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Contact - Caroline@speechstarsnc.com

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Sharon Hoffman, M.S. CCC-SLP

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Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Elmira College, Elmira N.Y.

Member of ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association)

North Carolina Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology

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Sharon Hoffman received her Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, she began her career working in the Orange County School System, where she specialized in separate setting classrooms. During this time, she gained extensive experience working with students on a wide range of communication needs, including articulation, verbal and alternative communication, and augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices. She also used animal therapy and sign language as tools to motivate and encourage functional communication for her students.

With over 18 years of experience, Sharon has honed her expertise in treating children with expressive and receptive language disorders, delays, articulation/phonological disorders, autism, and AAC needs.She has worked with individuals of all ages, and her most recent experience involves treating younger children with varying disabilities. She is deeply passionate about helping others and working to improve their communication skills..

Outside of her professional life, Sharon is a proud mother to a daughter and two sons. She cherishes spending time with her family and her two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys watching baseball, gardening, and creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Sharon is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with, both professionally and personally.

 

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Contact - sharon@speechstarsnc.com

 

​Beth Surface, Office Manager

 

Beth serves as one of our dedicated Office Managers at the Caswell County office. Before joining the Speech Stars family, she developed her leadership skills as a Team Lead at Energy Dynamics. A lifelong resident of Caswell County, Beth is deeply passionate about her local community and thrilled to contribute to Speech Stars' mission.

In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her son at his sports events, singing at church alongside her husband, and spending quality time with family through camping and boating adventures.

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Contact - beth@speechstarsnc.com

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Brittany Knight, Office Manager

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Brittany is one of our Office Managers, based in our Mebane office! Prior to joining Speech Stars, she worked in banking as well as other administrative assistant positions. She is a Speech Stars parent, and understands the ins and outs of having children who receive speech-language therapy! She has always lived in Alamance County, is passionate about the local community, and excited to be part of our Speech Stars family! Brittany currently lives in Haw River with her husband and three children.

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Contact - brittany@speechstarsnc.com

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Leah Yarbrough, Jr. Admin Assistant

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Leah is from  Caswell County, and is a freshman at Bartlett Yancey High School. She is interested in speech language pathology as a future career path. She is excited to shadow, and assist the therapists at Speech Stars. 

Outside of school, Leah is a competitive dancer. She enjoys spending time with her family,  and friends.