Jacklyn, owner of Carolina Speak Now, received her M.Ed. in Communication Disorders from North Carolina Central University. She is a certified bilingual (Spanish/English) speech language pathologist. Her experience spans from birth to death. She has experience working with children with a variety of disabilities such as childhood cancer, deafness, autism, Down syndrome, motor speech disorder and developmental delays. In 2013 and 2014 she spent several weeks working in a community clinic in Orizaba, Mexico providing speech and language evaluations and therapy to the needy. After her experiences in Mexico, she returned to the US and co-founded Te Acompaño, a non-profit service organization, based in Orizaba, Mexico which provides education and medical resources to the deaf population of the area.

Jacklyn is professionally active, providing workshops and lectures at various conventions. She has a passion for working with families and collaborating with other professionals to provide optimal patient-centered therapy. Jacklyn also enjoys traveling and learning new languages

Abbey Johnson calls Pittsboro, NC home. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's in Psychology. She then attended North Carolina Central University where she earned her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology. During her time at NCCU, Abbey participated in a specialty track including additional coursework and received specialized training in the areas of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), cultural and linguistic diversity, conducting research, and early intervention. Clinical experience ranges from private clinics, school systems, and hospital settings.

Abbey has experience working with a number of different diagnoses and disorders, including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, Cerebral Palsy, receptive and expressive language delays, intellectual disabilities, phonological disorders, articulation disorders, and with the deaf and hard of hearing population.

Abbey has worked very closely with Autism and AAC on building necessary language skills, because she believes everyone has a voice. She loves creating new materials that are specific to each child. Abbey has a strong passion for the pediatric population and believes therapy should encompass an interdisciplinary approach and fully believes it is a team effort that includes the parents. Also, one of her core beliefs is the importance of providing culturally and linguistically diverse services that is tailored to the client.

Andrew earned his M.Ed. in Communication Disorders from North Carolina Central University, where he specialized as a bilingual (Spanish/English) clinician. He has experience working with individuals throughout the age span and in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, daycares, public schools, and in the home. A substantial portion of his graduate clinical experience involved assessing and providing intervention for Spanish-English bilingual children with speech and language disorders. His primary area of interest is providing early identification and intervention services for the Spanish-English bilingual population. Andrew firmly believes in an individualized and interactive treatment approach in which close collaboration between the clinician, parents, other family members and caregivers, and the community at large is essential to create an optimal environment a child to build his or her communication skills and maximize their potential.

Andrew firmly believes in an individualized and interactive treatment approach in which close collaboration between the clinician, parents, other family members and caregivers, and the community at large is essential to create an optimal environment a child needs to build his or her communication skills and maximize their potential.

April was born and raised in the Raleigh, NC area. She is a mother of 3 girls, ages 9, 17, and 20. She holds a valid NC licensure and is working towards ASHA-certification. She received a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from East Carolina University in May 2023 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders from Utah State University in 2016. April studied in Guadalajara, Mexico while completing Master of Arts in Spanish from Middlebury College in 2010. April is a Meredith College graduate, earning a Bachelor’s in Spanish and minor in Marketing in 2002. April’s interests are varied, but she especially enjoys working with children with language delays and social pragmatic disorders as well as with all ages of individuals with cognitive disabilities.

April has clinical experience working with school-aged children in the Wake County school system, providing therapy for children and adolescents ages 2-20 in private practice and a specialized medical clinic, as well as treating adults suffering from traumatic brain impairments in the community and in a post-acute rehab facility. She has worked with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, various developmental, cognitive, and intellectual disorders, such as Downs and Angelman’s syndrome, and children with language and articulatory delay or phonological disorders. She has also developed, customized, and implemented bilingual Alternative Augmentative Communication systems.

April specializes in working with preschool children in English and/ or Spanish to encourage language development and improve overall communication between the child and his/ her caretakers. Therapy is play-based, because play is the vehicle through which children experience the world and learn about life. April believes in keeping therapy fun, engaging, and relevant to the child’s needs and family’s goals. She uses a hybrid child-led approach and emphasizes interdisciplinary cooperation between all therapists and family members.

April is Red Cross certified for Healthcare CPR/ First Aid. April is upbeat and active in the community. She loves making new friends! She enjoys singing, dancing, and attending venues with live music and art. She recently began running Spartan races and hopes to complete her first half-marathon this fall. She loves animals of all types and has several pets, including 2 cats, fish, and a bearded dragon.

Candese Callender is originally from Bridgetown, Barbados but has lived in Fayetteville, NC the majority of her life. Candese graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and gained extensive experience in the field working at the Department of Social Services. In May 2009, Candese graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Candese is very passionate about working with children and in understanding how they learn and develop. She has also earned a Master’s in Education for Child Development.

Elisha has had the privilege of working as a bilingual therapist with children and their families for the past two and half years and also has six years of experience in early intervention and ten years of work history in mental health and working with behaviorally challenged adolescents. He uses an interactive therapeutic style which appeals and is appreciated by children.

Elisha believes that the word therapy is all encompassing and that the success of therapy seriously depends on the synergistic collaboration of parents and the therapist. He firmly believes that the inclusion of other caretakers and the community as a whole in caring for a child promotes progress and facilitates the effort. Elisha cherishes knowing you and your child and is excited to have the opportunity to work towards one main goal, helping your child meet his or her developmental needs. He is also fluent in Spanish, French and four Ghanaian idioms.

Liz graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with her Master of Science in 1999. Post- graduation, she embarked on a career in early intervention. Using the coaching model of intervention, Liz has spent over 2 decades supporting families in helping their children meet the goals set in the areas of feeding and communication. Liz believes in building relationships and using a strengths-based approach to intervention.

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Her professional journey led her on many paths, including interim professor, author, advocate, and public speaker. When a loved one was diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Liz immersed herself in learning about and then teaching others about this lifelong, irreversible, neuro-developmental disability. She is dedicated to increasing worldwide awareness and supporting prevention through education.

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Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Liz has resided in California and Pennsylvania and is now excited to call Western North Carolina home. When not working, Liz spends time enjoying the outdoors hiking, kayaking, and fishing with her husband, two grown daughters, and their rescue dog.

Evelyn is from Asheboro, NC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State University. She attended North Carolina Central University, where she earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Evelyn has clinical experience working in pediatric private practice and public schools.

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Evelyn has experience working with children with developmental delays, expressive/receptive language delays, phonological and articulation disorders, autism, and children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is excited to return to Randolph County and work with clients and caregivers from underserved communities.

Iain is a born-and-raised Durhamite who has lived in North Carolina all his life, and earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications Studies from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His field is in business-to-business communication and coordination with customers and clients, and is adept at using and learning many forms of technology to enhance his productivity.

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Jasmyne recently moved to Charlotte, NC. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia State University in 2021. Jasmyne has gained extensive experience in the education and healthcare setting. Jasmyne has experience with children from birth through adolescence. Additionally, she has worked with neurotypical and neurodivergent children with total communication and/or AAC devices, ESOL, and American Sign Language.

Jasmyne is passionate about educating others and playing a pivotal role in the growth and development of children and their families. She lives by the motto, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Jasmyne desires to see children and youth reach their full potential in expressing themselves with their voices and meeting their developmental needs. Jasmyne is excited about working with children and families of all backgrounds and cultures.

Jennifer Juarez earned her M.Ed. in Communication Disorders with honors from North Carolina Central University. She specialized as a bilingual (Spanish/English) speech-language pathologist. More than half of her graduate clinical experience focused on assessment and treatment of bilingual children and adults with speech and language disorders. Jennifer’s last internship included collaborating with service providers to help rule out a language difference versus a language disorder among multilingual students in the Durham Public School District.

Juan José is originally from Santiago, Dominican Republic, but moved to the United States at the age of 15 years. He obtained his B.S. in Sciences and Communication Disorders from the  University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He obtained his M.S. in Science Communication and Disorders at North Carolina Central University with a specialization in bilingual therapy (Spanish / English).
 

During his clinical practices, Juan José has had the experience of working with clients with different disorders and diagnoses, such as: delays in receptive and expressive language, autism spectrum disorder, phonological disorders, developmental delays, and disorders of the joint. Juan José has also worked with people who need AAC devices for communicating.

Juan José believes in helping people and their families and making a positive impact on the lives of my clients by improving their speaking, language, and communication skills. Juan José feels that this is a truly rewarding field where you can make a difference.

Kara is originally from upstate NY but has spent most of her life in Raleigh and Cary, NC. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and earned a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Vanderbilt University. She also enjoyed studying and working abroad in France during her college years and learning about bilingualism. She worked with a Spanish interpreter in her first clinical year.

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Kara has over 20 years of experience working with children, including those with autism, specific language impairment, oral-motor disorders, apraxia of speech, phonological disorders, or English as a second language. She has extensive experience with sign language and sensory integration, and she has spent the majority of her career working in Early Intervention.

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Kara likes to work closely with parents to identify why their child may be having trouble communicating and to develop simple ways during their everyday lives to improve their child’s speech and language skills. She strives to provide speech and language therapy services in a child’s daily activities and routines. As an SLP, she cares very much about her kids and their families, and she truly enjoys building relationships with them.

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When she’s not at work, Kara enjoys cheering for the Carolina Tarheels, spoiling her two dogs, playing pickleball, or playing Wii games with her two teenage boys.

Katherine graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She earned her M.S. in Communication Science and Disorders from North Carolina Central University, graduating summa cum laude with specialization in bilingual service delivery.

She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan assessing and treating articulation/phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language delays/impairments, dysphagia, TBIs, and dementia. Katherine also had the pleasure of working closely with families and other professionals (physical therapists/occupational therapists/teachers) to support individuals with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

She is excited to continue working closely with caregivers, families, other
clinicians/professionals, and the community to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services for underserved communities.

LaToya is an administrative professional and certified librarian. Her expertise includes processes creation and documentation, project, and task management. Tech-savvy and ambitious, she has an advanced skill set in many popular productivity web applications and software including Google Workspace, ClickUp, and Mixmax.

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A five-time college graduate with Masters degrees in Library & Information Studies and Adult Education, LaToya spent over a decade in public libraries and is a long-time member of several professional organizations including the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). She is an avid reader, writer, and poet who enjoys active learning, pop culture, Atlanta United, and spending time with her close-knit family.

Nikki is a proud Durhamite who earned her M.Ed. in Communication Disorders at North Carolina Central University and her BA in Psychology and BA in German from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has received extensive training as an LMBT in body-based sensory-motor interventions such as Craniosacral Therapy and Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration that help target additional complications of trauma, ADHD, and autism.

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Nikki has worked extensively across the lifespan with individuals with a wide variety of speech-language and communication disorders and has specialized in working with populations with autism, genetic disorders, complex communication disorders/medical fragility, trauma, and social skills difficulties. Her passion is in early intervention/preschool intervention and working with adults with developmental disabilities. She is a strong advocate for family-centered services, especially in underserved populations, and believes that finding joy and success in learning is a human right that every client can access, regardless of the severity or obstacles they are facing.

Paige attended East Carolina University and received an undergraduate degree with dual majors in Philosophy and Political Science. She also took excess coursework in psychology at Fayetteville State University. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she worked in the Cumberland County School System as a substitute teacher for two years. In 2013, she received her graduate degree, a Masters in Speech Language Pathology from North Carolina Central University, and currently specializes in early intervention. She has experience working with motor speech disorders, language delay, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and articulation/phonological processing disorders and stuttering. Paige is licensed with the North Carolina Board of Examiners and is Certified Clinically Competent by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Patrick has over a decade of experience working in the BPO industry. He is adept at communicating with commercial clients, including those in the healthcare, marketing, sales, and recruitment communities. Proficient at managing and planning, he excels at managing client communications with timely and in-depth responses.

Rebecca earned her master's degree in Communication Disorders from North Carolina Central University, graduating summa cum laude in 2014. Her pediatric background specializes in serving children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, expressive and receptive language delays, and articulation disorders.

Rebecca believes in developing personalized strategies tailored to each individual child and family in order to improve and maximize overall functioning and meaningful communication. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association and is licensed by the Board of North Carolina.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Rebecca enjoys spending time in the NC sunshine with her school-aged son and identical twin daughters, tackling DIY projects with her husband, and caring for animal rescues on their small farm. 

Robin graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor's in Speech Pathology and Audiology. From there, she gained hands-on experience working as a behavioral technician assisting the neurotypical and neurodivergent pediatric population, providing one-on-one intervention to help them learn social, communication, and daily living skills. Continuing her experience with children, she worked as a preparatory teacher, developing engaging work and play-based learning scenarios for various ages.

Outside of her professional life, Robin is a North Carolina native who finds joy in exploring her state through hiking on weekends and attending summer festivals. Her personal interests, such as these, reflect her commitment to continuous learning and growth, which she also brings to her professional endeavors.

Rosa Rodriguez was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and lived in Manhattan before moving to Raleigh in 2008 with her husband and daughters. A graduate of Fayetteville Technical College, she has worked in the field of speech-language pathology (SLP-Assistant) and as an interpreter for many years. She has practiced in public schools as well as private homes and clinics. Rosa has also worked with children of all ages and cultural backgrounds and specializes in making her clients feel at ease throughout the therapy process and has also worked with individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, selective mutism, as well as intellectual, social-emotional and developmental delays and deficits. 

Her warm and innate ability to connect with the children and their families encourages them to keep working towards their goals while her creativity makes it fun. Rosa’s goal as an SLP-Assistant is to help her clients achieve their speech and language goals because she understands that communication and comprehension are essential to our human experience. 

During her free time, Rosa enjoys trips to the beach, collecting seashells, cooking and baking, painting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Sarah earned her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University, with an emphasis in bilingual speech-language pathology, and her bachelor’s degree in Spanish Linguistics from UNC Chapel Hill. She is a certified bilingual (English/Spanish) speech-language pathologist.

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Most of her graduate clinical experience was in assessing and treating bilingual (Spanish-English) children with speech and language disorders. She has experience in public schools assessing and treating culturally and linguistically diverse children with communication disorders, including articulation delays/disorders, language delays/disorders, autism, apraxia, fluency disorders, and AAC.

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Sarah is passionate about providing early intervention services to bilingual populations. She believes in the positive impact of natural learning environments and collaborating with families and professionals to provide patient-centered services that align with families’ needs and values.

During her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling, going on walks with her dogs, and spending time with friends and family.

Sendy is originally from Cali, Colombia and is a native Spanish speaker. She moved to the US where she’s lived in Illinois and North Carolina. After earning an Associate Degree in General Education and Panoltia Interpreter for Educators Certification she went on to pursue an Associate in Applied Science degree in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

Serena Haller is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist licensed in North Carolina and California. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and Psychology and a Master of Science in Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences from the University of Montana. She has clinical experience working with adult and pediatric populations in private clinics, school systems, and hospitals. She aspires to help individuals realize their communicative potential by establishing a highly individualized plan of care to improve their quality of life and daily functions. She employs evidence-based therapeutic methods of the highest quality, integrating a multidisciplinary approach that considers family objectives and incorporates insights from the therapist. Child-led therapy approaches are used to promote fun and engagement throughout therapy sessions.

Serena has experience assisting individuals with diverse abilities and challenges, including receptive and expressive language delays, auditory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, stuttering impairment, voice impairment, aphasia, intellectual disabilities, apraxia of speech, and speech-sound disorders.

Outside work, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, making art, exploring/traveling, and participating in community events.

Victoria earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University - Tempe. Since then, she has gained experience working in natural environments, public schools, and private outpatient care. She has experience working with individuals of all ages with articulation/phonological delays and disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, Pragmatics, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD/ADD, and Down syndrome.

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Victoria is committed to helping individuals learn how to improve speech, language, and communication skills. She believes in making therapy fun and functional to help individuals achieve their goals.

Victoria enjoys spending her free time with her family, dog, reading, and being outside in the sunshine!

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 and treated individuals with a variety of disorders including: articulation disorders, language delays, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, social skills deficits, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, hearing impairments, and fluency. She has worked in a variety of settings that included: an elementary school, outpatient rehabilitation, bilingual clinic, and in the home. She also had experiences providing accent modification services to adults who speak English as a second language. 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.

Growing up in two different cultures, Yi-Ting has an appreciation to bring and adopt different perspectives when interacting and working with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Her goal is to serve and provide resources to underserved families and children who otherwise may lack awareness and access to the specific services they need.