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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 Amazing Team of Therapists!
OWNER & FOUNDER
Leslie R. Giambrone, Speech-Language Pathologist
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)
Office Support Team
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.
Pediatric Physical Therapy Team
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.
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.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Team
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.
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.
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.
Pediatric Speech Therapy Team
Caroline Brannon
Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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CLINIC LOCATION
111 Kilson Drive Suite 104
Mooresville, NC 28117
Telephone: (980) 317-0985
Fax: 704-360-4467
