Our Team

Amy Marx

Amy is from Erie, Pennsylvania and has lived in Charlotte for 32 years. She graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Biology and a BS in Physical Therapy from Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis. Amy has been treating the pediatric population for over 30 years especially children with neurological and genetic disorders, torticollis, plagiocephaly, hypotonia, gross motor delays, complex regional pain syndrome and post-concussion syndrome. Amy has been married for 30 years and has 3 children in their 20's. Her career and life goals are to maintain her career in physical therapy, learn more each day and share her knowledge and happiness with others! Fun fact: Amy is a dog lover and has a puppy named Archie.

Beth Whetstone

Beth is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in high-level care for infants and kids with complex medical needs. Her passion for family-centered care is deeply personal. As an Ohio State graduate (and big Buckeyes fan), she brings that same vibrant energy to her practice. As a former NICU mama of triplets, she truly understands the complex medical journey and walks alongside families with genuine warmth and empathy. Beth pairs her lived experience with advanced clinical expertise. She is a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) and a Certified Neuro-Developmental Therapist (C/NDT). Her extensive training includes cardiorespiratory care, pediatric craniosacral therapy, developmental orthopedics, kinesiotape application, trauma-informed care, and advanced manual therapies like myofascial release and Total Motion Release. She is trained in the application of TheraTogs. She has been a teaching assistant for Dr. Mary Massery and NDT courses. When she isn't supporting families, Beth loves spending time outdoors with her husband and kids — and cheering on the Buckeyes!

Chris Paul

Chris is originally from Stone Mountain, GA which is right outside of Atlanta. He graduated from Wingate University with his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science in 2019. He loved it so much he decided to stay and also get his DPT degree from Wingate in 2023. Chris always knew he wanted to go into pediatrics, so after he finished his time at Early Bird as a student PT, he was thrilled to come on full time after obtaining his license. Chris loves working at Early Bird not only because he gets to work with amazing kiddos from various backgrounds and with varying needs, but he also gets to work and learn from other amazing coworkers! Fun fact: Chris is a first generation American as his father is from Trinidad and Tobago and his mother is from Jamaica. They moved to the US for college and have instilled in Chris the importance of continuous learning.

Jennifer Gottlieb

Jennifer Gottlieb is originally from Durham, NC. She graduated from East Carolina University in 1993 with a BS degree in physical therapy. She has worked exclusively in pediatrics in a variety of settings including: NICU, pediatric rehab hospital, outpatient clinic, early intervention and home health. Jennifer has experience with a multitude of neurodevelopmental disorders including cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, spina bifida, torticollis, and developmental delay. Jennifer has received advanced training in NDT facilitation, premature infants, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders, total motion release and aquatic therapy. She has also presented at the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Conference on the topic of physical therapy treatment after selective dorsal rhizotomy in children with cerebral palsy. Jennifer enjoys working with children and their families and assisting the children to achieve their maximal potential regarding their motor development. In her free time, Jennifer loves to spend family time with her husband and three teenage children. She enjoys soccer, hiking and reading.

Karen Charlton

Karen received her Master of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 1987 and completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 2019. Karen has been treating children of all ages in the Charlotte area for over 37 years. Her specialized trainings include: Neurodevelopmental Training (NDT), Myofascial Release (MFR), Craniosacral Therapy (CST), Total Motion Release (TMR), TOTS Training, Reflex Integration Certification, Kinesiotaping, Orthotic Management, and Body Work for Babies. Karen served as an adjunct faculty member at Central Piedmont Community College in the PTA program, and she is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Educator. Karen now utilizes her full body approach to evaluate and treat children 0-3 years of age, specializing in babies with Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Oral Ties, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Hypotonia, and many other genetic and neurological disorders. Karen enjoys working with the babies and their families, providing education and helpful tips to make life easier and to help the baby reach his/her full potential. Karen spends her time outside of work with her husband, children, grandchildren, and special Shih Tzu, Barkley; practicing and teaching yoga, and playing Pickleball.

Kassi Rose

Kassi was born in Vermont but spent most of her childhood in NC. She moved to Charlotte in 2012 and has treated pediatrics for her full career in outpatient and hippotherapy settings. She got her BS degree in Biomedical Engineering at NC State and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at East Carolina University. Kassi has done advanced training in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Level C as well as additional coursework in kinesiology taping, orthotics, and use of focal and whole body vibration. Kassi currently lives in uptown Charlotte with her husband and daughter. In her spare time, Kassi plays board games, reads books, and attends musicals and local sports.

Kimmie Ayres

Kimmie is from a small rural town in North Carolina but has lived in Charlotte for 3 years. She moved with her husband and dogs after obtaining her Doctor of Physical Therapy from UNC Chapel Hill (Go Heels!). Kimmie really enjoys treating across the lifespan and works for Early Bird as well as in the hospital with adults. She has had pediatric experience in schools, clinic settings, home health, and inpatient rehab. She has special interests in neurologic diagnoses (Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, etc), however, she happily treats any child based on their specific needs and interests. In her free time she enjoys playing and being with her family, trying new hobbies, and traveling.

Neeve Graham

Neeve is thrilled to join Early Bird as a newly graduated PT! Neeve earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia. She also completed the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (VA-LEND) program, which further strengthened her commitment to interdisciplinary, family-centered care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her clinical interests include neurodevelopmental disabilities and holistic pediatric care that addresses each child's physical, emotional, and social well-being. She is passionate about developing meaningful, individualized treatment plans that empower children to build confidence, gain independence, and fully participate in their everyday lives. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys running, traveling, cooking, and practicing yoga. She is grateful for the opportunity to join the Early Bird team and looks forward to partnering with children and their families throughout their developmental journey.

Melanie Seeley

Dr. Melanie Rae Seeley, PT, DPT, MPT, is a pediatric physical therapist with over 25 years of experience serving children and families across home, community, and outpatient settings. She earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Old Dominion University and later completed her clinical doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2024. Melanie grew up in New York City and spent a large portion of her career practicing in Hawaii before moving to the Charlotte area in 2018. She specializes in working with individuals with complex neurological, developmental, cardiopulmonary, genetic, and orthopedic conditions. She has a special interest in the neurological processing of sensory input and how sensory systems impact movement. Her treatment approach integrates Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), sensory integration, and advanced manual therapy techniques including myofascial release (MFR), craniosacral therapy, and visceral manipulation. Melanie focuses heavily on helping each individual reach personalized meaningful goals within their daily environments. In her spare time, she enjoys being a mom to her two teenage children, biking, hiking, and yoga.

Nathalie VanFossen

Nathalie was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada and she moved to the Carolinas at age 4. She graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a BS in Health Promotion and Kinesiology in 1999 and an Associates Degree from the PT Assistant program at CPCC in 2002. She enjoys working with children with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. She and her husband Ty have two boys, Mason and Micah. She enjoys watching her boys play baseball and running.

Shawna Cary-Coleman

Shawna graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a BS in Psychology and BS in Exercise and Sports Science, then graduated in 2002 from East Carolina University with a Masters in Physical Therapy. Shawna has provided pediatric physical therapy since graduating and specializes in the birth to 3 years old population. She was born in Pittsburgh but was raised in Albemarle, North Carolina, 45 minutes outside of Charlotte. Shawna enjoys her time outside of work with her husband, two children, and two dogs. Her family lives on the lake and loves all things swimming, boating, paddle boarding, fishing, and tubing!

Alexa Brooks

Alexa grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee and has been enjoying Charlotte since moving here the summer of 2021 after she completed OT school. Alexa completed her Bachelor's at Tennessee State University and received her Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. She enjoys all ages but loves working on executive functioning skills, sensory motor skills, and emotional regulation. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, gardening, trying new restaurants, hiking, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Alisha McCanney

Alisha was born and raised in the small town of Camden, New York. She graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Biology in 2009 and from Utica College with a M.S. in Occupational Therapy in 2011. Also in 2011, she relocated to Charlotte, NC and started practicing as a pediatric occupational therapist in the outpatient setting. Alisha is a National Board Certified Occupational Therapist. Throughout her 15 years of experience she has obtained specialties in many areas of pediatric occupational therapy treatment. She has expertise in sensory processing, particularly the vestibular, visual, and auditory systems. Alisha is a Certified Therapeutic Listening provider and has completed the Astronaut Training Program, which focuses on enhancing sensory processing to improve balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and attention in children. She has expanded her focus to pediatric feeding challenges and is an AEIOU-trained therapist, which is a child-centered, developmental approach that considers each child's unique sensory, motor, and behavioral needs when treating feeding challenges. In her spare time, Alisha enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and dog, Jeter.

Cameron Takes

Cameron is a full-time occupational therapist with Early Bird. She was raised in Mooresville, North Carolina. She received her BA in Psychology from North Carolina State University in 2021 and her Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2023. Cameron's special interests include feeding therapy, sensory integration, fine and visual motor difficulties, primitive reflex integration, and executive functioning. She is passionate about working collaboratively with children and families to reach their goals and meet their full potential. Cameron enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her poodle, Tina.

Charlotte Yost

Charlotte earned her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from West Virginia University in 2018 and moved to Charlotte shortly after graduation. She has worked with children and families across a variety of pediatric settings and loves helping kids build confidence, independence, and functional skills through play-based therapy. Charlotte's areas of expertise include sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, fine motor development, visual motor skills, self-care skills, attention and regulation, and overall childhood development. She enjoys empowering children and their families by helping them build the skills and confidence needed to participate more fully in their everyday lives. She is also certified in equine-assisted therapy and enjoys incorporating movement and connection into therapy whenever possible. Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, being outdoors, home projects, and reading whenever she has spare time!

Christine Magee

Courtney Stanley

Courtney received a BA in Psychology (2006) and Master's in Occupational Therapy (2008) from East Carolina University. She's one of rare locals, and is from Matthews. She has 9 years of experience as a pediatric Occupational therapist, and 8 years in clinic based practice. She has certifications in Early Intervention, Handwriting Without Tears®, Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding™ (SOS). She has experience treating and especially enjoys working with children with Autism and other developmental delays, Down Syndrome, sensory processing disorders, feeding difficulties, motor planning difficulties, handwriting difficulties, fine motor and visual perceptual delays or difficulties. She has 2 young girls, and enjoys empowering parents and families to help their children thrive. She also enjoys music, and incorporates it into her sessions as often as she can.

Dana Sheriffe

Dana is from Buffalo, NY and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY in 2003. After volunteering with the Stony Brook University Medical Center Occupational Therapy Department and UCP Children's Learning Center of Cheektowaga, NY, Dana fell in love with the field of occupational therapy. She graduated from the New York Institute of Technology in Long Island, NY with her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2006. Following graduation, she worked as a school-based therapist with the New York City Department of Education until October 2012. Additionally, Dana has worked in sensory based clinics and performed home care visits for the New York City Early Intervention program. Dana has experience and training in Handwriting Without Tears, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, Interactive Metronome, the SOS Approach to Feeding, and is working towards completing her certification in the administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests. Dana's outlook on home-based therapy has changed since recently becoming a mother of two. She strives to fully understand the challenges her families face and collaboratively works to develop effective, sensible and fun ways to support her clients' participation in their daily activities. Dana enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter, and relaxes with arts and crafts in her spare time.

Devin Harrison

Jessica Jennings

Jessica Jennings is a full time Occupational Therapist with Early Bird who covers the Steele Creek and surrounding South Charlotte areas. She is a born and raised Florida girl who has lived in the Charlotte area since 2014. She graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from Florida Gulf Coast University and in 2010 with a Master's of Occupational Therapy degree from University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Jessica has a passion for pediatrics with experience in hospital based, outpatient based, NICU and home health settings. Her certifications and areas of interest include Interactive Metronome, Astronaut Training, Therasuit Method, behavior and self-regulation strategies, sensory-behavioral feeding, sensory integration, visual and fine motor difficulties, handwriting, self-care and most of all improving play skills with children who have a wide range of developmental delays. Jessica also treats children ages birth to three through the Early Intervention program with the Children's Developmental Services Agency of Mecklenburg County as well as working on her Master Coach training in coaching interaction styles and natural learning environment practices through The Family, Infant and Preschool Program. The most enjoyable part of her job is getting the opportunity to work within her community and not being bound to the four walls of a clinic. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys travelling with her family and friends, spending time outdoors with her 2 dogs and practicing yoga.

Jordan Hatfield

Kaylin McKinney

Kaylin is a full-time occupational therapist with Early Bird. She has spent most of her life in the Charlotte area after moving to Waxhaw, North Carolina in 2010, and also spent part of her childhood in West Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Queens University of Charlotte, where she competed as a student-athlete, and later received her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2025. Kaylin's clinical experience includes pediatric acute care, NICU/NPCN care, adult neurorehabilitation, and experience abroad working within a public hospital system in Ecuador. Her special interests include child-led play, relationship-based care, sensory and developmental support, and helping children build autonomy, confidence, and meaningful participation within their daily routines and environments. She is passionate about supporting children and families in ways that honor each child's individual strengths, interests, and unique ways of engaging with the world. Kaylin values collaboration, curiosity, and supported problem-solving to help children and families navigate challenges in ways that feel empowering and authentic to them. Outside of work, Kaylin enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new coffee shops, playing pickleball, experiencing new places, and attending local sporting events.

Kayla Bogdan

Keira Gathers

Keira Gathers has over 20 years experience as a pediatric occupational therapist. She is originally from Idaho and graduated with her master's degree in occupational therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington in 2005. Her specialty areas of practice and certifications include early intervention, the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding, Therapeutic Listening, and certification to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT). She has experience treating children with developmental delays, executive dysfunction, feeding issues, sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, learning disorders and fine motor delays. Keira's passion is living life to the fullest and working with clients to do the same. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters while traveling, going to church, going for walks, playing tennis, playing games and spending time in the sun.

Kendall Seymour

Kendall is an OT from Ebensburg, PA with a passion for making life and learning fun. Kendall earned her Bachelors in Psychology from Duquesne University in 2015, and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Salus University in 2017. She has experience working with caregivers and clients across the entire age span. Kendall enjoys supporting children in their fine motor and visual motor development, self care development, sensory processing and self regulation skills. She incorporates her music background to work on coordination, sequencing, attention, and motor planning. Outside of work, Kendall enjoys doing puzzles, crafting, singing and playing piano, and spending time with her fiancé and son.

Mary Hunt

Michelle Taylor

Amy Carr

Amy is originally from Sonoma County, California and graduated from San Francisco State University in 2009 with her Masters in Communicative Disorders. Before graduate school she went to the University of Notre Dame where she got her B.A. in Psychology and Spanish and also met her husband, Eric. Her specialty is early intervention with Spanish-speaking preschoolers and she is PROMPT and Hanen trained in "It Takes Two to Talk". She loves traveling to California with her three young kids to visit her parents and family as well as visiting Naples Florida where her in-laws live. She also enjoys baking, trying new restaurants, yoga and running.

Andrea Guidetti

Andrea Guidetti grew up in a town just outside Boston, Massachusetts. She attended Emerson College where she received her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She then went on to pursue her master's degree at MGH Institute of Health Professions (A graduate school founded by Massachusetts General Hospital) and received her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2005. Andrea's clinical interests have always been more centered on the medical aspects of communication and swallowing disorders, working in acute care and rehab settings in both adult and pediatric hospitals in the Boston area before relocating to Charlotte NC in 2010. Upon moving to the Charlotte area Andrea has focused her work in the Early Intervention setting with Early Bird Developmental Services, specializing in pediatric feeding disorders as well as early language delays. She enjoys the dynamic of working closely with families in their natural environment, coaching caregivers and supporting the growth and progress within each child. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outside, going for a run, watching her kid's sporting events/activities, and playing ball with her dog, Buttons!

Barb Hartshorn

Barb is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and Florida State University. She comes to us with over 20 years of experience treating in outpatient hospitals, schools and private clinics. She is skilled in working with children with receptive and expressive language disorders/delays, phonological and articulation disorders, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Down Syndrome and a variety of developmental/neurological disorders. Her passion is treating children with feeding/swallowing disorders. She has received training in the SOS Approach to Feeding, Shaker Infant feeding and various Talk Tool programs. She places an emphasis on making meal time more enjoyable for the entire family. She enjoys collaborating with other professionals and the family for success with treatment. When she isn't working, Barb enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking and reading.

Carly Plotkin

Carly Plotkin received her Bachelor of Arts in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She has experience working with children from birth through young adulthood across a variety of settings and areas of need. Carly has provided services in private practice, early intervention, home health, schools, daycares, and community-based programs, allowing her to support children and families across naturalistic and educational environments. Carly specializes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, pragmatic and social communication challenges, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She also has experience supporting medically complex and medically fragile children. Carly is passionate about helping children develop functional communication skills that increase confidence, independence, and participation across daily routines and social interactions. Carly has completed advanced training in multiple AAC systems and approaches, including Words for Life, Proloquo2Go, and LAMP. She is also PROMPT trained and has completed PEERS® School-Based Professional Certification Training. Her therapy approach is individualized, evidence-based, and child-centered, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams to support meaningful progress and carryover across settings. Outside of the clinic, Carly enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors with her son, and exploring new restaurants with her family.

Christine Loucy

Christine is originally from Buffalo, NY but relocated to Charlotte in 2011 and quickly called Early Bird home. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Buffalo in 2008 and her Master of Science degree from Fredonia University in 2010. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and has taken on the role of Clinical Supervisor for the past three years. Christine has a passion for children with Autism, although loves all pediatric therapy. She enjoys out of the box therapy including walks, visiting playgrounds, cooking, obstacle courses, and arts and crafts. In addition, she finds it extremely valuable to collaborate with other service providers, teachers, families, and loves learning from others. She is a wife and mother of three beautiful girls ages 4, 2, and 1. She never has a dull moment and is always on the go!

Dawn Deslignore

Dawn was an SLP in Florida for 9 years prior to moving to the Charlotte area in February of 2017. She joined Early Bird and has been working with Early Bird ever since. Prior to her work as an SLP, Dawn was a Kindergarten teacher. Dawn specializes in feeding therapy and has a great reputation for being an incredible SLP.

Emily Anzaldi

Emily is from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a North Carolina licensed and ASHA certified speech language pathologist. Emily received her bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University and her master's in Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University. Her special interests in the field include using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, early language development, and articulation/phonological disorders. Emily has special training in gestalt language processing and utilizing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Emily enjoys using a play-based approach that is centered around her client's interests. In her spare time, Emily enjoys hiking, reading, growing plants, and playing with her dog.

Emily Fowler

Emily is originally from Birmingham, Michigan, and moved to Charlotte to complete her Clinical Fellowship with Early Bird. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Miami University and went on to receive her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. Emily's clinical interests include early language development, stuttering and fluency disorders, feeding and swallowing, and phonological/articulation disorders. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, making sourdough, exploring new coffee shops, pilates, and spending time with family and friends.

Emma Denson

Emma is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and recently relocated to Charlotte to complete her Clinical Fellowship with Early Bird! She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Harding University. She attended the University of Memphis and received her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Emma has experience working with the pediatric population in homes, daycares, schools and private clinics. Emma's special areas of interest include early language development, articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders and providing play-based therapy. In her free time, Emma enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, reading and trying out new coffee shops in town.

Hannah Guerrette

Hannah is a Speech-Language Pathologist who absolutely loves working with little ones and their families. She grew up in Northern Maine and moved to Charlotte in the spring of 2021. She has been working in the field since 2019, first as an SLP-Assistant and later as an SLP. While earning her Master's degree at Brescia University, Hannah continued working as an SLP-Assistant, which gave her valuable hands-on experience and helped shape the kind of SLP she wanted to become. Early intervention is especially close to her heart because she loves being part of those early communication milestones, from first words and new sounds to watching a child's personality shine as they find their voice. One of Hannah's favorite parts of being an SLP is getting to know the families she serves and building genuine, lasting relationships with them. She believes the best therapy happens when families feel supported, involved, and celebrated along the way. Hannah loves making therapy fun, play-based, and meaningful while finding creative ways to help each child communicate in a way that works for them. Outside of work, Hannah is a mom to her daughter, Scarlett, and they have a very energetic Siberian Husky named Wally who definitely keeps them on their toes! She loves spending time with her family, staying active, and enjoying all the little moments that make life fun. Hannah feels incredibly lucky to do a job she loves while getting to cheer on so many amazing little ones and their families!

Irene DeGangi

Irene DeGangi is originally from Staten Island New York. She moved to North Carolina in 2018. Irene received her BA in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from St. John's University in 1999. She received her MA in Deaf Education from Adelphi University in 2001 and her MA in Speech-language pathology from St. John's University in 2003. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from The American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Post graduate she has worked with children ages birth through high school, providing both school and home-based therapy. Her experiences have developed her clinical skills working with expressive and receptive language impairment, articulation and phonological disorders, developmental delays, and feeding delays. Additionally, Irene has training in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (including ABA), and pediatric motor speech disorders/apraxia (including PROMPT training), as well as training in working with children using Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices. When she's not working, Irene enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys.

Jennifer McHenry

Jennifer McHenry was born and raised in Huntersville, NC. She decided to stay in NC and graduated with both a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Carolina University. Jennifer loves supporting children's language and communication growth in a variety of settings, including schools, daycares, clinics, and homes. She has experience working with children aged 1 to 13, specializing in AAC, early language development, and articulation disorders. Jennifer enjoys building relationships with her clients and families to ensure skills carry over from therapy sessions to daily life. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys reading books or spending time with her husband and cats!

Jessica Tobin

Jessica is originally from Long Island, New York. She attended Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland for her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She moved to her favorite city, Boston, Massachusetts in 2023. There, she earned her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Hearing Sciences from Emerson College. Jessica followed her family and relocated to Charlotte in 2025, completing her Clinical Fellowship with Early Bird. She specializes in early intervention, expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based and focuses on naturalistic, play based intervention. In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading, yoga, going to baseball games and traveling.

Katherine Quackenbush

Katie Quackenbush is originally from Tampa, Florida. She moved to Charlotte in August of 2023 to enjoy cooler weather and complete her clinical fellowship with Early Bird. She received her undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and her M.S. in speech-language pathology from Auburn University (War Eagle!). Katie has experience working in hospitals, daycares, clinics, schools, and homes with both adults and children. She aims to make therapy functional, meaningful, and fun for her clients. Her clinical interests include social/pragmatic communication disorder, language delay, and working with the disability community. She is passionate about coming alongside families and other providers to maximize clinical outcomes. When she is not working, Katie enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and exploring all that Charlotte has to offer.

Kerri Poe

Kerri Poe was born and raised in the Charlotte area. She attended Appalachian State University where she received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication Disorders. She has worked in the Charlotte area for the last 20+ years. She has been lucky to have worked in a variety of populations from stroke patients and traumatic brain injury adults and children in the hospital to the school aged and preschool population in schools, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has found that her favorite population is pediatrics and loves working with them and their families. In her spare time, she really enjoys spending time with her family.

Krista Lengacher

Born and raised in small town western Pennsylvania, Krista Lengacher earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University in 2002. After graduation she moved across the country to Colorado to attend graduate school at The University of Northern Colorado, earning a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2004. Following graduation, she married and stayed in Colorado where she worked for the public school system in Denver. During her time in the schools she developed a real interest in helping the population of Latino families she served become better connected to their surrounding community. A few years passed and once again Krista found herself packing her bags for yet another long-distance move; this time to Guatemala where she immersed herself in culture and language for two years. There, she achieved her goal of becoming conversationally fluent in Spanish before returning to the states and finally settling down in Charlotte. Over the past decade she has developed a passion for the Latino culture and loves that Early Bird affords her the opportunity to help Charlotte's Latino families prepare their children with the tools they need to be successful.

Lauren Sussman

Lauren Sussman is originally from Princeton, NJ and relocated to NC in August of 2014 to enjoy the warm weather and to make a change with her husband. She is a North Carolina licensed and ASHA certified SLP. Lauren received her undergraduate degree, a B.A. in Hearing and Speech Sciences in 2008 from the University of Maryland. She received her M.A. degree from Queens College in Flushing, NY in 2010. Lauren worked as a SLP in New York, NY for four years at a special education preschool and elementary school. She enjoys working with the special education population and has always enjoyed working with students who learn in different ways. In addition, Lauren has worked with the early intervention population and has taken the first PROMPT course. In her free time she enjoys exploring restaurants, cooking and working on her new cooking blog!

Lindsay Starr

Lindsay Starr, originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, is a North Carolina licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. In 2006 she received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Milligan College where she also minored in French. She then earned a Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Missouri. Lindsay worked as a school based SLP in the Chicago area before relocating to Charlotte with her husband in 2013 where she continues to work in the school setting. Lindsay's professional areas of interest include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and developmental delays. She is trained in PECS as well as Structured TEACCHing. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys exploring her new city, taking advantage of the great weather in the southeast, and spending time with her family and friends.

Maddy Rousseaux

Maddy is a Charlotte native, who grew up going to school right down the street from the clinic, at Covenant Day School. She moved away from Charlotte to complete her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. When she's not working, she enjoys cooking, going for walks, and shopping. All of her clinical work so far has been in pediatrics, and that is where she feels the most passionate.

Maggie Bell

Maggie is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. She received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Clemson University and her Master of Education in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of Virginia. She moved to Charlotte to complete her internships and her clinical fellowship at Early Bird. Maggie has experience working with individuals across the lifespan and helping them build confidence in their communication abilities. She loves working with kids and families to help support functional communication. In her free time, you can find Maggie coaching group fitness, reading, running, or spending time with friends and family.

Maria Panagiotopoulos

Maria grew up in Atlanta and has lived in the Charlotte area for the past 12 years. She earned her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Baylor University. Maria is passionate about helping children grow in their communication and feeding skills while supporting families throughout the therapy process. Her clinical interests include articulation and phonological disorders, feeding difficulties, and early intervention services. Maria uses a client-centered, play-based approach and tailors each session to meet the individual needs of the child. She also values caregiver education and collaboration to help support progress outside of therapy sessions. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.

Pete Lyon

Pete is originally from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He graduated from Indiana University in 2000 with a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. He has been a full time therapist for over 20 years. His wife and 3 teenage kids moved to the Charlotte area in 2015 after living in the Chicago area. The family also includes 2 yappy little dogs and an antisocial cat. His philosophy is that therapy should be a fun experience where children learn through play!

Ruth Talbot Yablon

Ruth has always enjoyed her experiences working with children and adults in the home and school settings. After retiring from the New York Board of Education, her family moved to Waxhaw and then Stallings in NC and have been very happy. It's important to Ruth that her students are confident in using their language skills to function and enjoy participating in family, school and community settings. Ruth has worked with a variety of ages and children with varied speech, language, social pragmatics skills and articulation disorders. Ruth is creative and is attentive in listening to parents to help children succeed and feel secure using their new verbal and non-verbal language skills in conversations. Ruth says she is fortunate to be a Speech/Language Therapy professional, which she finds stimulating, meaningful and lots of fun.

Sarah London

Tori Jacumin

Tori earned both her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2016) and Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology (2019) from Appalachian State University. Originally from Hickory, she relocated to Charlotte and joined Early Bird upon graduation. Tori holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. She has experience across a variety of clinical settings and especially enjoys supporting early language development, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and the evaluation and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Tori values a collaborative approach to care and enjoys partnering with other service providers and teachers to support each child's success across environments. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog — whether on family walks, hiking adventures, traveling, or making memories with friends and loved ones.

Vicky Tsakas

Vicky has been with Early Bird since August 2023. She grew up in High Point, NC and moved to Charlotte in 2023 from NYC. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, baking homemade desserts, and embracing the balance between the two. Vicky specializes in infant feeding and lactation support and feeding therapy for medically complex children. Advanced Certifications include: Certified Lactation Counselor, Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants, SOS approach to feeding, SOS advanced workshop – helping children transition off of supplemental tube feedings, Feeding Management of Infants with Tracheostomies, Functional Assessment and Remediation of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs). She received a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics with a minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned a Master of Science degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University.

Wende Toth

Wende Toth was born and raised in Schenectady, NY. After high school she attended and graduated from the State University of New York College at Geneseo with a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences in May of 1998. She also graduated from Western Illinois University with a master's degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences in May of 2000. She enjoys the field of Speech-Language Pathology for its ever changing challenges and opportunities. Throughout her career she has enjoyed working with children of all ages, from toddlers to high school students. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, especially at the beach or lake.

Whitney Miller

Whitney Miller is from Mooresville. She moved to Charlotte in 2010 from Wilmington, where she worked in a private practice serving children from 2 to 18 years old. Whitney graduated from UNC Greensboro with a bachelor of science in Communication Science and Disorders in 2007. She attended Appalachian State University for graduate school where she graduated with a master's degree in Communication Disorders in 2009. While working with the pediatric population for the past four years, she attended the PROMPT course developed by Deborah Hayden and the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding course developed by Kay Toomey. She also has experience using eye gaze systems with augmentative communication devices and enjoys the variety of her caseload. In her free time, Whitney enjoys being active outdoors and spending time with her husband at the Whitewater Center.

Lisa Cook

Audrey Pearlman

Carmen Wood

Andrea Sappenfield

Jennifer Brickman

Tabitha Wallace

Barb Hartshorn

Randi Smith

Andy Fisher

Kassi Rose