Access Speech Therapy was founded by Leigh Christian, M.S., CCC-SLP. Leigh graduated from East Carolina University in 2003 with her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is licensed in the state of NC to provide speech-language services and holds a certificate of clinical competency from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Since graduating, Leigh has had the privilege of working with pediatrics as well as geriatrics in child care facilities, schools, homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. Through her vast experience in evaluating and treating individuals with speech and language disorders, she has developed a passion for working with the pediatric population, by watching them progress and succeed.
Aliya graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a B.S. in Speech Pathology and received her M.ED. from North Carolina Central University. She has a particular interest in early literacy skills/phonological awareness, social skills, and fluency disorders. Aliya has worked in many different settings including rehabilitation, public schools, and Early intervention. Her clinical experience includes work with children with Developmental Delays, Autism, Language-Based Literacy Disorders, Fluency Disorder, and Articulation/Phonological Disorders. In addition to her clinical experience, Aliya has provided Clinical Supervision to graduate students pursuing their Master’s at North Carolina Central University and has been a Clinical Fellowship Mentor. It is working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and other professionals to maximize young children’s communication and literacy skills that Aliya enjoys most about being a speech pathologist. Aliya is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.
Carmen graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. She then went on to obtain her Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University. Since graduation she has been providing services within the pediatric population. She has gained experience serving children with various disorders while working with many military families. Her experience includes, but is not limited to: Articulation Disorders, Language Disorders, Developmental Delay, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fluency and Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She also has experience in the area of literacy. Carmen feels a child’s progression is heavily impacted by the collaboration among each person involved in the child’s life including parents, siblings and teachers. She enjoys utilizing multi-sensory approaches during treatment in order to enhance a child’s learning. Carmen particularly enjoys watching a child progress through therapy. Carmen holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and is licensed by the state of North Carolina.
Carol graduated from St. John’s University in New York with a B.S. in Speech Pathology and received her Masters of Science from Adelphi University in New York. She was born in New York and has lived in North Carolina for 4 ½ years. She is married and is the mother of four children ranging in ages from 17 to 4. Carol has worked in many different settings including rehabilitation, public schools in New York and North Carolina and Early intervention. Her clinical experience includes working with children with Developmental Delays, Autism, Language-Based Disorders, Fluency Disorder and Articulation/Phonological Disorders. She has experience with feeding therapy and augmentative communication. In addition to her clinical experience, Carol has provided Clinical Supervision to graduate students pursuing their Master’s degree in New York. Carol enjoys working with families to help their child become effective communicators.
Carol is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.
Donna received her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences & Disorders from East Carolina University in 2011. She has been an Instructor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Supervisor for the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders and Dyslexia Program at the East Carolina University Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic. Her expertise is in the areas of language disorders, dyslexia, and reading science. She has done extensive research involving children with expressive language delay (late talkers) as well as those with language and reading disorders. Her clinical experience includes working in a multitude of settings with the pediatric population doing comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment since graduating with her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders in 2004. She has experience with expressive language delay, developmental delays, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, language disorders, reading disorders, autism, Down syndrome, fluency, apraxia of speech, and more. Donna feels that her clinical experience has given her an understanding of many disorders and trained her to be flexible in her treatment strategies. Her experience has also shown her the importance of knowing the research behind current practices. She feels that early intervention is the key to continued success in all areas of language. She enjoys working with families and other care providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to therapy. Donna holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and is licensed by the state of North Carolina.
Melissa graduated from Appalachian State University with both a B.S. and M.A in communication disorders. She has experience working with children with a variety of communication disorders including articulation/phonological processing disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, developmental delays, Autism spectrum disorders, feeding disorders, and fluency disorders. She has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, homes, daycare settings, schools, and hospitals. Melissa is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and young son.
Kellye grew up in Raleigh, NC. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Appalachian State University with a B.S. degree in Communication Disorders. She then went on to pursue her M.S. degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at East Carolina University. Kellye's past internships have included clinical experiences at a school and hospital including both inpatient/outpatient rehab. She has a particular interest in the early intervention population, as well as interests in childhood apraxia of speech, articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders, and feeding/oral motor disorders. Kellye has some experience with Picture Communication Exchange System and knows basic sign language. Kellye enjoys working with parents, service coordinators, teachers, and other disciplines to help children achieve their fullest potential. She has her certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the North Carolina Board of
Karyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from North Carolina State University and attended East Carolina University for her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She has extensive experience providing articulation and language therapy to preschool and school-aged children with various disorders, such as speech and language deficits, developmental delays, articulation disorders, apraxia of speech, and autism. Karyn specializes in articulation therapy and early language intervention. She strives to make therapy as fun and interactive as possible for the child using play-based intervention and language immersion. One of her objectives is to incorporate family members and other professionals in the therapy process to enhance speech and language skills outside of the therapy sessions. She finds it extremely rewarding to help each child progress to his or her greatest potential! Karyn has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and is licensed by the board of North Carolina.
Lisa graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and received her M.S. degree from James Madison University. She has vast experience of working as an SLP in the public school system as well as experience working in the Early Intervention setting. Lisa’s clinical experiences have involved working with young children, preschoolers, and elementary school-aged children with primary and related speech-language impairments (i.e., children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, hearing impairments, etc.) . Her areas of interest include articulation/phonological impairments, social skills, and working with children with related impairments. She is currently licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Lisa enjoys working as a Speech-Language Pathologist, especially when children have that “Eureka!” moment- the moment that they truly understand a concept and want to share it with others.
Jessica is originally from Storrs, Connecticut. She received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology (1999) and Communication Disorders (2003) from the University of Connecticut. After beginning her graduate work at UConn, she relocated to North Carolina and completed her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language and Auditory Pathology at East Carolina University (2007). Jessica has gained experience in a variety of environments, including a university clinic, hospital, private practices, and public school systems. Since receiving her Master's degree, she has specialized in pediatric speech-language pathology, serving children with a variety of disorders and delays. Particular interests include articulation, multicultural communication, school-aged language, and accent modification.
Jessica is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
