Speech Therapy

Helping Every Child Find Their Voice

At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, we help children build effective communication skills—verbal and nonverbal—so they can express themselves with confidence. Our team uses a personalized, play-based approach that may include articulation work, language development, social/pragmatic support, feeding therapy, sign language, and AAC training.

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) includes tools like communication boards, picture symbols, or speech-generating devices, and can be life-changing for children with limited verbal skills. We provide hands-on guidance to help families and children use AAC effectively—ensuring every child has a voice.

Whether a child is speaking, signing, or using a device, we meet them where they are and guide them forward. With compassion and expertise, we create supportive environments that foster meaningful connection through communication.

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Meet Our Speech Pathologists

Julianne, Clinical Director, MS, CCC-SLP, Level II Prompt Trained

Julianne is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist originally from New York. She has been helping children of all abilities communicate and thrive for over 10 years. Julianne brings a fun and effective approach to therapy, using play based strategies and sign language to support each child's unique needs. She has experience working with a variety of diagnoses and implementing individualized care. Julianne’s approach is all about making learning a positive experience for both kids and their families. Outside of work, Julianne loves spending time in her garden and playing with her son.

Suzanne, MS, CCC-SLP, Autism Level III Trained

Suzanne is a certified and licensed Speech Language Pathologist with over 37 years of experience. She has had experience working with children from Birth-22 years of age who present with various speech and language disorders. Suzanne’s experiences have included private practice, contracting and public schools. Suzanne received her BS in Speech and Language from Indiana University of Indiana, PA and her Masters Degree from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio. Suzanne went on to receive her Assistive Technology Certification from the Research Institute for AT, Albuquerque, NM. In addition to her experience with AAC, Suzanne has extensive experience with Autism and is Level III Autism Trained through TEACCH, UNC Chapel Hill NC. Suzanne has provided many trainings and workshops pertaining to autism, structured teaching and AAC/ Assistive technology. Suzanne and her husband relocated to NC in 2016. They have 2 grown sons, 2 daughter-in-laws and a very sweet granddaughter. Suzanne enjoys spending time with her family, her 2 fluffy dogs, traveling and sitting on the beach.

Alex, MS, CCC-SLP

Alex knew at a young age that she wanted to be a Speech-Language Pathologist after seeing the impactful work her cousin did in the field. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Carolina University and North Carolina Central University. Alex has since immersed herself in helping people of all ages with various communication challenges. She has worked with individuals facing issues from language delays to voice disorders and has experience with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome. In her free time, Alex enjoys unwinding with her Shih Tzu, Mille, and spending quality time with friends and family. Alex's dedication to improving communication skills and making a difference is evident in every aspect of her work.

Caroline, MS, CCC-SLP

Caroline is a Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow with a B.S. in Child Development Studies from Appalachian State University and an M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from North Carolina Central University. She began her career as an Early Childhood educator before pursuing her master’s degree after seeing the impact of communication on learning. Her clinical training includes work in public schools, private clinics, and university-based settings, with experience across various age groups and populations. Her interests focus on Early Intervention, expressive/receptive language disorders and articulation/phonological disorders. Outside of work, Caroline likes traveling, reading, live music, walking her dog, and spending time with loved ones.

Julia, MS, CCC-SLP

Julia is a passionate speech-language pathologist who grew up in North Carolina. She takes pride in providing a neurodiversity-affirming approach, using child-led therapy to support children's speech and language development. Julia's fun, family-centered approach emphasizes building strong rapport and motivation to enhance communication. Outside of work, Julia enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Alyssa, MS, CCC-SLP

Alyssa is a compassionate speech therapist with a passion for helping children develop essential communication skills. Alyssa thrives on seeing her young clients grow in confidence as they reach their full potential. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes, or enjoying a relaxing day at home.

Cara, MA, CCC-SLP

Cara, born and raised in Wheeling, WV, has been interested in pursuing a career in Speech Language Pathology since high school, specifically wanting to work with children to help them learn to communicate. To make her dreams a reality, Cara attended West Virginia University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders, before continuing her education, earning her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Ohio University. After graduating, Cara moved to North Carolina to complete her externships and her clinical fellowship year. During her time in NC, she has been working with children and adults in different environments including a private practice, an elementary school, and an ENT office. Cara has most recently worked with receptive/expressive language delays, childhood apraxia of speech, articulation disorders, fluency disorders, AAC devices, and phonological processing disorders.Cara is currently licensed by the N.C. Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and has earned her national certification from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Cara lives in Clayton, NC with her husband and dog, Milo. In her free time, Cara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, watching sports, and experiencing new things around the Raleigh Triangle area!