MEET  OUR TEAM

Kellie Sexton, BCBA, LBA

Director of Behavioral Services

Kellie has been in the field of ABA for over a decade and is driven by her passion to support and collaborate with those on the spectrum! She has worked with people ages 2-23 and is continuously inspired by the progressive and ethical growth within the science and field of ABA.

Kellie lives in Troutman, NC with her husband and 3 boys, along with their 2 dogs and 1 cat.

Rachel Lipson

Admin Team, Lead

Julie Wicher, M.S., CCC-SLP

Julie is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist licensed in the state of NC. Julie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the State University of New York College at Geneseo in 1996 and her Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology from the State University of New York College at Geneseo in 1998. She completed a year-long interdisciplinary traineeship at the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY in 1998. She has worked in various settings, including schools, preschools, in homes, and in clinics. Her areas of professional interest include early literacy development, language disorders, speech sound disorders, and pragmatic/social language. In her free time, Julie enjoys spending time with her three boys, working out, going to the pool, reading, and traveling to visit her family in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York.

Christine Gerrish, M.S.,CCC-SLP

Christine is a Speech-Language Pathologist, certified by the American Speech, Language, Hearing Associated and licensed to practice in the state of NC. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University. She has experience working with preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents in school and clinical settings. Her professional areas of interest include developmental disabilities, language disorders, fluency, literacy, and pragmatic/social language. In her free time, Christine enjoys swimming, reading, playing with her puppy, and spending time with her friends and family.

Makenna Hefner, M.S., CCC-SLP

Makenna is an ASHA certified and NC licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Makenna is a West Virginia Native but moved to Charlotte in July 2022. She holds a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Virginia University and a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Marshall University. Makenna has served a variety of ages from 18 months to adolescence in various settings but she’s most passionate about pediatric therapy and early language development. She has treated a variety of speech, feeding, oral motor, phonological, and language disorders. She enjoys creating functional and engaging therapy sessions for her pediatric clients.

When you can’t find Makenna at the office, you can find her exploring NC and local coffee shops, traveling, walking her puppy, Piper, or boating with friends and family.

Missy Roth, M.S., CCC-SLP

Reece Burkart, M.S., CF-SLP

Reece is currently in her clinical fellowship year and holds a temporary license in speech language pathology from the state of North Carolina. Reece is a native to Charlotte, NC. She has a bachelor’s degree in special education with minors in psychology and applied behavior analysis from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Reece graduated from Baylor University in December of 2024 with a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. She has experience working with children ages 18 months to 18 years old in schools and private practice settings. She also has experience working with residents at a skilled nursing facility. Her specific interests include articulation and early language therapy. In her free time, you can find Reece at the beach, reading, making a craft, or spending time with her friends or family.

Hannah Shaffer, M.S., CF-SLP

Hannah is currently completing her clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology, and holds a license to practice in the state of North Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Florida. She then went on to receive a masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University.
Hannah’s experience has focused on the pediatric population, and she has worked with children with a range of needs. She has completed clinical rotations in the public school system, private practices, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital outpatient clinic settings. Hannah recently moved to Charlotte and is looking forward to serving children in the Charlotte area. Outside of work, you can find Hannah at the beach, going for a run, spending time with friends and family, or traveling somewhere new.

Maureen Laffey OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Maureen is an Occupational Therapist originally from Long Island, NY who recently moved to Charlotte with her husband. Maureen is licensed and registered in both New York and North Carolina, and got her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Stony Brook University. She has experience working with children from birth-25 years old with a variety of disorders and diagnoses including autism, sensory processing disorders, cerebral palsy, and various congenital and genetic disorders. Maureen has a passion for working in pediatrics and greatly values the relationships she builds with both her clients and their families. She is committed to providing a high standard of care while conducting treatment sessions as individual as her clients are!
While not at work, you can find Maureen reading a book, trying a new exercise class, or exploring her new home of Charlotte. She is so excited to get to know all the wonderful clients of KidSpeak!

Alecia Grant

Registered Behavior Technician

Jada Bolar

Registered Behavior Technician

Mariah Cocks

Registered Behavior Technician