MEET  OUR TEAM

Anna W. Smith, M.A.,CCC-SLP

Clinical Director

Anna is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist licensed in the State of NC. She has over 20 years’ experience as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. She has provided therapy for all ages in a variety of clinical settings, including public schools, home therapy, and outpatient clinics. She received her Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

Anna considers herself a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. Anna appreciates and accepts differences in how children think, learn, process, and perceive information. She believes in a child-led, strengths-based approach to therapy. Anna has participated in continuing education opportunities to increase her knowledge of neurodiversity affirming practices. Her areas of special interest include Autism and AAC (Alternative/Augmentative Communication). She is trained in the Natural Language Acquisition approach and is passionate about educating others on gestalt language processors and how to treat delayed echolalia.

Anna is a native to the Charlotte area. She is married and has two boys. In her free time Anna enjoys working out and traveling.

Kellie Sexton, BCBA, LBA

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.

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.

Caroline Sercer, M.S., CCC-SLP

Caroline is certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist with the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association and is licensed by the State of NC. Caroline graduated from Eastern Michigan University with her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Speech Language Pathology. After graduation, she moved to Charlotte. She has experience working with preschool to middle school aged children with a variety of communication disorders. Caroline enjoys writing, traveling and cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Emily Nakos, M.S., CCC-SLP

Emily Nakos holds a Bachelors of Psychology degree from University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Masters of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University. Emily has experience working with children and adults with a variety of disorders. Her areas of interest include articulation disorders, early intervention, preschool/school age language disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her free time she enjoys weekend trips, spending time with friends and family, and spending time outdoors. Emily is certified as a Speech-Language Pathologist with the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association and is licensed by the State of NC.

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, MS 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.