Jessica Leggett, PT, DPT

Licensed Physical Therapist

Jessica graduated from the University of Virginia in 2005 with a Bachelors of Arts in Cognitive Science. She always knew she wanted to work with children after graduating, and while in college she found a love for the field of physical therapy. Jessica graduated from East Carolina University in 2008 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Since graduating, she has had experience working in several settings, including acute care, outpatient clinics, home health, and the school system; through working in all of these settings, Jessica has found that her passion for working with children and their families has grown stronger. She values working closely with her patients and their families in order to provide the most comprehensive and individualized treatment plans. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and being outside with her husband and twin sons.

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Ali Hetzel, PT, DPT

Licensed Physical Therapist

Ali is a licensed Physical Therapist.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Carolina University in 2011, earning her Bachelor of Science in Public Health Studies.  Ali then received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in 2015. While in the Physical Therapy program, she was a Graduate Assistant working primarily at ECU’s Physical Therapy Clinic.  Ali completed one of her clinical rotations at Vidant Medical Center with the Pediatric Department.  During this rotation, Ali gained valuable experience with children of all ages.  Her mission is to maintain a patient-centered approach to therapy while working towards goals that focus on maximizing children’s functional abilities and mobility.  Ali provides skilled physical therapy services in the home, daycare, and clinic setting.

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Lauren Cates, PT, DPT, CAS

Licensed Physical Therapist and Certified Autism Specialist

Lauren graduated from North Carolina State University in 2014 with her Bachelors of Science in Human Biology. She recently graduated from Elon University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Lauren has always had a passion to work with children. While in school she completed a majority of her clinical rotations in pediatrics, including both the outpatient and school system settings. She is a Certified Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.   Lauren is a huge sports fan and loves cheering on the NC State Wolfpack and Carolina Panthers. In her free time she also enjoys cooking, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

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Emily Tower, PT, DPT, CAS

Licensed Physical Therapist and Certified Autism Specialist

Emily graduated from the University of Georgia in 2017 with a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature and a minor in Exercise and Sport Science.  She graduated from High Point University in 2020 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  Since her first semester of PT school she knew she had a passion for pediatrics, neuro, and serving Hispanic populations. Her final clinical rotation included Early Intervention in the East Carolina area. Emily is a Georgia Bulldog fan and enjoys spending her free time outdoors, traveling, cooking, and hanging out with her dogs and family.

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Blaire Ahlers, PT, DPT

Licensed Physical Therapist

Blaire is a Greenville, NC native who graduated from East Carolina University with her Batchelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology in 2015 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018. She has clinical experience working with a variety of patient populations including pediatrics in the outpatient, community, and school system settings. Her interests include treating patients with neurological and vestibular disorders and serving the local community of Eastern NC. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, shopping, crafting, and going to the beach.

Lindsay Grant, MS, CCC-SLP, CAS

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Autism Specialist

Lindsay is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2012 from East Carolina University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Hispanic Studies. She then continued at East Carolina University, receiving her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorder in 2014.  While completing her Master’s degree, she completed a research project on the relationship between dyslexia and language. Lindsay has experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings including school, home, daycare, and clinic. She also has experience working with adults and geriatrics in the acute and inpatient rehabilitation centers of the hospital. Lindsay has a passion for working with children with special needs and children who are bilingual. She also enjoys working with children who have language-based learning disabilities. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, where she received her Certificate of Clinical Competence. She is a Certified Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

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Rebecca (Becky) Griffin, MS, CCC-SLP

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Becky is a licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist. She attended East Carolina University and graduated in 1994 with her Bachelor of Science degree and again in 1997 with her Master of Science degree, both in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) where she is a current member. She is a certified provider of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (Vital Stim) for pediatric dysphagia patients, since 2006. She has worked in a variety of settings including Pediatric acute care and rehabilitation, Pediatric and Neonatal ICU, clinic and community, serving pediatric patients with disorders and illnesses related to communication, cognition, feeding/swallowing, development, traumatic brain injury, and tracheostomy. Her work experience has been at the Brody School of Medicine in the Dept of Pediatrics at the Children’s Developmental Services Agency and at Vidant Medical Center in the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. During her time at Vidant Medical Center, she developed and coordinated the Outpatient Infant Feeding Clinic serving infants with chronic and complex feeding and swallowing disorders. Throughout her career, she has maintained a focus in pediatrics, with a special interest in the Early Intervention population relative to disorders of feeding and swallowing.

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Laurel Wilsen, MS, CCC-SLP, CAS

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Autism Specialist

Laurel is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She studied Communication Sciences and Disorders at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in 2011 and Master’s degree in 2013. After graduating, Laurel relocated to North Carolina and has since worked in a wide variety of settings. She has experience working with children of all ages in home, daycare, school, clinic, and hospital settings. Laurel also has experience working with adults and geriatrics in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and rehabilitation at skilled nursing facilities. Laurel has a passion for working with all children, especially children with autism and developmental disabilities.  She is a Certified Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, where she received her Certificate of Clinical Competence.

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Brandi Ayscue, MS, CCC-SLP, CAS

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Autism Specialist

Brandi is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She graduated in 2017 from East Carolina University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Brandi then continued at East Carolina University, receiving her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2019.  She has experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings including school, home, daycare, and clinic. Brandi also has experience working with adults and geriatrics in the inpatient rehabilitation centers of the hospital. She has a passion for working with all children, with special interests in Early Intervention and pediatric speech sound disorders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs (Sadie and Kaia), traveling, and exercising.

Casey Snead, MS, CCC-SLP, CAS

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Autism Specialist

Casey graduated summa cum laude in 2018 from East Carolina University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Hispanic Studies. She then continued at East Carolina University, receiving her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2020. During her time at East Carolina University, she interned in a variety of settings including a pediatric outpatient clinic, the university clinic, and in a skilled nursing facility. Casey is passionate about serving all children, especially Spanish-English bilingual language learners. She loves working in the area of early intervention, fluency disorders, aural rehabilitation (for children with cochlear implants/hearing aids), and school-aged language and literacy treatment. She is a Certified Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

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Casey se graduó con los honores más altos de la Universidad de Carolina del Este en 2018, con una Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Comunicación y Trastornos en 2020. Durante este tiempo en la Universidad de Carolina del Este hizo prácticas en una variedad de entornos, incluyendo una clínica de Pediatría, la clínica de la Universidad, y en una clínica de enfermería especializada. A Casey le apasiona atender a los niños especialmente a los niños bilingües en inglés y español en su aprendizaje. Ella ama trabajar en el área de intervención temprana, trastornos de fluidez, rehabilitación auditiva para niños con implantes y auditivos auxiliares, y tratamiento de lenguaje y alfabetización en edad escolar. Casey tiene una especialización certificado con el autismo por él Estándares de la Junta Internacional de Acreditación y Educación Continua.

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Hayley Russo, MS, CCC-SLP

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Hayley is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she studied Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Deaf Studies. She continued to earn her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Long Island University-C.W. Post. Before relocating to North Carolina, Hayley worked in New York specializing in Early Intervention, working with children birth to 3 years old and providing parent and caregiver support. Her passion involves working with children through play to help them succeed in using communication to express themselves and understand others. Hayley also has experience working with children in the preschool setting, as well as experience working with children with autism and developmental delays. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, their mini-goldendoodle named Waffles, and being outside as often as possible.

Ashley Holloway, MS, CCC-SLP

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Ashley is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She graduated summa cum laude from East Carolina University in 2015 with a BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a minor in Child Development & Family Relations, and a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017. She has worked in a wide range of settings, including rehab/skilled nursing facilities and acute care hospitals, providing post-stroke and neurological rehabilitation of swallowing, language, motor speech, and cognitive disorders. Ashley is a certified provider of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (VitalStim) for treatment of dysphagia. She loves working in early intervention with pediatric speech and language delays, and is skilled in interventions for both language and articulation disorders. She has a passion for serving people and improving the lives of children. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family, her Shetland Sheepdog, and her Goldendoodle!

Rachelle Hare, MS, CCC-SLP

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Rachelle is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She graduated in 2004 with B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Special Education from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. In 2006, Rachelle graduated Magna Cum Laude with Masters of Science from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. She has experience woking with adults and geriatrics in long term care and home health settings. She also has experience working with pediatrics in early intervention, as well as in the school setting. Rachelle is Vital Stim certified and enjoys working with individuals with feeding/swallowing disorders. She has a passion for early intervention and helping kiddos and families in the community!

Michaela Josey, MS, CF-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow

Michaela graduated from UNC Greensboro with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in American Sign Language in 2019. She followed her Bachelor’s degree with a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from North Carolina Central University in 2021. Michaela is currently completing her Clinical Fellowship with Carolina Therapy Connection. While pursing her graduate level studies Michaela completed clinical practicum experiences in Durham and Wake County Public Schools, NCCU’s University Clinic and a pediatric outpatient clinic. Michaela is most passionate about supporting children in underserved communities and unhoused families. She enjoys working with children with autism and developmental disabilities, articulation/phonological disorders, and apraxia of speech.

Ashley Malmberg, MS, CF-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow

Ashley is a Speech Language Pathology clinical fellow from Upstate NY. She graduated with a Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University at Buffalo in 2019. She earned her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY in 2021. Ashley has experience working with children in clinics, homes, and schools and adults in outpatient hospital and clinic settings. She travelled to Belize in 2020 where she learned about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and worked closely with interpreters to assist Spanish speaking patients. Ashley is certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, an intervention approach that is used to treat voice disorders in adults with Parkinson’s Disease and children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy and Dysarthria. She also holds a certificate for Interactive Metronome, a program that improves focus, coordination, attention, planning and processing speed in children with various communication disorders. Ashley has a passion for working with children in the areas of feeding, fluency, and AAC.

Taylor Varnell, MS, CAS

Office Director and Certified Autism Specialist

Taylor is the Office Director at Carolina Therapy Connection. Taylor graduated from East Carolina University with his Bachelors of Science degree in Family and Community Services in 2013. He also received his Masters of Science degree in Child Development and Family Relations in 2016. Taylor has been working in the human services field for several years with the Intellectually and Developmentally Delayed population. He has always had a heart for children and works closely with our families to assist with their overall needs and concerns. He is a Certified Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Taylor shows dedication to supporting the staff and therapist’s of CTC to ensure that they are providing quality service for the children we serve.

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Cindy Moreau

Billing Specialist

Cindy is the billing specialist for all locations at Carolina Therapy Connection.  Cindy has over 12 years of billing experience in multiple medical office settings.  Cindy is a member of AHIMA, and is currently working on her CPC credentialing.  In her spare time Cindy enjoys kayaking, hiking, and playing with her two silly puppies Lilly, and Daisy.

Pat Mullen

Collections Specialist

Pat is the Collections Specialist for all locations at Carolina Therapy Connection. Pat works tirelessly with insurance companies and handles all of our billing claims and invoicing.  She joins us from New York and will help to answer all of your billing questions!

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Victoria Hardison, AC

Referral Coordinator; Autism Certificate

Victoria is the Referral Coordinator at Carolina Therapy Connection.  She holds 4 different  Associates Degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, Science, and General Education.  She holds an Autism Certificate through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.Victoria loves learning, being around children and is always smiling!  In her free time Victoria enjoys spending time at home and traveling with her family!

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Morgan Foster, OTS

Marketing Specialist

Morgan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management at ECU in 2020. She is currently receiving her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy  through Lenoir-Rhyne University. She completed her internship at CTC in early 2020 and is now working part-time as a Marketing Specialist.  Morgan loves learning and undertaking new projects related to the therapy profession.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, playing with her dog and going to the beach!

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Lydia Elmore, AC

Office Support and Community Outreach Coordinator; Autism Certificate

Lydia is our Office Support and Community Outreach Coordinator. Her role at Carolina Therapy Connection is to embrace and encourage our culture within our organization and support our mission being carried out within our community.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017 from East Carolina University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Rehabilitation Services.  Since graduating, she has been serving children and families at Easter Seals UCP Summer Moore Children’s Center. She holds an Autism Certificate through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.  Lydia is versatile in her skills and is passionate about helping children receive the services they need to reach their goals.  In her spare time, Lydia loves to spend time with her Husky puppy, family, and friends!

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Donnie Taylor

Facility Services Manager

Donnie is the Facility Services Manager at Carolina Therapy Connection and enjoys helping with whatever needs to be done for all the clinic locations. His goal is to make sure staff and facility needs are taken care of, so CTC can serve its families effectively and safely. As graduate of East Carolina University, Donnie grew up in Greenville and has a life-long attachment to Eastern NC. He served in the Navy and worked for the USPO during and after college, before beginning a long career at Burroughs Wellcome Pharmaceutical Company. Donnie is well-known in Greenville for his career as a baseball, softball, and basketball official. He held the Greenville Little League homerun record for 51 years and continues to see talent in young athletes.