About Us

Dr. Kristine E. Galek, Ph.D. CCC-SLP

Dr. Kristine E. Galek holds the academic rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology in the School of Medicine. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas, her master's degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and her doctoral degree from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. She is the Co-Director of the Northern Nevada Voice and Swallow Clinic and Director of the RAVSS Research Laboratory.
Dr. Galek teaches undergraduate and graduate courses related to anatomy and physiology, swallowing and swallowing disorders, voice and voice disorders, flexible and rigid endoscopy, including nasendoscopy, stroboscopy, and fiberoptic endoscopic swallow assessment and interpretation. Dr. Galek is a practicing clinician with over 25 years of experience working with adults and pediatrics with impairments in communication, swallowing, and childhood feeding.

Dr. Galek is passionate about working with individual students to develop superb clinical skills in an outpatient setting. She supervises clinical practicum related to swallowing diagnostics and intervention, craniofacial speech and swallowing assessment and intervention, adult and childhood resonance assessment and intervention, pediatric feeding assessment, Oro-pharyngo-esophageal manometric assessment, and biofeedback, as well as motor speech and vocology, including paradoxical vocal fold movement assessment and intervention.

Dr. Galek's research interests include visual and auditory biofeedback effects related to swallowing and swallowing disorders, voice and voice disorders, and resonance impairments secondary to motor speech and craniofacial disorders.
Dr. Galek publishes her research in peer-reviewed scholarly journals and gives oral presentations at state, national and international conferences such as the Nevada Athletics Association, Florida Dysphagia Institute, Dysphagia Research Society, and the American Speech and Hearing Association annual convention.

Sharon Krider, M.S. CCC-SLP

I am a native of Salisbury, North Carolina. I attended Appalachian State University earning an undergraduate degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Upon graduating from East Tennessee State University in 1998, I relocated to Morganton, North Carolina to begin my professional career as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the public schools. The majority of my career has focused on serving the pediatric population in various settings. My husband and I reside in Ashe County on a scenic farm in Todd with our children Jackson, Zoey and Griffin. In my spare time you will find me either in Chapel Hill with my oldest, traveling with my daughter for volleyball or on any other ballfield with my youngest.

Brittany Scott, M.S. CCC-SLP

I graduated Suma Cum Laude with my Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State University in 2009. I received my Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Appalachian State in 2011. I worked in the Wilkes County school system for my clinical fellowship year before taking my current position with APT in 2012. I have experience working with children of all ages from preschool to high school, and with all manner of communication disorders from autism to cochlear implants. I particularly enjoy tackling difficult articulation and phonology cases. I live in Crumpler, NC with my high school sweetheart husband and our son Archer. When I am not working, you are likely to find me spending time with my boys, doing yoga, or curled up with a good book.

Angela White, M.A. CCC-SLP

I received my Master of Arts Degree in Communication Disorders from Appalachian State University in 1993. Since that time, I have practiced in a variety of settings including daycares, schools, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. I have served as an offsite clinical supervisor for ASU since 1997. In addition to working with APT, I work for Caldwell County Schools where I have served as Lead Speech Pathologist since 2006. I feel very blessed to have found an occupation that continues to challenge me daily and afford me the opportunity to work with wonderful people of all ages. I am married with two grown children and one adorable granddaughter!

Stacy Harris, M.A. CCC-SLP

I live with my husband, Scott, and our two children in Granite Falls. I graduated with my undergrad and masters from Appalachian State University. This is my 13th year being a SLP. I love working with kids and helping them become successful communicators within their environment.

Paula  Joines, M.A. CCC-SLP

Paula is a native of Sparta NC. She has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a variety of pediatric settings over her 30+ years in the profession. In addition to being an SLP, she also received Birth-Kindergarten teacher certification and was lead teacher for Alleghany County Schools Preschool program for a number of years.  She has served children from birth to age 21 by working on multidisplinary teams through her previous employment with the NC Developmental Evaluation Centers and later the NC Infant Toddler Program.  
In addition to her work in homes, schools and child care centers, Paula also has experience in direct teletherapy services ( including evaluations) with families across North Carolina.  She enjoys working with Speech Language Pathology Assistants to meet the needs of our clients.  Paula earned both her bachelors and masters degrees from Appalachian State University.  She loves seeing children progress in their skills while watching their families become empowered in the process also. 
Paula has been involved with community theatres for years, having founded Alleghany Community Theatre in Sparta before moving to Wilkes County and joining Wilkes Playmakers.  She has directed numerous productions and has also taught theatre classes for children and adults.  She is currently the education coordinator for Wilkes Playmakers as the program gears up again following the pandemic shutdown. 
Paula loves spending time with her 3 adult children, their spouses and precious 5 grandchildren!  She is also blessed to spend time with her parents, sisters, nieces and a large extended family.  

Tanya Priest, M.A. CCC-SLP

I hold a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders earning my undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and my graduate degree from Appalachian State University in 1999. I particularly enjoy working with assistive technology and individuals with Autism spectrum disorder. I have spent the majority of my career in the public school setting working as an SLP in North Carolina, Oregon and Alaska. My husband, a public school special education teacher and I live in Watauga County and enjoy traveling, hiking, canoeing and camping.  

Hunter Reeves Fox, M.S. CCC-SLP

I moved to the area after graduating from Western Carolina with my masters in Speech-Language Pathology. Since then, I have been fortunate to work as an SLP serving students from the 0–3-year-old range all the way through to seniors in high school. It is my goal to give families tools to support their child so that the longer we work together, the more progress they can make without me! I have loved living and learning about this community. My husband and I enjoy hiking, skiing, floating on the river and are looking forward to more mountain adventures! 

Holly W. Jones, M.S. CCC-SLP

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist from Caldwell County, NC. I received my Bachelor's degree in 2013 and Master's degree in 2015, both from Appalachian State University. I have worked full-time for Caldwell County Schools since 2015. I have also worked in skilled nursing facilities and in private practice during this time. I love growing professionally and gaining new experiences within the field.  I live in Granite Falls, NC with my husband and our two little boys. When I am away from work, you will find us taking trips to the mountains and spending whatever time we can together outdoors.  

Laura Black, M.A. CCC-SLP

Laura Black lives at home with her husband, daughter Sara, and “fur son” Biscuit.  She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, making music, and reading good books.  She graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from Appalachian State University, and has worked as a Speech/Language Pathologist since 2000.  Laura’s professional experiences have included working in the public school system and in private practice with preschool and school-aged children.   She enjoys working with children exhibiting a wide variety of articulation, phonological, and language delays.   She enjoys using music and rhythm to increase her students’ speech and language gains.  Additionally, she has experience in treating children who exhibit Developmental Apraxia of Speech, fluency disorders, and hearing impairment.    She attended the 2010 Carolina Summer Institute in Auditory-Verbal Therapy. 

Zeina Mvemba, M.Ed. CCC-SLP (Bilingual)

Zeina is a North Carolina native and has 8 years of experience as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. Zeina earned her graduate degree from North Carolina Central University with a concentration in bilingualism. Zeina has completed extensive training in bilingual language development, earning a bilingual extension from Columbia University and studying abroad in Ecuador where she provided speech therapy services in Spanish under the direction of an Ecuadorian speech therapist. Zeina is passionate about providing culturally and linguistically responsive services to her clients and their families. Zeina recently relocated to Watauga County to pursue a degree in music therapy. She is excited to incorporate her passion for music into her therapeutic practice. In her spare time, Zeina enjoys singing, hiking, and spending time with her friends, family, and two cats. 

Amber Roten, CF- SLP

I grew up in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County, where I currently reside with my husband. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017. I then attended Caldwell Community College where I graduated from the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program. I am currently a graduate student at Nova Southeastern University where I anticipate to earn my Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2023. My husband and I love to go kayaking, camping, hiking or do anything outdoors. In my spare time you will find me spending time with my family and friends.

Emily Barlowe, CF- SLP

I attended Appalachian State University and received my Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2020. I received my Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology in 2023 from Appalachian State University. I reside in Caldwell County and live on my family farm. I love working with children and families by providing therapy and support to help them achieve their highest potential! In my spare time, you will find me riding horses, working on the family farm, or enjoying the outdoors!

Sherri Peidl, SLP-Assistant

I graduated from CCC&TI with an Associate in Applied Science degree for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in May 2006. I have worked primarily with children ranging from age 2 up to age 20 in a variety of settings including homes, daycares, elementary, middle, and high schools. I have provided direct therapy services for children with disorders and delays including autism, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, fluency disorders, expressive-receptive language delays, hard of hearing, and numerous other health disorders that impact a child’s ability to communicate with the world around them. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, being a support to my husband, children, and grandchild in their numerous activities, being active in my church, and serving others in my community.

Amanda Adkins, SLP-Assistant

I graduated from CCC&TI with my Associate in Applied Science in SLP-Assistant in May of 2023. I currently attend Montreat College where I am working towards obtaining my Bachelors Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I live in Caldwell County with fiancé, Scott and our three boys: Gunner, Sawyer, and Sam. I have truly found my passion and am looking forward to serving the families of Caldwell and Burke Counties. 

Roxanna Earp, SLP-Assistant

My name is Roxanna Earp. I graduated with my Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Speech & Language Pathology Assistant in 2013. After graduation I started my career by providing early intervention speech and language therapy services as an itinerant SLP-A serving Cleveland, Gaston, and Lincoln counties. I also had the opportunity to provide speech and language therapy in school settings within Cleveland county a few days a week. In Fall 2019 I begin my journey with Appalachian Pediatric Therapy as a SLP-A serving Wilkes county focusing on early intervention. I have always enjoyed working with this age group although it can be challenging at times, it is also very rewarding. I have a vast variety of experience working with special needs children of all ages. In addition to my career, I am also a mother of two boys. I look forward to my future with APT and serving our clients to the best of my ability.

Crystal Moscosa Chavez, SLP-Assistant (Bilingual)

My name is Crystal Moscosa. I would describe myself as a passionate, energetic, and ambitious person. Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, drawing, and spending time with my family. I live in Hickory, NC, with my husband and my "fur" daughter, Fluffy (my cat). In May 2021, I graduated from the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program at Caldwell Community College. Since then, I have worked at Appalachian Pediatric Therapy with children birth-5 years old developing their communication skills. I love working with my clients and strive to meet their maximum potential. I love seeing them make lasting improvements in their speech and communication skills that lead to improvements in their daily lives overall. I feel blessed to have found this occupation that has allowed me to work with wonderful kids. I feel motivated to continue learning and growing as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant at Appalachian Pediatric Therapy.

Ashley Gay, SLP-Assistant

Hello! I am originally from Kittrell NC (an hour north of Raleigh NC). I moved to the area in 2019 in pursuit of my bachelors degree. I graduated with my bachelors in Communication Science and Disorders from Appalachian State University in December of 2021. I then graduated from CCC&TI with a diploma in Speech Language Pathology Assistant in May of 2023. While going to school and waiting for school to start back up, I have been able to be a part of Sugar Grove Developmental Day School since 2021. I have worked several positions since I started including a lead teacher, assistant teacher and floater. In my free time I like to spend time with my friends, watch movies and travel back home when I can to visit with my family.

Dretha Creech, SLP-Assistant

My name is Dretha Creech. I graduated from Caldwell Community College in 2013 in the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program. I have worked in several different settings which incudes kids from ages 1-12. I have in worked private care (traveling from Mecklenburg, Alexander, Wilkes, Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell counties), daycare, clinic, and school settings. I worked in a factory for 25 years before I went back to school and I have found that I love helping children communicate . To teach these kids strategies and techniques to help them communicate Is life changing for them as well as me. I am a native of Caldwell County and still reside here with my husband. I have 2 daughters and 3 grandsons that I spend all my extra time with. I enjoy outdoors and taking trips with my family. I love helping in my church to serve the community as well. 

Kari Vance, C-SLP-Assistant

I am an ASHA Certified SLP-Assistant and graduated from CCC&TI in 2008. I have worked with all ages of children from ages 1-21 in the home, school and daycare settings. I have two children of my own, a daughter who is 14 and a son who is 12. We live in Wilkes County with our furbaby, Lucky! I am also a student at UNCG and work as a photographer part-time. For fun, my kids and I love to travel and see new places! I can't wait to meet you!

Elisha Roten, C-SLP-Assistant

Hello! My name is Elisha Roten. I graduated in the Spring of 2021 from Appalachian State University with my Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am an ASHA certified SLP-Assistant with Appalachian Pediatric Therapy and I absolutely love working with all the sweet kiddos. I have lived in Ashe County my whole life and have always wanted to work in the schools here. My husband and I got married September 2021 on our eight year anniversary and we live in West Jefferson. We have two cats, George and Minnie, and one dog, Pepper. 

Cherie Fredericks, OTR/L

I am a native of Michigan where I graduated from Western Michigan University in 1993 with my degree in Occupational Therapy.  My husband and I moved south in 1999 and have lived in Georgia and North Carolina since.  Over my 30 year career thus far, I have provided OTservices to both the adult population and pediatric population.  In the pediatric field, I have provided OT to school settings, outpatient settings, and early intervention.   My goal for all children that I work with is achievement of independence, as well as an increased sense of self confidence and wellbeing.   I feel that I have warmth and compassion that allows for easy communication and an at-ease feeling. I am a strong advocate for children and their families. 
I have recently moved to our Mountain house in Beech Mountain from Greensboro, NC.   I have loved getting to know the mountain community and all the beauty and tranquility the area brings.  I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 2 college age children.  I look forward to working in beautiful Ashe County with APT.

Dawn Crawford, COTA/L

I am a Caldwell county native and graduated from CCC&TI with an associate degree in Occupational Therapy. I have a wonderful husband of 26 years, and 3 grown children. I have 36 years of experience as an occupational therapy assistant. My passions are serving others, my family, my church (Living Hope Lenoir) , and children.

Andi Bandy, B.S. ITFS-P

My name is Andi Bandy. I grew up in Boone and attended college at Appalachian State University. I graduated in 2003 with a Bachelors degree in Child Development Birth-Kindergarten. I have been married to my husband Marcus for 9 years and we have 3 kids; Eden is 15 and Emma and Colby are 9. I worked for Therapy Source doing CBRS for 8 years until my twins were born and have taught preschool and worked in office settings, and most recently spent 2 and a half years as the Childcare Director at the Hickory YMCA. I am looking forward to getting back into CBRS!

Danielle Grimes, Office Administrator/SLP-Assistant

I am a 2006 graduate from CCC&TI with an associate degree from the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program. I have worked in home health with the pediatric population throughout my entire career. I started working with APT in July of 2013 as the Office Administrator. I found that I really enjoyed the business side of home health and decided to focus on that aspect of my career.

I am a Caldwell County native and still reside here with my husband Joe and son Zylenn. My two adult children Taylor and Maurice have both decided to move on to bigger cities. I recently welcomed my first grandchild Brixton. In my spare time I love to go visit with them. I am an active member at Waterlife Church and enjoy spending time serving in my community.