Meet the Team

Justine Torres, M.S., CCC-SLP
FOUNDER
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Justine graduated with a Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia in 2015. She is a national certified speech-language pathologist as well as a North Carolina certified speech language pathologist. Prior to starting Refine, Justine worked as the Clinical Director of Therapy for a virtual education service delivery company. Justine started Refine with the plan to provide services to school aged children in the states her family now calls home, or has called home. She has a huge desire to bring her knowledge and skill set to her Refine team, as well as multidisciplinary teams across North Carolina and Colorado. 

Lenay Ludwig, M.A., CCC-SLP
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Lenay graduated with her Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2009 after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Audiology and Speech Language Sciences in 2007 from the same university. She is certified nationally and licensed in the state of North Carolina. Her 14 years of experience includes assessment and intervention in school settings, early intervention programs, and private speech therapy settings. Most recently, Lenay provided speech and language therapy for children in a private speech therapy clinic and in private and charter schools throughout Moore County. Lenay finds most joy in supporting children communicate more fully in their every day lives. She believes that communication is connection in whatever form it takes. She also enjoys giving families and teachers tools to support children in their communication journey.

    Personally, Lenay is a military spouse with two young children who enjoys anything to do with water, baking, spending time with family, and staying active.

Erika Goodman, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Erika has over a decade of experience in the field of speech-language pathology. She began as an SLPA in early intervention before earning her Master’s degree from Saint Mary’s College in 2018. She has worked across the lifespan and found her passion supporting individuals using high-tech AAC. Erika believes connection and family involvement are key to successful therapy. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Chelsea Venditti, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Chelsea graduated with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from SUNY Fredonia in 2016. She is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with 8 years of experience across a variety of settings. Her credentials include a NC state license and an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). She spent her first five years working in long-term care facilities followed by 3 years providing virtual therapy to school aged children. She values the importance of working as a team and using a client-centered approach to help individuals grow in their communication skills. She is passionate about providing the best possible treatment to her clients in order to improve quality of life.

    In her spare time, she enjoys being with family and friends, hiking, reading, traveling, and staying active.

Kara Parker, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Kara is a dedicated speech pathologist with over six years of experience in the field. Her passion for helping individuals communicate effectively drove her to pursue a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Murray State University in 2018. Kara is licensed by the Florida and North Carolina Board, and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

    Throughout her career, she has worked to make a positive impact in the lives of her clients. She specializes in pediatric speech and language disorders, working closely with children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, speech sound disorders, and receptive and expressive language delays. Prior to working in pediatrics, Kara worked in skilled nursing facilities treating dysphagia, cognitive communication disorders, voice disorders, and aphasia in adults. She has provided services to individuals aged 2 to 90+. Kara has extensively worked with preschoolers and the school-aged population within the public school setting.

    In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three young children and husband. Kara believes in the power of communication to transform lives and is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Talia Hayes, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Talia received her undergraduate degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from University of Connecticut in 2015. She graduated from UNC Greensboro in 2017 with a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. She is a national certified speech-language pathologist as well as a North Carolina and Wisconsin certified speech language pathologist. Talia has experience working in a variety of settings with children of all ages. Additionally, Talia has served as a supervisor to graduate students and Clinical Fellows. Outside of her role as a speech therapist, Talia owns and manages a Martial Arts gym with her husband in Raleigh, NC where they reside with their four dogs.

Madison Schonhard, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Madison is a licensed speech-language pathologist based in North Carolina, certified by ASHA (CCC-SLP), with a Master’s degree from Wayne State University. Since graduating in 2022, Madison has gained diverse experience across pediatric clinic and school settings, most recently supporting students in Moore County Schools.

    She is especially passionate about working with children with significant communication needs, including those with autism spectrum disorders and users of AAC. Madi is committed to fostering inclusive environments and believes in the power of connection—both with the students she serves and the teams that support them. She prioritizes collaboration with families and professionals alike, ensuring that parents feel heard, informed, and empowered throughout the special education process.

Kerin Totherow, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Hello! My name is Kerin, and I’m proud to call Hendersonville, NC home. Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, I spent two wonderful decades in Charleston, SC, where I attended the College of Charleston and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education in 2002, with a Minor in Dance.

    Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about supporting individuals of all abilities in reaching their fullest potential. My experience spans across various roles in the field of special education and Speech-Language pathology. I spent 7 years as a classroom special educator, ran a tutoring company for children with special needs, and worked as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist for 5 years. I also had the privilege of serving as a private vocational and transitional specialist for 2 years.

    In 2009, I earned my Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Carolina. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with individuals of all ages—from K-12 students to adults—in diverse educational, work, and community settings.

    After taking some time to stay home with my wonderful daughter, I returned to the field as a tele-therapist, a role I’ve truly enjoyed over the past four years. When I’m not working or supporting my husband’s small business, I love spending time with our daughter exploring new places, hiking, being active and soaking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains we’re lucky to call home.

Lori Tefft, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Lori Tefft is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and a Master's degree from New York University (NYU). Before becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Lori honed her creative and collaborative skills working with the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. She is married and the proud mother of three energetic boys. Passionate about helping others, Lori brings her unique blend of creativity, expertise, and compassion to her work as an SLP.

Whitney Pinson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Whitney graduated with her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Mississippi in 2011. She completed her Master's of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Mississippi in 2013. She has worked in a variety of settings and is grateful for a meaningful career that allows the opportunity to improve the quality of life for others.

    Whitney is a military spouse and has two daughters. They currently reside in North Carolina.

Paige Christman, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Paige Graduated from The Ohio State University in 2015 with a B.S. in speech and hearing sciences and a minor in disability studies. In 2017 She Completed her Masters degree at East Carolina University in communication sciences and disorders. She is Nationally certified with the American Speech Language Hearing Association and is licensed in the states of North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. Paige has had the opportunity to complete clinical work across a variety of settings and age groups working with individuals from age 2 to 100+. Paige has an extensive background working with adults in long term care facilities and treating patients with dysphagia, aphasia, voice disorders and cognitive communication disorders. 

    Her passion for helping others communicate has only grown throughout her 7+ years as a Speech Language Pathologist and she is excited to  begin her career in pediatrics. 

    Paige is a military spouse who enjoys spending time with her daughter and attending local farmers markets. As a family, they enjoy running their Sourdough Micro-bakery in order to assist in providing their local community with healthier bread alternatives and other baked good options. They currently reside in Tennessee. 

Meredith Adkins, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Meredith is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 22 years of experience helping individuals across the lifespan. Her professional background spans a variety of settings, including pediatric and adult acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, and schools.

    She holds both a Bachelor’s (2000) and Master’s (2002) degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado and is currently licensed in Nebraska and North Carolina.

    Meredith has a special interest in speech sound disorders, literacy, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is passionate about working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and believes in a client-centered approach that empowers individuals and families.

    In addition to her clinical work, Meredith has supervised and mentored graduate students, clinical fellows, and speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). She is also a military spouse, mom to three daughters, and dog mom to an energetic Australian Shepherd. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, boating, and traveling with her family.

Lexie Receniello, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Lexie is graduated with her master’s degree from Murray State University in 2019. She has experience working with children across a variety of settings, including private practices and public schools in North Carolina, as well as providing virtual services to schools in Maryland and Arizona. She has a passion for supporting children with speech sound disorders, early language delays, and autism. Lexie is a military spouse and a mom of one. She enjoys spending time at home with her family and pets, staying active, reading, and gardening. 

Julia Studd, M.S., CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Julia earned her B.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2022, followed by her M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University in December 2024. She began her Clinical Fellowship working with adults in a medical setting and is now excited to expand her skills by working with the school-aged population. Julia’s journey also includes serving in the military as a cryptologic linguist starting in 2013. Outside of work, she enjoys life as a military spouse and proud mom to two daughters, and she currently calls North Carolina home.

Lindsay Olson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Lindsay is a speech-language pathologist and former registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of experience in healthcare. She earned her Master's degree from New York University. Lindsay provides collaborative, compassionate, and individualized care in the school-based setting, using a child-led approach to help each student build lasting skills and confidence. 

Jessie Matheson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Jessie Matheson, M.S., CCC-SLP earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Carolina University in 2024. Jessie is deeply committed to helping every child communicate in ways that are functional, empowering, and unique to their needs. Jessie enjoys working with pre-k and elementary school children, as well as children who have severe and complex communication needs. Her clinical interests include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), early intervention, and child-centered therapy. Jessie is dedicated to working as a team to provide the best possible care for children and improving communication skills. Outside of work, Jessie enjoys spending time with her family and two Golden-doodles, Biscuit and Honey. She also enjoys going for walks, riding four wheelers, and baking. 

Katie Streuli, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Katie is a Speech-Language Pathologist who earned both her Bachelor’s (2012) and Master’s (2015) degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She holds her North Carolina state license and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Since that time, she has had the opportunity to work with individuals across a wide range of ages and settings. She is passionate about her work and values creating a supportive, positive environment for the clients and families she serves.

    Katie lives in Wilmington, NC, with her husband, two young children, and their dog. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with family and friends—especially at the beach.

Emily Kolis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • I'm Emily Kolis, and I’m an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for helping children find their voices and reach their fullest potential. I hold a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and have experience providing therapy across home health, school, and private practice settings. I am licensed in North Carolina and Georgia and have been providing teletherapy to students in public schools for the past 5 years. 

Kamry Schulte, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • My name is Kamry, and I am currently living in North Carolina but originally from Saskatchewan, Canada. I am a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with 6 years experience. I have a Bachelors of Education (2017), and a Masters of Communication (2020) from Minot State University. I am currently licensed in Colorado, Tennessee, and North Carolina. I have worked in the school setting for my entire career, and am passionate about supporting students to build their communication skills. I have worked with a variety of speech and language disorders including articulation, language delays, AAC, and fluency. Personally, I spend time with my husband and and son. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, staying active, and reading.

Kirstin Wright, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Kirstin graduated with a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University in 2017. She has been practicing speech therapy for the past 8 years within the school setting, early intervention, and private practice. Kirstin is licensed in North Carolina and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She has been providing virtual speech services in the school and private practice setting since 2020. Kirstin values building kids' confidence, a team effort approach, and neurodiversity affirming care. Kirstin has experience working with children as young as 2 through high school. She works to ensure therapy is engaging and motivating for her students. 

    In her spare time, Kirstin enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She enjoys outdoor activities, yoga, reading, listening to music, baking, and visiting places. 

April Powell, M.A., Ed.S.
School Psychologist
North Carolina

  • April Powell is a passionate and dedicated School Psychologist with eight years of experience across various states and districts. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and began her career teaching high school English Language Arts and Journalism. April furthered her education by earning a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. 

    In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 3 cats and 2 dogs. She also enjoys gardening and painting.

Annie Leib, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • I graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2021 with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. I am a certified member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), with a Certificate of Clinical Competence. I also hold state licenses in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. 

    Since I graduated, I have worked full-time in the public school setting, serving primary and secondary aged students. I have also worked part-time in medical settings with adults, and in Infant/Toddler Early Intervention. My expertise includes working with children who have a variety of speech and language disorders, such as articulation and phonological impairments, childhood apraxia of speech, expressive and receptive language disorders, fluency disorders, as well as adults experiencing dysphagia and cognitive disorders. I have experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum, those with Down Syndrome, multiple disabilities, and learning disabilities. Specifically in the school setting, I have experience with case management, writing IEPs, holding IEP meetings, and collaborating with teachers and parents to meet my students' needs.

    I am very passionate about my role as a speech-language pathologist. I love building relationships and watching my students make progress. I am eager to continue gaining new experiences and growing as an SLP!

Anya Melesciuc, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Anya earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Hawaiʻi in 2020. In her 6+ years as an SLP, Anya has provided speech therapy services both in-person and virtually to pediatric and elementary-aged students through private practice and school settings in NC, GA, and SD.

    Anya brings creativity and enthusiasm into every session by designing her own speech and language resources, themed activities, and hands-on crafts, which she also sells through her online business. She loves creating engaging, motivating materials that help children feel excited to learn, practice new skills, and build confidence in communication.

    As a military spouse, Anya enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, hiking, taking road trips, and finding any excuse to make it to the beach. Anya currently lives in TN and will soon be relocating to TX with her family as part of her husband’s service in the Air Force.

Morgan Stachowiak, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • I earned my Master’s in Speech Language Pathology from UT Dallas in 2023, and have since gained experience in a variety of settings including schools, teletherapy, and private practice. I love this career and the ability to help others connect through communication. I currently live in Wilmington, NC with my husband, Nick, and sweet pup, Luna. In my free time, I enjoy taking walks, going to the beach, and playing guitar or piano.

Madelyn Mann, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
North Carolina

  • Maddie (Madelyn) is a passionate and experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with a strong commitment to supporting children’s communication needs in the school setting. She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Carolina University in 2021 and holds both the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensure in North Carolina.

    Since entering the field, Maddie has specialized in working with elementary-aged children, addressing a range of speech and language disorders including articulation, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), fluency, and language delays. She is dedicated to helping students overcome communication challenges and access their education, ensuring they thrive in the classroom and beyond. With a collaborative approach, Maddie works closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

    In her free time, Maddie enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, whether it’s relaxing at the beach, watching movies, or enjoying family activities.