Meet the Team
Caroline Poe
Speech Language Pathologist
Clinic Manager
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Caroline attended UNC-W for an undergraduate degree in Recreation Therapy and UNC-G for her master degree in Speech-Language Pathology. As clinic manager, Caroline supports therapists in all of our clinics. Clinically, she enjoys working with young children and their families to help them grow and succeed
Shanedra Covington
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
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Shanedra joined the PPT team in August of 2021. Shanedra received her Associate of Arts degree as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant at FTCC before going on to achieve a Bachelor Degree in Speech Pathology from NC A&T State University in 2018. She sees students in the public school setting under the license and supervision of Courtney Gibbs.
Merna Tawfik
Speech-Language Pathologist
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Originally from the Middle East, Merna moved to the United States to become a SLP. She earned her bachelor degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders at Wayne State University, and her master degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University. Working in our Burgaw clinic, Merna’s clinical interests include articulation, speech sound disorders, and facilitating language development in young children.
Michelle Brand
Speech-Language Pathologist
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Michelle works in Pender Pediatric Therapy’s Burgaw and Wilmington clinics, specializing in oral motor and feeding therapy. She has a background working with more complex and medically involved children with speech, language, and feeding issues. She received her graduate education at Northwestern University, and moved to North Carolina from Illinois, where she worked in Early Intervention for over 20 years.
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Originally from Greensboro, NC, Megan received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Wofford College and her Master Degree in Speech Pathology from UNC-Greensboro. Megan enjoys working with the pediatric population and their families to help support their overall communication needs. Megan has completed training and professional development to identify, evaluate, and work with Gestalt-Language Processors (any child who communicates with delayed echolalia).
Megan Sydnor
Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily Briley
Speech-Language Pathologist
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Emily earned her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from UNCW and taught 4th grade for two years in Brunswick County. She then earned her Master degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Central Missouri. Emily has worked with children and adults in various settings, including schools, homes, daycares, and outpatient clinics. Emily has grown to have a passion for both populations and enjoys treating a variety of diagnoses. Emily has experience with treating articulation/phonological disorders, language and literacy disorders, early intervention, social communication, AAC, and fluency.
Brittany Kircher
Speech-Language Pathologist
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With over 10 years of experience, Brittany specializes in feeding therapy and early intervention. She is a myofunctional therapist and is trained in K-taping for oral motor delays. Her expertise extends to tube feeding, oral motor weaknesses, and tethered oral tissues (TOTs) across the age span, including infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Brittany brings her extensive experience with articulation and phonological disorders, hearing loss, cleft lips and palates, autism, and apraxia to PPT’s Wilmington clinic and community.
Mallory Williams
Speech-Language Pathologist
Clinical Fellow
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Mallory is a recent graduate from the UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine. Pender Pediatric Therapy is where she is beginning her career as a Speech Pathologist- Clinical Fellow. Mallory works in PPT’s Supply clinic in Brunswick County, under the supervision of Caroline Poe.
Courtney Gibbs
Speech-Language Pathologist
Owner, Clinical Director
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As the owner of PPT, acting clinical director, and a treating SLP, Courtney is passionate about expanding access to critical services to rural families. Courtney opened Pender Pediatric Therapy in 2016 to provide quality services to children and their families that may otherwise be unavailable because of where they live.
Johna Sarles
Speech-Language Pathologist
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Johna is originally from Ohio and relocated to the Carolinas after earning her Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kent State University. She currently provides services at our Hampstead and Wilmington clinics. Johna is passionate about working with young children and utilizes child-led, play-based approaches to support meaningful communication development. She is also trained in DIR®/Floortime and incorporates this relationship-based model into her therapy sessions to foster connection, engagement, and growth.
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Bailey is a North Carolina native who recently earned both her Bachelor and Master degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University. Bailey began interning at Pender Pediatric Therapy in 2019, when she was still in high school! Bailey will be treating patient primarily in the Burgaw clinic, under the supervision of Caroline Poe for her Clinical Fellowship Year.
Haleigh Tharrington
Speech-Language Pathologist
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Haleigh is a PROMPT trained speech-language pathologist. She serves children in private schools, in the community, and in their homes in Wilmington.
Robin Davis
Insurance and Billing Specialist
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Robin was Pender Pediatric Therapy’s very first employee! She has a background in medical billing and has thorough understanding of insurance processes. As a mother of two children, one whom is on the Autism Spectrum, she understands the importance of having early and consistent access to developmental services, as well as how to be flexible and coordinate with clinicians and families.
Josie Beckerleg
Speech Language Pathologist
Clinical Fellow
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Josie is a recent graduate from PennWest Clarion University in Pennsylvania. She will be beginning her Speech Pathology career as a Clinical fellow at the PPT's Supply clinic under the supervision of Caroline Poe. Josie enjoys working with children of all ages to support communication skills and development.
Bailey Gibbs
Speech-Language Pathologist
Clinical Fellow
Tricia Meredith
Speech-Language Pathologist
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Tricia Meredith, M.S., CCC-SLP, graduated from Appalachian State University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Disorders & Sciences. Tricia is Feed the Peds certified, and enjoys working with children of all ages to support their communication skills and development. Tricia has a passion for supporting school aged children! She grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Ashley High School. Tricia married her high school sweetheart and they have 3 children. She enjoys reading, being a part of her church, and visiting Boone as often as she can!
Savanah Marella
Patient Care Coordinator
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Savanah is joining Pender Pediatric Therapy as a Patient Care Coordinator. In this role, she is here to support care coordination, assist with administrative tasks, and advocate for our patients. Prior to this position, Savanah gained valuable experience through shadowing and student teaching at various elementary schools in Wilmington and Asheville, NC. She’s always had a passion for working with children, and as the oldest of six siblings, she has developed a natural ability to connect and engage with kids. Being in a space where she can help children thrive is truly the highlight of her day! Outside of work, Savanah enjoys spending time with my family, hiking, attending workout classes, and reading a good book. Her goal in this role is to create a fun, supportive, and positive environment for both the children and their families.
