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, 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.

Angela, 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, 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, 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.  

Amber, M.S. CCC- SLP

I grew up in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County, where I currently reside with my husband and our son Riley. 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. In May of 2023, I graduated from Nova Southeastern University with my Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. I enjoy working with children from the ages of 3- years old to school age. In my spare time you will find me spending time with my family and friends.

Emily, M.S. CCC- 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!

Kerri, M.S. CCC- SLP

Kerri received her Master's degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences from Appalachian State University. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of speech-language pathology. Her primary focus has been working with young children. Mrs. Dilsaver specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with autism, childhood apraxia of speech, expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, and phonological disorders. Her interests outside of work include; spending time with family and friends, watching her children play sports, and volunteering.

Emily,  CF - SLP

I recently re-trained as a Speech Language Pathologist at Appalachian State University (2024) following a career in relief and development, and am honored to serve families in the high country of North Carolina by providing infant feeding services alongside caretaker-focused early language support. I hold an additional certification as a lactation counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice and work to promote breast/chest and bottle-feeding goals of parents of children with feeding difficulties. My undergraduate degree in French (2005) is from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA, and I also hold a Masters of Public Administration (2009) from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with a focus in international development and nonprofit management. I love research and am committed to a practice that reflects the data available interpreted in light of the specific gifts and needs of each family I have the opportunity to walk alongside. 
My husband, daughter, and I live just outside of Boone, and are spoiled by the beautiful hikes, swimming holes, and vistas of our area. 

Sherri, 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.

Roxanna, SLP-Assistant

 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.

Ashley, 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.

Kari, 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!

Kayla, C-SLP-Assistant

Hello! My name is Kayla. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am an ASHA certified SLP-Assistant. Prior to achieving certification as an SLP-Assistant, I worked in a childcare setting for 4 years. I adore working with children and love everything about Speech and Language.  I am originally from a small town outside of Winston-Salem, NC, but fell in love with Ashe County when my husband and I moved here during my final semester at ASU. We have two children, Kate and Fisher. As a family we love to be outside, we often go on walks and hikes together, and we have a standing library date as a family every Saturday.  

Cherie, 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.

Ashley, OTR/L

I grew up in the beautiful mountains of Watauga County NC, where I currently still live on my family farm. I attended Caldwell community college where I received my Associate’s in Art in 2020 progressing to Appalachian State University where I received a Bachelor’s of Exercise Science in 2022. I obtained my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2024 from Lenoir-Rhyne University. I love working with children, providing therapy so each and every child is able to reach their full potential and goals. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and being outside.

Haley, OTR/L

I attended East Tennessee State University where I earned my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Lenoir-Rhyne University to earn my Masters of Occupational therapy. I am originally from caldwell county and currently live in Hudson with my husband, son, and dog. If I am not working I enjoy playing disc golf and spending time with my family. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve the community that I grew up in and hold so close to my heart!

Katlyn, OTR/L

Hi! I’m Katlyn. I’ve been an occupational therapist for six years, focusing solely on the pediatric population for the last five. I graduated with my Masters in Occupational Therapy from Emory & Henry College. I have a specialty area for feeding and infant development, but have experience in the school setting, clinic setting, and in the home with the CDSA. I have been married for six years and have four children. I currently live in Wilkesboro and enjoy spending time with my kid’s outside, at the park, or library. 

Dawn, 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.

Tristan, COTA/L

Tristan is a graduate of Asheville-Buncombe Community College who is very excited to be a part of the APT team! Tristan has an extensive background of experiences and roles, beginning work at the age of 14, and originally graduating from Virginia Tech as a first-generation college student with a B.S. in business management in 2010. Her career change to become an OTA was a vow to finally follow her true purpose and passion of working with children full-time! Over the years Tristan has served as a childcare provider and daycare worker, a job coach through Project SEARCH, an Autism Support Professional, a Financial Aid Counselor/financial literacy teacher, and even a magic maker (official title: cast member) at Walt Disney World! Tristan is passionate about the individualized, holistic care occupational therapy provides for children, and is focused on ensuring every child and their family is empowered and supported in their growth, development, and goals. In her down time, Tristan enjoys caring for new little one, loving on her family, friends, & two dogs, being outdoors and going for walks, crafting, caring for her plants, and daydreaming of her forthcoming world travel.

Andi, B.S. ITFS-P

 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, 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.