| The North Carolina Speech, Hearing and Language Association, inc. |
About Us
NCSHLA is at the forefront of issues affecting speech, language and audiology professionals in North Carolina and works hard to influence the governmental policy-setting and decision-making processes. It also works to provide its members with information, tools and education that improve their performance and overall job satisfaction. As an affiliate of both the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), NCSHLA works to support North Carolina professionals with the assistance of these nationwide organizations through its activities and programs. The Association is led by a group of committed audiology and speech-language professionals from across North Carolina elected by the membership. The Board meets monthly and at the Association's annual convention. If you would like to attend one of the Board meetings, let us know by contacting info@ncshla.org.
Structure and Governance
OUR MISSION AND VISION
MISSION: Empower and support members through advocacy and education to improve the quality of and access to speech-language pathology and audiology services for all individuals.
VISION: NCSHLA will set the highest standards of ethical practice and quality of care for the individuals we serve
Board of Directors
 | President-Elect Matt Cuddington, M.A., CCC-SLP Matt is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with over 14 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist. He supervises first-year graduate students in an off-campus clinical placement serving early elementary–aged children and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNCG. Prior to joining the faculty, Matt worked as a speech-language pathologist in the Guilford County Public School System, with clinical expertise in school-based service delivery. His professional interests include clinical supervision, speech-sound disorders, and fluency disorders in school-aged populations. |
| VP of Audiology, Dakota Sharp Dakota works at the The Children’s Cochlear Implant Center at UNC–Chapel Hill, specializing in pediatric cochlear implants within a university-based clinical setting. She is an active member of NCSHLA and is committed to supporting the continued growth and excellence of audiology and speech-language pathology across North Carolina. Dakota values collaboration with clinicians and researchers statewide and is passionate about helping inspire the next generation of audiologists. |
| VP of Finance, Sarah Hopkins, M.A., CCC-SLP Sarah Hopkins, M.A., CCC-SLP, serves as Vice President of Finance with NCSHLA. She is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she teaches undergraduate courses and supervises graduate clinicians. Her clinical work focuses on early intervention and community-based speech and language services for preschool and school-aged children. Sarah is committed to supporting the sustainability and continued growth of speech-language pathology and audiology across North Carolina. |
.jpg)
 | VP of Membership & Recognition, Chrystal William, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CBT Chrystal is a speech-language pathologist who serves pediatric and adult clients in a university clinic and at the Down Syndrome Achievement Center, with a clinical focus on language, articulation, AAC, cognition, and social skills. She serves as Vice President of Membership & Recognition on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NCSHLA). Chrystal is passionate about advancing the field of communication sciences and disorders by supporting professional growth, increasing membership, and advocating for individuals with communication disorders across North Carolina. |
| VP of Professional & Governmental Affairs, Jessica Kinard Jessica works at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at UNC Chapel Hill, serving toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children with communication needs and developmental disabilities in clinic and home health settings. She currently serves as Vice President for Professional Affairs with NCSHLA, a role inspired by her interest in advocating for speech-language pathologists and the families they serve. In this position, she collaborates with NCSHLA leadership, the association’s lobbyist, and professionals across the state to advance advocacy efforts for the profession. |
| VP of Public Relations & University Affairs, Mariam Abdelaziz, Mariam is affiliated with North Carolina Central University, with professional interests in pediatric bilingualism, language and literacy development, and school-based practice. She serves as Vice President for University Affairs and Public Relations with the NCSHLA, where she is committed to supporting student engagement and professional growth. Mariam is passionate about strengthening connections among students, faculty, and the broader community while advocating for the continued advancement of speech-language pathology and audiology in North Carolina. |
Schools Committee Chair, Connie Williams, MA, CCC-SLP Connie serves as Lead Support for Related Services with the Guilford County School District, providing support to district therapists and, indirectly, to students across PreK–12 settings. She is actively involved with the NCSHLA Schools Committee and values the opportunity to advocate for high-quality services in public schools. She believes public education is a critical pathway for improving students’ futures and strengthening communities and is proud to support organizations that advance services for North Carolina’s children. |