Matt Cuddington, M.A., CCC-SLP

 President-Elect

Matt is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, bringing over 14 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist. He currently supervises first-year graduate students at an off-campus clinical placement, where they provide speech and language services to early elementary-aged children. 

Matt earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from UNC Greensboro.

Prior to joining the faculty at UNCG, Matt served as a speech-language pathologist in the Guilford County Public School System. His clinical expertise includes school-based service delivery with a focus on articulation and phonology, receptive and expressive language, fluency, and social-pragmatic communication.

Matt’s professional interests center on clinical supervision, speech-sound disorders, and fluency disorders in school-aged populations.

Matt is very excited for this opportunity to advocate for and support all the professionals who may or may not be a part of our association throughout the state of North Carolina!!!

 Connie Williams, MA, CCC-SLP

 Schools Committee Chair

Guilford County School District, Lead Support for Related Services

Support of district therapists, so indirectly, all pre-k – 12 students

I enjoy working with the NCSHLA Schools Committee because children deserve our best. For many students, public education is the only gateway to improving their future, and it gives them the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. I am happy to be part of an organization that helps to support NC public schools and the quality of services students receive.

 Jessica Kinard, 

 VP of Professional & Governmental Affairs

Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at UNC Chapel Hill

Toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children with communication needs and developmental disabilities in either clinic or home health settings

I am currently the Vice President for Professional Affairs at NCSHLA. I first became interested in this role after reaching out to NCSHLA with questions about how to advocate for the rights of speech-language pathologists and the families that we serve, based on needs I have encountered in my practice. This role allows me to collaborate with NCSHLA, our lobbyist, and speech-language pathologists around the state to advocate for our profession.

 Sarah Hopkins, M.A., CCC-SLP

 VP of Finance

AP Assistant Professor / Clinical EducatorUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Early Intervention, preschool and school-age community-based speech and language intervention. Clinical Educator of graduate-level clinicians and instructor of undergraduate CSD courses at UNCG.

I am honored to serve as the Finance Committee Chair and am committed to facilitating the sustainability and success of NCSHLA. It is an exciting time to jump in as NCSHLA continues to focus on key initiatives that will continue to strengthen the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology within our state.

 Chrystal William, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CBT

  VP of Membership and Recognition

Pediatric and Adult clients in the university clinic and Down Syndrome Achievement Center, focus on language, articulation, AAC, cognition and social skills.

As a dedicated speech-language pathologist, I am excited to serve on the North Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NCSHLA) Board of Directors. My passion for advancing the field of communication sciences and disorders drives my desire to contribute to the organization's mission. Through my service as VP of Membership & Recognition, I aim to increase membership to aid in supporting the professional growth and development of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in North Carolina, while advocating for the needs of individuals with communication disorders. I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate to serve, and I am committed to working collaboratively with colleagues to promote the interests of our profession. By serving on the NCSHLA Board of Directors, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with communication disorders and to help shape the future of our profession in North Carolina.

 Mariam Abdelaziz,

 VP of Public Relations & University Affairs

North Carolina Central University - Pediatric bilingualism/language/literacy/schools 

I serve with NCSHLA because I’m passionate about supporting the growth of our field and creating more opportunities for students. As the Vice President for University Affairs and PR, my goal is to strengthen our connection with students, faculty, and the broader community. I want to help ensure our voices are heard and that we continue to advocate for the advancement of speech-language pathology and audiology through meaningful engagement and networking opportunities.