About Us
Laura Sheppard, M.S. CCC-SLP- Owner/Therapist
Hello! I have a passion for supporting people on their communication journey because I believe everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. I enjoy creating a plan that is meaningful and specific for each person using the different skills and knowledge I have received over the years. My goal is to create a very personalized therapy experience for children, adults, and parents.
Before starting North Dallas Speech in 2014, I worked as a hospital and public school-based speech-language pathologist at the start of my career. I received my Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas (go Comets!) and my Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Texas at Austin (hook ’em!). I am licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and am nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
I have a strong interest in working together with people who stutter. This has led me to become a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Special Interest Group 4 on Fluency and Fluency Disorders. This nationally recognized authority provides education, research, and support to help speech-language pathologists achieve excellence in assessment and intervention for people with fluency disorders. Additionally, I am a Co-Chapter Leader of the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Teens Who Stutter support group in North Dallas.
I commit to continue to grow and learn as a clinician working together with people of all ages who stutter. I have engaged in diverse workshops and trainings focused on stuttering. A wonderful learning opportunity I have had is participating with Camp Shout Out, which is an overnight summer camp experience for young people who stutter. The camp’s program is developed and implemented by board certified fluency specialists who lead a hands-on professional training opportunity for speech-language pathologists and graduate students. Additionally, I participated in an Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering ARTS® Workshop. More about the ARTS® philosophy and treatment approach can be found on their website. In addition to my experience working with older children, teens and adults that stutter, I completed training in the Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention. The Lidcombe Program is a stuttering treatment program developed for children showing early signs of stuttering, approximately ages 2-6 years old. I strive to create a tailored therapeutic approach that uniquely addresses the needs of each individual, integrating insights from these various sources and more.
My husband James and I have two children- Jimmy & Morgan. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, Longhorn sports, pickleball, golf, the television series Survivor, crossword puzzles, and podcasts.
Kayla Bratcher, M.S. CCC-SLP- Therapist
Hello! There is truly nothing more rewarding than watching a child’s confidence grow when they realize the power of communication and when they can use that communication effectively, My goal is to create a plan that is specific, meaningful and motivational to your child, celebrating every victory along the way!
I received my Bachelors Degree from the University of Oklahoma in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Boomer Sooner!) and my Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Baylor University. I have spent the past 4 years working with children Pre-K through 5th grade as an Elementary Speech-Language Pathologist and am currently serving Highland Park ISD. I have experience working with children with speech sound disorders, children using AAC, children on the Autism spectrum, developmental delays as well as children with a variety of speech and language disorders.
I am licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and am nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
A few fun facts about me! I grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma and have lived in Dallas for almost 5 years. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, traveling, learning to play tennis and spending time with my family and friends!
Emily Davis, M.S. CCC-SLP – Therapist
Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. She is a licensed speech language pathologist and has experience evaluating and treating a variety of communication disorders. Emily specializes in working with young children with social communication deficits, receptive and expressive language disorders, and articulation/phonological deficits. Before joining North Dallas Speech, Emily has worked as an Early Childhood Intervention SLP at The Warren Center, an Elementary School SLP in Highland Park ISD, and in a private practice treating children from 2 years to 17 years of age.
Emily is originally from Marietta, Georgia and moved to Dallas in 2016. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 2 dogs. Her hobbies include running, cooking, and reading. She loves to be outdoors and has a passion for traveling. Fun fact – she loves interior design and flipping furniture, too!
Kristina Greenawalt, M.S. CCC-SLP- Therapist
Hi! I have been working as a speech language pathologist in a variety of settings. I have always especially loved working with children, and getting to know their individual personalities and interests makes my job so much more fun! Because communication is a pivotal part of all relationships, I aspire to meet each child where they are and help them become the best communicator they can be!
My work history includes elementary schools in Highland Park ISD, Fort Worth, and Chicago, working with children ages 3-12 years old. Over the past several years I have treated articulation, language, and fluency disorders. In addition, I have addressed social and language skills with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as children with cochlear implants and other hearing aides. I was fortunate to participate in a Cochlear Implant Camp and provide Auditory Verbal Therapy techniques for those attending. I’ve led speech programs for preschoolers with articulation and phonological disorders, as well as programs to facilitate language development in toddlers and preschoolers with language delays.
My undergraduate degree is in Psychology, from Wheaton College in Illinois, and I have a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. I am licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and am nationally certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with two young children and husband, going for long walks, practicing yoga, and traveling!