Meet Our Team!
Addy Brotherton
Founder & Speech Therapist
Addy Brotherton, the founder of Spark Speech PLLC, is a Charlotte-based speech-language pathologist who enjoys creating FUNctional and engaging therapy sessions for her pediatric clients. She started Spark Speech to create a space where therapy is based on connection and acceptance. Addy understands the importance of building a strong relationship with her clients and their families. She uses these connections to provide personalized treatment and care tailored to each family’s values and goals.
Addy obtained an undergraduate degree in communications from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and a Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Carolina in 2017. Addy has worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings, including schools, daycares, in-home treatment, early intervention, and private practice. She has worked with a variety of populations and treated various conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Developmental Delays, Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders, Dyslexia, Oral Motor Disorders, Articulation/Phonological Disorders.
Outside of speech therapy, Addy loves to travel, read novels, relax at her family’s lake house, and spend time with her daughter, husband, and golden doodle.
Ginny Byerley
Speech Therapist
Ginny holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida, completing her graduate studies in 2018. Since becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist, she has cultivated a diverse clinical background through her work in pediatric home health, private practices, teletherapy, daycares, and school-based settings.
Her areas of clinical expertise include early childhood language development, articulation disorders, and phonological disorders. Ginny has received specialized training in PROMPT (PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets). She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology and is certified in the American Heart Association Basic Life Support.
Her recent continuing education courses have included the following topics: working with autistic children and their families, ethics in social media, evaluating and enhancing children's phonological systems, the neurodiversity movement, and understanding sensory integration and processing. In addition, she has experience supporting children with developmental disorders, neurological disorders, genetic disorders and autism spectrum disorder across various communication needs.
In her personal time, Ginny enjoys reading, traveling, spending time at the beach, and walking with her husband and their Australian Shepherd.
Lauren Rees Au
Speech Therapist
Lauren Rees Au earned her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 2011. Since becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist, she has developed a broad and dynamic clinical background through her work in early intervention/ pediatrics within home health and outpatient hospital settings, private practice, and school systems—both in person and via teletherapy.
Lauren’s areas of expertise include childhood language development, articulation and phonological disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and supporting autistic children across a range of communication needs. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology.
Her continuing education has focused on preschool phonological disorders, the neurodiversity movement, Gestalt and natural language processing, and building narrative and early reading skills. Lauren is passionate about providing child-led, strengths-based therapy that supports meaningful communication for every child.
In her personal time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and two children exploring Charlotte—and hopefully welcoming a new dog to the family in 2025.
Emily Cliber
Billing & Insurance Specialist
Emily grew up in Connecticut but now lives outside of Richmond, VA. She has her bachelors in Business Administration and certifications in coding, billing, practice management and payroll. She's been in the medical field for over 15 years, first starting out in patient care. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time on her farm with her husband and children.
Murphy Brotherton
Meet Murphy, a Golden-doodle and proud Chief Fetch Officer (CFO) at Spark Speech. Murphy works with children of all ages, bringing comfort, confidence, and calm to every session. With his gentle presence and joyful energy, he helps kids feel safe, supported, and seen—whether through quiet snuggles, encouraging tail wags, or a well-timed game of fetch.
Murphy is a pro at sensing emotions, easing anxiety, and spreading unconditional love wherever he goes. His specialties include expert-level cuddles, motivational head tilts, and offering a fluffy shoulder to lean on. When he’s off duty, you’ll find him snoozing in sunbeams, collecting tennis balls, or charming everyone he meets.