About | Optimum Speech

Valarie Gerrald, MS CCC-SLP

Valarie Gerrald is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Education:

-Undergraduate Degree: Deaf Education, Barton College

-Graduate Degree: Speech-Language and Auditory Pathology, East Carolina University

Experience:

Valarie has a diverse professional background, working with various age groups and settings, including:

-Toddlers in homes and daycares

-School-aged children in homes and virtually

-Geriatrics in day centers, nursing homes, and independent homes

-Graduate students and working professionals in clinics and work settings

Professional Development:

Valarie is dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth, regularly obtaining continuing education credits. She stays updated with evidence-based techniques and practices and has served as a peer reviewer for e-courses on speechpathology.com.

Certifications:

-Augmentative and Alternative Communication certification

-VitalStim certification

-Certified accent modification trainer (P-ESL method)

Affiliations:

Valarie is a certified member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) since 2009 and member of the North Carolina Speech, Hearing & Language Association (NCSHLA) since 2023.

Business Certifications:

-Certified minority-owned Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) firm

-Certified NC Small Business Enterprise (NCSBE) firm