Meet Our Staff
Gwen Fowler-Berken
MS CCC-SLP
Gwen is a nationally certified Speech and Language Pathologist and holds licensure in North Carolina and Georgia. She completed her Master’s degree at the University of Texas – Dallas in 1998. She has worked as a Rehab Manager and Clinical Speech and Language Pathologist. She has enjoyed working in multiple settings including acute hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, long term care settings, and public schools.
She specializes in expressive and receptive communication delays and disorders, speech delays and disorders, cognitive deficits, swallowing disorders, voice and fluency disorders. She has several years’ experience in working with neurogenic, pathological and psychogenic disorders as well as developmental disorders. She enjoys treating people with communication, cognitive and/or swallowing difficulties to increase their ability to communicate their wants, needs and ideas; assure the highest level of cognitive abilities which increases safety awareness/memory in their activities and extends their independence in daily tasks; and to assure people are on the least restrictive diet via treatment and diet analysis which reduces the risk of pneumonia and dehydration. She is LSVT and Vital Stim certified. Specific areas of expertise include Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease and other progressive diseases, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Vocal Diseases and Disorders and children with speech and language developmental delays or disorders such as cleft palate, apraxia and autism.
Melissa Curtis
MS CCC-SLP
Melissa is a nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist and attended Western Carolina University for both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Melissa has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 33 years and has spent most of that time working in the School System. Melissa also has experience in private practice, home health, adult day services, and nursing homes. Melissa has served on the program advisory board for WCU's Communication Sciences and Disorders program, the board of directors for Macon Tracs, as a member of the Autism Coaching and Autism Diagnostics teams in Macon County Schools. Melissa has extensive training in services for children diagnosed with Autism, as well as, PECS training. Melissa has lived in Franklin for 30 years, and has been married to her husband Joey for 29 years. Melissa has two children who also live in Franklin and beloved grand-dogs. Melissa enjoys camping, going to the Beach, and engaging in Summer activities.
Caitlyn White
MS CCC-SLP
Caitlyn is a Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathologist, and recent graduate from Western Carolina University. She received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Western Carolina University. Caitlyn also has a Bachelor's degree in Spanish, and studied the language in Spain during the Summer of 2019. Caitlyn has interned in many different settings during her graduate career, including private clinics, university clinics, school systems, and hospitals. She has also assisted in research and data management regarding bilingual language development in sibling pairs through the university. Additionally, Caitlyn is Beckman Oral Motor Protocol Certified. Caitlyn enjoys advancing her knowledge about bilingual language development, as well as working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. In her free time, Caitlyn enjoys hiking and exploring with her dog, Sam.
Loretta Mauro
MS CCC-SLP
Loretta is a nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist and holds licensure in North Carolina and Georgia. She completed her Master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University Davie, Florida in 1994. Loretta received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Music Education from Boca Raton, Florida in 1984. Loretta served as an elementary school music teacher in Broward County, Florida for ten years prior to becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. She has enjoyed working in multiple settings including acute care hospitals, schools, daycares, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Loretta lives on a small farm where she enjoys being surrounded by nature and caring for her many animals.
Emily Tran
SLPA
Ms. Emily is an alumni from Western Carolina University and holds a bachelor’s in Communications Sciences and Disorders. She is an ASHA certified Speech Therapy Assistant and she is currently in the process of getting her Speech Therapy Assistant License in North Carolina. She enjoys helping children and adults learn how to communicate and to find their voice.
Fun fact about Ms. Emily: She loves to sing! 🎶
In Ms. Emily’s free time she loves to play tennis, hike, and spend time with family and friends. She also loves spending time on the beach and the mountains.
Nicole Rogers
Office Manager/Receptionist
Nicole is our Office Manager and obtained her Associate's of Health Information Technology from Southwestern Community College. Nicole has many years of experience working with the public and has the expertise to ensure a great visit to our office for our clients each and every time. Nicole also has the necessary communication and listening skills to guarantee that each client’s needs are met effectively. In her free time, Nicole enjoys being with her two children, hiking, reading, and baking.
Candice Queen
Office Supervisor
Candice is the Office Supervisor and previously worked for Gwen’s Speech Therapy as the Office Manager. After taking time off to attend school, Candice has come back to the office in a new role. Candice has many years of working with the public and has a passion for helping others. Candice takes pride in ensuring that every day is the best day at the office for clients and clinicians. In her free time, Candice enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking and trying new things.