Meet the Team
Maria Evans, M.S., CCC-SLP
Practice Owner & Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
Maria graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2010 and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2012. Inspired by her experiences growing up with an Autistic brother and cousin, Maria developed a passion for working with children. While initially drawn to behavioral science, she discovered speech therapy during her first year of college and instantly knew it was the perfect career for her.
Maria has extensive experience serving clients from infancy through adolescence and young adulthood. She has worked in a variety of settings, including home environments, preschools, daycares, multidisciplinary clinics, and school systems. Collaborating with other professionals such as occupational and physical therapists, teachers, and behavioral therapists has enriched her approach, allowing her to provide holistic and family-centered care.
Maria is particularly passionate about diagnosing and treating speech sound disorders, with a special focus on Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). She is committed to lifelong learning, participating in continuing education courses each year to stay at the forefront of her field and refine her skills.
When she’s not working, Maria spends most of her time with her family. She lives in Wake Forest, NC, with her husband and their three children. The family enjoys weekends filled with sports and traveling whenever possible. Their favorite destination? Disney World! Maria is always happy to share her Disney expertise with anyone planning a trip.
Allison Glorius, M.S., CCC-SLP
Allison earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from North Carolina State University, with a concentration in Disorders and a Minor in Psychology.
She then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina. Throughout her studies, Allison gained hands-on clinical experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings, including schools, preschools, inpatient hospitals, developmental disability centers, and skilled nursing facilities. She has assessed and treated a wide range of speech and language disorders with special interests in articulation, expressive and receptive language, and language-related literacy skills. She also has experience supporting communication through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and working in early intervention and social communication.
Allison believes that growth and success happen when everyone works together. She values collaboration ensuring that each child receives well-rounded, individualized support. She is passionate about building strong partnerships with children and their families and teachers to help them improve overall communication skills in meaningful ways. She is thrilled to be a part of Caring Connections and contributing to our mission of supporting children as they develop the confidence and skills needed to reach their full potential.
Outside of work, Allison enjoys spending time in nature, playing pickleball, exploring new places, being a foodie, reading, serving and worshiping at her church, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Megan Pearce, M.S., CF-SLP
Megan Pearce brings a strong educational foundation and deep commitment to supporting children's communication development. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Literacy from North Carolina Central University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University.
Megan is passionate about helping every child thrive in their unique environments. She is dedicated to using a variety of therapeutic approaches and communication modalities tailored to each child’s individual needs, with the goal of building confidence and supporting long-term success.
Outside of her work at CCPT, Megan enjoys spending time at the gym with her husband, leading worship at her church, and making memories with family and friends. She lives in Henderson, NC, and loves traveling and discovering new places.
Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Fellow
Nicole Wilkins, M.S., CF-SLP
Nicole earned her Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and later completed her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Baylor University. Her career began as a Recreational Therapist in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, where she discovered her passion for speech therapy and the joy of helping children communicate.
She is dedicated to providing fun, engaging, and evidence-based therapy that highlights each child’s unique strengths. Nicole values collaboration with families, teachers, and other professionals to create consistent support across settings and help every child find their voice.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys cooking, shopping, watching movies, and spending time with her two cats, Jax and Sunni Mae.
Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Fellow
Lucille Dicpinigaitis
Lucille serves a multifaceted role at Caring Connections Pediatric Therapy PLLC, where she oversees daily operations, coordinates referrals, and manages the practice’s social media presence. With a degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Joseph’s College (Long Island), earned in 2008, Lucille brings a strong foundation in child development and organizational leadership to her work.
Prior to joining Caring Connections, Lucille held key leadership roles at Tutor Time, where she served as both Administrative Director and Curriculum Director. In these roles, she was responsible for managing day-to-day operations, designing educational programs, and fostering strong relationships with families and staff.
At Caring Connections, Lucille ensures smooth communication between families and therapists, facilitates the intake and referral process, and works to streamline internal systems so that families can access care quickly and easily. Her organization, efficiency, and compassionate approach are central to the client experience.
Originally from Long Island, Lucille relocated to North Carolina in 2020. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with her family.
