Christine Somma

Ph.D., Ed.M., M.A, CCC-SLP

Dr. Christine Somma opened Waxhaw Speech, Language and Learning in 2007 after moving to North Carolina from New York. With more than 25 years of experience engaged in clinical work in nearly every conceivable environment combined with her innovative qualitative research, Dr. Somma brings her all-encompassing skills and knowledge in addressing the needs of her clients.

With a strikingly unique background in three interrelated fields including a Ph.D. in education, and three master’s degrees; special education, speech-language pathology and neuropsychology/neuroscience, Dr. Somma possesses an all-inclusive perspective in her diagnostic and treatment approach.  With this distinguished background, she is able to bring together all the possible factors contributing to an individual’s academic, occupational and communication challenges—an approach she describes as “getting to the heart of what’s happening.”

Dr. Christine Somma lives in Waxhaw with her husband and their Aussie mix rescue dog, Scarlet. She has two young adult sons attending college. When she is not working, Dr. Somma can be found doing most anything outdoors and volunteering in her community.

Education/Certifications:

  • Ph. D. Education, sub-specialty in Special Education: Northcentral University
  • Ed. M. in Neuroscience/Neuropsychology: Columbia University
  • MA in Speech-Language Pathology: University of Colorado-Boulder
  • BS Communication Disorders and Speech Science
  • American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Certified
  • NC Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
  • NY certified teacher: Concentration in Speech and Hearing Handicapped
  • PROMPT trained

Research/Teaching:

  • Implementation of a Phonological Awareness Program delivered by Parent Volunteers.
  • Neuropsychological Profiles of Language Impaired Preschoolers; conducted at Columbia University.
  • Development, piloting, standardization and validation of the NEPSY test, the gold standard in pediatric neuropsychological assessment; published by Pearson Assessment.
  • Guest lecturer at Columbia University, department of Developmental Psychology.


“I’m a speech language pathologist, and similar to my clients who are always much more than the label of their diagnosis, I bring the entire scope of my education and experience as a teacher, neuroscientist and parent to the practice of speech and language pathology. It’s more than a job; it’s a calling—and my passion.”

—Dr. Christine Somma