SPEAK YOUR LEGACY - SERVICES

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) 
Adult and pediatric FEES evaluations are performed using a video-endoscope that passes through the nasal cavity to see how safely you swallow. It is used to analyze muscle function, assess for aspiration, find the safest food consistencies, view vocal cord function to assess voicing, view structural abnormalities, and more! Testing is minimally invasive, cost-effective, quick, and mobile! Equipment is cleaned with a 3-step cleaning process FDA approved to kill the COVID-19 virus.
No need to schedule a modified barium swallow study at your local hospital when we can bring an objective swallow study to you! Now, patients don’t need to wait ~6 weeks for hospital appointments and enter radiation chambers. We have all the mobile equipment- radiation and barium free and can get you answers quickly! This testing also evaluates your voice all in one exam, with color photos added into every report. No need for us to wonder if your current diet is safe or risk continued chronic aspiration events- let us take a look together! You will have the choice to watch your exam in real time in 4k if you choose! We are highly skilled, with advanced certification in FEES testing, and teach the courses for those learning how to perform these exams nationwide.

Adult  Speech & Swallow Treatment
Speech, Language, and Cognitive treatments target intelligibility, ability to meet wants and needs, AAC, deficits of traumatic brain injuries,  memory, reasoning, following directions, problem solving, increasing communication and speech production, breath support, pragmatics,  word finding, stuttering, and much more! I am a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) by the NCCDP and Certified Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT-C) clinician with a history of administering speech services independently in skilled nursing facilities and work in a hospital. SLP helps you learn how to eat and drink safely. Consideration of different consistencies of food, swallowing in different ways, or postural modifications can aid swallowing difficulties. 

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) 
 "LSVT LOUD improves communication by helping you speak with a voice and volume that's easy for others to hear and understand. The treatment is built on tailored exercises that strengthen the voice box (larynx) and speech system. " - LSVT Global. This treatment was created for patients with Parkinson's Disease and other neurological disorders affecting voice and loudness.  Treatment is formatted into 16 one-hour sessions (4x week / 4 weeks).

PATTERNED ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION (PENS)
PENS treatment is administered via electrodes to strengthen muscles for swallow strengthening and improved function. Swallowing exercises are completed with electrodes in place and certified SLP instruction.  

PASSY-MUIR SPEAKING VALVES (PMSV)
 "Passy Muir® Tracheostomy & Ventilator Swallowing and Speaking Valve is a simple, life-changing medical device used by tracheostomy and ventilator patients. When placed on the hub of the tracheostomy tube or in-line with the ventilator circuit, the Passy Muir® Valve redirects air flow through the vocal folds, mouth, and nose, enabling voice and improved communication." Also aids in   "Voice/Speech Production, Improved swallowing, Secretion management, Oxygenation, Restores positive airway pressure, Weaning, Decannulation, Olfaction, Infection Control, Pediatric Speech/Language Development, Quality of Life." - Passy-Muir.com 

PEDIATRIC SPEECH & SWALLOW TREATMENT
Play-based treatment approaches use of positive reinforcement and structured activities to optimize progress.  I integrate a variety of techniques into my speech therapy sessions, from Beckman's Oral Motor Approach, to tactile prompting with sound-specific prompts,  AAC training, phonemic awareness, carryover of Common Core learning, articulation and intelligibility treatment,  to training families for use of chewy tubes and cut-out cups.  I am a NYS-certified Early Intervention Provider with experience in all school-aged populations and hold my teaching certificate for teaching students with speech and language disabilities. I work closely with family support to create the greatest carryover.  Whether speech delay or speech disorder, you've come to the right place.  

VOICE AND TRACHEOSTOMY TREATMENT

SLP works with your doctor and/or respiratory therapist to find ways for you to speak optimally. SLP helps to determine if you are a good candidate for a speaking valve and can work with you to learn how to speak with it. They can help you find other ways to communicate if you cannot speak by using your finger to cover the trach tube opening or a speaking valve. These other ways of communicating may include writing, texting, pointing to pictures on a board, or using a computer. These options are also known as augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC. Some people with a trach can also have difficulty swallowing.  - Per ASHA (American Speech Hearing Association). Experienced in treatment of patients with tracheostomy in acute, sub-acute, and home-based settings.