Speech-Language Pathologists are committed to assisting individuals achieve optimal communication and swallowing function. Evaluation and treatment of speech, language, cognitive, voice and swallowing disorders are provided for all ages, from birth through geriatrics. Depending on the individual’s level of impairment, emphasis may be on establishing or restoring behaviors, or on developing compensatory strategies.

Communication and swallowing evaluations are provided for all persons admitted with stroke. Infants in the Level III Intensive Care Nursery who experience difficulty with feeding are referred to SLP Services for assistance. Referrals are also received through the Level I Trauma Service and other special care units. Other communication or swallowing disorders related to debilitating illness, medical or surgical events, or developmental delay may receive evaluation and treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

SLP Services are affiliated with the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee, whose graduate programs are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Services

• Evaluation and treatment of speech-language and voice disorders as well as cognitive and social aspects of communication
• Evaluation and treatment of phonatory and respiratory dysfunction utilizing videostroboscopy via rigid endoscopy and flexible nasendoscopy
• Provision of Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) for persons with Parkinsons Disease
• Evaluation and treatment of swallowing and feeding disorders using bedside swallow evaluation, oral-motor feeding evaluation, modified barium swallow (MBS) study and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
• Establishment of alaryngeal speech via electrolarynx or esophageal speech and assistance with speech for those with tracheoesophageal prosthesis
• Evaluation of velopharyngeal competence via flexible fiberoptic nasendoscopy
• Placement of speaking valves and/or use of talking trachs for patients with aphonia secondary to tracheostomy with/without mechanical ventilation, as well as providing other means of augmentative communication
• Provision of services to the Cole Neuroscience Center and to the Children’s Special Services Reconstructive Clinic at the East Tennessee Regional Health Department

Staff

Theronne Singletary, M.S. CCC-SLP
Supervisor, SLP Services
Specialty Area: Neurogenics and LSVT
Colorado State University 1971

Melanie Davidson, M.A. CCC-SLP
Pediatric therapist
UT Knoxville 2005

Katherine Gibson, M.S. CCC-SLP
Adult therapist
Specialty Area: Voice
Arizona State University 2005

Sandra Pemberton, M.A. CCC-SLP
Adult therapist
UT Knoxville 2005

Sarah Brewer, M.A. CCC-SLP
Adult therapist
UT Knoxville 2006

Pamela Powell, M.A. CCC-SLP
Adult therapist
UT Knoxville 1996

Speech-Language Pathology graduate students from The University of Tennessee participate in the provision of services under the supervision of staff, as a part of their professional education.