Speech Therapists

Speech therapists help people  think and communicate with others.  Our speech therapists have completed advanced training and provide therapy for:

  • Talking & Voice:  to improve voice volume, breath support, articulation, receptive and expressive communication
  • Cognition:  to improve thinking skills
  • Eating & Swallow Function:   to improve chewing and swallow function

Joey Farris, SLP

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

I received my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo, AL and have worked in the field of Speech Therapy for almost 20 years. My experience is in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings.

 

EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS

I work primarily with people who have Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia and other neurological issues and specialize in treating cognitive impairment, communication difficulty and dysphagia. I am certified in McNeill Dysphagia Therapy, Speak Out Parkinson’s Therapy, and Vital Stim Dysphagia Therapy. Recently I completed training in Myofunctional Therapy. This is an emerging field and I enjoy helping people identify why they have difficulty with talking, eating or breathing, and then determine what treatment options can help.

Jennifer Egeland, SLP

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

I received my Masters in Communicative Science Disorders from Alabama A&M in Normal, AL and have worked in the field of Speech Therapy for over 10 years. I have worked in independent/assisted living, skilled nursing and outpatient rehabilitation settings.

 

EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS

I work primarily with people who have Head & Neck cancer, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia and other neurological issues. I specialize in treating cognitive impairment, communication difficulty and dysphagia. I am certified in LSVT Loud Parkinson’s Therapy, and Vital Stim Dysphagia Therapy. Recently I completed Walt Fritz Soft Tissue Mobilization and Norton’s School of Lymphatic Therapy Head & Neck Certifications. Many of my patients with Head and Neck cancer have difficulty with swelling, fibrosis and swallowing and I enjoy using the skills I’ve learned to help them improve their pain and have a better quality of life.

Tina Friesen, SLP

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. With over 17 years of clinical experience, I have served patients in a variety of settings, including nationally recognized Level 1 trauma centers and leading neurorehabilitation hospitals.

EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONSI

I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with neurological conditions, including stroke, progressive neurodegenerative diseases, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. As a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), I bring advanced knowledge and clinical insight into the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injuries.

My areas of expertise include:

  • Cognitive-communication disorders

  • Dysarthria and motor speech disorders

  • Voice disorders

  • Aphasia therapy

  • Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)

I hold certifications and specialized training in:

  • MBSImP – Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile

  • MDTP – McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program

  • VitalStim® Therapy – Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the treatment of dysphagia

  • DIEZ Method – Evidence-based approach for the treatment of pharyngoesophageal dysphagia

I am deeply passionate about helping individuals regain their independence, confidence, and quality of life through personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based care.