Providing comprehensive, intuitive and personalized Speech Language Pathology care for over 30 years, Heather has expertise in the management of voice disorders, breathing pattern disorders and upper airway impairments. She has advanced clinical practice as a Facial Therapy Specialist.
Heather is an Idaho-licensed and ASHA-certified speech pathologist with extensive experience with the following populations:
Occupational voice users (teachers, singers, sales, call center, attorneys, actors, clergy, etc.)
Athletes with Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)
Individuals with Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO), also known as Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
Gender affirming voice and communication training
Globus Pharyngeus - “lump in throat” sensation
Irritable Larynx Syndrome (ILS)
Long COVID
Peripheral Facial Nerve Injury - Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Acoustic Neuroma Resection, other
Pulmonary compromised (Idiopathic dyspnea, CF, COPD/emphysema, RADS/chemical inhalation injury, adult onset asthma)
Refractory Chronic Cough / Unexplained Chronic Cough
Specialty Training and Certifications
VOICE - Behavioral and Qualitative Analysis of Voice and Resonance - Casper-Stone Confidential Flow Therapy - Conversation Training Therapy - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD) Management - Gender Affirming Voice Training - OutCare Certified - Laryngeal Function Studies - Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy - Manual Therapy and Myofascial Release - Manual Circumlaryngeal Therapy (circumlaryngeal massage and manual laryngeal reposturing) - Phonation Resistance Training Exercise (PhoRTE) - Resistive Muscle Strength Training - Semi Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises
BREATHING - Assessment of Breathing Pattern Disorders - Buteyko Breathing Method - Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction Biphasic Inspiratory (EILOBI) breathing training - Functional Breathing Pattern Training - Laryngeal Control Therapy - Resistive Muscle Strength Training
COUGH SUPPRESSION THERAPY - Assessment of Breathing and Cough - Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy - Globus Pharyngeus Behavioral Management -Reflux Management - Irritable Larynx Syndrome Management
FACIAL RETRAINING - Neuromuscular Retraining for Facial Paralysis, Paresis and Synkinesis - Management of Post Facial Paralysis Smile Dysfunction - Assessment and Therapy Management of Facial Palsy in Children - Post Operative Considerations in Facial Retraining Therapy
Heather uses evidence-based practices, a trauma-Informed model of care, and patent-centered therapy for optimal outcomes.
Education and Memberships
Heather completed her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of North Texas in 1992. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at South Dakota State University. Heather is a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and ASHA’s Special Interest Group: Voice and Upper Airway Disorders.