Thriving Through Speech Therapy: Techniques and Strategies for Voice and Swallowing
Communication and swallowing changes are a common but often overlooked part of PD – and help is available. In this episode of Thriving Through Speech Therapy, speech pathologists explore how PD affects voice, facial expression, and swallowing, and what can be done to support clearer, more confident communication.
You will learn about evidence-based programs shown to improve voice loudness and clarity, practice a technique for stronger voice projection during everyday conversations, and discover how facial expression exercises can increase connection with others. This episode also addresses why swallowing difficulties occur in PD, and discusses what to expect from speech therapy focused on swallowing concerns.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
Olivia Bayer, M.S., CCC-SLP
Before joining Lingraphica in 2024, Olivia spent seven years working as a speech-language pathologist, primarily at a Level I Trauma and Comprehensive Burn Center. She also treated patients in inpatient rehabilitation and provided mobile swallow studies across the Greater Pittsburgh region. She is passionate about dysphagia diagnostics, rehabilitation, and education.
Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood, SLPD, CCC-SLP/L
Dr. Treasyri (pronounced “treasure”) Williams Wood graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in audiology and speech-language pathology, earned a master of arts degree in communicative sciences and disorders from Hampton University, and obtained a clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology (SLPD) from Northwestern University. She has extensive professional experience in acute, inpatient, outpatient, and skilled nursing settings, including at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the nation’s top rehabilitation institution. Currently serving as Research Manager at Lingraphica Inc., Dr. Williams Wood develops research strategies for AAC technology and aphasia care. She is passionate about creating person-centered interventions for individuals with swallowing, cognitive, and communicative deficits resulting from neurogenic dysfunction, and remains committed to addressing health equity and social determinants of health in underserved communities.