Voice Disorders

Speech Pathologists (SLPs) treat a variety of disorders,  including stuttering, paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction, & spasmodic dysphonia.   While some of our interventions will take place within a clinic treatment room, our SLPs realize taking a step into the “real world” helps our patients gain confidence in their public speaking skills.   

Our clinicians are certified to provide the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program, aptly called LSVT Loud, an intensive 4 week approach to help patients achieve a better-quality voice with increased intensity, range, and pitch variations. This program was developed as a treatment for speech disorders associated with Parkinson’s Disease, along with other neurological conditions.

Speech language Pathologist, Victoria Pavelko, has over a decade experience as a fluency specialist treating stuttering/cluttering disorders across the lifespan. 

Treatment approaches include:

  • Guitar’s Integration Theory for Advanced Stutterers

  • Kully & Langevin Comprehensive Stuttering Program

  • Perkin’s Fluency Skill Program

  • Shames’ Stutter Free Speech

  • Van Riper’s Modification & Stabilization  

Voice disorders specific to performers

Helping those in the performing arts is a specialty that requires a deep understanding of the disorders that can occur with singers, an understanding of the needs of those in the arts,  along with the knowledge of a Speech Pathologist.  

Classically trained opera singer and Speech-language Pathologist, Joseph Kim, works closely with well-known ENTs around the area to address Voice Disorders. Joseph has an extended experience working with professional singers/voice users; and many patients with Aphonia, Dysphonia, Puberphonia, Psychogenic voice disorders, Psychogenic conversion aphonia/dysphonia, Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM), Pre-/Post- vocal fold surgery assessment. Joseph is currently on the faculty at Howard University teaching Voice Disorders and also has taught at Gallaudet University.

According to ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), A voice disorder occurs when voice quality, pitch, and loudness differ or are inappropriate for an individual's age, gender, cultural background, or geographic location. A voice disorder is present when an individual expresses concern about having an abnormal voice that does not meet daily needs—even if others do not perceive it as different or deviant.