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Speech and Voice Specialists

Online Speech Therapy & Gender-Affirming Voice Training You Can Trust

Available by Telehealth to residents of:
NC, SC, TN, VA, GA, NY, CO, MA, CA, OR, NH, FL

Welcome to Blue Ridge Speech and Voice — Where Communication Meets Confidence

At Blue Ridge Speech and Voice, we specialize in providing compassionate, results-driven online speech therapy and voice training for adults across multiple states. Founded by Emily Halder in 2019 and based in western North Carolina, our practice is dedicated to helping clients from all walks of life — including transgender and non-binary individuals seeking gender-affirming voice care, adults living with Parkinson’s disease, and those navigating neurological challenges such as aphasia, dysphagia, or cognitive impairment.

In 2024, we proudly expanded to include pediatric speech therapy, offering dedicated care for children as well. Our experienced therapists deliver all services conveniently online through Zoom, making high-quality care accessible for clients with busy schedules, immune considerations, or mobility challenges.

With our secure online client portal, you’ll enjoy more one-on-one therapy time and less hassle with paperwork. Whether you’re seeking gender-affirming voice training, help managing Parkinson’s-related voice and swallowing changes, or support with communication and cognition, we’re here to help you reach your goals.

Now accepting new clients!

Watch our video introduction to speech therapy for adults.

Speech therapy for adults vs. Children

A woman in a tan cardigan on a couch talking to a blonde woman in blue.

Adults: Speech therapists help people improve their overall communication skills and address areas such as voice, speech, language, cognition, and/or swallowing disorders. This can include providing transgender voice modification, rehabilitation for stroke survivors, assistance for those experiencing cognitive decline, and strategies for managing speech and swallowing difficulties associated with Parkinson's disease.

Children: Speech therapy focuses on enhancing communication abilities through targeted interventions. This includes addressing articulation issues, language development, reading skills, and pragmatic language use, ensuring that children can effectively express themselves and engage with others in their daily lives. This can be done on its own, or, in addition to services a child may be receiving at school.

Home: About Us

Meet the team!

Emily Halder (she/her)

Hi there! I’m Emily and I’m the owner of Blue Ridge Speech and Voice. I’ve been a licensed speech therapist since 2012 and have a passion for working with adults. I am licensed to work with clients in multiple states (see list below), in order to increase availability of services. My primary areas of interest are gender-affirming voice modification, Parkinson's disease, aphasia, and cognitive rehabilitation. I was featured by Simple Practice for Women’s History Month in 2022 for my work with the transgender community, and am proud to make gender affirming voice services more easily accessible by accepting insurance. In addition to being a therapist and private practice owner, I also do freelance work with a goal of educating other speech therapists who are interested in providing gender-affirming voice modification.

ASHA number: 14037439

NC SLP license number: 13511

GA SLP license number: SLP008861

TN SLP license number: 9015

VA SLP license number: 2202011013

FL SLP license number SA22920

NY SLP license number: 035022

Learn more about Emily

Bashi Zinnershine (she/they)

Bashi is a dedicated speech-language pathologist specializing in gender-affirming voice therapy and has extensive experience in Parkinson’s voice therapy, dysphagia management, cognitive rehabilitation, and stroke recovery (CVA). With over four years of experience working in rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, they bring a wealth of clinical expertise to their practice.

Certified in Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy, Bashi’s approach is rooted in collaboration, self-expression, and empowerment. They create a safe, supportive space where individuals can explore their unique voice and develop confidence in their communication. Whether guiding clients through gender-affirming voice work or supporting recovery from neurological conditions, Bashi tailors each session to the individual’s goals and needs.

Bashi holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Georgia State University. Their passion for voice, language, and identity drives their commitment to helping each client find a voice that feels authentic and fulfilling.

ASHA number: 14363579

NC SLP license number: 15448

CA SLP license number: 38646

OR SLP license number: 16805

NH SLP license number: 2349

Learn more about Bashi

Erin Mack (she/her)

Hi, I’m Erin Mack, and I’ve been a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist since 2004. I’ve dedicated much of my career to working with adults, with a particular passion for supporting people with Parkinson’s disease, stroke survivors, and those managing swallowing disorders (dysphagia). I’m certified in LSVT Loud, a powerful program that helps people with Parkinson’s improve their voice, speech clarity, and swallowing function.

My path into speech therapy started during my undergraduate studies in deaf education, where I discovered my love for helping people communicate. I went on to earn my master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University, and since then, I’ve worked across a wide range of settings—including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient care, and community-based elder care programs.

In addition to my work with adults, I have over seven years of experience working with children, both in schools and via telehealth, addressing articulation, language, social communication, stuttering, and AAC needs.

I’m licensed to provide services in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Georgia, and I’ve been with Blue Ridge Speech and Voice since 2023. Wherever you are on your communication journey, I would love to partner with you and help you reach your goals with encouragement, expertise, and compassion.

ASHA number: 12071649

NC SLP license number: 6433

SC SLP license number: 7244

GA SLP license number: SLP012823

TN SLP license number: 9010

Learn more about Erin

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide inclusive, cutting edge, evidence-based speech therapy and voice training to our clients. We want to make these services more effective, affordable, and easily accessible for everyone. We believe that everyone deserves the best treatment possible, with culturally competent and experienced clinicians. Blue Ridge Speech and Voice's secure client portal and online service delivery model ensure that you get more time working on your goals and less time dealing with traffic and office staff.

Click HERE to schedule a free consultation!