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Meet Our Expert Speech-Language Pathologists & Voice Coaches

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Emily Halder, MA, CCC-SLP
(she/her)
owner/speech-language pathologist

Hi, I’m Emily Halder, the owner and speech-language pathologist behind Blue Ridge Speech and Voice. I’ve been a licensed and ASHA-certified SLP since 2012, and I’ve always had a deep passion for helping adults find their voice—whether that’s through gender-affirming voice care, support for Parkinson’s disease, aphasia recovery, or cognitive rehabilitation.

My path to speech therapy grew from a love of languages and curiosity about how we communicate. I studied in France before earning my bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science with a focus on linguistics from Case Western Reserve University, followed by a master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at UNC Greensboro. There, I was fortunate to train under leaders in transgender voice and communication, which shaped my lifelong commitment to making gender-affirming voice services accessible.

Since then, I’ve worked in skilled nursing, outpatient rehab, and at Emory’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Atlanta before returning home to Asheville to open Blue Ridge Speech and Voice in 2019. Here, I strive to offer compassionate, concierge-level care to every client, with the added benefit of accepting insurance to make these services more widely available.

In addition to my clinical work, I’m passionate about educating other speech therapists interested in gender-affirming voice care. It was an honor to be recognized by Simple Practice for Women’s History Month in 2022 for my work with the transgender community.

Above all, I truly love what I do—and I’d be honored to support you in reaching your communication goals.

​Memberships and Accolades

  • Certified with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

  • Licensed as a speech-language pathologist in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, Florida, and Georgia

  • Certified in Telepractice, Biofeedback, and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

  • Published author of article in North Carolina Association of Supervisors in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Newsletter

  • Member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society (merit-based membership from America's most prestigious academic honor society)

  • Summa Cum Laude graduate of Case Western Reserve University (top 10% of graduating class)

  • Member of WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health)

  • Affiliate of the NAA (National Aphasia Association)

About: Meet the Team

Erin Mack, MA, CCC-SLP
(she/her)
Speech-language pathologist

Erin has been a licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist since 2004. Her educational background began with an undergraduate focus on deaf education, during which time she discovered her interest in speech therapy. She then received her master’s in speech-language pathology from Appalachian State University and her career since then has been primarily focused on treating adults, with a special interest in stroke survivors, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), and Parkinson’s disease. Since 2004, she has worked in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient care, and community programs designed to provide all-inclusive care for the elderly. Erin is certified in LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Training), which is an excellent treatment program for people with Parkinson’s disease who want to work on a loud voice and clear speech. She is licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and would love to put her extensive experience to work and help you meet your goals!

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Memberships and Accolades

  • Certified with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

  • Licensed as a speech-language pathologist in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Georgia

  • Certified in LSVT, Biofeedback, and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (VitalStim and Guardian)

Bashi Zinnershine, MS, CCC-SLP
(she/they)
Speech-language pathologist

Hi, I’m Bashi! I’m a speech-language pathologist with a passion for voice, communication, and self-expression. I specialize in gender-affirming voice therapy and have years of experience working with dysphagia, cognitive rehab, Parkinson’s voice therapy, and stroke recovery (CVA) in rehab and skilled nursing settings. I’m also certified in Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy, which means I have specialized training in helping people find a voice that truly feels like them.

My approach is all about collaboration, exploration, and safety—your voice is yours, and I’m here to help you play with it, shape it, and make it feel comfortable and authentic. Whether we’re working on gender-affirming voice techniques or rebuilding communication skills after a stroke, I want therapy to be a supportive, judgment-free space where you can grow.

When I’m not working with clients, you can usually find me rock climbing, traveling, or getting outside whenever possible. I love helping people connect with their voice, and I’d love to work with you!

Memberships and Accolades

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