Emily Halder (she/her)
Founder/Speech-Language Pathologist
Emily Halder is the owner and lead clinician at Blue Ridge Speech and Voice. She is a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience working with adults in both medical and private practice settings. Emily specializes in gender-affirming voice modification, Parkinson’s disease, aphasia, and cognitive-communication rehabilitation.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science (with a focus in linguistics) from Case Western Reserve University and a master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from UNC Greensboro, where she received advanced training in transgender voice and communication. Her early clinical work included positions in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and at Emory’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Atlanta before founding Blue Ridge Speech and Voice in 2019.
Emily is passionate about making high-quality, affirming care more accessible — including by accepting insurance for gender-affirming services. She was honored by Simple Practice during Women’s History Month in 2022 for her advocacy and clinical work with the transgender community. In addition to her clinical practice, she also educates and mentors other SLPs looking to provide gender-affirming voice care.
Memberships and Accolades
Certified with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Licensed as a speech-language pathologist in North Carolina, South 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)
