Speech Language Pathologists

HANNAH BLACKWELL, M.A., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology from Grand Valley State University and her Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University. She has enjoyed her work with pediatric and adult individuals in various settings, including public schools, center-based schools, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. She has enjoyed her experiences with clients requiring myofunctional therapeutic treatment and is particularly passionate about Childhood Apraxia of Speech, fluency, feeding, and encouraging communication through multi-modal approaches. Hannah recently completed the 35.5 hour SOS Approach to Feeding Level 1 training and is now a certified SOS Provider (Level 1). Hannah is excited to offer this service to our clients to help them understand their child’s feeding habits and difficulties more deeply.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys doing puzzles, spending time with friends and family, and working on art projects. She also loves taking walks around her home in Grand Rapids, where she lives with her husband and two cats.

Hannah holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as a Speech-Language Pathology license from the state of Michigan.

ANNA DUBIAK, M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Anna earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She then went on to receive a Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Anna started her career as a school-based speech and language pathologist. Since then, Anna has found her passion working on social communication, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), voice, and fluency. She has worked hard with the individuals she serves to gain confidence in their communication skills and foster positive change.

Currently, Anna is the Duncan Lake Speech Therapy gender-affirming voice modification specialist. To better her skills in this area, she has taken 12 hours of advanced voice modification professional development through Mantra Voice. She also works with clients with voice disorders and swallowing disorders, and is a certified SPEAK OUT! provider for folks with Parkinson’s Disease and other disorders that impact voice and swallowing. Additionally, Anna has completed the Foundations in Manual Therapy course for voice and swallowing disorders. She has also completed a course on Buteyko Breathing to continue her understanding of breath work and how it impacts voice, fluency, and overall health in the body.

As a neuro-affirming provider, Anna has invested a significant amount of time in professional development in this area. Anna is a PEERS® certified provider through the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. In addition, she has completed the 8-hour Meaningful Speech course on natural language acquisition and gestalt language processing. Anna is registered as a certified GLP/NLA provider through Meaningful Speech.

Anna is a current member of the Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium.

Outside of work, Anna enjoys crafting, aerial fitness, and playing her guitar and ukulele. She has lived in Michigan the past several years and enjoys continuing to explore Grand Rapids. She has 2 rescue dogs and loves taking them to the dog park with her husband.

Anna holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as a Speech-Language Pathology license from the state of Michigan.

ALYSSA MISIAK, M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Alyssa received her Bachelors of Science in Special Education: K-12 Communication Sciences and Disorders (Elementary Endorsement) at Eastern Michigan University before going on to earn her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology at Grand Valley State University. She has worked with both pediatric and adult populations in a variety of settings such as public schools, private clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. She is passionate about early intervention and encouraging communication through all modalities. Alyssa has experience with language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and gender-affirming voice therapy. She is currently obtaining her Foundations of ASL Certificate through Purdue University.

Alyssa enjoys crafting, reading, caring for her plants, and exploring new restaurants around Grand Rapids, where she currently resides with her partner and their two cats.

Alyssa holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as a speech-language pathology license from the state of Michigan.

LAUREN PETRUSKA, M.A., CF-SLP (she/her)

Lauren received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Grand Valley State University and has recently received her Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Michigan University. She has experience in both private practice and school settings with pediatric and adult clients. In her professional practice, Lauren believes in incorporating a growth mindset and an inclusive approach to care.

Outside of her clinical work, Lauren enjoys reading, attending concerts, and being outdoors.

Lauren holds a Speech-Language Pathologist License from the state of Michigan, and is working to complete the requirements of her clinical fellowship.

AMANDA REDEKER, M.A., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Amanda holds her Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from Calvin University. She has worked with a variety of individuals across the lifespan and is passionate about person-centered care. Amanda is dedicated to embracing all neurotypes and advocating for her clients. Her areas of focus include pediatric expressive/receptive language disorders, play therapy, traumatic brain injury and encouraging/supporting multi-modal communication. Amanda has obtained certification through Simon Says Speech in orofacial myology.

Outside of the therapy setting, Amanda enjoys spending as much time outside as possible. She has a particular love of hiking, camping, and swimming. When not outdoors, she can usually be found spending time with her nieces and nephews or playing board games with her partner.

Amanda holds her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-language Hearing Association and a Speech Language Pathology license from the state of Michigan.

KATRINA BEALS, M.A., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Katrina received her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Grand Valley State University. She has worked with pediatric population both virtually and in person in both the private practice and school settings. Katrina is passionate about working with students with speech sound and language disorders.

Outside of being an SLP, Katrina enjoys gardening, traveling, convincing friends and family to do yet another sunrise/sunset hike, going to concerts and starting one too many DIY projects at home. She has two dogs, Athena and Bella, and a tortoise, Miss Magoo, who all keep her life very interesting.

Katrina holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as a Speech-Language Pathology license from the State of Michigan.

SOPHIE EDWARDS, B.A. (Hons) (she/her)

Sophie Edwards is a professional transgender voice feminization training coach. More importantly, however, she is a transgender woman herself.

Sophie has worked hard to feminize her voice and now offers voice feminization coaching as a service. Clients describe her sessions as digestible, thorough, fun, and easy to follow even if you don’t understand the mechanics of voice.

Sophie brings to her practice a sense of care, compassion, and a deep, personal understanding of the frustration and hurt that can come from gender dysphoria.

Sophie is also the creator and host of We Have Always Existed, a YouTube series that explores the wealth of transgender history in the ancient Mediterranean.

Sophie provides virtual sessions to folks in any state or country. To work with Sophie, book your appointment with Duncan Lake Speech Therapy today.

KATELYN AILES, M.A., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Katelyn has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University (Go Green). Throughout her career, she has provided speech therapy services to both adults and children of various ages while targeting individualized goals.

Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, including her two children. She enjoys trying new restaurants and traveling when she can!

Katelyn holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as a Speech-Language Pathology license from the state of Michigan.

MADISSEN VACHA, M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Madissen earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a minor in Spanish, from Western Michigan University. She also holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Grand Valley State University. Madissen has worked with a range of clients, from pre-K to adults, in both school and private clinic settings. Her areas of expertise and interest include AAC/multimodal communication, early intervention, articulation/phonology and language, adolescent/school-age populations, and fluency.

A lifelong West Michigan resident, Madissen enjoys exploring local restaurants and shops, traveling, playing cello and piano, and spending time with family and friends.

Madissen holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as a speech-language pathology license from the state of Michigan.

RACHEL HOMZA, M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Rachel received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at University of Florida in 2013 and her M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from University of South Florida in 2015. She is the most remote of our staff, joining us virtually all the way from Melbourne, Florida! She has worked to help children reach their communication goals ever since. Her specialties include AAC, Autism, and speech sound disorders.

When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her cats, Duncan and Daphne, and volunteering with her local sea turtle conservation group. She strives to make therapy both fun and effective.

ALEXIS HOLTROP, M.A., CF-SLP (she/they)

Alexis is a Clinical Fellow in Speech-Language Pathology. They hold two undergraduate degrees—a B.S. in Recreational Therapy from Grand Valley State University and a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Washington. Their diverse academic background gives them a well-rounded perspective on therapeutic engagement and individualized care.

After living in Washington State for five years, Alexis recently returned to Michigan to be closer to family and to begin the next chapter of their professional journey. They earned their Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Calvin University, where they gained hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings.

Alexis is passionate about helping clients of all ages build confidence and reach their communication goals. With a strong belief that therapy should be fun, functional, and collaborative, they strive to create a welcoming space where progress is celebrated every step of the way.

Outside of the clinic, Alexis enjoys hiking, going to metal shows, reading romantasy, and exploring with her son. They’re excited to be part of the Duncan Lake team and are honored to support clients and families in their communication journey.

MAYU NASH, M.A., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Mayu is a speech-language pathologist specializing in gender-affirming voice modification, voice and airway disorders, and adult neurogenic communication disorders. She is passionate about providing holistic and client-centered care to help individuals navigate their unique voice and communication needs.

Mayu has completed professional development courses including Gender Affirming Voice Training for Voice Clinicians, Myofascial Release, Cognitive Rehabilitation Training by ACRM, and Advanced Practices in Voice & Dysphagia by Sin City Laryngology.

In addition to direct client care, Mayu provides training and mentorship to graduate students in speech-language pathology. Outside of work, Mayu enjoys hobby hopping, cooking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.

Mayu holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as well as a Speech-Language Pathology license from the state of Michigan.

RORY JONES, M.A., CF-SLP (she/her)

Rory is a speech-language pathologist currently starting her Clinical Fellowship at Duncan Lake Speech Therapy. She recently earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Calvin University and is passionate about helping individuals across the lifespan find their voice and communicate with confidence. She is committed to providing individualized, evidence-based care that empowers her clients and supports meaningful progress.

Rory will be working both in our clinic (2 days) and with one of our partner schools (3 days).

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, photography, and cooking. She also loves spending time with her two cats.

CASSIDY HAASE, M.A., CCC-SLP

Cassidy received her Master of Arts in Speech Pathology from Western Michigan University and her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences (speech-language pathology emphasis) at Grand Valley State University. Her passion for the field was sparked early on by her older brother’s experience with stuttering, which gave her a firsthand understanding of the impact communication challenges can have on individuals and families. This personal connection continues to shape her compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy.

Cassidy works in the public school system, where she primarily supports students on the autism spectrum in the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. She uses a multimodal communication approach to help children find and strengthen their voices. She also works with students in early childhood general education and elementary settings with needs in articulation, phonology, language, fluency, and social communication.

Cassidy is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where therapy is individualized and guided by each client’s interests and personal speech and language goals. She prioritizes helping her clients build confidence and feel empowered in their progress.

Outside of work, Cassidy enjoys traveling, martial arts, snowboarding, and playing the piano.