OWNER/SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Hi, I’m Renee! I’m a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and the founder of Encouraging Words Speech Therapy Services. I created this practice to offer personalized, high-quality speech therapy in a warm, welcoming, and family-centered environment where every client feels heard, valued, and encouraged.

With a Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology, I work with clients across the lifespan and have experience treating a wide variety of speech and language needs. My pediatric specialties include articulation and phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, early language delays, and stuttering. I also provide services for adults with voice disorders and communication and swallowing difficulties related to stroke, brain injury, or other neurological conditions; and I’m passionate about helping each person meet their unique communication goals.

I am certified in neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for dysphagia treatment through both VitalStim® and Ampcare’s E-Stim/ESwallow protocols, and I integrate these evidence-based techniques into therapy for clients with swallowing difficulties when appropriate.

I’m always seeking to grow professionally, and I’m currently exploring the world of animal-assisted therapy. I'm excited to begin training my two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels so they can one day join me in the therapy room to provide comfort, motivation, and joy to the children and adults I serve.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, playing games, coloring, and relaxing with a good show, book, or video game. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day—and I’m honored to be part of each client’s communication journey.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

Hi, I’m Tracey! I’m a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a lifelong passion for helping children find their voice and reach their communication goals. I received my B.S. in Speech Pathology and Special Education from Auburn University Montgomery (AUM) in 1997 and my M.Ed. in Special Education Collaborative Teaching in 2017.

I spent 25 years working in Alabama’s public school system before retiring in late 2024—and while I loved my time there, I’m so excited to begin this next chapter in private practice. I especially enjoy working with young children who have complex communication needs, and it brings me so much joy to support their progress and celebrate their successes, big and small. I learn as much from these kiddos as they do from me.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you can usually find me painting or antique shopping with my boyfriend, planning our next travel adventure, or enjoying a relaxing day at home with my family. We love playing cards, watching reruns of Grey’s Anatomy, and just spending time together.

I’m honored to be part of the Encouraging Words team and look forward to working with you and your child!

FUTURE THERAPY DOGS

🐾 Teddy and Happy are our adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—and therapy dogs in training! These gentle, loving pups are working toward becoming certified therapy animals so they can officially join us in the clinic to bring smiles, comfort, and encouragement to the children and families we serve.

Teddy is calm, cuddly, and always up for a snuggle, while Happy lives up to her name with a cheerful personality and a tail that never stops wagging. Both pups love meeting new friends, listening in during story time, and being part of the fun (especially when treats are involved!).

While they aren’t quite ready to take on therapy duties just yet, they’re already spreading joy behind the scenes—and we can’t wait for them to become an official part of the Encouraging Words team. Stay tuned as they work hard on their training and paw-sitively prepare to support our clients with their sweet and calming presence.