Matthew Brady is an experienced audiologist specializing in diagnostic audiological testing for all ages and hearing aid services for adults. He holds a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC-A). 

Matthew chose Mountain Region Speech and Hearing for its patient-centered approach and commitment to providing high-quality audiological services to the community. Matthew strives to make his patients feel at ease during their visits, providing thorough and compassionate care.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys reading, gardening, and woodworking, all of which allow him to relax and unwind.

Dr. Pentasuglia is a licensed audiologist with a personal connection to the world of hearing health. Having experienced hearing loss herself, she understands how challenging—and life-changing—it can be. That experience is what inspired her to pursue a career in audiology and fuels her passion for helping others navigate their own hearing journeys.

She enjoys working with patients of all ages and believes in a warm, patient-centered approach that focuses on listening, education, and finding the right hearing solutions for each individual.

When not in the clinic, she loves being outdoors, and spending time with her family and her 2 dogs. 

Lindsey Weise is a licensed speech-language pathologist that works with individuals across the lifespan. She specializes in speech sound disorders, receptive/expressive language, social communication/pragmatic language, and early intervention.

She chose Mountain Region for its patient-centered care and mission to serve with compassion. Lindsey is dedicated to providing quality care and advocating for her patients. 

Outside of the office, Lindsey enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, and thrifting.

Rebekah Dugger is a speech-language pathologist with expertise in dysphagia, aphasia, pediatric feeding, cognitive communication, and articulation. 

Rebekah’s professional experience spans a wide range of speech and language disorders, allowing her to tailor her approach to each individual’s needs. Rebekah chose Mountain Region Speech and Hearing for its commitment to providing comprehensive care to a diverse patient population.

Outside of her professional life, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, valuing the importance of close personal relationships.

Michelle Ekstrom is an experienced speech-language pathologist with 24 years in the field, specializing in pediatric and adult populations. She is licensed in Tennessee and North Carolina and currently works as a TeleTherapist for public school and homeschooled middle and high school students.

Living in western North Carolina, Michelle enjoys family time, hiking, traveling to National Parks, playing piano, and crafting.

Michelle aims to make her patients feel cared for and supported, helping them achieve their communication goals. She values Mountain Region’s community service and is excited to contribute through teletherapy.

Glenda O’Neal is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 34 years of experience. She has extensive experience in infant and pediatric feeding disorders, as well as early language and speech development and disorders.

As a life-long resident of Kingsport, she chose to work at Mountain Region Speech and Hearing for the chance to work with children in her own community and to help fulfill the center’s mission of serving all patients who come in need of services.

Outside of work, Glenda enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, cooking, working in her gardens, and spending time in nature.

Kaley is a licensed speech-language pathologist who specializes in adult cognitive and swallowing disorders, adolescent pragmatics, and school-age articulation therapy. She is certified in the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP), VitalStim Therapy, and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).

Kaley chose Mountain Region Speech & Hearing because of its strong commitment to serving families in the Appalachian region and making high-quality therapy accessible close to home. Her goal is to keep therapy encouraging, individualized, and practical so clients can succeed where it matters most—everyday life.

When she’s not in the clinic, Kaley enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her corgi, Bogey. She’s happiest with a taco in hand and her Kindle close by.

Loren Gibson is a speech-language pathologist completing her Clinical Fellowship Year with MRSHC. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Tennessee State University. Loren has experience treating individuals across lifespan and has particular interest in adult language disorders, dysphagia, pediatric feeding, early language development, and pragmatic language.

As a Kingsport native, Loren chose Mountain Region for its commitment to patient-centered care and improving the quality of life of those in and around the Appalachian region. She believes in making patients and families active participants in their care, to ensure that they are successful both inside and outside of the therapy room.

Outside of work, Loren enjoys reading, walking her golden retriever, Thor, and exploring local coffee shops with her husband.

Nina King is a licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in treating children with delayed language and phonological disorders, as well as adults recovering from CVA or TBI. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and is certified by ASHA and VitalStim.

Nina’s goal is for her patients to leave each session feeling accomplished. She chose Mountain Region Speech and Hearing for its diverse caseload and the opportunity to work with both children and adults.

Outside of work, Nina enjoys hiking and watching movies with her family. In her free time, she loves attending local football games and supporting her daughters’ performances and competitions.

Jody Rice is a speech-language pathologist specializing in medical speech-language pathology. She has extensive experience in outpatient, acute care, short-stay rehabilitation, and long-term care settings. Jody is a certified FEES endoscopist, with professional specialties in dysphagia, adult neurogenic communication disorders, and hospice and palliative care.

She chose to work at Mountain Region Speech and Hearing for its commitment to patient-centered care and its vision to improve dysphagia evaluation practices in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Outside of work, Jody enjoys spending time with her five children, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, walking, hiking, and relaxing by the pool.

Beka Watson is a specialist in pediatric speech, language, and feeding, as well as adult dysphagia. She brings a wealth of expertise, including experience with total communication, responsive feeding, speech and language therapy, accommodating sensory needs, and providing trauma-informed care. Beka is also a FEES Certified Endoscopist.

With a dedication to patient-centered care, Beka strives to make her patients feel safe, welcome, accommodated and heard. 

Outside of the office, Beka enjoys hiking, growing flowers, traveling, and spending time with her husband, kids, and two doodle dogs.