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.

Lauren Day specializes in pediatric care and early intervention. Her expertise includes articulation, language development, pediatric feeding, and specialized work with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Lauren is passionate about providing patient-centered care and making her patients feel welcome, encouraged, and accepted.

Lauren enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family and friends.

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.

Rachel Hamelryck has expertise in early intervention, pediatric feeding, pediatric language and articulation therapy, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Rachel’s goal for her patients is to provide individualized treatment plans to help them participate fully in their personal, educational, and vocational lives. She believes in a total communication approach, honoring all forms of communication. Rachel has experience working with a wide range of speech and language disorders and has worked at a pediatric feeding clinic. She graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Health and Clinical Sciences and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Outside of work, Rachel loves to bake, spend time with her family, and walk her dogs at the park.

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.

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.

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.

Brittany Rushing is a skilled, endoscopy-certified speech-language pathologist. Brittany is also certified in McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Protocol and VitalStim Therapy.

Brittany values working alongside skilled therapists who make a positive impact every day. With extensive experience, Brittany ensures her patients feel welcome, comfortable, and confident in their care. 

Brittany also enjoys spending time with family, baking, traveling, reading, supporting the Atlanta Braves, and attending ballet and theater performances.

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.