Meet Our Voice and Swallowing Specialists Michael Towey, M.A., CCC-SLP: Mike has many years of professional experience and is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Mike provides voice training nationwide, in homes and offices, utilizing computer based video conferencing/telemedicine. He uses advanced video-editing software and state-of-the-art fiberoptics to evaluate vocal fold movement.  These high quality DVDs are  sent to physicians and patients for additional viewing, diagnostics and treatment. Mike makes presentations at national conferences; was appointed by the governor to the Maine Board of Examiners on Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and is past president of the Maine Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He is an instructor in voice disorders at the University of Maine and teaches voice and swallowing courses at Northern Arizona University.            Erica Ricker, M.A., CCC-SLP: Erica has completed research in voice and fluency disorders and has presented her findings at national conferences. She has completed advanced training in laryngeal stroboscopic voice assessment and has expertise in both the Estill and Lessac Madsen Voice Training techniques. Erica has been an invited presenter at the Annual Vocal Cord Dysfunction Conference at National Jewish Hospital Medical Center in Denver, CO. She has presented on voice treatment at regional and national conferences. She is nationally certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), a scientific treatment for voice disorders for Parkinson’s disease. Erica is also certified to provide LSVT by computer directly to people's home computers. She is past President of the Maine Speech Language Hearing Association. Marisa Small M.S., CCC-SLP: Risa is a graduate of Boston University and Nova Southeastern University. She has expertise in assessment and management of swallowing disorders and is the primary swallow specialist at Waldo County General Hospital. Marisa also works with therapists in other locations to assist in feeding and swallowing disorders. Risa is experienced in Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and has advanced expertise using fiberoptic endoscopic imaging to complete FEES evaluations of swallowing. Fiberoptic examinations are prepared using advanced video-editing software, edited with clinical comments and provided to patients for treatment planning and to physicians for further diagnostic review. Risa also provides training to nurses and other health care professionals in the proper evaluation and management of swallowing disorders. Bridget Rose, M.M., M.S. CF-SLP. Bridget is our singing voice specialist. She is a graduate of Emerson College in Speech Language Pathology and completed clinical training at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. Bridget uses her depth of knowledge about vocal performance and speech pathology to work to rehabilitate injured voices and maximize vocal performance in singers and professional speakers. Bridget is also a graduate of Indiana University with a Master of Music degree in vocal performance. She furthered her training in England, France and Austria, and has extensive experience as a vocal instructor, including a faculty position at Illinois Wesleyan University. She is co-founder of the Interactive Opera in Chicago, IL., specializing in community performances for children. In addition to being a recitalist and church musician, her other performance credits include; Olympia (Les Contes d'Hoffmann), Rapunzel (Into The Woods), Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), Gretel (Hansel & Gretel), and The Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute). The Voice and Swallowing Center of Maine can be contacted by telephone at (207) 338-9349 or by email at speech@wcgh.org