Our Team

Speech Therapy

 

  • I am most passionate about helping children acquire language and emphasizing the importance of language exposure in the home. I love working with families to provide language-rich environments and supporting the use of every language and dialect to communicate. 

    I am an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) and hold a license to practice speech pathology in the state of Alabama. I earned Bachelor degrees in Communication Disorders and Spanish from Auburn University and attended the University of Arizona for my Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. While in Arizona I also received a bilingual certificate to work with children and adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. I have also received training in the SOS Approach to Feeding.

    Prior to Steel City Speech, I worked in a school setting with children from preschool to second grade, and I had the joy of evaluating and treating many students in both English and Spanish. I left the schools and joined Steel City Speech to have more opportunities to work with individual families in their home environment. 

  • Being able to engage and communicate with the world around us is one of the most essential gifts of life. I am passionate about my work as a Speech-Language Pathologist because I believe every child deserves access to this gift of communication, and it always feels like an honor to take part in helping them find their voice.

    I am an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) and am licensed by ABESPA to practice in the state of Alabama. I attended Auburn University for both undergraduate and graduate school, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders with a Spanish minor as well as a master’s degree in Communication Disorders.

    Prior to joining Steel City Speech, I worked as a contract SLP for the Birmingham City School district serving pre-K, elementary, and middle school students. I gained experience evaluating and treating students with varying speech and language disorders, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. My special areas of interest include literacy, phonological processes, and residual articulation errors. I love being a part of Steel City Speech because I am passionate about serving children and their families in a more individualized environment.

  • My passion is empowering children to overcome their communication barriers. I partner with parents to provide speech-language therapy that is individualized to your child's needs and enables your child to flourish in the home, school, and life.

    I am an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) and licensed to practice in the state of Alabama. I hold a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alabama, and have experience in a variety of clinical and education settings. Most recently, I was an SLP in the Birmingham City Schools system, serving pre-school, elementary, and middle school aged students. After having my first child, Liam, I left full-time therapy and started Steel City Speech. It is my joy to see your child thrive through professional speech services.

  • Communication fosters connection, relationship, and growth. I am passionate about serving the pediatric population as effective communication sets the stage early on for meaningful relationships and valuable learning experiences that span a lifetime.

    I am an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) and am licensed by ABESPA to practice in the state of Alabama. I graduated from Baylor University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and from Samford University in 2024 with a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology.

    My clinical rotations grew my love for speech therapy within a variety of settings including an elementary school, junior high and high school, and pediatric outpatient clinic. I am grateful for countless opportunities in this career to partner with children and their caregivers to facilitate meaningful communication in everyday life.

  • I have a passion for helping children learn to communicate in the world around them. It is a joy to watch them grow in their confidence as they reach their goals. Each child is special and unique in their own way, and I am thankful to be able to play a part in helping them communicate.

    I am an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) and am licensed by ABESPA to practice in the state of Alabama. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Mississippi and then went on to receive my masters in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at Dallas.

    My clinical experience has focused on the pediatric population, and I have worked with children with a range of needs from speech sound disorders, language delays and disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.  I also have experience using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.  Prior to joining Steel City Speech, I completed clinical rotations at a private practice, public school, and on-site programs at the University of Texas at Dallas.  I love getting to serve the pediatric population in Birmingham, Alabama, and I am honored to be a part of Steel City Speech!

  • I am passionate about helping children achieve their communication goals by partnering with families. By meeting each child where they are, I can provide therapy sessions that are both fun and meaningful!

    I am an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) and am licensed by ABESPA to practice in the state of Alabama. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Spanish at Samford University. I continued my education at Samford University, completing my Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. I have also received training in the SOS Approach to Feeding.

    My clinical experience includes working with kids of all ages in a variety of settings. I completed clinical rotations at multiple elementary schools, United Ability, and UAB Hospital. I have also completed a training for LAMP Words for Life to better serve my clients with AAC needs. These experiences prepared me to work with children of all different abilities and communication styles.

    I look forward to working alongside the Steel City Team and supporting children’s communication development in Birmingham.

  • I love being able to serve my community by empowering children to become confident communicators. Strong communication skills lead to lifelong learning and growth, deep connection with others, and further opportunities in life. I love helping my clients, no matter their ability, have their voices heard and reach their full potential.

    I am an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist and hold my Alabama state license from ABESPA. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders as well as my Master's in Communication Disorders from Auburn University with a concentration in Special Education. I have further training in Kauffman K-SLP approach for Apraxia and Orton-Gillingham approach for literacy.

    I am coming to Steel City Speech with 9 years of prior experience serving the pediatric population in private practice, public schools, and private schools with experience in a variety of disorder types including articulation, early language, school-aged language, fluency, AAC, Autism, and literacy. I am thrilled to be joining the team at Steel City Speech and look forward to supporting clients and their families!

  • I am thankful for the opportunity to help children reach their goals and become effective communicators. I am passionate about providing individualized therapy that is evidence- based, engaging, and FUN!

    I am an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) and am licensed by ABESPA to practice in the state of Alabama. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Centre College and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Alabama.

    My clinical experience has focused on serving the school-aged pediatric population. I completed clinical rotations with various populations in the public school system, VA hospital, and The University of Alabama outpatient clinic settings.

    I am excited to be a part of the Speech City Speech team and create meaningful bonds with families!

  • Having the means to communicate your wants and needs is a right that every child deserves. I’m thankful for a career that allows me to help children make their voices heard.

    I am an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and am licensed to practice in the state of Alabama. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University, and a Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Alabama.

    My clinical experience includes outpatient clinics, in-patient rehabilitation, and public schools. Prior to joining the team at Steel City, I was in the education system serving students in preschool, elementary, and high school, where I worked closely with special needs classrooms. I have a special interest in early language development and language delays. I enjoy working alongside families to best set them up for success in the therapy room and at home. Watching a child use a new word or gesture for the first time is so rewarding!

  • I am so excited for the opportunity to help children grow in their communication abilities and reach their goals! I am passionate about providing evidence-based, individualized therapy that is creative, engaging, and FUN!

    I am a Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathologist (CF-SLP) and am licensed by ABESPA to practice in the state of Alabama. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Samford University, as well as a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Samford University.

    My clinical experience has focused on serving pediatric and neurodiverse populations. I completed clinical rotations with a variety of populations in the public school system, a skilled nursing facility, and a pediatric clinic specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders.

    I am thrilled to be a part of the Speech City Speech team and to create collaborative, meaningful, and fun connections with families!

 

Occupational Therapy

  • I'm passionate about helping children build the skills they need to thrive through meaningful, play-based activities. I believe therapy should be both effective and enjoyable, creating a space where kids feel empowered, engaged, and excited to grow through every session.

    I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Samford University, and my Doctorate for Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. I am certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and am licensed to practice in the state of Alabama.

    My clinical experience includes both pediatric outpatient and hospital-based settings, allowing me to support clients with various ages and diagnoses. I am honored and excited to join the Steel City Speech team to further opportunities for children in Birmingham to receive occupational therapy services.

  • I am passionate about helping children engage in activities that are meaningful to them, and enjoy cultivating fun, therapeutic activities to help children achieve their greatest potential. My personal therapy motto is “child-led, strengths based and rooted in evidence.” I believe these three pillars are essential to productive therapy sessions and achieving the greatest outcomes.

    I am certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and am licensed to practice in the state of Alabama. I hold my bachelor's degree from the University of South Alabama in Recreational Therapy, and earned my Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2020. I have clinical experience working with kids of all ages and backgrounds, and particularly enjoy working with the Autistic community.

  • One of the biggest reasons I wanted to be an occupational therapist is that I wanted to meet and support my clients and their families where they are at in their journey. I am passionate about providing tools for my clients and clients' family to help them achieve their goals in their home and school environments. My clients can expect their OT sessions to be fun, playful while using sensory-integrative activities to achieve their goals.

    I have been a pediatric occupational therapist in the Birmingham area for 5 1/2 years. I have primarily worked with children with ADHD, Specific Learning Disorders, and ASD, among others disorders. I recently completed my Sensory Integration CE Certificate through the University of Southern California. I am so excited to work with the families at Steel City Speech!

 

Physical Therapy

  • I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve children and their families through physical therapy, supporting and encouraging development and participation through play. I strive to provide family-centered care and help each child achieve their mobility goals while building confidence and independence.

    I graduated from Auburn University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. I received my doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Alabama in Birmingham.

    As a physical therapist, I have provided services to clients across all stages of life, from early intervention to hospital-based settings. I am honored to join the Steel City team and partner with families in our community, empowering and supporting each child in reaching their full potential.

 

Administrative Staff

  • I love helping others utilize their time in the most effective way by taking care of the necessary grunt work. I hope to be able to provide families with a consistent voice that can be relied upon to help make therapy sessions run as smoothly as possible. 

    I graduated from Auburn in 2014 with a BS in Accounting and a minor in Spanish. I went on to work at a wonderful accounting firm for the next 7 years. During that time, I worked primarily in Tax and Client Accounting Services. 

    Contact Dakota for any billing or account questions at dakota.woodson@steelcityspeech.com

  • I am excited to have the opportunity to support families by helping ensure the billing and administrative processes are as smooth and efficient as possible. I look forward to being a reliable resource for families and helping support the important work our therapists do each day.

    I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2012 with a degree in Recreational Therapy. Following graduation, I worked as a Recreational Therapist, coordinating activities and events for program participants. After starting our family, I stayed home with our children and later began working at their preschool. During my time there, I worked in the infant room and also taught three-year-olds. I am excited to bring my administrative, organizational, and customer service experience to the Steel City Speech team.

  • I am excited to have the opportunity to serve families by making the scheduling process as seamless as possible. I look forward to connecting with families and serving them by being a friendly voice and paying close attention to each family’s needs.

    I graduated from Auburn University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Social Work. Prior to working for Steel City Speech, I was a social worker at IMPACT Family Counseling. I also served in an office administrator role in an OBGYN office at St. Vincent’s hospital. For the last six years I have stayed home with our three children. 

    Contact Helen for any questions at helen.hosmer@steelcityspeech.com

  • I am an undergraduate student at Samford University majoring in Health Science and minoring in Intercultural Engagement and Human Development and Family Education. I hope to study occupational therapy in graduate school and work in developing nations with underprivileged populations. Eventually, I would love to get a degree in Biblical Counseling so I can work with families of people with disabilities!