Our Voice Care Experts

When you visit the UPMC Voice Center, our team of voice care experts will be available to you.

Faculty

• Libby J. Smith, DO

Singing Voice Therapists

• Christina A. Dastolfo, MS, CCC-SLP
• Robert Fire, BFA, MM, AGMA, AEA
• Jackie Gartner-Schmidt, PhD

Speech-Language Pathologists

• Rita Hersan, MS, CCC-SLP
• Ali Lewandowski, MS, CCC-SLP
• Tracey Thomas, MS, CCC-SLP

Operations Management

• Michelle Rock, Practice Manager
• Joanne Penny, Office Manager

Staff

• Kelly Eckman
• Heather Enright
• Jill Mitchell
• Elaine Morgenstern
• Carol Polidora
• Teri Price
• Michael Primm

A Comprehensive Voice Care Team

Our team at the Voice Center includes experts in several specialties.

Otolaryngologists

An otolaryngologist — often referred to as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor — is medically trained in the evaluation and treatment of voice disorders.

Otolaryngologists specializing in voice care often have fellowship training in professional voice and laryngology (the study of the larynx or voice box).

Speech-Language Pathologists

The speech-language pathologist — a key member of the voice care team — is a certified, licensed health care professional typically with a master's or medical degree.

Speech-language pathologists complete a two-year master's program, followed by a 9- to 12-month supervised clinical fellowship, similar to a medical internship. At the conclusion of the clinical fellowship year, speech-language pathologists in the United States receive certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Some speech-language pathologists on a voice care team sub-specialize in voice, which includes care of the voice. They are often referred to as voice pathologists.

Singing Voice Specialists

The singing voice specialist is a singing teacher with special training to work in a medical environment and treat people who have sustained vocal injury. Singing voice specialists may also evaluate singers for healthy singing techniques.

Most singing voice specialists have a degree in voice performance or pedagogy; however, some have extensive performing and teaching experience without a formal academic degree.

The singing voice specialist must acquire knowledge beyond traditional voice teacher training, including an understanding of the:

• Anatomy and physiology of a normal and a disordered voice
• Principles of laryngology and medications
• Fundamental principles and practices of speech-language pathology

Nearly all have professional performance experience and training in the rehabilitation of injured voices.

Learn more about voice care team members at the Voice Foundation's website.

Make an Appointment at the Voice Center

To make an appointment, contact the UPMC Voice Center at 412-232-SING (7464).