Meet our Speech Therapists
Amber Hamby, SLP
Samantha Lemus, SLP
Helping Children and Adults Communicate, Swallow, and Thrive
At Columbia County Health System (CCHS), our certified speech-language pathologists provide compassionate, evidence-based care for patients of all ages. Whether your child needs help with speech and language development, or you’re an adult experiencing changes in voice or swallowing, we’re here to support you.
Pediatric Speech Therapy in Southeastern Washington
Our pediatric speech therapy programs are designed to help children gain confidence and improve their ability to communicate effectively. Families turn to us when their child is experiencing:
- Speech and language delays
- Difficulty with pronunciation and articulation
- Developmental disorders affecting communication
- Feeding or swallowing challenges
AAC — Augmentative and Alternative Communication Modalities
Oral Motor Dysfunction evaluation and treatment
Early Intervention for speech and language delays
Clear statement that there is currently no wait list and scheduling is flexible
We create fun, supportive therapy sessions that encourage growth while keeping parents actively involved. If you're looking for a qualified speech pathologist near me, we can help. Our focus is on providing effective children’s speech therapy that makes a difference.
Adult Speech Therapy Services
Our Speech Therapy team provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for adults experiencing communication, cognitive, voice, or swallowing difficulties. We offer personalized therapy plans using evidence-based techniques and advanced diagnostic tools to support recovery and improve quality of life.
Communication & Cognitive Rehabilitation
- Cognition Therapy
Treatment to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, executive functioning, and overall cognitive communication skills impacted by injury, illness, or neurological conditions.
- Concussion & TBI Rehabilitation
Specialized therapy to address communication, cognitive, and swallowing challenges following concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Aphasia Therapy
Support for individuals who have difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, or writing following stroke or neurological injury.
Stroke Recovery Speech Therapy
Comprehensive speech and swallowing therapy for individuals recovering from stroke.
Motor Speech & Voice Disorders
- Dysarthria Treatment
Therapy focused on improving clarity of speech when muscle weakness affects articulation and voice production.
- Motor Speech Disorder Evaluation & Treatment
Comprehensive assessment and individualized therapy for speech motor planning and execution disorders.
- Voice Treatment
Therapy for voice changes related to neurological conditions, overuse, illness, or medical treatment — including support before, during, and after head & neck cancer treatment.
Swallowing Evaluation & Treatment
- Swallow Evaluation & Treatment
Assessment and therapy for individuals experiencing difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), with treatment plans tailored to improve safety and efficiency.
FEES Swallow Study (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
A specialized diagnostic procedure that allows our Speech-Language Pathologist to directly observe swallowing function using a flexible endoscope.
This assessment helps determine:
The safest food and liquid consistencies
Presence of aspiration or residue
Appropriate treatment recommendations
SPEAK OUT!® Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
CCHS is proud to offer the SPEAK OUT! program, developed by the Parkinson Voice Project. This therapy helps people with Parkinson’s and related disorders regain and retain speech and swallowing function.
This program is a leading Parkinson’s speech therapy option. The benefits of this program, which is a key Parkinson’s voice program, include:
- Improved speech volume, clarity, and articulation
- Stronger breath support for communication
- Better vocal quality and expression
- Reduced drooling and safer swallowing
The program combines education, individual sessions, group therapy, and daily home practice. It’s proven, research-based, and designed to be a lifelong resource. For those seeking speech therapy for Parkinson’s near me, we offer personalized care and support.
➡️ Interested? Schedule a Speak Out evaluation to see if this program is right for you.
Advanced Adult Speech & Swallowing Therapy
Our speech-language pathologists are certified in specialized therapies for swallowing and voice issues, including:
McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP)
An exercise-based approach to rebuild swallowing function using proven exercise science. Our specialized dysphagia therapy and swallowing therapy is designed to help adults regain function and confidence.
Myofascial Release (MFR):
Gentle manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve swallowing, especially effective for patients recovering from head and neck cancer.
Head & Neck Cancer Support
We work with patients before, during, and after chemotherapy or radiation to address swallowing and voice changes. Early intervention with a speech therapist can make cancer treatment and recovery more successful. Our compassionate speech therapy for cancer patients is a vital part of the recovery process. Our clinic provides comprehensive adult speech therapy to address a wide range of needs
Why Choose Columbia County Health System for Speech Therapy?
- Certified providers in SPEAK OUT!, MDTP, and MFR
- Whole-person approach to communication and swallowing health
- Individualized care for both children and adults
- Conveniently located in Southeastern Washington
Contact Us Today
Columbia County Health System – Speech Therapy
(509) 382-3202