Welcome to my blog! I’m Marina Coakley M.S., CCC-SLP, the founder of Affinity Therapy | Speech Language Pathology Services.

My interest in pursuing Speech Language Pathology began in my undergraduate career. I began as a Music Therapy major with my voice as my instrument. I had been singing my entire life and wanted to be able to include it in my profession. However, almost a year into the music program, I came to the crushing realization it was not for me. Music and singing were no longer enjoyable due to the intensity of the program.

My favorite class that year was my Music Therapy class. I realized this was because the idea of therapy was resonant with me, but maybe not paired with the music part. I was sitting in class one day as we watched a video of a Music Therapist and Speech Language Pathologist working together. This video was of Gabrielle Gifford: a congresswomen who is a survivor of a brain injury resulting from a shooting. She had to learn how to speak all over again. Music was helpful and Music Therapy plays an important role in recovery. Music can also be used in Speech Therapy sessions when appropriate. However, as a student watching this video, I was more invested in what the SLP was doing than the Music Therapist.

As time went on, I decided to take an intro class in Communication Disorders. I was hooked, and decided this is what I truly wanted to be doing. Even with the idea of committing to a Masters program (it was never my plan to take on graduate school), I felt it would be worth it. Without a doubt, this was what I wanted to do.

I continue to have an interest in Speech and Language disorders caused by neurological events (stroke, brain injury, etc.). Today, my private practice Affinity Therapy is focused on providing individualized Speech Language Pathology services to people of all ages in Tennessee and Kentucky. Whether it be Early Intervention for young children, or helping adults recover from traumatic brain injuries, I take pleasure in being a part of helping people learn (or relearn) how to communicate! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you achieve your goals for communication!

Marina Coakley, MS, CCC-SLP

Affinity Therapy | Speech Language Pathology Services