Life with aphasia —
regaining language and connection after stroke or brain injury
Aphasia changes how you communicate, but not who you are. Following a stroke or brain injury, many people find that words become harder to find, harder to say, or harder to understand — even when thought and intelligence are fully intact. Speech-language therapy can help rebuild those pathways, restore confidence, and support meaningful connection with the people who matter most.
Individualized Assessment
Methods That Work
Compassionate Care
Goal-Oriented Treatment
Marina's Approach to Aphasia Treatment
Aphasia was the area I kept coming back to in grad school — not because it was easy to study, but because it felt like the most human of the communication disorders. The person is fully there. Their thoughts, their humor, their personality — all intact. It's just the bridge between thought and word that's been disrupted. And that bridge can be rebuilt. That possibility is what drew me in, and it's what keeps me here.
During my graduate studies, I developed a strong interest in working with adults experiencing neurocognitive communication challenges. I was particularly drawn to aphasia — its complexity and the potential for meaningful improvement really stood out to me.
Through my practicum and internship experiences in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient rehab centers, I gained valuable hands-on experience supporting adults recovering from strokes, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions. I strive to provide thoughtful, person-centered care in a supportive environment, helping clients work toward clearer communication and improved quality of life.
- Specialized training in neurocognitive communication disorders
- Hands-on experience in skilled nursing and outpatient settings
- Person-centered, compassionate therapy approach
- CCC-SLP Certified | TN & KY Licensed
What to Expect
Initial Consultation & Assessment
We begin with a full evaluation to understand your communication challenges, medical history, and personal goals. This includes standardized assessments and informal observation to build a clear picture of where your language is now.
A Plan Built Around You
Based on your assessment, we build a therapy plan around your specific needs and the goals that matter to you, from ordering coffee to holding a full conversation again.
Regular Therapy Sessions
Through consistent, supportive therapy sessions, we'll work together to rebuild your communication skills. Each session is designed to be engaging and meaningful, focusing on practical communication needs and gradual skill improvement.
Progress Monitoring & Family Support
We continuously track your progress and adjust treatment as needed. Family members and caregivers receive education and strategies to support your communication at home, ensuring progress continues beyond therapy sessions.
Understanding Aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate. It can impact speaking, understanding, reading, and writing abilities. Aphasia typically occurs after a stroke or brain injury, but the potential for improvement and recovery is significant with proper therapy.
Common Challenges
- Difficulty finding words
- Trouble understanding speech
- Reading comprehension issues
- Writing difficulties
Recovery Potential
- Significant improvement possible
- Recovery continues for years
- Quality of life enhancement
- Renewed independence
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a specialist
Adult neurologic communication recovery is my specialty
After a stroke or brain injury, the person is still fully there. Their thoughts, their humor, their personality are all intact. What's changed is the bridge between thought and word, and that bridge can be rebuilt. Helping adults do that, after aphasia, brain injury, and stroke, is the work I trained for in skilled-nursing and outpatient rehab, and the work I care most about.
Credentialed and trained for it
M.S., CCC-SLP, licensed in four states, with clinical training in skilled-nursing and outpatient rehab supporting adults after stroke and brain injury.
Methods that fit you
Approaches with a track record, chosen for your goals and the life you want back.
Virtual across four states
Telehealth in Tennessee, Kentucky, California, and North Carolina, from home.
