About Us

Meet Alison, CCC-SLP

Hi! I’m Alison, Speech-Language Pathologist and Owner/Operator of Ponderosa Speech & Language. I am originally from Colville, WA, and founded Wayfarer Speech Therapy PLLC with my own formative experiences with compassionate medical providers who took the time to know me and my family on a personal level while providing specialized, holistic care.

I have a deep commitment to expanding access to care and providing personalized, family-centered speech therapy to Spokane and the rural communities in Northeast Washington. Growing up in a rural community gave me lived experiences of frequent trips to Spokane an hour+ each way to access specialized medical services.

Outside of work, I can be found volunteering with various pediatric and education non-profits in the region, enjoying outdoor recreation, and doing aerial circus. My German Shepherd Jax is always close by!

Specializations

In addition to general speech/language therapy, I have specialized training in the areas of:

  • Motor Movement: tongue, lips, jaw required for articulation, childhood apraxia of speech, motor speech delay, persistent and atypical speech sound errors (e.g. lisps, R errors resistant to therapy)

  • Speech Sound Disorders: highly skilled in differential diagnosis, matching the intervention to the type of disorder and child’s abilities, and optimizing outcomes.

  • Sensory Integration: Over 30 hours of master’s level training in Ayers sensory integration to benefit various profiles including ADHD, Austim, Parkinson’s. Note: this is not a replacement for occupational therapy.

  • Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy: supporting the full spectrum of neurodiversity, from non-vocal communicators of all ages, gestalt language processors, to secondary students working towards higher-level reading comprehension, vocational preparedness, and executive functioning.

  • Lifespan Language: From first words, to preschool language delays, and continuing into complex language and learning challenges.

  • Literacy: Literacy is language in written form! Specialized training and experience in assessment and intervention of for: Hyperlexia, Dyslexia, Pre-Literacy (Preschool) Skills, Phonological Awareness, Reading Comprehension, Morphology and Syntax.

My Approach

People-First Approach

My niche is simple: you.

I believe the best outcomes happen when science is paired with something equally important: a genuine human connection.

No facades. No gimmicks. No chasing the latest trend.

Just a deep respect for the people I serve, a commitment to evidence-based care, and a true passion for helping others communicate, connect, and thrive.

Authentic Connections

Serving my community is not a “good for now” or transitional model. I love creating lasting relationships with clients and growing with them over time, and will put in the work to serve you.

Neuroscience Informed

Not all interventions are created equal. Effective therapy begins with understanding how a child learns, identifying the underlying factors impacting communication, and thoughtfully matching each family with the intervention that will deliver the greatest benefit. From assessment to treatment, my approach combines neuroscience, clinical expertise, and genuine partnership with families to achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.

Service Area

In-Person Services

Now doing business as Ponderosa Speech & Language, speech mobile services have expanded to include Spokane and Stevens County.

Home visits are limited in availability. Due to the extensive service area, openings may be limited to set days/times of the week or established routes.

Summer 2026

Sundays: Closed; Evaluations by Appt Only

Mondays: In-Office @ Turner Mansion

Tuesdays/Thursdays: Spokane South Hill AM; Northwest & Northside PM

Wednesdays: Stevens County, Deer Park, Wandermere

Fridays: Spokane/Spokane Valley

Saturday: Stevens County

Fall 2026

Monday: Spokane

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: AM TeleMed; PM Spokane Valley

Thursday: Closed; Evenings by Appointment Only

Friday: In-Office Only

Saturday: Stevens County

Sunday: Closed, Evaluations by Appointment Only

How Does it Work

Scheduling recurring appointment times is seasonal (3-4 month blocks). This allows flexibility for the school year, sports, music, etc.

Home visits are offered based on clinician availability, travel distance, insurance requirements, and the day's schedule.

We are currently scheduling in-office appointments only, with limited Deer Park/North Spokane home visit openings on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that not all insurance plans cover home visits. Some plans, including certain Kaiser Permanente, may require services to be provided in-office and exclude mobile services.