About Us

Meet Alison, CCC-SLP

Hi! I am 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 highly 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.

My clinic space is near Illinois/Perry at the Turner Mansion. This area is highly accessible from all points of the greater Spokane area, approximately 20 minutes from any region (N Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, etc).

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

Service Areas (Summer 2026)

Spokane / Spokane Valley: Fridays

Stevens County: Wednesday & Saturday

In-Office (Turner Mansion): Sunday & Monday

Tuesday/Thursday: Please Inquire

Fall 2026 (Tentative)

Spokane / Spokane Valley: Fridays

Stevens County: Saturday

Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday: TBD. In-Office in Spokane & Chewelah. Limited home visits based on proximity on case-by-case basis.

Effective September 2026: Surrounding areas (Cheney, Liberty Lake, Freeman, etc) must come in-office, as these are outside our service range.