Built on Work That Has Already Been Done
SPEAK's national data initiative did not begin with a blank page. The project builds from the cost-analysis work already undertaken in North Carolina, where private practice leaders, the North Carolina Speech-Hearing-Language Association, and Cody Underwood developed a process for collecting and independently analyzing practice-level economic data for advocacy.
With the cooperation of leaders involved in that effort, SPEAK is taking what was learned in North Carolina and expanding the approach nationally. The national project includes pediatric and adult providers, multiple payer types, additional SLP services, and representation from all 50 states.
Project Leadership
Jeanette Benigas, PhD, SLP
Co-Lead, SPEAK Project
Founder & CEO, Fix SLP
Jeanette is a speech-language pathologist, researcher, educator, speaker, author, private practice owner, and founder and CEO of Fix SLP, a national advocacy platform focused on removing unnecessary barriers within speech-language pathology and empowering clinicians to advocate for change within the profession.
Since launching Fix SLP in 2023, Jeanette has led national advocacy efforts addressing SLP credentialing, reimbursement, coding, and professional policy, including recent efforts surrounding CPT 92507 and proposed CMS reimbursement changes.
Jeanette was a pediatric and school SLP before becoming a medical SLP in 2008. She spent over a decade in higher education, where she achieved the rank of Full Professor. She earned her PhD in Speech and Hearing Science from The Ohio State University, with specializations in adult neurogenic communication disorders, swallowing, and aging.
Her experience spanning clinical practice, research, higher education, business ownership, and national advocacy informs SPEAK's approach to building credible evidence and getting that evidence into the hands of decision-makers.
Jeanette co-leads the SPEAK Project and its national advocacy strategy.
Emily Watkins
MCD, SLP
Co-Lead, SPEAK Project
Private Practice Owner
Emily is a speech-language pathologist, private practice owner, and SLP advocate with firsthand experience navigating the financial and operational realities of providing speech-language pathology services.
She is the owner of Pediatric Therapy Partners in Louisiana and an administrator of the Facebook community, Speech Therapy Advocacy Alliance, where she has been actively involved in national conversations surrounding reimbursement, coding, private practice, and access to SLP services.
Emily co-leads the SPEAK Project alongside Jeanette Benigas, bringing the perspective of practicing clinicians and private practice owners directly into the project's strategy and advocacy efforts.
Independent Economic Analysis
Cody Underwood
CPA
Financial Data & Economic Analysis Senior Manager, Richey May
Cody is a North Carolina-licensed Certified Public Accountant and Senior Manager with Richey May, a national accounting and professional services firm. His work includes financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, cost allocation, cost reporting, and translating complex financial data into information organizations can use to make strategic decisions.
Cody previously conducted the economic analysis for the North Carolina SLP cost-data initiative developed through the North Carolina Speech-Hearing-Language Association and its private practice advocacy partners.
The SPEAK Project is building from that state-level model and has engaged Cody and Richey May to independently receive and analyze data for the national initiative.
All individual practice financial data is submitted directly to Richey May. Jeanette, Emily, Fix SLP, and SPEAK do not receive identifying practice-level financial data.
Web & Digital Infrastructure
Taylor Kae Hahn
MA, SLP
Webmaster | SPEAK Project
Private Practice Owner
Taylor is a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Swallowing Recovery Solutions, an independent mobile practice providing FEES and dysphagia management across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
Operating across mobile diagnostics, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient ENT settings, Taylor's clinical focus centers on advanced evaluation and complex rehabilitative care. Her specialty areas include video stroboscopy, voice and upper airway assessment, alongside the management of esophageal and complex swallowing disorders. This diverse clinical background, combined with her experience as a solo practice owner, provides her with a clear perspective on the clinical, operational, and reimbursement realities of delivering specialized SLP services.
Committed to the broader advancement of the field, Taylor serves as a clinical representative for Progia Medical, providing insight into emerging dysphagia technologies. She also volunteers as Webmaster for the SPEAK Project, managing the digital infrastructure required to drive the organization's advocacy, data collection, and community outreach.
Additional Advisors & Partners
SPEAK is engaging experienced legal, regulatory, government affairs, and healthcare policy professionals as the project moves forward. Additional partners and advisors will be added here as engagements are finalized.