Our Staff
Matthew Brady
Matthew Brady joined MRSHC in 2016 after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with an Audiology Doctorate. He completed his externship at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, TN. His professional interests span the scope of audiology including audiological and vestibular assessment, rehabilitation, tinnitus, electrophysiology, and auditory processing disorder.
Jayne Miller-Fritz
Jayne Miller-Fritz has practiced audiology in the Appalachian Region for nearly 35 years. Formerly Mountain Region’s audiologist from 1995-2009 and 2013-2015, Jayne returned to MRSHC in September 2020! Jayne graduated with her BS in Communicative Disorders with a minor in Special Education in 1984 and her Master of Science in Audiology in 1987 from East Tennessee State University. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice Audiology in TN and VA. She has been an ASHA ACE Award winner and has received the Academy Scholars Award on multiple occasions for continuing education.
Jayne’s clinical interests include cochlear implant evaluation and mapping, pediatric audiology, educational audiology, adult audiology and amplification. She has been providing cochlear implant services for over 20 years in upper east Tennessee and southwest Virginia.
Jayne lives in Kingsport, TN with her husband Mack. They enjoy spending time on the lake with their daughter, Allie, and son-in-law, Justin.
Rebekah Dugger
Rebekah Dugger is a Speech-language Pathologist with expertise in dysphagia, aphasia, pediatric feeding, cognitive communication and articulation.
Rebekah‘s professional experience spans a wide range of speech and language disorders, allowing her to tailor her approach to each individual’s need.
Rebekah chose Mountain Region Speech and Hearing for its commitment to providing comprehensive care to a diverse patient population. She is passionate about making a positive impact on her patients’ lives through her work.
Outside of her professional life, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, valuing the importance of close personal relationships.
Michelle Ekstrom
Michelle Ekstrom, M.S., CCC-SLP has been a certified Speech Language Pathologist since 2000. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Communication Disorders from the Western Carolina University Honors College and earned a Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology from East Tennessee State University, completing her thesis on the topic of Clinical Supervision.
Michelle is working in her 24th consecutive year as a Speech Language Pathologist, having worked with both pediatric and adult populations. The majority of her work experience has been with school age populations in both clinical and public/private school-based settings. She is licensed in both Tennessee and North Carolina, currently working as a TeleTherapist for public school and homeschooled middle and high school students. Michelle’s special clinical interests include moderate to severe speech sound disorders, language-based literacy learning, and supervision.
Michelle began her professional career at Bristol Regional Speech and Hearing Center before moving to Clinical Faculty at East Tennessee State University, then eventually settled back in her home community in North Carolina to work in the public school system as Lead Speech Language Pathologist for her county. Michelle joined the team at Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center in 2023 as a Speech Language Pathology TeleTherapist.
Michelle enjoys living in the foothills of western North Carolina with her husband and two daughters, with lots of extended family nearby. Michelle’s hobbies include spending time with family and friends, shopping, traveling, playing piano, and discovering new craft projects. She also enjoys being active in her church.
Nina King
Nina King is a licensed Speech-language Pathologist specializing in treating children with delayed language and phonological disorders, as well as adults recovering from CVA or TBI. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech-language Pathology and is certified by ASHA and Vital Stim.
Nina’s goal is for her patients to leave each session feeling accomplished. She chose Mountain Region Speech and Hearing for its diverse caseload and the opportunity to work with both children and adults.
One memorable success story involves helping an elderly, aphasic stroke patient say "I love you" to his wife on Valentine’s Day, a testament to her dedication and skill.
Outside of work, Nina enjoys hiking and watching movies with her family. In her free time, she loves attending football games and supporting her daughters’ performances and competitions.
Glenda O’Neal
As a new graduate from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 1990, Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center was my first choice of where I wished to work. As a life- long resident of Kingsport, I wanted to work with children in my own community, and Mountain Region seemed to fit this bill. Thankfully, I was offered the opportunity to join this great team.
As I found myself working for this organization, I came to know the mission of Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center of serving all who come in need of our services. This mission blended well with how I try to live my life, both professionally and in other service areas. I worked for many years with MRSHC, before venturing out to explore other work settings- making another brief appearance at the Center in 2014-2015. As of October 2020, I am so thankful to be back - continuing my mission as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, and helping Mountain Region fulfill its mission of serving all those in need.
When I am not at work, I enjoy teaching and practicing yoga, cooking, working in my gardens, and spending time in nature.
Jody Rice
Jody Rice has been a certified Speech-Language Pathologist since 2001. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders from West Virginia University and earned a Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from East Tennessee State University.
Jody has over 20 years of experience working with both the pediatric and adult populations. She is licensed in both Tennessee and Virginia. Her areas of specialty include adult speech/language/cognitive disorders, dysphagia, head and neck cancer, geriatrics, and hospice/palliative care. Jody’s work experience includes providing speech-language and swallowing services to patients at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center, Bristol Regional Speech & Hearing Center, and prn positions in both Tennessee and Virginia. She has served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders at East Tennessee State University, teaching the Adult Neurogenic Cognitive-Communication Disorders course and the Dysphagia course. She is fully trained for FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and has her Endoscopy Certification.
Jody lives in Jonesborough, TN with her husband and five children. Jody’s hobbies include reading, being outdoors, traveling, cheering on her kids, and drinking plenty of coffee.
Brittany Rushing
Brittany Rushing has been a certified Speech-Language Pathologist since 2008. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and earned a Master’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from East Tennessee State University.
Brittany has 13 years of experience working with both the pediatric and adult populations, specializing in the treatment of dysphagia and adult speech-language and cognitive disorders. Brittany began her career as an SLP here at MRSHC in 2008 as a clinical fellow. Additionally, Brittany’s work experience includes providing speech-language and swallowing services to patients at the Mountain Home VA, Ballad Health, and Select Specialty Hospital. She has served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders at East Tennessee State University, teaching the Adult Language Disorders course. Brittany is a certified McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) provider. She is fully trained for FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and has her Endoscopy Certification.
Brittany lives in Jonesborough, TN with her husband and three children. Brittany’s hobbies include traveling, being outdoors, reading, and fitness/nutrition.
Rebekah Watson
Beka Watson has worked alongside patients and families as a speech-language pathologist at Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center (MRSHC) since 2017. She earned her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing Management at ETSU. Between degrees, Beka worked as a classroom assistant at a preschool that provided a variety of therapy services.
At MRSHC, Beka serves pediatric patients with communication and feeding needs, and assesses adult patients with swallowing disorders. Beka is passionate about connecting patients and families to the services which will support them best. She believes in a total communication approach, advocating for immediate access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Beka advocates for a responsive feeding approach and seeks to assist patients in feeling safe and comfortable during mealtimes. She strives to consider the whole patient when making speech, language, feeding, and swallowing recommendations. She is passionate about providing sensory supports so individuals can fully participate in evaluations and therapy sessions. Beka is a FEES certified endoscopist.
Currently, Beka’s role at Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center is as a diagnostician and substitute speech-language pathologist. When she is not at work, Beka enjoys hiking, running, and spending time outside with her husband, two young daughters, and two doodle dogs.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
- Karen Dale - Executive Director
- Brenda Dishner - Administrative Assistant
- Tammy Herron - Administrative Specialist
- Linda Dockery - Speech Scheduling Specialist
- Rebecca Vincent - Insurance Coordinator
- Patti Garrett - Director of Development