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.
Ashley Bisby
Ashley graduated from Appalachian State University in 2020 with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Spanish. Ashley then pursued her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at East Tennessee State University and graduated in May of 2022. While at ETSU, Ashley was able to experience a variety of clinical opportunities including early intervention, school systems, in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation, and long-term care. Her special areas of interest include aphasia, dysphagia, and voice disorders.
Ashley currently lives in Johnson City, TN. She loves spending time with her dog, Bentley and cat, Carrot. She also enjoys watching new movies and TV shows, playing tennis, eating at new restaurants, and traveling!
Kaley Daniel Briggs
Kaley graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2019 with her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. After taking a gap year to serve a nonprofit organization, Kaley returned to Johnson City to complete her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Prior to graduating in 2022, Kaley participated in many clinical opportunities with the pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric populations. While Kaley enjoys working with individuals of all ages, she specifically enjoys serving both the adolescent and geriatric populations. Kaley’s professional interests include dysphagia, aphasia, social communication, and articulation therapy. Kaley is currently certified in the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).
Kaley lives in Johnson City with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dachshund, Pinot. Kaley’s hobbies include trying new restaurants, thrift shopping, and watching Netflix documentaries.
Bekah Lucas Duncan
Bekah Lucas Duncan joined the Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center team in August of 2018. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Radford University with a Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in American Sign Language. She continued her graduate education at Radford University, receiving her Masters of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
During her undergraduate experience at Radford, Bekah volunteered as an emergency medical technician at the basic level (EMT-B) with the university’s emergency medical services. She also volunteered as an ambassador for her college, Waldron College of Health and Human Services, and at Radford University Speech-Language -Hearing Clinic (RUSLHC) as a clinical assistant. During her graduate career, Bekah worked in a variety of settings to provide services for children and adults alike. These placements included a year at the RUSLHC, the Preschool Language Lab at Radford University, Carilion Giles Community Hospital, and Pediatric Therapy Services. Although Bekah likes working with clients of all ages to gain experience and help provide everyone a voice, she most enjoys working with early childhood language disorders.
Bekah lives in Kingsport with her husband Clint. During her down time away from work, Bekah’s hobbies include reading, spending time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants, and sleeping.
Anna Lowe
Anna Lowe graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with her license to teach Preschool- 3rd grade from East Tennessee State University. She continued her educational career at ETSU graduating with her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2021. During her graduate journey, Anna gained superb clinical experiences serving ages birth to geriatrics as well as a wide variety of diverse populations in schools, outpatient, and inpatient settings. Although she enjoys serving all populations and learning as much as possible to continuously be a lifelong learner, Anna enjoys working with the pediatric population greatly.
Anna lives in Johnson City with her husband, Devin. During her free time, Anna enjoys being outdoors to explore new sights, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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, Clinical Director of Speech Language Pathology, Director of FEES
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.
Nolan Sexton
Nolan Sexton joined the Mountain Region Speech and Hearing Center team in June 2021. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelors in speech-language pathology and minor in vocal performance. He received his Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2019.
During his time at the University of TN, Nolan completed a concentration in aural habilitation supporting children and adults with hearing impairment. His graduate focuses included hearing impairment, voice disorders, dysphagia, and neurogenic communication disorders. Before joining Mountain Region, Nolan worked as a speech-language pathologist in the elementary school setting for two years. He also worked PRN providing pediatric speech-language and feeding early intervention services in an outpatient setting.
Nolan lives in Morristown with his wife, Rebecca, and their son, Leeland. Nolan’s hobbies include reading, hiking, landscaping, performing music, and spending time with his family.
Rachel Trent
Rachel has been a certified Speech Language Pathologist since 2013. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology as well as a Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
During her time at UT, Rachel worked at the Pediatric Language Clinic which provided early intervention services for children who showed signs or were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also worked at the university clinic, Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, and Clinton City Schools. Prior to coming to MRSHC, Rachel worked in the school system and gained valuable knowledge in working with children with articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders, pragmatic issues, Autism Spectrum disorder, and Down Syndrome. Rachel is passionate about working with children and helping them to find their voice in whatever way is most functional for them.
Rachel lives in Kingsport with her husband Taylor. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
- Karen Dale - Executive Director
- Brenda Dishner - Administrative Assistant
- Alexis Garrett - Speech Scheduling Specialist
- Rebecca Vincent - Insurance Coordinator / Collections
- Patti Garrett - Director of Development