Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Multidisciplinary Contributions
Certification
Community Events
Professional Development
Testimonials
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Tia Peeples

Atlanta,GA

Summary

Highly skilled Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in the diagnostics and treatment of acquired speech, swallowing, and voice disorders related to head and neck cancer and its treatment. Proficient in performing videofluoroscopic (MBS) and fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing studies (FEES). Experienced in multidisciplinary collaboration, clinical instruction, and patient-centered care.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

SLP-Head & Neck Cancer Specialist

Atlanta Head & Neck Associates
09.2023 - Current
  • Company Overview: Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
  • Specialize in the comprehensive management of complex head and neck cancer cases, including those with a range of diagnoses, surgical interventions, and adjuvant therapies.
  • Expertise includes alaryngeal communication management, pulmonary adaptation and care for alternative airways, as well as advanced dysphagia evaluation and treatment.
  • Provide mentorship, preceptorship, and training to graduate students, clinical fellows, inpatient and outpatient SLPs, pulmonary thoracic and ICU RNs, physician assistants, and respiratory therapists, focusing on best practices in head and neck cancer care.
  • Spearheaded a statewide advocacy initiative in partnership with ATOS Medical, resulting in Georgia Medicaid adding core laryngectomy supplies to its fee schedule in October 2024. Efforts included collaboration with ATOS, and direct letters, emails, and phone conversations with the Constituent Services Specialist and Pharmacy Operations Supervisor at the Georgia Department of Community Health. As of April 2025, ATOS is now an in-network provider with Georgia Medicaid due to this successful advocacy, significantly improving access to essential laryngectomy care products across the state.
  • Introduced Laronix technology to the clinic and partnered with patients to participate in the Ava Voice trial, promoting access to emerging alaryngeal speech technologies.
  • Acute care and outpatient clinical settings

PRN Speech-Language Pathologist

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
04.2023 - 04.2024
  • Led training initiatives for inpatient and outpatient SLP teams in the assessment and management of head and neck cancer patients following the expansion of services with a new surgical oncologist.
  • Collaborated with clinical leadership to build and establish a rehabilitation presence for the hospital’s growing head and neck cancer program, developing protocols and best practices to support this specialized population.
  • Delivered diagnostic and therapeutic speech-language pathology services to medically complex patients in a Level II trauma center.
  • Managed evaluation and treatment of communication, cognition, and swallowing disorders in patients with traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents, spinal cord injuries, polytrauma, and critical illnesses.
  • Conducted bedside swallow evaluations and instrumental assessments (FEES, VFSS) to guide dysphagia management in high-acuity populations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including trauma surgeons, intensivists, neurologists, nursing, respiratory therapy, and rehabilitation services to coordinate patient-centered care plans.
  • Provided education and counseling to patients, families, and care teams regarding communication strategies, safe swallowing practices, and cognitive-communication rehabilitation.
  • Supported recovery efforts by implementing evidence-based interventions during acute phases of injury and illness.
  • Contributed to quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing aspiration pneumonia rates and improving functional outcomes for trauma patients.
  • Maintained detailed, timely documentation in compliance with hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards.

PRN Speech-Language Pathologist

Shepherd Center
03.2023 - 09.2023
  • Provided specialized speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing evaluation and treatment for patients with spinal cord injury, brain injury, and complex neurological conditions in a nationally recognized rehabilitation hospital.
  • Delivered individualized, evidence-based therapy across inpatient, day program, and outpatient settings, supporting functional recovery and return to community participation.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments including bedside evaluations and instrumental swallowing studies to guide dysphagia management.
  • Developed and implemented patient-centered treatment plans addressing cognitive rehabilitation, AAC needs, dysarthria, apraxia, and voice disorders.
  • Collaborated as an integral member of interdisciplinary teams including physiatrists, neuropsychologists, physical and occupational therapists, nursing, and case management.
  • Provided caregiver education and training to support safe discharge planning and optimize long-term functional outcomes.
  • Participated in program development initiatives aimed at enhancing SLP services within specialized spinal cord injury and brain injury populations.
  • Maintained high standards of clinical documentation in accordance with hospital policies, accreditation bodies, and reimbursement requirements.

Acute Care Speech-Language Pathologist

Northside Hospital
06.2022 - Current
  • Provided comprehensive speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing evaluations and interventions for patients in a fast paced acute care hospital setting.
  • Managed a diverse caseload including patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, various cancer diagnoses, respiratory failure, and other medically complex diagnoses.
  • Conducted clinical bedside swallow evaluations and instrumental swallowing assessments (FEES, VFSS) to guide management and reduce risk of aspiration pneumonia.
  • Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans to support recovery of swallowing, communication, and cognitive-linguistic function during hospitalization.
  • Collaborated daily with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, case managers, respiratory therapists, and rehabilitation therapists to ensure safe patient transitions and discharge planning.
  • Provided patient, caregiver, and staff education regarding communication strategies, swallowing precautions, cognitive support, and therapy recommendations.
  • Assisted with implementation of dysphagia management protocols to improve patient outcomes.
  • Maintained detailed, timely documentation for all evaluations and treatments in compliance with hospital standards, regulatory requirements, and billing guidelines.
  • I continue to provide coverage on a PRN basis following transition to a new clinical title, supporting consistent service delivery and patient care in the acute care setting.

Lead SLP

Phoebe Cancer Center
06.2021 - 05.2022
  • Provided specialized speech-language pathology services within a radiation oncology clinic, focusing on patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer.
  • Delivered comprehensive pre-habilitation assessments and interventions to optimize baseline swallowing, speech, and voice function prior to initiation of CRT.
  • Implemented individualized rehabilitation plans during and after CRT, addressing dysphagia management, voice preservation, communication strategies, and patient education.
  • Conducted instrumental and clinical swallowing evaluations to guide treatment planning and monitor functional outcomes.
  • Collaborated closely with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, dietitians, and nursing staff as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on proactive strategies to minimize long-term functional impairments and improve quality of life.
  • Developed and updated evidence-based protocols for prehab and rehab services specific to the needs of the head and neck cancer population.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate documentation in compliance with medical, legal, and billing requirements.

Acute Care Speech-Language Pathologist

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
06.2021 - 05.2022
  • Delivered diagnostic and therapeutic speech-language pathology services to medically complex patients in a Level II trauma center.
  • Managed evaluation and treatment of communication, cognition, and swallowing disorders in patients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, polytrauma, and critical illnesses.
  • Conducted bedside swallow evaluations and instrumental assessments (VFSS) to guide dysphagia management in high-acuity populations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including trauma surgeons, intensivists, neurologists, nursing, respiratory therapy, and rehabilitation services to coordinate patient-centered care plans.
  • Provided education and counseling to patients, families, and care teams regarding communication strategies, safe swallowing practices, and cognitive-communication rehabilitation.
  • Supported recovery efforts by implementing evidence-based interventions during acute phases of injury and illness.
  • Contributed to quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing aspiration pneumonia rates and improving functional outcomes for trauma patients.
  • Maintained detailed, timely documentation in compliance with hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards.

Education

M.Ed. - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia
05.2021

B.A. - Speech Pathology and Audiology

South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC
05.2019

Skills

  • Acute care
  • Outpatient rehabilitation
  • Advanced diagnostics
  • Management of head and neck cancer-related disorders
  • Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies
  • FEES
  • MBSImP
  • DIGEST measures
  • Alaryngeal speech rehabilitation
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Pharyngocise
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary oncology teams
  • Clinical instruction
  • Supervision of graduate students
  • Patient education
  • Family education

Affiliations

  • American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Multicultural Issues Board, Member, 01/01/25 - Present
  • American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Member, 03/01/22 - Present
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Member, 04/01/19 - Present

Multidisciplinary Contributions

  • Laronix Ava Voice Trial, Spearheaded the clinical integration of this alaryngeal voicing technology, enrolling eligible patients into the trial and delivering ongoing, individualized therapy to ensure access to diverse and functional communication options.
  • Xerostomia Research Discussion & Product Development Contributor for XomaGuard, 10/01/24
  • Northside Hospital MDC Head/Neck Tumor Board Attendee, 01/01/23 - Present
  • Quarterly Presenter: SLP's Role in POC for Head/Neck Cancer' - PTCU Staff Education, 01/01/24 - Present

Certification

  • Speech Pathologist, State of Georgia, License #SLP012097
  • Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), American Speech-Language Hearing Association Cert. #: 14355656
  • National Provider Identifier#1093592941
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider- updated 3/31/2025

Community Events

  • Organized a patient/caregiver panel discussion and butterfly release event in partnership with the American Cancer Society's Atlanta Hope Lodge, 04/16/25, Organizer & Host
  • 'Head and Neck Cancer: Types and Intervention', 04/29/25 (pending), Presenter
  • 'Can You Hear My Voice?' Documentary Screening, 04/03/24, Attendee
  • InHealth & IAL Virtual Happy Hour, 08/08/24, Attendee
  • New Voices ATL Support Group, 05/01/24 - Present, Monthly Attendee

Professional Development

  • Cadavaer lab, Advanced Training in Laryngectomy & Voice Restoration, Cleveland Clinic/ATOS: The Future of Laryngectomy: Innovations in Collaborative Care, 04/01/25
  • University of Alabama Birmingham/InHealth Hands-on Laryngectomy Course, 09/01/24
  • Mayo Clinic Phoenix Campus/ATOS Tracheoesophageal Puncture Management, 03/01/24
  • ATOS: Tracheoesophageal Voice Restoration Essentials, 08/01/24, Wake Forest Advanced TEP Troubleshooting Course, 12/01/22
  • Dysphagia, Advanced Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Course, 05/01/23
  • UC Davis Dysphagia Journal Club-monthly participant, 03/01/23 - Present

Testimonials

https://www.northside.com/about/news-center/patient-stories/candice-s-story-facing-cancer-head-on

Additional Information

Additional testimonials and/or professional references available upon request.

Timeline

SLP-Head & Neck Cancer Specialist

Atlanta Head & Neck Associates
09.2023 - Current

PRN Speech-Language Pathologist

Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
04.2023 - 04.2024

PRN Speech-Language Pathologist

Shepherd Center
03.2023 - 09.2023

Acute Care Speech-Language Pathologist

Northside Hospital
06.2022 - Current

Lead SLP

Phoebe Cancer Center
06.2021 - 05.2022

Acute Care Speech-Language Pathologist

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
06.2021 - 05.2022

M.Ed. - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Valdosta State University

B.A. - Speech Pathology and Audiology

South Carolina State University

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Tia Peeples