Affirming speech-language pathology group
Our Mission
The Wellness Group is committed to empowering people to communicate, socialize, and work. We pair our clients’ goals and preferences for their voice, speech, and swallowing with our extensive knowledge and specialized skills. Our services are efficient and effective so you spend more time involved in the activities that are important to you.
Our V.O.I.C.E. Promise
Hear more about our promise to you
Clinical Team
Aaron Ziegler
PhD, CCC-SLP
Director
He/Him/His
Speech-Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Specialist, Vocologist, Researcher, Educator, Tenor
Accepting clients in Oregon and California
Greetings, I am Aaron. I appreciate you taking the time to read about me.
I became a speech-language pathologist after struggling to teach singing to a child with chronic hoarseness when living abroad in Hong Kong. My frustration in failing to fully support this child prompted me to return to graduate school. I was compelled to understand the vocal mechanism.
More than 15 years later, The Wellness Group emerged out of a need to make services for voice, speech, and swallowing accessible, compassionate, and efficient. As a voice specialist, I focus on the whole person. I listen to your concerns and the demands you have for voice and communication. My overall goal is that you develop important tools unique to your voice and communication needs. I look forward to supporting you.
Education
- Ph.D., Communication Science and Disorders, Mentor Dr. Katherine Verdolini Abbott, University of Pittsburgh, 2014
- M.A., Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University, 2007
- B.F.A., Theater (acting emphasis), University of Michigan, 2001
- B.A., Spanish, University of Michigan, 2001
Professional Experience
- Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, OHSU, Portland, OR, 2016-2019
- Post-doctoral Fellowship, Certificate in Human Studies Investigations, OHSU, 2014-2016
- Expert Consultant, Division of Speech-Language Pathology, Department of Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, 2012-2013
- Speech-Language Pathologist, University of Pittsburgh Voice Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2010-2012
- Clinical Fellowship in Speech-Language Pathology, Emory Voice Center, Emory University, 2009-2010
Other Experiences
- Tenor, Training with George Shirley, University of Michigan
- Phonation Resistance Training Exercises, PhoRTE, LLC, Co-Developer and Co-Owner, 2018
- Confident Clinician Cooperative, LP, Co-Founder and Co-Owner, 2020
- Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, No. 12127133, Member in Good Standing Since 2010
- Certificate in Vocology, National Center for Voice & Speech, 2005
- Certificate of Human Investigations, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 2017
- Oregon SLP License, No. 015228
- California SLP License, No. SP29605
- 2018, 2020, ASHA’s ACE Award
- 2016, ASHA’s Clinical Practice Research Institute Grant awarded to Dr. Ziegler
- 2015, NIH/NIDCD Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program Award to Dr. Ziegler
- 2015, Dr. Ziegler chosen to participate in ASHA’s Lessons for Success program
- 2013, Governor’s Proclamation for Hawaii’s Inaugural World Voice Day initiative led by Dr. Ziegler
- 2012, ASHA Foundation New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship awarded to Dr. Ziegler
- 2011, Topic Coordinator Choice Poster Award, ASHA Convention, San Diego, CA, Ziegler, A, Doyle, A, & Verdolini Abbott, K.
- Academic Support Volunteer – Voice Disorders, Department of Audiology, Speech, and Language Therapy, University of Ghana, 2018, 2020; funding in part from the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program
- Raised $1,800 by GoFundMe campaign for the Department of Audiology, Speech, and Language Therapy, University of Ghana (https://www.gofundme.com/ghanavoice)
- Previous Associate Editor of Vocal Health and Science for VASTA Voice and Speech Review
- Ad-hoc peer reviewer for a variety of scholarly academic journals
- 2017, 2018 Reviewer, Students Preparing for Academic Research Careers (SPARC) Award, Academic Affairs and Research Education, ASHA
- Member of Scientific Committee for the Annual Convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2018), Fall Voice Conference (2020, 2015), Fall Conference of the Oregon Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2020)
Jennifer Gill
MS, CCC-SLP
Co-Director
She/Her/Hers
Speech-Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Specialist, Mezzo-Soprano
Accepting clients in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho
Hello, I’m Jennifer. As a speech-language pathologist, I desire to provide something unique and different in our corner of the healthcare world – a clinic that is medically professional with a personal touch. I care about empowering our clients to reach their personal communication and swallowing goals.
My interest in medical aspects of voice was ignited when I experienced a humbling setback at the height of my opera career. I suddenly became a voice patient myself with the terrifying threat of vocal fold nodules. Since this vulnerable experience and my own voice rehabilitation, I was determined to dedicate my studies and career to helping others in a similar situation.
As a clinician, I strive to be compassionate, listen, and help you develop tools to effectively achieve your goals. I have a holistic approach and consider all factors that may contribute to your concerns. I look forward to the opportunity to support your journey!
Education
- M.S., Speech-Language Pathology, Pacific University, 2019
- Graduate Diploma in Opera Performance, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, 2003
- B.S., Music, Voice Performance, Portland State University, 2001
Professional Experience
- Clinical Fellowship in Speech-Language Pathology, Supervisor Dr. Ziegler, The Wellness Group, 2019-2020
- Clinical Externship in Voice, Swallowing, and Head & Neck Cancer, OHSU’s NW Clinic for Voice and Swallowing, Winter 2019
Other Experiences
- Active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing
- 20+ years as a professional opera singer, vocal instructor, and certified adjudicator
- Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, No. 14305250, Member in Good Standing Since 2020
- Oregon SLP License, No. 016545
- Washington SLP License, No. LL61141060
- Idaho SLP License, No. SLP-4611
- Outstanding Achievement Award – Lamplighter Diversity Award, Pacific University
- For serving the transgender and enby community
- Marquis Award – New York City Classical Singer Convention – vocal competition
- Eleanor Lieber Award Finalist – vocal competition
- Selected roles: Portland Opera – Second Secretary to Mao in John Adams’ Nixon in China; Minerva in Il ritorni di Ulisse in patria; and Squirrel/White Cat/Shepherd in L’enfant et les Sortilèges. Astoria Music Festival – Margaret in the production of Wozzeck. Marian in Lakewood Theater’s production of The Music Man. Other roles include; Laurie in Oklahoma, Nicklausse in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Cherubino in Les Nozze di Figaro and Prince Orlovsky in Die Fledermaus. National featured concert soloist with the Oregon Symphony, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, and New York 9/11 Remembrance Concert in 2011
- Recordings: Le Voyage –Jennifer Gill, Mezzo-Soprano; Brave Souls and Dreamers with Portland Gay Men’s Chorus – Premier performance as “Mother”- role written specifically for Ms. Gill
- Preventing Vocal Fatigue With Online Teaching – a Free webinar for teachers in honor of National Online Learning Day on Sept 15, 2020 – Co-presenter with Dr. Ziegler
- Organized multiple benefit concerts for community organizations such as Childswork Learning Center, Our House – for individuals with HIV, the Neighborhood House-supporting programs for low income families and seniors in Portland.
- Provided master classes and coached roles for students at Grant High School
- Served as a Certified Adjudicator for District Solo/Ensemble Competition and Musical Theater Thespian Competition
Libby Lavella-Perfitt
MS, CCC-SLP
Clinical Fellow in Speech-Language Pathology
She/Her/Hers
Speech-Language Pathologist, Singer, Vocal Coach, Producer
Not currently accepting new clients
I was born in Sydney, Australia and now live in California with my husband and 11-year-old son. I have been a musician and a singer all my life. I have witnessed the positive impact of the human voice working as a volunteer choir director with senior citizens. This experience deepened my appreciation of the voice and left me with a desire to study it from a clinical perspective.
While I come from an entertainment industry background and have years of experience as a voice professional, my recent academic pursuits have embellished and honed my knowledge. I believe my approach is not only of value to entertainers and entrepreneurs, but to any client looking to find or improve their voice. I still have lots of questions but I feel more equipped than ever to help you!
Education
- M.S., Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, California State University East Bay, Hayward, 2020
- B.A., Linguistics (Honors), University of California, Berkeley, 2017
- A.A., Humanities, A.A., Italian (Summa Cum Laude), Pasadena City College, 2014
Other Experiences
- Industry vocal coach for Mark Webber ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’, MXMTOON, Peter Himmelman, and Las Cafeteras
- Professional singer for Grammy-nominated ‘Te Perdi’, Gustavo Galindo, Curious George “Halloween Special” and backup vocals Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) and Smash Mouth
- California RPE Temporary SLP License, No. RPE 15400
- Oregon Conditional SLP License, No. 17313
- Grammy-nominated singer for vocals on Entre La Ciudad y El Mar (Universal)
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program – Honorable Mention, 2017
- University of California, Berkeley – Full Merit Scholarship, 2014-2017
- Vocal Coach – pro bono – Make A Wish Foundation/The Voice 2015
- Singing choir director South Berkeley Senior Center
- Consultant/Mentor – True Voice Development – trans voice – Los Angeles
- Consultant – Aphasia Tones Choir program CSUEB
- Blue Bear – Non profit – reduced rate/donation singing lessons for kids
- Service project – OUSD High School – designing AAC templates
- Volunteer in local elementary schools – reading and writing mentor.
Non-Clinical Team
Connor Mahon
Communications Liaison
He/They
Hello, I’m Connor. Currently pursuing my Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, I first became interested in the field as it combined a number of my interests — from medicine to education to language — striking a balance between art and science.Through work and volunteer experiences, I discovered my passion for serving the transgender and gender diverse community. I integrated this into my career goals, and set my sights on becoming a voice-specialized clinician, with an emphasis on gender affirming voice and communication services.
Education
- M.S., Speech-Language Pathology (Concentration in Voice), University of Pittsburgh, Expected 2024
- B.A., Speech & Hearing (Honors Clinical Specialization), Cleveland State University, 2022
- Honors Thesis: “Acoustic Parameters and Instrumental Assessment of the Transmasculine Voice”
- B.A., Linguistics, Cleveland State University, 2022
Relevant Experience
- President (2022), Vice President (2021) and founding member, LGBTQ+ Communication Sciences & Disorders Student Association
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action Work Group Member (2020) and SLP Student State Officer for Ohio (2021)
- National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
- LGBTQ+ Student Services Office Operations Manager (2021-22), Cleveland State University
- Communication Sciences & Disorders, Linguistics, and Psychology Tutor (2021-22), Cleveland State University
- Certificate in Bioethics, Cleveland State University
- Member, National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
- Member, American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Special Interest Group 3: Voice & Upper Airway Disorders
- Student Member, The Voice Foundation
- Student Member, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
- Valedictorian (for University, College of Sciences & Health Professions, and College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences), Cleveland State University, 2022
- Honors of NSSLHA (on behalf of the LGBTQ+ CSD Student Association), National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), 2022
- LGBTQ+ Outstanding Student Leader Award, Cleveland State University, 2022
- Distinguished Student in Linguistics Award, Cleveland State University, 2022
- Featured in The Buckeye Flame and on The Queer SLP Podcast
- Director of Registration Operations (2022-Present), Co-Director (2022), and Camp Counselor (2020-21) for Camp Lilac, a summer camp for transgender and gender diverse youth.
- High School Equivalency Test Tutor (2021-22) for Seeds of Literacy, a nonprofit providing free adult education services
Affiliations
We hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence.
We are licensed to practice in Oregon, California, Washington, and Idaho.
