Nashville DYSPHONIA SUPPORT GROUP

This group is for anyone living with dysphonia—of any kind. That includes (but isn’t limited to) Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD), Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD), vocal tremor, and other voice conditions. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating this for years, you’re welcome here.

We’re people first who happen to live with voice disorders. Dysphonia affects real life—work, relationships, confidence, and daily communication—but it does not get to define who we are. This group is here to support the whole person.

Meetings will vary based on what is most helpful to participants. Depending on the month, we may include things like:

• Open conversation and shared stories (no pressure to speak)
• Guided discussion topics (work, family, stress, confidence, advocacy)
• Practical communication tips and “what I’ve learned” sharing
• Occasional guest speakers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, self-care or stress management topics)
• Simple activities that lower pressure and build connection (writing, reflection prompts, creative exercises)

Participation is always optional. You can listen the whole time if you’d prefer.

We will work with participants to determine the best times, dates, and meeting frequency of the group. We will generally aim for a quarterly in-person gathering, designed to be low-pressure and accessible for people at any voice level.

Mark Adams serves as the preaching minister at Tusculum Church of Christ. He holds a doctorate (D.Min.) from Lipscomb University in Missional Leadership and Spiritual Formation. Mark also lives with Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia (ADSD). Because speaking is central to his vocation, he’s experienced firsthand how isolating and exhausting voice disorders can be. He’s coordinating this group so people in the Nashville area can find understanding, community, and encouragement.

Taylor Jones, CCC-SLP, serves patients at the Vanderbilt Voice Center who are navigating many forms of dysphonia. She has been a voice-specialized speech pathologist for four years and is dedicated to creating an environment in which individuals feel safe to communicate, despite difficulties they may encounter. Taylor is passionate about creating a community that supports those with dysphonia not only medically, but personally and relationally, as well. Taylor is proud to assist with the coordination of the group so that individuals and families in Middle Tennessee have a place to connect with others who understand their unique circumstances. 

Lydia Pion, CCC-SLP, has been a speech-language pathologist at the Vanderbilt Voice Center for almost four years. She works with patients with a wide range of diagnoses including functional voice disorders, neurological voice disorders, and head and neck cancer. Though the diagnosis varies from patient to patient, the focus of her work remains the same: to help patients understand their diagnosis and feel empowered to communicate with confidence. Lydia is happy to assist with this group to bring together people who just “get it.”