Business Details
Expert Speech & Myofunctional Therapy in Lincoln, NE
At Link to Communication, we specialize in comprehensive speech, language, myofunctional, and feeding therapy for individuals of all ages. Our team of certified speech-language pathologists and orofacial myologists is dedicated to identifying and addressing the root causes of communication and orofacial challenges, not just symptoms. With advanced training through the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) and partnerships with dental professionals, we provide personalized, evidence-based care.Our collaborative approach involves families, healthcare providers, and educators to ensure effective, lasting outcomes. We offer teletherapy services for flexibility and utilize cutting-edge tools like CBCT scans for airway assessment. Committed to excellence, our team stays at the forefront of research and techniques to deliver transformative care for speech, feeding, and myofunctional disorders.
Services
Speech Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy
Feeding Therapy
Teletherapy Services
Orofacial Myology
Highlights and features
- Our team includes ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists with IAOM advanced training.
- We partner with dental professionals for integrated care and access to 3D dental scans.
- Teletherapy services ensure flexible, accessible treatment options.
- Focus on addressing root causes of communication and orofacial disorders.
- Proven success in treating complex cases like tongue thrust and orthodontic relapse.
Associations and certifications
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM)
Services
Speech Therapy
Our speech therapy services address articulation, language, and communication disorders across all ages. Using evidence-based techniques, we target conditions like apraxia, autism spectrum disorder, and fluency challenges. Our certified therapists collaborate with families and educators to create personalized plans that improve clarity, social communication, and functional skills for lasting impact.
Myofunctional Therapy
Specialized myofunctional therapy corrects improper tongue and facial muscle patterns affecting breathing, swallowing, and speech. We treat conditions like tongue thrust and mouth breathing through targeted exercises that retrain muscle function. This therapy prevents orthodontic relapse, improves dental alignment, and enhances airway health for long-term wellness.
Feeding Therapy
Feeding therapy addresses challenges with eating, chewing, and swallowing in children and adults. Our experts evaluate sensory, motor, and behavioral factors to develop strategies that improve oral-motor skills and reduce feeding aversions. This service supports safe, efficient nutrition while addressing underlying myofunctional or developmental issues.
Teletherapy Services
Teletherapy provides flexible access to speech and myofunctional therapy via secure online platforms. This service maintains high-quality care for clients with scheduling challenges or remote locations. Sessions include interactive activities, caregiver coaching, and progress tracking to ensure continuity of care outside traditional clinic settings.
Orofacial Myology
Orofacial myology focuses on correcting abnormal tongue positions and movements that impact speech, dental alignment, and breathing. Through customized exercises, we establish proper resting postures and functional patterns. This therapy is particularly effective for clients experiencing orthodontic relapse or sleep-disordered breathing linked to myofunctional disorders.
People
Kelly Villafane
Owner, Certified Orofacial Myologist
Kelly Villafane, CCC-SLP-COM, specializes in speech and myofunctional disorders. Certified by ASHA and IAOM, she partners with dental professionals to address root causes of communication challenges. With over 20 years of experience, she mentors clinicians and focuses on collaborative, holistic care for lasting client outcomes.
Amberly Parker
Speech-Language Pathologist
Amberly Parker, CCC-SLP, treats articulation, language, and myofunctional disorders in children and adults. She holds a master's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and specializes in autism and genetic disorders. Her client-centered approach emphasizes family collaboration and skill-building in engaging, supportive environments.
Megan Berning
Speech-Language Pathologist
Megan Berning, CCC-SLP, has five years of experience in school-based therapy for articulation, fluency, and augmentative communication. She works with children on the autism spectrum and those with behavioral disorders, prioritizing individualized plans and family collaboration to maximize client progress and independence.
Claire Tatum
Speech-Language Pathologist
Claire Tatum, CCC-SLP, specializes in early intervention and preschool speech therapy. With eight years of experience, she addresses phonological disorders, social communication, and AAC needs. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates family routines to enhance communication outcomes in natural settings.
Julie McDaniel
Speech-Language Pathologist
Julie McDaniel, CCC-SLP, focuses on neonatal feeding and dysphagia in infants and toddlers. Her NICU and medical experience includes modified barium swallow studies and interdisciplinary feeding clinics. She empowers families through education and person-centered strategies for safe, effective feeding and communication development.
Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We treat speech disorders, tongue thrust, myofunctional disorders, feeding challenges, articulation issues, and communication delays linked to autism, apraxia, and genetic conditions.
Do you collaborate with dental professionals?
Yes, we partner with Floss Family Dental for integrated care, including 3D scans and airway assessments to address orthodontic and breathing concerns linked to myofunctional disorders.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Midlands Choice, Medica, United Health Care, and offer private pay or Care Credit options. Check with us for specific coverage details.
Is teletherapy available?
Yes, we provide secure teletherapy sessions for speech and myofunctional therapy to accommodate busy schedules and remote clients while maintaining personalized care quality.
How do you address tongue-tie issues?
We conduct functional assessments and refer to trained providers for releases, combined with pre- and post-operative myofunctional therapy to optimize recovery and muscle retraining.
What ages do you serve?
We treat clients from infancy through adulthood, specializing in early intervention, pediatric care, and adult myofunctional therapy for conditions like sleep apnea and orthodontic relapse.
