Melissa Ford is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (M.S., CCC-SLP) specializing in speaking voice enhancement, accent modification, and professional singing rehabilitation. Her work is grounded in voice science, motor learning, and evidence-based therapy techniques designed to improve clarity, resonance, efficiency, and vocal stamina.

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With over fifteen years of performance experience, Melissa brings a unique integration of clinical precision and performance insight to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from The New School University and is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy’s Integrated Musical Theatre Program. As an active performer, she has appeared in cabarets, television and film, and Off-Broadway productions, and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

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Melissa earned her Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University, where she specialized in the professional singing voice and voice-related research. She provided voice rehabilitation via telepractice with the Lions Voice Clinic and worked in-person at Mount Sinai West ENT, supporting patients with a range of voice disorders.

Her advanced training includes Voice Therapy Spectrum (VTS) under Dr. Katherine Verdolini Abbott, incorporating Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT) and Casper-Stone Confidential Flow Therapy (CSCFT), as well as PhoRTE training with Dr. Edie Hapner and Dr. Aaron Ziegler — approaches widely used in clinical voice rehabilitation and professional voice training. Melissa is a certified LSVT LOUD® clinician, an intensive, evidence-based treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions to improve vocal loudness and speech clarity. She is also a certified SPEAK OUT!® provider through Parkinson Voice Project, supporting patients in developing intentional, functional speech. She has completed all three levels of Somatic Voicework™: The LoVetri Method and continues advanced professional development in vocology and performing arts medicine.

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Melissa’s approach is structured, individualized, and collaborative, integrating clinical voice therapy with performance-based training. She works with actors, singers, speakers, and other professional voice users seeking a voice that is not only expressive, but sustainable. 

Professional Affiliations:

•National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

•New York Singing Teachers' Association (NYSTA)

•Somatic Voicework™ Teachers' Association

•The Voice Foundation

•Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA)

•Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA)

•American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Interest Group 3: Voice and Upper Airway Disorders

•Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA)

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Research:

•Honors Master of Science Thesis: “Voice Patients with Acid Reflux: Students’ Perceptions of the Efficacy of Lifestyle Changes" with Dr. Celia Stewart, CCC-SLP

•NYU Langone Voice Center's Research Lab with Dr. Aaron Johnson, CCC-SLP