Guest: Felicia Francois, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Empowering-Voices-GenderAffirming-Voice-Care

Join Renee Garrett as she hosts Felicia Francois, a queer, non-binary speech language pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway disorders, on the Speech Therapy PD podcast. In this insightful episode, Felicia discusses the intricacies of gender-affirming voice care, including their philosophy, the importance of patient-centered approaches, and various techniques and surgeries that can help align a patient’s voice with their gender identity. The conversation delves into Felicia's background, the role of SLPs before and after gender-affirming surgeries, and the critical aspect of mental health in this specialized field. Whether you’re an experienced clinician or new to this niche, this episode provides valuable knowledge and techniques for delivering inclusive and effective care.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:00 Meet Felicia Francois: A Journey in Voice Therapy

03:22 Understanding Gender Affirming Voice Care

06:54 Exploring Voice Therapy Techniques and Tools

20:54 Gender Affirming Voice Surgeries

29:21 The Healing Process After Voice Surgery

30:27 Pre-Surgery Counseling for Gender Affirming Voice Surgery

30:43 Teaching Communication Alternatives and Managing Expectations

32:19 Voice Therapy Techniques and Exercises

37:21 Gender Affirming Voice Therapy Sessions

46:28 Addressing Preexisting Conditions and Surgery Candidacy

53:23 The Importance of Mental Health in Voice Therapy

58:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Future Practitioners

About the Guest:

Felicia François (they/she) is a queer, nonbinary, white speech-language pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway. They have a passion for gender-affirming voice care and lead the gender-affirming voice care initiative at the USC Voice Center in Los Angeles, California, where they also work with performing vocalists and a variety of other patients with voice and upper airway disorders. She is passionate about advancing research for gender-affirming voice care and improving the quality of life for those with voice issues.