Meet Our Team

Providing both parents and their children with resources to enhance communication and literacy development:

Personalized
Pediatric
Speech
Language

Literacy
Executive Functioning
Social Skills
Orofacial Myology

multiple circle photos of young women on the team

Dr. Courtney Overton

Founder & CEO

Speech-Language Pathologist

Literacy Specialist

Courtney Overton, EdD, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Literacy Specialist. She is the Founder & CEO of Speech of Cake. With a passion for shaping future clinicians, Dr. Overton also serves as a Clinical Fellowship Mentor at Speech of Cake, a Clinical Supervisor for several universities, and a Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland. For the past few years, Dr. Overton has advocated for neurodivergent students and students of color by providing seminars, workshops, and keynotes on a national level through her organizations, DiverCity SLP and The SLP Guide to Dyslexia.

Dr. Overton received her doctorate in literacy, culture, and language education at Indiana University with a minor in educational leadership and public policy. She also earned a certificate in entrepreneurship from Cornell University. Dr. Overton attended Emerson College to earn a master's degree in speech-language pathology, and she obtained a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology, minor in linguistics, and certificate in American Sign Language at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Overton is a member of For(bes) the Culture, National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing, American Speech-Language Hearing Association, International Literacy Association, International Dyslexia Association, Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation, Incorporated, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Overton is trained in Hanen, Gestalt Language Processing, PROMPT, Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), Tongue Tips, Thumbs Up!, Story Grammar Marker, Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood Bell, Lucy Calkins, Reading Mastery, Corrective Reading, Read Well, Language!, Wilson, Qualitative Reading Inventory, Dyslexia Fundamentals, The Logic of English, Social Thinking, and Unstuck and On Target. She specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, reading/writing disabilities, language disorders, and social skills. Dr. Overton is a 3-time 40 Under 40 recipient in DC, Alexandria, and Northern Virginia!

Phoebe Sullivan

Speech-Language Pathologist

Chief Clinical Officer

Ms. Sullivan meets with students at both offices year-round. She also meets with students at the summer programs.

Phoebe Sullivan joined the Speech of Cake team in 2020 as a Graduate Clinician. In 2021, she was promoted and became the Speech of Cake Social Media Manager. Phoebe added an additional role as a Speech-Language Pathologist in 2022, and she meets with students throughout the year at both offices for speech, language, and literacy therapy.

Phoebe earned her MA in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University and her BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences from SUNY Cortland. She has experience with articulation, language, and literacy skills with clients of all ages, and she particularly enjoys helping families with young children ages 2-5 navigate the most crucial time in their child’s speech and language development. Phoebe is a strong proponent of client-centered care that focuses on the family’s values and the child’s interests. She believes in building strong relationships with children to form a foundation for fun and engaging therapy. Phoebe is trained in Orton-Gillingham, PROMPT, LAMP WFL, Tongue Tips, and Thumbs Up!.

Priyal Patel

Speech-Language Pathologist

Ms. Patel meets with students at 601 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 year-round.

Priyal Patel joined the Speech of Cake team in 2025. She earned her Master of Arts from The George Washington University and Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Auburn University. Priyal is originally from Savannah, Georgia. She brings a playful, compassionate, and client-centered approach to therapy, and she loves building strong connections with both children and their families. Priyal's clinical interests include early language development, AAC, and literacy. She's passionate about creating therapy that’s functional, engaging, and culturally responsive. As someone who comes from a multilingual, multicultural background, Priyal values the importance of providing inclusive, culturally responsive care that honors each family’s unique experiences and communication needs. Priyal's always looking for ways to grow, learn, and create meaningful connections!

Tyiesha Elliott

Speech-Language Pathologist

Ms. Elliott meets with students via teletherapy year-round.

Tyiesha joined the Speech of Cake team in 2023. Tyiesha Elliott earned her MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University and her BA in Communications from Northwestern State. She has several years of experience working in settings ranging from long term care with geriatrics to early intervention with little ones. She is extremely passionate about working with children while creating connections with them and their families. Ms. Elliott is a Hanen Certified therapist and has participated in trainings in Oral Placement Therapy and Natural Language Acquisition.

Dr. Arynn Byrd

Speech-Language Pathologist

Director of Summer Programs

Dr. Byrd meets with students at the summer programs.

Arynn Byrd, PhD, CCC-SLP joined the Speech of Cake team in 2019 as a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow. Dr. Byrd has played an integral role in the Speech of Cake summer programs. In 2023, she helped expand the program by developing the Summer Intensive for rising 3rd through 5th graders. This year, Dr. Byrd will serve as the Director of Summer Programs and is excited for another enriching summer!

Dr. Byrd holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Georgia. Dr. Byrd earned her PhD in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she researched the relationship between language variation and learning.

Passionate about supporting school-aged children, Dr. Byrd specializes in improving language, articulation, and literacy skills. She is dedicated to creating joyful and engaging learning environments that blend play-based and structured therapeutic techniques. Dr. Byrd is trained in Orton-Gillingham, PROMPT, Tongue Tips, and Thumbs Up!

Alyssa Deckard

Client Concierge

Mrs. Deckard is our Client Concierge.

Alyssa Deckard joined the Speech of Cake team in 2025. She is a dynamic marketing professional and former applied behavioral analysis technician with a strong track record in client engagement, sales strategy, and team leadership. With a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Oakland University and hands-on experience across healthcare, retail, and behavioral therapy, Alyssa blends analytical insight with a genuine passion for helping people.

Feel free to email her at any time at: alyssa@speechofcakeinc.com

Leigh Poole

Leigh Poole, our co-founder, has made the decision to step down from her role with the company. Leigh has been an integral part of Speech of Cake since its inception, contributing significantly to our growth and success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her dedication and passion in shaping Speech of Cake into what it is today. While we will miss Leigh's presence and leadership, we are confident in the strength and resilience of our team. We wish Leigh all the best in her future endeavors, and we look forward to the continued support of our wonderful community as we embark on this new chapter.