Vocal Coach and Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Austin, Texas   512-466-5013   

About Dara Whitehead-Allen, M.S., CCC-SLP

 512-466-5013      

Dara Whitehead-Allen, M.S., CCC-SLP has enjoyed a multifaceted career as a singer, actor, voice coach and licensed speech-language pathologist. She offers a wide range of services related to the management of voice, speech, breathing and upper airway disorders for adults. She also provides transgender voice therapy, as well as private speech and presentation coaching for a variety of professionals. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies, lawyers, doctors, teachers, singers, actors and professionals from the corporate world. In addition, Ms. Allen trains broadcasters in the radio-television news industry. Her clients hail from all over the United States and the major network affiliates, including NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC and AccuWeather.

Ms. Allen holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas. She has completed additional graduate studies in music at Texas Tech University and The University of North Texas. Ms. Allen has also completed the ESTILL Voice Training Levels One and Two, Myofascial Release Techniques for Speech Pathologists, and is certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). She is an advanced Reiki practitioner and has received training in Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy and in Casper Flow Phonation. Ms. Allen is also a registered Buteyko Breathing practitioner. She is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS), the American Society for Speech Language and Hearing (ASHA), Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) and The Voice Foundation.

Ms. Allen has been a soloist with nationally recognized symphony orchestras, has appeared in numerous leading roles on the regional stage, has toured nationally and is a member of the critically acclaimed Ken Davis Chorale. In addition, she maintains a busy private voice studio, and her students have been recognized across the country, including participation on “American Idol.” Ms. Allen has served as a guest lecturer at universities across the region, and she is a former adjunct faculty member at The University of Texas School of Law.

Education

  • Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Texas Tech University
  • Master of Science in Communication Disorders from the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas
  • Graduate studies in music at Texas Tech University and The University of North Texas

Certifications

  • ESTILL Voice Training Levels One and Two
  • Myofascial Release Techniques for Speech Pathologists
  • Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)
  • All-level Music Education in the State of Texas

Other Qualifications

  • Advanced Reiki practitioner
  • Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy
  • Casper Flow Phonation
  • Registered Buteyko Breathing Practitioner

Affiliations

  • Actor’s Equity Association (AEA)
  • National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS)
  • American Society for Speech Language and Hearing (ASHA)
  • Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA)
  • The Voice Foundation

 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the voice. Trained as a classical soprano, I performed in concert and musical theater before discovering a passion for teaching others to sing. My curiosity about the voice and speech mechanism led me back to school, and since 2007 I’ve worked as a speech pathologist and voice coach. It’s deeply rewarding to unite my training to help others heal, speak, breathe, sing, and communicate with greater freedom.

I draw on broad training in voice and speech techniques and hold certifications in related therapies. Because every person’s needs are unique, I listen carefully and use my experience, training, science, and intuition to choose the most effective approach.

I’d love to help you reach your personal and professional goals. Please explore my site and reach out if I can support you on your journey.