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 have been fascinated by the voice. I was trained as a classical soprano over 20 years ago and then began performing in concert and on the musical theater stage. Since that time, I have enjoyed teaching many people how to sing and how to sing better! At a certain point, I realized that I wanted to know MORE about the voice and speech mechanism, and I wanted to reach more people. I went back to school and have been working as a speech pathologist and voice coach for the past 10 years. It is very rewarding to be able to combine and focus all of my training to help others heal, speak, breathe, sing and communicate more freely. I have diverse training in a many voice and speech techniques and am also a certified Buteyko Breathing practitioner.

Every person is unique and has different needs depending upon diagnosis, history, and goals. During my sessions, I listen to my clients and rely on my experience, training, science and intuition to help determine what techniques, exercises and tools are going to be the most effective.

I would love to be able to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Please check out my site, and let me know if I can help you along your journey.