Meet the Better Speech & Swallow Staff

Karen J. Sowers, M.S., CCC-SLP- Owner

Speech Pathologist and founder of Better Speech and Swallow Corporation

Karen J. Sowers received her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Towson University in 1993. Initially starting her career in skilled nursing and sub-acute care, she established a firm foundation and passion for the treatment of swallowing disorders. Karen subcontracted for Maryland Neuro-Rehab Foundation working with head injury and stroke clients prior to coming to work in acute care at the beginning of 2000. Gaining acute care experience, including Modified Barium Swallow proficiency in radiology and multi-complex care in ICU, she took this knowledge and began mentoring and instructing less experienced clinicians and student speech therapists.

Most recently, prior to founding her own company, Karen managed the Rehabilitation Department for Frederick Memorial Hospital including inpatient, the sub-acute unit and campus outpatient program. During this time, she has gained certification in both DPNS (Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation) and VitalStim, both used in the treatment of swallowing disorders. Karen is also certified in LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment),  & E-LOUD (online) working with patients to improve their speech and voice function.  Karen has been in private practice since 2005 and is always looking for ways to expand her service delivery to meet the needs of more people.  This includes adding Online (tele-health) based services in 2017.

When not at work, Karen enjoys time with her husband and family, and relaxing by the water.  Karen also enjoys teaming up with local charities to include Meals on Wheels.

Danielle Walters, M.S., CCC/SLP

Danielle Walters has been working in the field of speech-language pathology for over 13 years.  First obtaining a B.S. in Biology from Wilson College in 1993, her interest in speech therapy grew after working in a nursing home for several years.  She went on to receive a 2nd B.S. and then a M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology in 2000.   Her skills as an excellent student clinician allowed for an immediate position at the outpatient clinic she was interning for, and she remained in the outpatient clinic for well over 12 years.

In this setting, she performed evaluations and treatments for a wide variety of speech, language, cognitive, voice and swallowing disorders within primarily the adult population.   She has also had some experience with pediatric speech, language and cognitive disorders.  Danielle had the opportunity to serve as lead SLP for the Maryland Neuro Rehab Foundation as well as the neurological team.  Danielle held the title of Certified Brain Injury Specialist for several years and is currently  certified in Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation, Electrical Facial Stimulation, VitalStim and in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LOUD program.  She also has over 12 years experience in performing/interpreting MBS studies.

In addition to the outpatient setting, Danielle has worked in the skilled nursing facility.   She enjoyed the challenges of this particular setting, while honing her skills to meet the needs of the geriatric and subacute patient populations.

During her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.  Other interests include reading, as well as baking, especially during the holidays.