About | Speak Life Speech Therapy

About Speak Life Speech Therapy

Helping Children Find Their Voice

Hi, I’m Lynn, and I started Speak Life because I believe every child deserves the chance to communicate with confidence. Watching children overcome speech challenges and find their voice is truly inspiring—and it’s why I love what I do every day. I started my practice in 2022 and expanded by adding two new therapists - Madi & Courtney.

Our Philosophy

We believe therapy is most effective when it’s fun, engaging, and tailored to each child’s interests. We combine evidence-based techniques with play, games, and hands-on activities so children feel motivated and excited to participate. Every child learns differently, and our goal is to create a safe, encouraging environment where communication skills can grow naturally.

Working Together with Families

Parents and caregivers are a vital part of the therapy process. We make it a priority to coach, guide, and collaborate with families so that progress continues at home between sessions. Seeing parents celebrate milestones alongside their children is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Areas of Expertise

We specialize in helping children with:

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
Speech Sound Disorders
Literacy and Phonological Awareness
Expressive and Receptive Language

Our practice is also an approved provider through the Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships via the Ohio Department of Education. This allows for homeschool and private school students to access the therapy they need.

Beyond the Clinic

Each summer, we love hosting Camp Communicate, a supportive and fun summer program for children with severe speech sound disorders, including CAS. Campers practice communication skills through games, crafts, and teamwork while building confidence and lasting friendships.

Helping children communicate effectively is not just our job—it’s our passion. We look forward to partnering with you and your child to celebrate every step of their speech journey.

Meet Lynn
Lynn Smallwood, M.A., CCC-SLP
Owner, Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

I am a caring Christian, mom, wife, and speech therapist. As a parent, I know what it’s like to want the absolute best for your child. And as a speech therapist, I have spent a decade learning, practicing, and refining my knowledge to deliver the best for them.

I started Speak Life Speech Therapy to improve access to quality and individualized speech therapy services. I take the time to get to know each child I work with, understand their interests and challenges, and build a therapeutic relationship.

I always follow the child’s lead and incorporate their interests into my sessions because I know that children learn best when they are engaged and motivated. I also love to talk with parents about life outside of speech therapy and learn about each child’s academic, extracurricular, and social experiences.

I have been practicing for over 10 years, serving children in early intervention, the local schools, and private practice. I earned my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Cincinnati and have since received specialized training in motor speech approaches such as DTTC and ReST; structured literacy programs such as Lively Letters, Smarter Intervention, and Reading Simplified; and myofunctional therapy, in my journey to becoming an IAOM Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM).

In my spare time, I love to read, travel, get involved at church, attend professional trainings, and enjoy moments with family and friends. I look forward to getting to know you and your child!

Meet Madi
Madison R0se-Dockweiler, M.S, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Hi, I’m Madi! I was born and raised in Illinois, about 45 minutes south of Chicago. I married my husband, Curtis, who is from the area, in Fall 2024, and we now live together in Sidney, Ohio, with our two sweet cats, Maevis and Viv. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me baking something new, curled up with a good book, or enjoying the outdoors when it's warm through hiking, cycling, and gardening. I also love getting creative with crochet and sewing, and I always enjoy spending time with family and friends. I enjoy staying active, learning new things, and finding joy in both simple moments and everyday adventures.

Meet Courtney
Courtney Hoying, M.A, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Hi, I’m Courtney! I grew up in Minster, Ohio and moved to Fort Loramie when I married my husband, Mike, in May 2025. We absolutely love and adore our bernedoodle, Rocky, and are excited to be expecting our first child in July 2026! We feel so grateful to begin this new chapter of growing our family.

When I’m not working, I love visiting local coffee shops, watching dirt track racing, spending time with friends and family, and going on walks. My faith is very important to me, and I enjoy growing spiritually through Bible studies and attending retreats. I also adore my eight nieces and nephews, who always keep life full of laughter and fun.

I am passionate about helping children build confidence in their communication skills and love celebrating every milestone alongside them and their families.