Our Story
Our journey began with a simple belief: that communication is a fundamental human right. Simply Speech, LLC was established to provide a sanctuary for growth, where every individual can find their voice through hard work, empathy, and clear direction.
Our Dedicated Team
Erin Burris, MS, CCC-SLP
As the founder of Simply Speech, Erin brings over 14 years of specialized expertise in pediatric speech and language development. Her approach combines clinical excellence with a compassionate, family-centered philosophy to ensure every individual finds their unique voice in a supportive environment. Erin studied Communication Sciences and Disorders at James Madison University and received her Master's Degree from Towson University. Since then, she has provided services to clients of all ages in schools, private practices, and skilled nursing facilities. Beyond working directly with the individual, Erin particularly enjoys working with the whole family to provide a wholistic approach and ensure the client is ready to use their skills outside of the therapy room.
Anna Decker, MS, CCC-SLP
Anna Decker is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist from Albemarle, North Carolina- continuously earning the Award for Continuing Education (ACE) award. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in speech and hearing sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her honors thesis focused on AAC for individuals with Aphasia. She then stayed and received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Anna is married with 3 beautiful daughters. She loves reading, music, and cooking. kept current in the field by during this time.
Anna’s passion lies in augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology. She has a strong connection to those with Aphasia as her mother had a stroke in 1999 and has lived a full life with Aphasia since. Anna pursued a career in speech-language pathology initially to help individuals, like her mother, and their families navigate these types of diagnoses.
Anna is also certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program for those with Parkinson’s disease and is a direct witness to the improved quality of life that this program brings to people. Anna works closely with individuals and their families to promote effective skill development and implementation for improving quality of life.
Anna believes that each individual has their own unique story and experience; therefore, each therapy plan should be catered and customized to the individual and their goals and needs.
Alison Donan, MS, CCC-SLP
Alison earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Elmira College in Elmira, New York, in 2012. She then attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she gained experience working with individuals across diverse populations and throughout the lifespan before earning her Master of Science in Education in Communication Disorders in 2014.
After graduate school, Alison relocated to Southern Maryland, where she completed her Clinical Fellowship Year and began her career in skilled nursing. Over the past 12 years, she has provided compassionate, evidence-based speech-language therapy to adults (18+) in subacute and skilled nursing settings, helping individuals improve communication, cognition, and swallowing to maximize their quality of life. Providing personalized, one-on-one care in a private outpatient setting had long been a professional goal for Alison, and she is excited to have found that opportunity with Simply Speech, LLC. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her clients and tailoring therapy to each individual’s unique needs, goals, and strengths.
Brittany Vinson, MS, CCC-SLP
Brittany Vinson, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years of experience helping children grow their communication skills. She has worked in a variety of settings, including preschools, public schools, private practice, and early intervention, giving her a broad perspective on supporting children with diverse needs. Brittany earned her Master of Science in Clinical Speech Pathology from Purdue University.
Brittany has a special passion for working with preschool-aged children, helping them strengthen their speech and language skills through fun, engaging, play-based therapy. She enjoys partnering with families to celebrate milestones, build confidence, and make communication a positive experience. Her goal is to create a welcoming environment where every child feels encouraged, supported, and excited to learn.
Makenzie Tennyson, MS, CCC-SLP
Makenzie's passion for speech language pathology began when her grandfather needed swallowing therapy from a speech language pathologist. Watching the impact of dysphagia rehabilitation sparked her interest in the field and inspired her to learn more. After speaking with several local SLPs, Makenzie discovered the incredible variety of services speech language pathologists provide, and knew this was the career for her!
Makenzie earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Arizona State University in 2023 and her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2025.
Before becoming an SLP, Makenzie worked at Simply Speech as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), where she fell in love with the supportive team, welcoming environment, and opportunities for professional growth. While her journey into speech language pathology began with a passion for rehabilitation, she has always enjoyed working with children. Since then, Makenzie has gained experience in the school setting and is excited to continue expanding her knowledge while helping children build confidence and communication skills- one little mind at a time. Makenzie is excited to continue growing as a clinician at Simply Speech while partnering with families to help children build confidence across all areas of communication.
Nataleigh Tapponnier, SLPA
Jordan excels in caregiver training, bridging the gap between clinical sessions and home-based practice. He empowers families with practical tools and strategies, ensuring that therapy continues naturally throughout a client's daily life.
Megan Ingram, SLPA
Chloe focuses on school-age literacy and language development. Her structured yet flexible approach helps students overcome obstacles in reading and verbal expression, building the foundational skills necessary for academic achievement.
Olivia Medders, SLPA
Chloe focuses on school-age literacy and language development. Her structured yet flexible approach helps students overcome obstacles in reading and verbal expression, building the foundational skills necessary for academic achievement.