Pioneering Speech & Movement Therapy for a Healthier Tomorrow

Erica Fenton is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with more than a decade of experience.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Illinois State University and her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2012 from Rush University, Chicago.  Erica completed her fellowship at Edward Hines Jr. V.A. and transitioned to working in-patient and out-patient services for Northwestern Medicine for over 13 years, as well as a variety of hospital systems in the Chicagoland area.. In 2023 Erica founded Fenton Speech and Voice to improve client access and provide skilled services directly. 

A staunch advocate for quality care, Erica holds both ASHA certification and Illinois licensure. Her domain lies in the intricate workings of voice, upper airway, swallowing, and neurological conditions, where she has helped countless patients from varied backgrounds, navigating the complexities of hospital outpatient services, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation with ease.

Erica has extensive experience working with voice, upper airway and swallowing disorders. Beyond clinical prowess, Erica's dedication extends to academia. She has participated in a variety of guest lectures and worked as an adjunct professor teaching graduate level swallowing and swallowing disorders for over five years, sharing her knowledge with the new generation of speech therapists. Erica’s impact is effective in direct services and group formats as evident in the programs she has developed for hospital systems and communities alike. 

Erica holds specialized certifications and training in McNiell Dysphagia treatment, SPEAK OUT!, LSVT, gender affirming voice services, circumlaryngeal massage, expiratory muscle strength training, and more.

LSVT LOUD Trained

McNeill Dysphagia
Treatment Certified

SPEAK OUT! Certified 

Her skilled provision of care has further solidified her position as a sought-after voice, swallow and upper airway specialist, especially in the Western suburbs where such skills are rare gems. Erica has tirelessly pushed the boundaries of care for conditions like Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction, chronic refractory cough, and muscle tension dysphonia, even pioneering an "on-the-spot" therapy program to bring treatment to life in the most authentic settings.

A distinguished leader in speech therapy for Parkinson's disease and progressive neurological disorders, Erica brings more than eight years of specialized experience from the Neuromovement Disorders Clinic Northwestern Medicine, where she refined clinical techniques and elevated quality of care standards across the western suburbs. Fenton Speech and Voice directly addresses recognized barriers to treatment by bringing premium rehabilitation services directly to the community, eliminating the need for burdensome facility visits. As the pioneer of the groundbreaking m.o.v.e. program—a multidisciplinary, early intervention exercise framework for Parkinson's disease—Erica has transformed traditional treatment approaches by enhancing quality while simultaneously reducing demands on patients and families. Erica's  practice philosophy centers on delivering appropriate interventions at optimal times from onset of symptoms, at time of diagnosis, through the various phases of disease progression via targeted episodes of care throughout the patient's journey.

Personalized care is the cornerstone of Erica's practice. She champions evidenced-based and holistic approaches, all delivered with a deep well of compassion and empathy. Her person-centered philosophy ensures that each patient's goals and needs are paramount, leading to effective treatment plans. Whether it's in the comfort of one's home, on-site at a facility, or through her unique virtual and mobile services, Erica brings care directly to where it's needed most. Her ability to truly listen and connect fosters trust and respect, creating a supportive environment that nurtures healing.

Erica's passion extends beyond speech therapy. In her free time, she finds solace in the laughter of her husband and son, the quiet contentment of her garden, the fire she gains from exercise, the warmth of family gatherings, and the satisfaction of DIY projects in her family’s century-old home.

A true champion of her field, Erica is actively engaged in expanding access to quality voice and upper airway services in Chicagoland. She tirelessly raises awareness and educates others about these often-misunderstood aspects of speech therapy. Erica seamlessly blends expertise with compassion. Her dedication, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to quality care make her a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of these conditions.