Tell me your name, identity/pronouns, and state(s) you’re licensed in.
My name is Alison Hiester and my pronouns are she/her.  I’ve lived in Pittsburgh for over 20 years, but I’m originally from outside of Buffalo, NY (“Go Bills”) and I consider Western NY to be my “other” home. I’m currently licensed in PA, NY, VA, MO, CO, and OR.

What do you like to do outside of speech-language pathology?
I’m spending lots of my free time figuring out who I am. I lean towards the creative: Whether it’s visual arts, music, writing, gardening, theatre, crafting, repurposing…you name it!  I’m always looking for ways to immerse myself in creativity as a participant and/or appreciator.  I could spend hours editing photos I’ve taken or learning everything I possibly can about a new band I’ve discovered. I’m especially passionate about the band Pearl Jam. I’ve been a gigantic fan of theirs since the early 90’s. I love to plan little trips around going to see them play live. I’ve gotten to know many like-minded folks who make up this cool community of fans who feel strongly about social justice, protecting our environment, and human rights. When I’m not dancing and singing at the top of my lungs at a live music performance, I can mostly be found trying to figure out how to navigate the “to-dos” of my day. I’ve struggled with ADHD my entire life and have spent many of my younger years doing necessary things “the hard way” according to neurotypical society’s constructs.  In my perfect little world, when not enjoying voice training with my clients, I’d be kayaking or hanging out in the woods, doing yoga, cooking, or cuddling with a dog or two (or ten!) on my couch reading about Buddhism, a memoir, or an interesting place I’d love to visit.  I’m also interested in energy medicine, reiki, and holistic approaches to wellness and healing. There are so many things and ideas to explore in our world, and so little time!

What gives you vocal euphoria?
Using my voice for good gives me vocal euphoria. It’s taken me a long time to simply feel comfortable saying this out loud because it sounds so simplistic, but it speaks my truth. I make it a point every day to use my voice for loving kindness. I find joy in using my voice to be a calm, encouraging, guiding force in a world that can frequently be a confusing, chaotic, scary, and unfriendly place- especially for my brothers and sisters who are in the trans and gender-expansive community.  As a white, cisgender woman, I recognize my privilege and how I can use it to advocate for, support, and empower my clients. On a much more personal and self-serving level, singing at the top of my lungs along to music I love (especially if the band is playing live in front of me!) brings me joy and total euphoria. It took me until adulthood to comfortably and confidently express myself through singing, and I’m completely self-taught. Be forewarned: what I lack in skills, I make up for with enthusiasm! 

How did you come to gender-affirming voice work as a passion and specialization?
I’ve been working as a speech language pathologist for many years and have always considered this work to be meaningful; However, when I embraced the opportunity to learn more about gender affirming voice training, I felt a personal calling. I was reminded of “younger me” and the all- encompassing feeling of being unable to communicate authentically! I’m humbled by my clients’ trust in me as we work, play, explore, and experiment together to develop the skills they can use to make the most of their voices!

In addition to my passion for voice work, I love helping my clients address any other communication issues they may want to work on. We’ve tackled articulation errors (some issues were even left over from attending speech therapy back in elementary school!), fluency, and public speaking skills while working on gender affirming voice training. It can be done!

How do you engage with the trans community outside of your professional work? I’ve been a supporting Allyship member of Transplaining for years! Additionally, I volunteer time with local organizations such as the QMNTY Continuum of Pittsburgh, Let’s Get Free, and Dreams of Hope to name a few. I make an effort to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses and artists as much as possible, and socialize with friends and family who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

What tools or perspective do you bring to the work that makes you unique? Have you encountered any difficulties using your voice, physically or emotionally?
I view my voice as having been given a second chance. Beginning in adolescence, I stopped using my voice. I would often feel like my voice was “stuck” and be too frozen and fearful to express myself! My struggle communicating held me back in all of my relationships and across all communication contexts.  I didn’t understand the “why” of this (which greatly impacted my mental health) until later in life. Being diagnosed as neurodivergent has helped significantly!  I’ve done lots of work on myself to get here, and I’m inspired to help my clients feel empowered and confident to use their voices. Being able to confidently express one’s preferences, choices, and opinions is existing fully. Being able to advocate for oneself is existing safely. Each human, regardless of gender presentation, deserves these rights.