About Us
Since 2013 we are Experts in Voice and Upper Airway Therapy
- State-of-the-art videostroboscopy
- Ongoing participation in clinic research studies
- Our founder was once a patient just like you
- Specialty trained clinicians
Who We Are
a tempo Voice Center is the first of its kind private practice community voice clinic in Fort Worth since 2013 servicing patients from over 40 ENTs and Laryngologists in the greater DFW area and counting
Our Mission
We believe in collaborative care with a team approach, and will be consulting with your referring physician and other care providers to make sure you have the best outcome possible
Our Goal
We strive to make you feel like you’re our only patient and to provide personal interactions while communicating directly with you about your unique problems and goals
Our Team
Kristie Knickerbocker
MS, CCC-SLP
Kristie is a speech language pathologist and clinical vocologist driven to provide a unique option for total voice care. In 2006, Kristie was an aspiring vocal performance major when she was diagnosed with a vocal cyst on her left vocal cord. She received vocal rehabilitation, underwent surgical removal, and finished up with more vocal rehab. Since then, Kristie has dedicated her studies and career to helping others in similar situations. Knowing what it’s like to be on the other end of the table allows Kristie to give you the best possible outcome.
- Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Texas Christian University 2012
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and minor in Music & Vocal Performance from Texas Christian University 2010
- Confident Clinician Cooperative, LP, Co-Founder, 2020
- a tempo Voice Center, LLC, Owner 2013-present
- Clinical Fellowship in Speech-Language Pathology, Kindred Hospital 2012-2013
- Mentored in voice-specific training under Dr. Christopher Watts TCU Miller Speech and Hearing Clinic & Baylor All Saints Voice Department
Lectures
- Sin City Laryngology Faculty 2 Lectures: “Survival of the Fittest: SLP Private Practice” and “Is This REEL Life: Social Media for SLPs” March 2022
- Keynote Speech Pathologists Around North Dallas, February 2019- Full Day Workshop
- “Acoustic and Aerodynamic Analysis- Low Cost? “, Arizona ARSHA Conference April 2019
- “Videostroboscopy: “Instrumentals Shape our TX”, Arizona ARSHA Conference April 2019
- “Voice Rehabilitation for Pediatrics”, Oklahoma SLH Conference October 2018
- “Voice Rehabilitation for Adults”, Oklahoma SLH Conference October 2018
- “Vocal Health & Hygiene for Singers”, Fort Worth Opera January 2017
- “Vocal Health & Hygiene for Singers”, Red Oak High School September 2016
- “Vocal Health for Teachers & Professionals”, Fort Worth ISD February 2016
- “Entrepreneur Panel for COSD NSSLHA”, Texas Christian University October 2015
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Sam Houston High School Sept 2015
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Grapevine Faith High School Aug 2015
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Carter Riverside High School Jan 2015
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Red Oak High School Jan 2015
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Alvarado High School October 2014
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Haltom City High School October 2014
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Sam Houston High School October 2014
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Birdville High School September 2014
- “Vocal Health and Hygiene for Singers”, Grapevine Faith High School September 2014
- Classically trained mezzo-soprano performances include:
- Haydn’s Theresienmesse
- Verdi’s Requiem
- Beethoven’s 9th
- Orff’s Carmina Burana
- Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall & Carnegie Hall in NYC
- Musical Theatre Experiences include:
- Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress
- Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense
- Liesl in The Sound of Music
- Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man
- Star-to-Be in Annie
- PhoRTE trained
- Conversation Training Therapy
- LMRVT and CSCFT trained
- AmpCare certified
- Emory University FEES and Videostroboscopy Course
- Mentorship from local ENTs for FEES
- Mentorship on videostroboscopy from Chistopher Watts
- Knickerbocker K, Bryan C, Ziegler A. Phonogenic Voice Problems among Speech-Language Pathologists in Synchronous Telepractice: An Overview and Recommendations. Semin Speech Lang. 2021 Jan;42(1):73-84. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1722754. Epub 2021 Feb 17. PMID: 33596606.
- Thijs Z, Knickerbocker K, Watts CR. Epidemiological Patterns and Treatment Outcomes in a Private Practice Community Voice Clinic. J Voice. 2020 Jul 28:S0892-1997(20)30243-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.06.025. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32732020.
- Watts CR, Knickerbocker K. Characteristics of a Treatment-seeking Population in a Private Practice Community Voice Clinic: An Epidemiologic Study. J Voice. 2019 Jul;33(4):429-434. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2017.11.019. Epub 2018 Jan 5. PMID: 29310885.
- Thijs, Z, Knickerbocker K, Watts CR. Epidemiological Patterns and Treatment Outcomes in a Private Practice Community Voice Clinic. J Voice. 2022 May;36(3):437.e11-437.320. doi:
Leslie Wegner
MS, CCC-SLP
Leslie is a certified Speech Language Pathologist with the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and the Texas Speech Language and Hearing Association. She is also a singing voice teacher and accent modification coach. She has been working with professional voices for over 15 years. Leslie is a member of ASHA’s Special Interest Group 3 (Voice and Voice Disorders).
- Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Texas Woman’s University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from University of Texas at Dallas
- North Texas Voice and Speech, PLLC, Owner 2020-Present
- Clinical Fellowship in Speech Language Pathology at Life Care Center of Plano
- Voice lecturer for DODEA and military educational systems
- Performed and toured with several Army Bands:
- Army Materiel Band, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland – Rock Band
- I Corps, 56th Army Band, Ft. Lewis, Washington – Rock Band, Concert Band
- Ft. Sam’s Own / Army North San Antonio, Texas – 323rd Band – Rock, Concert, Country, Jazz, and Latin Bands
- Performed the National Anthem for professional sports organizations including the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs, UFC, San Antonio Rampage, Baltimore Blast, Dallas Sidekicks, Seattle Seahawks, and many others
- Performed in numerous musical theatre productions, small combo jazz gigs, and NATS competitions
- Currently performing with the Allen Symphony Chorus, and for military-adjacent organizations.
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD)
- Foundations in Manual Therapy for Voice and Swallowing
- AmpCare Certified
Yamilex Zepeda
Yamilex (pronounced Yah mee Lecks) has been with a tempo since 2018 and she is the brains behind our processes. Her efficiency is unrivaled and she manages referrals, faxes, and scheduling with care and grace. When she’s not hiking, camping or playing tennis, she is reaching personal goals. “I love working at a tempo Voice Center because it’s centered around genuine patient care. I love providing our patients with the best care I can offer.”
Alex Turcios
Alejandra (goes by Alex) has been a vital part of a tempo Voice Center since 2020. She makes beautiful marketing and social media materials as well as coordinates our patients and referrals. When she’s not taking great care of our patient’s needs, she’s currently attending college. “I enjoy working at a tempo Voice Center because I am able to balance work and life and it is a collaborative environment which I feel part of. In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, swimming, reading, and watching sci-fi.”