Davies Institute for Speech & Hearing

In 2010, the Davies Institute was just a distant dream for Dr. Joey Davies. What started as an idea has now grown into a comprehensive pediatric center serving children with speech, hearing, and developmental needs. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Joey Davies, the practice has expanded thoughtfully to meet the increasing demand from families seeking answers, connection, and meaningful support. In 2022, she formally established the Davies Institute for Speech & Hearing (DISH), bringing together specialized programs, education services, and a collaborative team of clinicians.

A Call To Help Others

Dr. Davies’ passion for deaf education began in high school when she studied American Sign Language. That early spark became a lifelong commitment. She earned her Bachelor of Science in habilitation of the deaf and communication sciences and disorders from Texas Christian University, followed by a master’s degree in deaf education from Columbia University. She later completed her doctorate in professional leadership, specializing in curriculum and instruction, at the University of Houston.

Her professional experience spans speech clinics, deaf education, and audiology. Along the way, she noticed a consistent problem: many children with hearing and communication challenges were not being given the comprehensive support needed to reach their potential.

Her perspective is also personal. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), auditory processing disorder (APD), and dyslexia has given her firsthand insight into how learning differences and medical conditions affect performance. Those experiences strengthened her belief that children should never be defined by a diagnosis.

“Our clinic focuses on parents who don’t know where else to turn,” Dr. Davies explains. “We often serve children with multiple diagnoses or families who have been told their child is too complex. We step in with a plan and real support.”

A Collaborative Model Of Care

DISH was built to guide families through every stage of their child’s communication journey. A central component is the Davies Development Center (DDC), which provides early education to children ages 1-5, is rooted in developmental milestones, as well as listening and spoken language principles with individualized tracks for children with hearing loss and language delays.

Early intervention is foundational. What makes the model distinct is its collaboration. Educators work directly with pediatric speech therapists, occupational therapists, and audiologists to ensure children receive consistent support in therapy sessions, the classroom, and at home.

The goal is not just therapy — it is integration. Children learn how to express themselves confidently in everyday environments.

Growth To Meet Community Needs

As demand increased, DISH expanded its footprint. In July 2025, the center enlarged and divided its daycare and therapy space into two separate suites, creating 14,000 square feet of specialized pediatric space. The expansion added classrooms, therapy gyms, and additional clinicians, allowing the Institute to serve more families while maintaining individualized care.

The growth reflects community trust. Parents are seeking comprehensive services under one roof, and physicians are referring children who require specialized, coordinated care.

Auditory Processing Disorder Program

One of the Institute’s most distinctive offerings is its Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) program. APD affects how the brain processes sound, particularly in environments with background noise, making it difficult for children to differentiate speech clearly. DISH offers comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and a structured 12-week treatment plan. After speech and audiology evaluations, children work with a speech-language pathologist who integrates targeted therapeutic strategies into
individualized plans.

Families can track progress through an interactive app that allows children to practice therapy exercises at home in an engaging, game-like format. At the conclusion of the program, each child is re-evaluated to measure growth and determine next steps. “There are not many clinics offering this level of specialization,” Dr. Davies notes. “We’ve seen many of our kids have great success with it, and love seeing their progress at the 12-week mark.”

New Classes And Programs

What began as a development center primarily serving children with hearing loss and speech delays has evolved into a broader early education program for all. The DDC now offers open enrollment, supporting children with autism, Down syndrome, genetic disorders, and other developmental differences, while continuing its specialized language-focused services.

The Institute also launched a Baby Class for children ages 12–24 months, providing developmental support during a critical stage of growth.

This year, the DISH clinic launched a torticollis program for infants experiencing limited movement due to tightened muscles. Through guided stretching techniques and therapeutic exercises, families receive practical tools to improve mobility and comfort of their infants.

In addition, they introduced “Social SpOT,” a summer group therapy program combining speech and targeting occupational therapy social skills. The three-to-four-week program pairs children with peers who share similar goals, helping build communication skills and social confidence in a structured group setting. The program’s first year was met with strong participation and positive feedback from all families involved.

Looking Ahead

This spring, DISH will host an open house for current and prospective families to tour the expanded facility and meet the team. Parents will have the opportunity to explore therapy spaces, classrooms, and new program offerings.

Each expansion and new initiative reflects the same mission that guided the Institute from the beginning: provide comprehensive, thoughtful care for children needing specialized support — and reassurance for parents navigating unfamiliar territory. “We’ve listened carefully to what our community and families need,” Dr. Davies said. “Expanding our programs allows us to reach more children at the right time and provide meaningful, lasting support.”

More information about programs, diagnoses, and services is available on the Davies Institute for Speech & Hearing website.