Nora Mahon
MS, CF-SLP
speech-language pathologist & youth programming professional
About
I am a Pittsburgh-based Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in gender affirmation and voice disorders. I additionally co-direct one of the first and only summer camps exclusively for trans and gender diverse teenagers. Across roles, my work centers trans liberation, community building, and access to affirming care in all forms.
Voice & Communication
As a clinical fellow in speech-language pathology, I specialize in voice and upper airway disorders. I am especially passionate about gender-affirming voice and communication (GAVC).
Research Interests
Self-initiated GAVC training and related resources
GAVC services for transgender youth
Behavioral treatment for Retrograde-Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
Health outreach and community-based services
Vocal Congruence Project
I developed a comprehensive resource hub for gender-affirming voice and communication, including a map of over 300 voice providers and phonosurgeons.
Novel Therapy for R-CPD
I developed a novel behavioral approach to the treatment of Retrograde-Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (R-CPD / No Burp Syndrome) as an alternative or adjunct treatment to Botox injection.
Experiences with Self-Initiated GAVC Change
I am piloting a new evaluation tool exploring experiences with self-initiated gender-affirming voice and communication change, including use of digital resources.
Clinical Experience
Clinical Fellow @ UPMC Voice & Airway Center (Summer 2024 - Present)
Graduate Clinician @ Emory Voice Center - Diana Rose Becker, MS, CCC-SLP (Spring 2024)
Graduate Clinician @ UPMC Voice & Airway Center - Leah B. Helou, PhD, CCC-SLP (Fall 2023)
Graduate Clinician @ UPMC Voice & Airway Center - Ali Lewandowski, MA, CCC-SLP (Summer 2023)
Education
M.S., Speech-Language Pathology (Concentration in Voice) - University of Pittsburgh
B.A., Speech & Hearing, Linguistics - Cleveland State University
Additional Training
Gender Affirming Voice Training: A Course for Clinicians - Helou, Hirsch, & Block
PhoRTE Voice Therapy - Ziegler & Hapner
Laryngeal Imaging and FEES Hands-On Workshop - Emory Voice Center
Certificate in Bioethics - Cleveland State University
Selected Presentations
Keltz, A. & Mahon, C. (2024, February 28). Gender Affirming Voice Care: Pathways to Communicative Congruence [Presentation]. New York Medical College Gender and Sexual Minorities Lecture Series.
Mahon, C., Welch, B., & Helou, L. B. (2023, October 19-21). Long- and Short-Term Reliability of Communicative Congruence and Communicative Dysphoria Measurements [Research Poster]. The Fall Voice Conference 2023, Washington D.C.
Mahon, C., Keltz, A. (2023, October 19-21). Gender Affirming Voice & Communication Tutorials on YouTube: Content & Creator Characteristics [Research Poster]. The Fall Voice Conference 2023, Washington D.C.
Helou, L. B., Jaramillo, J., & Mahon, C. (2023, February 1). Our Role in Gender Affirming Care [Grand Rounds Presentation]. UPMC Otolaryngology Grand Rounds, Pittsburgh, PA.
Mahon, C. (2022, April). Diversifying Communication Sciences & Disorders: A Student Led Approach [Poster Presentation]. Choose Ohio First Research Symposium, Cleveland, OH.
Mahon, C. (2022, April). Vowel Duration in the Speech of Transmasculine People: Insights on the Development of Sociophonetic Gender Differences [Poster Presentation]. Emory Undergraduate Linguistics Conference.
Vaughn, A. & Mahon, C. (2022, March). Moving Towards Equity: Considerations for Gender Affirming Voice & Communication Services [Presentation]. Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association Learning Academy.
Selected Writing
Media Appearances
Youth Programming
With 6+ years of experience in youth and young adult program develpment, I have specialized in LGBTQ+ community building since 2021.I am currently the Senior Director of Youth Services at Camp Lilac, an overnight summer camp hosting over 150 transgender and gender diverse teens annually.
Selected Presentations
Mahon, C., Stanziano, K. (2023, Nov 4). Wellbeing of Campers Attending a Transgender/Gender-Diverse Summer Camp [Research Presentation]. Trans* in the CLE, Cleveland, OH.
Mahon, C., Stanziano, K. (2023, Oct 5-7). Wellbeing of Campers Attending a Transgender/Gender-Diverse Summer Camp [Research Presentation]. TransPride YOUniting Health & Wellness Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Additional TGD-focused research highlighted under "Voice & Communication"
Consulting & Training
I offer consulting and trainings related to inclusive practices at summer camps and other youth-serving organizations. Contact for details.
Media Appearances
Connect
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Vocal Congruence Project
The Vocal Congruence Project is a comprehensive resource hub for gender-affirming voice and communication, including a map of 300+ voice providers and phonosurgeons. I developed all resources to support informed decision making and facilitate practice efforts.
Novel Therapy for Retrograde-Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
I developed a novel behavioral approach to the treatment of Retrograde-Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (R-CPD / No Burp Syndrome) as an alternative or adjunct treatment to Botox injection. Pilot data collection is ongoing at the UPMC Voice & Airway Center.
Experiences with Self-Initiated GAVC Change
Despite widespread use, self-initiated gender-affirming voice and communication change (e.g., independently following YouTube tutorials) is poorly understood. I am developing a new question set exploring experiences with self-initiated GAVC change to help voice providers tailor their framing and training targets.