Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, COM
Robyn Merkel-Walsh is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist®, and Vocologist with over 30 years of experience serving the NJ/NY area. She is employed full-time by the Ridgefield Board of Education and runs Diamond MYO & Vocology, a private practice in Ridgefield, NJ. Recognized for her dedication and expertise, Robyn has been named NJ Kids Top Doctor multiple times and was honored as the Ridgefield Woman of the Year in Business (2019). She is also an Ambassador for The Breathe Institute, and has been awarded several ASHA ACE Awards in Continuing Education. Robyn is the Board Chair of The Ora Motor Institute and is on the Board of Directors for The International Consortium of oral Ankyloglossia Professionals
Expertise & Specialization
Robyn specializes in oral placement disorders (OMDs) pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), oral phase dysphagia, motor speech sound disorders, and vocology. She is trained in Beckman. OPT and PROMPT techniques and provides evaluations and individualized treatment plans for children across the tri-state area. Robyn is a Board Certified Orofacial Myologist®, TalkTools® Level 5 Trained Instructor, and received a Certificate in Vocology in the post-graduate program from Lamar University.
Publications & Research
A respected advocate for evidence-based practice, Robyn has authored and co-authored several notable publications, including:
- MYOSolutions
- A Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding
- Functional Assessment and Remediation of Tethered Oral Tissues
- OPT-S Card Set for Muscle-Based Speech Sound Disorders
Her work has been featured in Clinical Pediatrics, the Journal of the American Laser Study Club, the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, and the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy, where her contributions rank among the top ten downloads of all time.
Teaching & Speaking Engagements
A sought-after lecturer, Robyn is on the TalkTools® speaker’s bureau and is a guest faculty member of The Breathe Institute and a speaker for. She has presented on oral motor therapy, ethics, tongue thrust, lisp remediation, orofacial myofunctional therapy, airway health, and tethered oral tissues (TOTs) at prestigious organizations, including:
- The American Academy of Physiological Medicine
- The International Association of Orofacial Myology
- The American Laser Study Club
- The International Consortium of oral Ankyloglossia Professionals
- The New York State Speech-Language-Association
- The American Speech-Language-Association
She has also served as an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor at Montclair State University, Brescia University, Seton Hall University, and Bergen Community College.
Community Involvement & Mentorship
Beyond her clinical work, Robyn is an active volunteer, supporting parental advocacy groups for TOTs, OPT, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She has contributed to research for the Moebius Foundation and mentors doctoral and master's candidates in clinical research. She is a member of ASHA, AAPPSPA, NJEA, IAOM, OMI, ICAP, and AAPMD and has served on the NJSHA Board of Directors. She is also a volunteer CE Coordinator for Marshalla and Associates.
