Leah Schie

Speech Pathologist

About Me

Leah Schie, M.S.Ed., CCC-SLP, IBCLC, CLC offers a uniquely integrative approach that combines advanced clinical training with hands-on therapeutic care. Grounded in a strong foundation of evidence-based speech-language pathology, infant feeding, and orofacial function, Leah specializes in CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and SomatoEmotional Release (SER) to identify and address the root causes of feeding difficulties, tension patterns, airway-related concerns, oral dysfunction, and nervous system dysregulation.

Leah earned her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Old Dominion University in 2016 and has pursued extensive post-graduate training in CranioSacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute, myofascial techniques, myofunctional therapy, orofacial pain, dysphagia, oral motor treatment, lactation, and maternal-child health.

Clients seek Leah out for her ability to bridge deep anatomical and physiological knowledge with individualized, whole-person care. Her treatment style is precise, collaborative, and highly specialized — focused on measurable functional outcomes in nervous system regulation, airway function, and orofacial development, supporting lasting comfort and quality of life for infants, children, and adults.

Professional Associations / Memberships

  • American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Certified CCC-SLP 
  • International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) Certified IBCLC
  • Upledger Institute CST Medallion Member

Leah Schie - Profile Photo

My Skills

CranioSacral Therapy Skills

Whole-Body Assessment

  • Palpation-based evaluation of the craniosacral rhythm and full-body fascial system
  • Identification of restrictions in bone, membrane, and connective tissue
  • Assessment of cranial base, sacral, and dural tube mobility

Cranial Base & Membrane Work

  • Release of restrictions in the intracranial membrane system (frontal, parietal, sphenoid, temporal)
  • Sphenobasilar joint balancing to address cranial base dysfunction
  • Dural tube mobilization (traction, rock and glide) to relieve central nervous system tension

Diaphragm & Fascial Release

  • Release of the body's key fascial diaphragms (pelvic, respiratory, thoracic inlet, hyoid) to support fluid flow and nervous system regulation
  • Whole-body connective tissue balancing

Oral, Facial & Airway Function

  • Hard palate and vomer evaluation and correction, supporting airway and orofacial development
  • TMJ and mandible rebalancing
  • Mouth, face, and throat release work ("Avenue of Expression") supporting speech, feeding, and swallowing function

SomatoEmotional Release (SER)

  • Recognition and facilitation of the body's stored tension and trauma patterns
  • Therapeutic Imagery and Dialogue to support emotional processing alongside physical release
  • Support for clients working through chronic pain, dysregulation, or unresolved physical/emotional patterns

Pediatric Applications

  • Modified cranial evaluation and treatment protocols for children ages 2–9
  • Integration with feeding, speech, and airway assessment for infants and children

Additional Clinical Skill Set

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

  • TalkTools Level II Provider
  • IAOM: Understanding the Orofacial Complex
  • The Myo Method
  • Myomunchee oral motor program integration

Myofascial & Manual Therapy

  • John Barnes: Myofascial Release I
  • Functional Neuromyofascial Technique for Orofacial Pain
  • Walter Fritz Advanced Manual Therapy Techniques for Voice & Swallowing

Feeding Therapy

  • Feed the Peds: Feeding Foundations
  • AEIOU Feeding Therapy Approach
  • The Lactation OT Courses (Oral Motor, Fragile Infants, Failure to Thrive)

Oral Motor & Dysphagia Treatment

  • Beckman Oral Motor Therapy
  • McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program

Lactation & Maternal-Infant Health

  • NC State IBCLC Training
  • ALPP Lactation Counselor Training
  • PSVA: Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

License Number

VA 2202008177

5701 Cleveland Street
Suite 150
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
US

tel. 757-401-4435 (day)
fax. 757-401-6233

leah@schiehealth.com

Hours of operation / Fees

  • Self-Pay Rate: $180-$250+ per hour (2026)
  • May be insurance-eligible for Intra-Oral and Cranial Work, if referral for SPEECH VOICE & SWALLOW THERAPY obtained from a PHYSICIAN
  • In-network with Tricare Prime, Tricare for Life, Tricare Standard, Medicare, Aetna, Sentara Health Plans, Integra Group / Cigna RPN of VA, Humana, and select Medicaid of VA managed care plans

Available for patients

Case studies, easy to understand explanations about the CranioSacral System, Visceral Manipulation, products to use between sessions, and much more.

More information