Our Care Team

Bio

I focus on treating voice disorders and other laryngeal and airway problems. I often partner with colleagues in speech-language pathology and other fields with the goal to provide optimal patient-centered care.

Expertise

• Laryngology

Education

• Undergrad: Harvard-Radcliffe College
• Medical school: Harvard Medical School
• Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the University of Washington School of Public Health
• Residency: Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington
• Fellowship: Laryngology and Care of the Professional Voice at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Board Certifications

• American Board of Otolaryngology

Awards and Recognitions

• “Top Doctor,” Minneapolis St Paul Magazine 
• “Top Doctor,” Minnesota Monthly

Professional Associations

• Adjunct Faculty, Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota
• American Academy of Otolaryngology
• American Laryngological Association

Publications

• Awan SN, Shaikh MA, Awan JA, Abdalla I, Lim KO, Misono S. Smartphone Recordings are Comparable to "Gold Standard" Recordings for Acoustic Measurements of Voice. J Voice. 2023 Apr 3:S0892-1997(23)00031-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.01.031. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37019804.
• Marmor S, Horvath KJ, Lim KO, Misono S. Voice problems and depression among adults in the United States. Laryngoscope. 2016 Aug;126(8):1859-64. doi: 10.1002/lary.25819. Epub 2015 Dec 21. PMID: 26691195; PMCID: PMC4916046.
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?sort=date&term=Misono+S&cauthor_id=37019804

 

Research Summary

Dr. Misono’s research is focused on optimizing treatment outcomes in patients with laryngeal disorders. Her interests in laryngology include voice and airway problems, as well as early laryngeal cancer, epidemiology and outcomes research. She is Director of the Lions Voice Clinic and Division Head of Laryngology at the University of Minnesota. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Triological Society, and the American College of Surgery.

Bio

I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway disorders for over 30 years.  I have also been a singing teacher for over 45 years, and continue to perform in a variety of venues.  While my research passion is the perception of voice quality, my educational passion is to make voice science accessible to the lay singing community.  Along with Dr. George S. Goding, I co-founded the Lions Voice Clinic in 1995.

Expertise 

Voice disorders, functional breathing disorders, cough and other functional upper airway disorders

Education

• Undergraduate: B.A, Music Education and Psychology, Hamline University, St. Paul, MN
  Graduate School: M.A., Speech-Language Pathology, University of Minnesota; 
• Ph.D., Communication Disorders (area of specialization: voice science), University of Minnesota

Certification

Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Awards and Recognitions

• Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Speech-Language Hearing Association, April 2023 

Professional Associations

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MNSHA)
• National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
• Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA) 
• National Federation of Music Clubs/Apple Vallery Music Teachers Association 
• Thursday Musical

Research Summary

Acoustic and perceptual measures of voice quality; perception of intonation in singing; effects of voice treatments on voice quality; various others

Publications

• Michael, D.D., Gilman, M. (2021).  The Myth of Intonation as an Objective Measure of Singing Quality. Journal of Singing 77 (5)
• Michael, D.D. (2014).   Dispelling Vocal Myths, Part 5: Sniff to Raise the Palate!  Journal of Singing 71 (3)
• Heman-Ackah YD, Michael DD, Goding GS. The relationship between cepstral peak prominence and selected parameters of dsyphonia. J Voice 2002;16(1);20-27.

Bio

I joined the  Department of Otolaryngology in 1988 and am a founding member of the Lions Voice Clinic of the University of Minnesota. I have a  focus on the use of Botulinum toxin in the treatment of laryngeal and oromandibular dystonia.   I currently see patients with voice and swallowing disorders at the university one day a week. 

Education 

Undergrad:  Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware Ohio
Med School: Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans Lousisana
Internship: Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle Washington
Residency: University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Board Certifications

American Board of Otolaryngology

Professional Associations

• American Laryngological Society
• American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
• Triological Society
• American College of Surgeons

Research Summary

I am currently involved in the study of:

• I am a founding member of the Lions Voice Clinic
• Therapeutic cranial nerve stimulation
• Treatment of Laryngeal dystonia

Publications 

• Zealear DL, Billante CR, Courey MS, Netterville JL, Paniello RC, Sanders I, Herzon GD, Goding GS, Mann W, Ejnell H, Habets AM, Testerman R, Van de Heyning P. Reanimation of the paralyzed human larynx with an implantable electrical stimulation device.Laryngoscope. 2003 Jul;113(7):1149-56. doi: 10.1097/00005537-200307000-00010. PMID: 12838013 
  PMID: 12838013
• Goding GS Jr, Al-Sharif KI, McLoon LK. Myonuclear addition to uninjured laryngeal myofibers in adult rabbits.Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2005 Jul;114(7):552-7. doi: 10.1177/000348940511400711.
  PMID: 16134353
• Goding GS Jr, Tesfayesus W, Kezirian EJ. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation and airway changes under fluoroscopy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Jun;146(6):1017-22. doi: 10.1177/0194599812436472. Epub 2012 Feb 3.
  PMID: 22307575
• Prudente CN, Chen M, Stipancic KL, Marks KL, Samargia-Grivette S, Goding GS, Green JR, Kimberley TJ .Effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in adductor laryngeal dystonia: a safety, feasibility, and pilot study. Exp Brain Res. 2022 Feb;240(2):561-574. doi: 10.1007/s00221-021-06277-4. Epub 2021 Dec 2.
  PMID: 34859288
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=(Goding%20GS%5BAuthor%5D)

Bio

I am a voice, swallow and airway disorders specialist. I am committed to improving the quality of life for patients with voice, swallow and breathing complaints. I strive to conserve and rehabilitate one’s ability to talk, breathe and swallow - all pillars of our human connection. I work closely with speech and language pathologists in a team approach to provide world-class and innovative treatments. We are often the last stop for patients. My goal is to help patients understand clearly their condition and understand their treatment options and long term outlook. I actively work on research that helps further these goals. I am a transplant to Minnesota and have fallen in love with the beautiful nature here. I spend time amateur gardening, golfing and snowshoeing. 

Expertise 

Laryngology

Education 

Undergrad: Georgetown University
Medical school: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Residency: Montefiore Medical Center – Albert Einstein School of Medicine
Fellowship: University of California Los Angeles

Board Certifications

American Board of Otolaryngology

Awards and Recognitions

• Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Top Doctors
• Minnesota Monthly Best Doctors

Professional Associations

• American Laryngological Association (ALA)
• Triological Society Candidate

Research Summary

My research interests include patient experience with a given voice, breathing and swallowing condition as can be evidenced in my work on patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis, patients living with subglottic stenosis and patients who are trach dependent. Also, I am working on integrating modern remote monitoring techniques using spirometry to help optimize monitoring and treatment of airway stenosis.

Publications

• Gray, R., Lunos, S., Hsia, J., Misono, S. (2022). Virtual vs in-person otolaryngology evaluation: The patient perspective. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 43(5), 103546.  doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103546
• Gray, R., Michael, D., Hoffmeister, J., Lunos, S., Zach, S., Butcher, L., Weinstein, D., Misono, S. (2022). Patient Satisfaction with Virtual vs In-Person Voice Therapy. Journal of Voice.  doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.03.011
• McCoul, E. D., Megwalu, U. C., Joe, S., Gray, R., O'Brien, D. C., Ference, E. H., Lee, V. S., Patel, P. S., Figueroa-Morales, M. A., Shin, J. J., Brenner, M. J. (2022). Systemic Steroids for Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Disorders: An Evidence-Based Primer for Clinicians. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 1945998221087664. PMID: 35349383  doi: 10.1177/01945998221087664
• Gray, R., Misono, S. (2021). Patient-Centered Care in Vocal Fold Paralysis: What Really Matters? Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports, 9(2).  doi: 10.1007/s40136-021-00358-2
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%28Gray%2C+Raluca%5BAuthor%5D%29+AND+%28Minnesota%5BAffiliation%5D%29&sort=date 

Bio

Jesse Hoffmeister, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota, where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. He completed his doctoral degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is certified by the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association.

Dr. Hoffmeister's research focuses on the relationships between cranial sensorimotor function and cognitive/psychological state , with a particular emphasis on defining the neurobiological underpinnings that govern these relationships. In speech-language pathology, there exist obvious, but poorly-understood interactions among successful cranial sensorimotor behaviors (vocalizing, swallowing, coordination of breathing) and cognitive/psychological state. Understanding these relationships and their neurobiological underpinnings would significantly advance our ability to treat patients with voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. Thus, the ultimate goal of Dr. Hoffmeister's research is to develop methods of optimizing cognitive/psychological state to improve motor learning and performance. This can improve clinical outcomes for patients with diverse etiologies of dysphonia and dysphagia. Dr. Hoffmeister's lab is currently focused on refining methods of objectively measuring changes in vocal function while examining degree of sympathetic nervous system activation through a novel use of high-resolution manometry (HRM) and online biomonitoring.

Bio

Lisa Butcher (she/her), M.M. (Voice), M.A. CCC-SLP, NCVS Certified Vocologist has worked at the Lions Voice Clinic at the University of Minnesota – M Health/ Fairview since 2009. Clinical, scholarly, and presenting interests include the evaluation and treatment of all aspects of voice and upper airway with special expertise in the professional speaking and singing voice, gender and identity affirmation voice, neurogenic voice disorders and irritable larynx. She is a member of multiple groups, including ASHA SIG 3, 14 & 18, NATS, PAVA, The Voice Foundation and NBASLH. Ms. Butcher is excited to begin the Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology program at MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2022.

Ms. Butcher (soprano), a native of Minnesota, has been involved in many performance opportunities in the Twin Cities area, including ensemble for Anonymous Lover and Carmen as a part of MN Opera’s 2021-2022 season, Stella in the Minnesota Opera’s 2006-2007 season production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and the title role in Treemonisha with the North Star Opera Company (Skylark Opera). She continues to sing professionally in the Twin Cities area. Ms. Butcher also held the position of Teaching Artist with the Minnesota Opera during the 2006-2007 season.

“Finding a Voice” - Hear Lisa Butcher describe how she helps transgender and non-binary clients find their true voice.

Bio

Dan Weinstein is a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Lions Voice Clinic, focusing on the care and treatment of the human voice and other disorders affecting the upper airway. Having trained as a classical singer at the University of Iowa, and later at the University of Wisconsin Madison, he sang professionally for several years around the Midwest before discovering Speech Language Pathology: a perfect outlet for his love of education, helping others, and the science behind the human voice.

Dan attended the University of Minnesota, earning a Masters of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. His training was further refined by participation in the National Center for Voice and Speech’s Summer Vocology Institute, where he gained a certificate in Vocology. Upon graduation, Dan completed a voice-specific clinical fellowship at the prestigious Emory Voice Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Since joining the Lions Voice Clinic team in the fall of 2016, he has been able to draw on his diverse background in the treatment of speaking and singing voice, voice therapy for gender affirmation, functional breathing disorders, chronic cough and laryngeal hypersensitivity.

Always eager to develop the best care for his patients, Dan's research interests center on attention, awareness, and understanding the mechanisms behind therapeutic techniques. He has been invited to teach as faculty at the Emory Voice Center Laryngeal Imaging Course, and he recently presented at the American Speech Language Hearing Sciences National Convention in Boston. 

Bio

Sarah Zach is a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Lions Voice Clinic, focusing on the care and treatment of voice disorders and upper airway disorders, including shortness of breath, chronic cough and throat clearing, abnormal throat sensations such as pain, discomfort, or a lump in the throat (globus), and difficulty swallowing related to excessive muscle tension in the throat (muscle tension dysphagia).

Sarah trained as a classical singer and attended Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin, earning a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. She taught voice lessons as an adjunct voice faculty member and private studio instructor prior to earning a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She specialized in treating voice and upper airway disorders and served as the Content Expert in Voice and Upper Airway Disorders for Allina Health, where she presented current treatment and assessment practices in voice and upper airway disorders to system speech pathologists and physicians, prior to joining the Lions Voice Clinic in 2021.

In addition to treating voice and upper airway disorders at the Lions Voice Clinic, Sarah is passionate about providing education to occupational voice users regarding vocal health and sustainability, as growing numbers of professions require daily voice use. She empathizes with patients struggling to regain normal voice quality and comfortable voice use, having had a bilateral thyroidectomy at the age of nineteen and experienced a shift from coloratura soprano to mezzo. She personally understands the tremendous impact that voice and upper airway disorders can have on an individual’s sense of identity and strives to help each patient meet their personal voice and upper airway goals.

She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), the Minnesota Voice Colloquium, and the Pan-American Vocology Association (PAVA).

Bio

Lauren Shnowske is a speech-language pathologist specializing in voice and upper airway disorders with the Lions Voice Clinic at the University of Minnesota. A native of central Wisconsin, she first became interested in the field having grown up with an older brother on the Autism Spectrum, as well as performing in choirs and musical theatre in her teen years. She attended St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, MN), receiving her bachelors degrees in both Communication Sciences and Disorders and Music (Voice) with a minor in British Studies. She then earned her masters degree at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT), where she completed a clinical externship with the Intermountain Voice and Swallow Center, was a research assistant under the mentorship of Drs. Nelson Roy and Jenny Pierce, and completed the Summer Vocology Institute and Vocology Certificate with the National Center for Voice and Speech. Previously, Lauren has held a clinical position at the University of Kentucky's Voice and Swallow Clinic (Lexington, KY) for 2.5 years, including her clinical fellowship training, prior to joining the Lions Voice Clinic in June 2022. Although she enjoys working with patients with many different types of laryngeal disorders, she is particularly fond of assessing and treating young people with upper airway breathing disorders such as vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM), and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). She presented on this topic at the 2023 Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention. In her free time, Lauren stays busy by watching sports with her fiance, baking, and spending time at her family's lakehouse.