Donna Rice

Dr. Donna Rice, EdD, CCC-SLP, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan with diverse communication needs. Her clinical expertise spans both children and adults, and she works closely with families to ensure comprehensive, compassionate care. Dr. Rice specializes in treating children diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome, Fluency Disorders, and Phonological Delays. In addition, she has extensive experience working with adults, including those with cognitive delays, and she provides Accent Modification services to support clearer, more confident communication in professional and social settings.

Dr. Rice holds a Doctorate in Education in Speech-Language Pathology and has served as a university lecturer and clinical supervisor, training future clinicians in both academic and clinical environments. She's trained in PROMPT® (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), a tactile-kinesthetic approach to speech therapy, and PECS® to support nonverbal communicators. As a wife, mother of five adult children, and grandmother of three, she brings both professional and personal insight to her work. Having raised a neurodivergent child and children with ADD, she understands the importance of finding compassionate, high-quality services and building an education plan that truly supports a child’s success.

My Approach To Speech Therapy

My approach to speech therapy is rooted in evidence-based practices, functional outcomes, and a deep respect for each client’s unique strengths and challenges. I believe that communication is not just a skill—it’s a lifeline to connection, confidence, and independence. That’s why I focus on therapy that is meaningful, practical, and tailored to real-life situations children and adults face every day. I partner closely with families to ensure therapy is collaborative, transparent, and aligned with meaningful goals. Together, we’ll build a plan that not only supports communication but also uplifts your family’s journey.

What A Session Looks Like With Donna

A session with me is designed to be engaging, purposeful, and tailored to each client’s unique communication needs. Whether we’re meeting in person or virtually, each session begins with a brief check-in and ends with a self-rating to promote ownership and boost motivation for progress.I use evidence-based strategies and structured, yet flexible, activities that are both engaging and functional. Sessions may include interactive activities, visual supports, or digital materials—always aligned with the client’s goals and interests. Throughout the session, I focus on real-world communication—helping to build skills that can be used at home, in school, and the community. I also prioritize collaboration with families, offering feedback, strategies, and encouragement so you feel empowered to support progress between sessions. Above all, my sessions are a safe and supportive space where you are seen, heard, and celebrated for every step forward.

I have offices in both Maryland and Virginia at the following locations:
MD: 3261 Old Washington Road, Suite 2020, Waldolf, MD
VA: 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314

Fun Facts About Donna

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been part of was contributing to the national standardization of two widely used speech and language assessments: the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Fifth Edition (PPVT-5) and the Expressive Vocabulary Test–Third Edition (EVT-3). I had the privilege of including 167 children from the Washington Metropolitan Area in the national sample. Why was this important to me? Because I believe that families in our region deserve to have a voice—and a stake—in what is considered “typical” and “average” in child development. By ensuring our local children were represented, I helped make these tools more inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities we serve. It was a proud moment in my career and a small but powerful way to advocate for equity in the field of speech-language pathology.