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About Deanna Drayer, M.S., CCC-SLP

Deanna Drayer is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and proud native of New Mexico. She completed her undergraduate studies at New Mexico State University and earned her Master’s degree from the University of New Mexico. Deanna holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is an active member of Facial Therapy Specialists International (FTSI).

Deanna began her career at the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she gained extensive experience treating a wide range of conditions, including stroke, movement disorders, and facial trauma. Her passion lies in helping patients recover from facial nerve damage and facial disfigurement due to head and neck cancer, gunshot wounds, or other traumatic injuries. She has worked closely with medical teams to assist patients before and after surgery, helping them regain function and adapt to a new normal.

Deanna is certified in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing (FEES), Myofascial Release, and the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImp). She has performed hundreds of endoscopic evaluations, making her highly skilled in identifying and treating swallowing disorders.

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Founder of Face Forward Therapy LLC

At Face Forward Therapy LLC, Deanna is committed to two primary goals: providing safe, compassionate care for patients with facial asymmetry and improving access to objective swallow imaging for individuals with swallowing disorders.

Deanna understands the profound impact facial asymmetry and trauma can have on a person’s sense of self and ability to communicate. With her specialized training in facial neuromuscular retraining, her focus is on helping patients regain movement, express emotion, and restore confidence in their facial expressions.

In addition to her work with facial trauma, Deanna is passionate about enhancing access to critical diagnostic services like Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing (FEES). Her mobile FEES service ensures that patients, especially those in skilled nursing facilities or home health settings, have access to objective swallow imaging without needing to travel to a hospital or outpatient clinic. This service allows for earlier detection of swallowing issues, more accurate diagnosis, and improved treatment outcomes.

Deanna’s dual focus on facial retraining and dysphagia diagnostics enables Face Forward Therapy to serve a unique and vital role in improving both facial and swallowing function for patients across New Mexico.

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Compassionate Care Beyond the Clinic

Deanna believes in fostering an environment where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered. She is deeply committed to helping each person recognize their worth and feel more like themselves when they look in the mirror.

Outside of Work

In her free time, Deanna enjoys life as a wife and mother to two young boys. She loves exploring the great outdoors, quilting, and swimming.