Therapists
Dedicated to serving patients of all ages and ability levels.
Specialized Services
To address the unique needs, goals, and challenges of each individual.
Years of Experience
Since 2014, the Founders have worked to improve the lives of individuals through speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Who we are
Hope Speaks is an outpatient therapy center that specializes in speech therapy, feeding therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
We began out of a need for more multidisciplinary services in Uganda. After visiting his home district in Uganda in 2014, Benjamin David and his wife Kari were faced with a heartbreaking reality. Therapy and nutrition services were unavailable to those in need.
Our approach goes beyond treating symptoms; we focus on improving speech, restoring function, enhancing mobility, and improving overall quality of life. With a holistic perspective, we empower our patients to actively participate in their therapy, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to achieve lasting results. We are dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential and live their lives to the fullest.
Hope Speaks is an NGO and all proceeds go to support Hope Speaks’ outreach clinics in low-resource communities around Uganda.
Teamwork & Support
We work together as a team to develop an accurate picture of your abilities and skills. Understanding where you’re at, we then strategize how to enhance your abilities and life with our holistic approach. We are fully committed to the overall health, happiness, and success of each patient as we address their needs.
Our support extends beyond the patient to include the entire family unit and patient’s community of care. We work to enhance and empower support systems for each of our clients through collaboration with their families, teachers, therapists, workplaces, and other key people in their lives.
Why Choose Us?
- Highly skilled and compassionate staff dedicated to your well-being.
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- State-of-the-art facilities with a friendly environment.
- A collaborative approach, involving you and your family in the treatment process.
- Extensive experience in treating both adults and children.
- Latest advancements in speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Our Hope Speaks Therapy Team
Kari David, MA, CCC-SLP
Hi, my name is Kari! I am originally from Michigan, USA and have lived in Uganda since 2015. I am a speech-language pathologist and co-founder of Hope Speaks. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have experience working with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds in rural and urban settings both in the US and Uganda. I have additional training in various treatment methods, including PROMPT for the treatment of motor speech disorders, Lindamood Bell – Visualizing and Verbalizing, Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration programming, DIR Floortime, and Positive Discipline parent coaching. I am passionate about feeding/swallowing and helping children and adults express themselves in their own unique ways. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, traveling, and playing games!
Deborah Okello Amaro, SLT
Hi! I’m Deborah, a licensed and passionate speech and language therapist currently practicing with Hope Speaks in Kampala, Uganda. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the multidisciplinary team at Hope Speaks. I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from Makerere University and hold an additional certification of Good Clinical Practice from the Global Health Institute. Through the years, I have gained experience working with children as well as adults from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of communication and feeding difficulties. I love being able to support people of different social economic backgrounds, in addition to working and celebrating progress with families. My personal goal is ensuring communication for all. I enjoy working with the pediatric population and a strong believer and encourager of early intervention. In my spare time, I love to read, spend time with family and friends, and explore new places.
Ronald Kule, SLT
Hello, I am Ronald Kule, a dedicated and compassionate speech and language therapist based in Uganda. I am passionate about helping clients of all ages and backgrounds to overcome communication, feeding, hearing, and swallowing challenges to enhance their livelihoods. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy from Makerere University College of Health Sciences under the School of Medicine. I am dedicated to serving marginalized and underserved communities and strongly desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and specialized support. My therapy approach is guided by passion, empathy, and expertise. Outside of my work as a Speech and Language Therapist, I have diverse interests, including playing soccer, bike riding, and reading, which I’ve found further enriches my ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds.
Molly Cunningham, M.S., CF-SLP
Hi, my name is Molly! I was born and raised in Louisiana, USA and I am living here in Uganda for ten months to complete my clinical fellowship. I am a speech-language pathologist and I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have experience working with clients of all ages and various diagnoses. I am passionate about helping children find their voice and become the best versions of themselves they can be. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, going for walks, traveling, and exploring the world!
Ryan Hopper, PT, DPT
Hello! I’m Ryan Hopper, a proud Kentucky native. I completed my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Western Kentucky University in 2019, then embarked on a journey to Uganda in 2020. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to collaborate with speech therapists in order to offer holistic therapy to children with disabilities across Kampala. As a physiotherapist, it is my job to increase independence through improvements made in range of motion, strength, and neuromuscular reeducation. These improvements allow children to better maintain postural stability and improve functional mobility. I have been married for three years. My wife and I are proud parents to three beautiful children. In my free time, I find joy in family activities, sports, and the beauty of the great outdoors.
Elise Hoogenraad, OT
Hello, my name is Elise. I come from the Netherlands and have lived in Uganda since 2021. I have been an occupational therapist (OT) since 2005 and worked many in different areas from psychiatric illnesses to paediatric care. In 2009, my husband and I moved to Malawi for 4 years where I worked as an OT in a rehabilitation centre for adults. After this great experience we moved back with my newborn son and husband to the Netherlands where I started a job as an OT in a rehabilitation centre for people with muscle diseases (e.g. ALS, MS).
After further study to become a handtherapist, I started outreach OT for adults with different conditions and diseases. In 2021, when we moved to Uganda, I got the opportunity to start a job at CORSU rehabilitation centre where I could do handtherapy and work with children with disabilities. In therapy, my aim is to make real contact with the children and to see where they can develop themselves to become independent in their daily life. In my free time I love to do sports like running, yoga, swimming and play my viola, and spend time with my family camping and enjoying the beautiful nature in Uganda!
Ben David, Country Director
Ben David is a devoted advocate for disability rights and community development in Uganda. Born and raised in Kampala, he has dedicated his life to serving others, particularly through his role as Co-Founder and Country Director of Hope Speaks, a ministry committed to providing essential services to people with disabilities across Uganda.
Ben holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, and will be pursuing a master’s degree in ministry leadership at Wheaton College. With 19 years of hands-on experience in development and collaboration with community-based organizations and NGOs in Uganda’s central region, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work.
In his free time, Ben finds joy in farming and sharing the natural beauty of Uganda with others through safari experiences. His multifaceted approach to service reflects his deep-rooted commitment to improving the lives of those in his community and beyond.
Violet Kyalisiima, Speech & Language Therapist
Hello, I’m Violet Kyalisiima, a dedicated speech and language therapist committed to helping individuals overcome communication challenges. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from Makerere University, where I developed a deep passion for this field. With extensive experience managing speech, language, cognitive, and feeding difficulties in both adults and children, I have worked across diverse settings including rehabilitation centers, schools, in-home therapy, and hospitals. My approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice, aiming to empower my clients to achieve their communication goals effectively. Beyond my professional life, I enjoy listening to music, exploring new places, and watching movies. At every opportunity, I am driven to make a positive impact at every level of care, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
Sarah Nansereko, Speech & Language Therapist
Hi, I’m Sarah Nansereko, a speech and language therapist with Hope Speaks. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from Makerere University, where I laid the foundation for my career. With valuable experience in working with nonprofit organizations in low-resource and school-based settings, I’ve had the privilege of helping diverse populations improve their communication skills and enhance their quality of life. Beyond my professional life, my hobbies include reading and spending time with babies! I am passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to communicate confidently and effectively, ensuring they achieve their fullest potential.
Angella Atwongyeire, Speech & Language Therapist
Hello, I am Angella Atwongyeire, a pediatric speech and language therapist with Hope Speaks. I received my Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from Makerere University and have 7 years of experience specializing in addressing communication challenges mostly in young patients. Beyond my professional endeavors, I like watching comic shows, participating in church programs, engaging in charity events, and spending time with my loved ones. These passions not only enrich my personal life but also inspire my commitment to providing compassionate and effective care, ensuring that every child I work with reaches their communication potential and thrives.
Crystal Nabirye, Speech & Language Therapist
Hello, I’m Crystal Nabirye, a passionate speech and language therapist dedicated to helping individuals reach their communication potential. My journey began at Makerere University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in inclusive schools, rehabilitation centers for special needs children, and private therapy settings, gaining expertise in evaluating and treating various speech and language disorders. Outside of work, I find joy in music, reading, and cooking. I am committed to making a positive impact at Hope Speaks, where I strive to empower my clients and foster meaningful communication skills that enhance their lives.
Do you have questions?
Let us help you get started.
Quick Links
©2024 Hope Speaks Therapy Center. All Rights Reserved.
