VPI & Voice Center

Utilizing cutting-edge distal chip and video stroboscopy technology, Weill Cornell Medicine pediatric ENT specialists are able to more accurately diagnose complex vocal and VeloPharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) problems. To make an appointment for a full VPI evaluation, please call 646-962-5307 or send an email VPI@med.cornell.edu 

Weill Cornell Medicine VPI and Voice Center

Our VPI & Voice Center specialists diagnose, provide treatment and perform surgery for conditions including:

VPI Disorders
  • Hypernasal speech
  • Nasal regurgitation
  • Submucous cleft palate
  • Cleft palate
VPI Treatment Options
  • Injection pharyngoplasty
  • Pharyngeal Flap
  • Sphincterpharyngoplasty
  • Furlow Palatoplasty
  • Cleft Palate Repair
Vocal Disorders
  • Hoarseness
  • Vocal cord paralysis
  • Vocal cord nodules

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Patients of the VPI & Voice Center are first evaluated by our pediatric speech pathologist, Yvonne Knapp or Linzey Smith, who perform a thorough speech evaluation, including nasometry, over the course of approximately one hour.

Patients are then evaluated for approximately 30 minutes by one of our pediatric otolaryngologists, Vikash Modi or Alison Maresh, who specialize in velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Finally, our team performs a nasopharyngoscopy to assess your child’s velopharyngeal function. They will then meet with you and devise a personalized treatment plan to address your child’s specific needs.   

A full report documenting our findings and recommendations will be sent to your pediatrician and your primary speech pathologist. 

Providers

Vikash K. Modi, M.D.

Vikash K. Modi, M.D.

Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology in Pediatrics

Cinical Profile

Alison M. Maresh, M.D.

Alison M. Maresh, M.D.

Anne Belcher, M.D., Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

Clinical Profile

Speech & language pathologists

Yvonne Knapp, M.S.

Yvonne Knapp, M.S.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Clinical Profile

Linzey Smith, C.C.C.-S.L.P., M.A.

Linzey Smith, C.C.C.-S.L.P., M.A.

Otolaryngology Staff Associate

Clinical Profile

Clinical coordinator

Kathlyne Purrini, MSN, CPNP

Kathlyne Purrini, MSN, CPNP

Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner of Otolaryngology in Pediatrics

Clinical Profile

(646) 962-3681

Weill Cornell Medicine Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

VPI & Voice Center
1305 York Ave., Fifth Floor New York, NY 10022