How to Apply

Take advantage of this opportunity to be part of something exceptional and make a lasting impact on the lives of children with special needs in Ghana. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be conducted with selected candidates.

We look forward to hearing from you!

$500 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot!

*Fundraising available at Givebutter.com*

Total Trip Cost $4,895 | Starting November 1, 2025

INCLUDED

• 3-Star Moderate hotel accommodations

• 5-Service Days at the Smiles for Speech Early Learning and Care Center and local programs

• Collaboration with international colleagues

• Airport transfers to/from Kotoka International Airport

• Air conditioned transportation to all events

• In-country roundtrip flights to Tamale

• Breakfast and lunch daily, including non-alcoholic drinks

• Opening & Closing dinner

• All cultural activities

• *NEW* The Global Scholars Certificate at Pepperdine University to prepare for transformative cross-cultural experiences, learn international perspectives, and develop global leadership skills to thrive in an interconnected world.

• *NEW* 10 Continuing education hours

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights from the USA to Ghana

• Visa (we do support the application process)

• Vaccines recommended by the CDC (cost varies and some may be covered by insurance)

• Any airport arrival and departure taxes

• Any additional experiences, tours, night accommodation

Sandy Dorsey
MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH

Sandy Dorsey, MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH is a speech-language pathologist (SLP), educator, and global advocate for children with special needs, with over three decades of experience in the field. She leads a team of SLPs providing culturally responsive speech services through her private practice, All About Speech, based in New York City, and is a guest lecturer at the University of Ghana. 

Ms. Dorsey founded the non-profit organization Smiles for Speech (SFS) in 2017 driven by a commitment to enhancing access to therapeutic resources for children with disabilities, primarily in Africa. SFS provides charitable direct consultations, teacher training through service trips, parent training and resources, and teletherapy services. SFS was recently awarded a clinical grant from the Parkinson’s Voice Project, furthering its global health experiences to expand services to include support for adults with speech and language needs. 

Ms. Dorsey was recently appointed to serve as the Speech-Language Pathology member on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association International Issues Board 2025-2027 and selected for the National Black Speech Association (NBASLH) Cultural Humility Ambassador program. Her expertise, unwavering advocacy, and dedication to advancing the field of speech-language pathology make her a transformative force in both local and international communities championing individuals with communication challenges to reach their full potential.

Kimberly Formby
OTR/L

Kimberly, vice president of Smiles for Speech, is a US-trained occupational therapist who currently works and lives in London. She has 26 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Kim graduated from Texas Women’s University in 1993 with a degree in occupational therapy. She is currently certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Kimberly's area of specialty includes helping kids and parents with emotional and behavioral regulation challenges through sensory processing and social/emotional skill development. She has worked in numerous settings- schools, hospitals, and telehealth. Kimberly has served as a supervisor of OT for 17 years at a hospital in the US, and was co-owner of a private practice, before relocating to London. She is a Pediatric Trauma Community of Practice member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Kimberly is thrilled to be part of the SDS team and looks forward to continued service for children, families, and other professionals globally.

Amanda Forgit
MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, BE

Amanda is a trilingual, school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) holding a Bilingual Extension from Columbia University. Amanda currently serves school-age, autistic children, and others with various developmental disabilities in the New York City public schools. She specializes in topics surrounding bilingualism and the SLP, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and feeding disorders.

Although Amanda is fluent in English and Italian, her clinical area of interest lies in Spanish. Amanda enjoys connecting with speech-language pathologists and student interns to help support children without access to speech- therapy services.

What we need from you as a volunteer on our team:

Global Health Experience in Ghana for Speech Therapists

Our global Health experience in Ghana offers speech pathologists, occupational therapists and related professionals the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and serve in a cross-cultural environment while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect. This program is designed not only to provide clinical support but also to foster meaningful cultural exchange and personal growth.

Cultural Awareness

Approach the experience with a thoughtful, mindful, and intentional mindset.

Focus on learning from a culture different from your own, without judgment.

Embrace flexibility and adaptability, especially regarding cultural differences in time and scheduling.

Daily Life

Be prepared for dusty, bumpy, and uneven roads, as well as potential traffic delays.

Some work sites may not have air-conditioning, though transportation and hotels are air-conditioned for comfort.

Maintaining resilience and adaptability in these conditions is key to a successful experience.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Support and share resources with your fellow team members.

We believe that our strength lies in how we uplift one another—we are only as good as the person next to us.

Collaboration ensures that we can provide the best possible care and leave a lasting impact.

Community Commitment

Our goal is to leave each community empowered and supported, through sustainable practices and respectful engagement.

We do not permit mission trip photos with children on-site or in the communities we serve.

Photos will only be taken by Smiles for Speech at appropriate times and may be shared later, ensuring dignity and respect for the communities.

Professional Standards

All participants are expected to uphold the ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) and AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) codes of conduct. These standards guide our screening process and all professional activities throughout the program.