"If all you see is a disability, you will miss all the amazing abilities!"
Owner/ Speech-Language Pathologist
Karissa Gussmann, M.A., CCC-SLP
Welcome to Speech Pathways of St. Johns! I’m so glad you’re here. My passion for helping others communicate and connect led me to a career in Speech-Language Pathology, one that allows me to blend science, creativity, and compassion to help each individual find their voice.
Since becoming a certified Speech-Language Pathologist in 2011, I’ve been dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized care in a warm, supportive environment. I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults, and adults, helping each person build functional communication skills that fit their unique strengths, needs, and family dynamics. My approach is deeply holistic and family-centered, and I believe the best progress happens when therapy feels connected, meaningful, and collaborative.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with a minor in Criminal Justice) from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, and my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University in Union, New Jersey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in medical, educational, and private practice settings across New Jersey and Florida.
My clinical experience includes working with individuals with articulation and phonological disorders, language delays, developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, fluency disorders, Down Syndrome, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and dysphagia. I’m a proud member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and hold active licensure in both Florida and New Jersey.
Outside of my work, I’m a wife and mom to two amazing boys, and I’m so grateful to call St. Johns, Florida home. At Speech Pathways, we consider every client and family part of our community, and we truly love getting to know each and every one of you along the way.
Meet the Team
This team makes our practice! They each bring an amazing component to the team!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Assistant Clinical Director
Kara Ozimkiewicz, M.S., CCC-SLP
Kara earned her undergraduate degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science with a minor in Clinical and Health Psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Salus University in Elkins Park, PA. Kara brings a rich background of experience across a variety of settings, including center and residential schools, inpatient rehabilitation, and head and neck cancer centers. While working in the Duval County school system, she played a key role in introducing a program to the ESE wing that supports language and literacy development for students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex communication needs. Kara is passionate about child-led, play-based therapy and is especially dedicated to supporting children with complex communication needs. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and believes in the power of multimodal communication—whether through speech, visuals, gestures, or speech generating devices—to help every child express themselves fully. Her sessions are built around trust, fun, and personalized goals to foster meaningful communication in each child’s daily life. Outside of the clinic, Kara enjoys growing her plant collection, spending time at the beach, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Valerie Massrock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Valerie Massrock has been a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist since 2006. She graduated with her Master’s in Communication Disorders and Sciences at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.
She is licensed in the state of Florida and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is trained in the PROMPT technique and loves the pediatric population! She has worked in a variety of settings including public schools, charter schools, preschools, clinics, and home-based settings. Valerie primarily sees patients of Speech Pathways of St. Johns within the daycare setting. She resides in St. Johns County with her husband and their twin girls and son.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cassie Chappell, M.S., CCC-SLP
Cassie Chappell is a graduate from the University of Central Florida with her Master’s in Communication Science and Disorders (CSD). She also received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) in CSD and has a minor in Deaf and Hearing Sciences. Cassie has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and other developmental disorders. She has worked with clients of all ages with a focus on the pediatric and early intervention population. During her internships in graduate school, Cassie worked at a therapy office specializing in Myofunctional therapy and has experience treating children as young as 6 days old with oral motor weakness and disorders. Her primary focus are AAC, functional communication, myofunctional therapy, and articulation. She currently works in the public schools. Cassie primarily sees patients at Speech Pathways of St. Johns during our after-school hours during the school year, and will be available full-time in the summer.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ashleigh Goldstein, M.S., CCC-SLP
Ashleigh Goldstein is a dedicated and compassionate speech-language pathologist with nine years of experience primarily working in the school system. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University before pursuing her master's in Communication Disorders at Armstrong State University.Ashleigh believes in a child-led, play-based approach to therapy, fostering genuine connections that build trust and lead to meaningful progress. She has a special interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), early language development, and speech sound disorders, always striving to create engaging and effective sessions tailored to each child's unique needs.
Outside of work, Ashleigh loves unwinding with a good book, cuddling her hound dogs, and spending quality time with her husband and two little girls.
Occupational Therapist
Karen Reckamp, OTL
Karen Reckamp is a compassionate and family centered Occupational Therapist with 30 years of pediatric experience. Additional certification and expertise include: Assistive technology practitioner (ATP), Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS), On time mobility, autism and sensory processing, splinting/casting, Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), NMES, kinesiotaping, brachial plexus palsy, aquatic therapy, cortical visual impairment, neurological conditions
Karen is originally from Ohio (Go buckeyes!). She moved to Florida in 1994 where she met her husband, who is a diehard Gator fan, beach lifeguard and mechanical engineer. They have a 16 year old son who aspires to be a rock star and plays guitar in a local band. Her daughter is 19 years old, a skilled hunter-jumper equestrian and is studying civil engineering at UCF. Karen enjoys walking her adorable Jack-chi, Elsa as well as hiking, biking and crafting ( of course!).
She loves making therapy fun and functional!
Clinical Assistant
Gabby Jean B.S.
Gabby Jean is a recent graduate from the University of North Florida. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health and a minor in Health Education. Gabby has hopes to obtain her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology. She is passionate about clinic management, parent communication, and team building. Gabby manages clinic billing, scheduling, social media and reception here at Speech Pathways of St. John's.
Clinical Assistant
Savannah Chandler B.A
Savannah Chandler is an aspiring speech-language pathologist currently completing prerequisite coursework in preparation for graduate school. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from the University of Florida, where she developed a strong foundation in language and communication. After graduation, she spent a year teaching English to children in Spain, an experience that deepened her passion for language and broadened her cultural perspective. At Speech Pathways, Savannah supports both the clinical and administrative teams by shadowing therapists, assisting with scheduling and billing, managing social media, and providing front-desk support. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, organized environment that helps families feel at ease and allows clinicians to focus on delivering the highest quality care. Her hands-on experience in the clinic has not only solidified her commitment to the field of speech-language pathology, but has also given her a deeper understanding of the day-to-day impact SLPs make in their clients’ lives. Savannah is excited to continue growing in this field and looks forward to a future career helping individuals find their voice and thrive through communication.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diane Diculescu, M.S., CCC-SLP