Owner/ Speech-Language Pathologist

Karissa Gussmann, M.A., CCC-SLP

I am thrilled to welcome you to Speech Pathways of St. Johns!!! A passion for helping others led me down the path of Medicine into a career that allows me to provide my patients with high quality care and use of communication. As a professional Speech Pathologist since 2011, I bring a warm and loving approach to therapy in order to find comfortable and effective solutions of communication for everyone.
I received my bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice from Monmouth University, in West Long Branch, New Jersey. I earned my masters degree in Speech Language Pathology from Kean University, in Union, New Jersey. Prior experiences have included working with adults and children in New Jersey in the medial, educational and early intervention settings. Here in Florida, I have worked in the educational and private practice setting. I have worked with several adults and children with various speech and language disorders including but not limited to articulation disorders, phonological processes, language delay, developmental delay, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, stuttering, Down Syndrome, stroke, Parkinson's, ALS and Dysphagia. I am a member of The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). I am licensed in both New Jersey and Florida.
I'm also a wife and a mom to two amazing little boys and I'm proud to call St. Johns, FL, home.

Meet the Team

This team makes our practice! They each bring an amazing component to the team!

Speech Language Pathologist

Catherine Huey, M.S., CCC-SLP

Catherine is a speech-language pathologist who received both her B.S. and M.S. in Communication Disorders from Marshall University. During this time, Catherine broadened her knowledge of ASD and other developmental disorders by completing additional graduate course work in preschool special needs, and working at the Autism Training Center in Huntington, WV. Through her graduate work, Catherine completed more than 400 hours of direct speech, language, and cognitive therapy. One of her favorite clinical experiences was her time at a preschool for deaf children learning to listen and speak through the use of hearing technology. With placements in both medical and school-based settings, Catherine has experience working with a wide range of individuals of varying abilities. Recently, she and her husband relocated to Jacksonville, FL. When not at work, Catherine loves spending time with her husband and 2 dogs, reading, and being outside.

Catherine sees clients during our after-school hours and will also be conducting social skills groups.

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.

Occupational Therapist

Dr. Velinda Utile

Licensed OTD/OTR/L

Velinda Utile graduated from Florida A&M University (Go Rattlers!) with her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education. She further pursued a doctorate in Occupational Therapy Services from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami.

Velinda has previous experience working with the pediatric and adult populations in the school system, home, and outpatient settings. She has a passion for meeting people where they are, with previous experience assisting individuals with disabilities in finding employment. When not working, she enjoys exploring new eats in Jacksonville!

Speech Language Pathologist

Cassie Chappell, M.S., CCC-SLP

Cassie Chappell is a recent 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. 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.

Administration

Joy Bowerman B.S.

Joy Bowerman is a graduate student from the University of North Florida studying to obtain her Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Joy received her bachelor's degree in Child Psychology with minors in Child Welfare and Studio Art. Joy has hopes to obtain her licensee in mental health counseling specializing in pediatric play therapy and art therapy. Joy also has 4 years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician working in community-based settings. Joy is passionate about clinic management, parent communication, and team building. Joy manages clinic billing, scheduling, social media and reception here at Speech Pathways of St. John's.