Cara Bryan

MA, CCC/SLP

Voice Specialist, Speech Language Pathologist

She/Her/Hers

Hi! My name is Cara Bryan. I am often asked, “How did you choose the field of speech pathology?” Well, many reasons! From a very young age I was fascinated in voice, various accents, singing, and those with vocal difficulties. I watched my grandmother who lived with Parkinson’s disease struggle to make herself heard across the dinner table and thought, why? Why can’t she just speak up? My curiosity in voice and how it was produced led me to major in vocal performance in college and fueled my desire to assist others with vocal challenges.  The first speech-language pathologist I knew – my mother – encouraged me to pursue the field as I could specialize in the rehabilitation of voice. My educational and professional path took me to the hospital setting where I worked for 14 years prior to starting my own practice. I formed South Tampa Voice Therapy so I could fulfill my passion of assisting others on their voice journey. I look forward to working with you.

  • M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology
    • University of Iowa 2002
    • Vocology specialization
    • Medical speech pathology specialization
  • Vocology Certification 2001
    • Summer Vocology Institute, Denver, Colorado
  • B.A. in Music-Vocal Performance
    • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1999
  • Confident Clinician Cooperative, LC, Co-Founder and Co-Owner, 2020
  • Private Practice Owner at South Tampa Voice Therapy 2016-present
  • Staff Speech Pathologist at Florida Hospital - Tampa 2004-2016
  • Staff Speech Pathologist at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center 2003-2004
  • Clinical Fellowship in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa 2002-2003
  • Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 2003, Expires December 31, 2023
  • Florida License since 2003, Expires December 31, 2023
  • Certificate in Vocology, National Center for Voice & Speech, 2001
  • Parkinson Voice Project Speak Out! certification
  • PhoRTE certified
  • MacNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program certified
  • Myofascial Release
  • Videostroboscopy
  • Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
  • Award for Continuing Education (ACE) 2019
  • Supervisor and trainer for future clinicians
  • Soprano, Tampa Oratorio Singers; Church Choir

Melanie Schmidt

MS, CCC/SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

She/Her/Hers

Hello! My name is Melanie. I began my career working with autistic children in schools and homes. I saw first-hand how communication is central to every aspect of life. This is where I discovered my passion for facilitating speech and language through a team approach. As I gained experience in a variety of areas, my appreciation grew for speech-language pathology and all that it encompasses. I am excited to work with you!

  • M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

    • University of South Florida 2021

  • Post-Baccalaureate in Communication Sciences & Disorders

    • University of Florida 2018

  • B.A. in Psychology, B.A. in Criminal Justice

    • Minor in Clinical/Counseling Psychology - Adult Track

    • Canisius College 2015

    • University of the Sunshine Coast - Queensland, Australia Study Abroad Program

  • Externship at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

    • Summer 2021

  • Externship at Superior Therapy Services, Inc.

    • Fall 2020

  • Graduate clinician at the Bolesta Center

    • Deaf/Hard of Hearing populations

    • Spring 2021

  • Graduate clinician at USF

    • Aphasia Assisted Conversation Group

    • USF ALS Center

    • Fall 2019-Summer 2020

  • Behavior Therapist at Beacon ABA Services

    • 2015-2018

  • ABA Paraprofessional at Holliston School District

    • 2016-2017

  • Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  •  Florida Department of Health Speech Language Pathology License
  • Parkinson Voice Project Speak Out! Training

  • Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile (MBSImP) Training

  • Basic Life Support (CPR + AED)

  • HIV/AIDS: A Mini Course

    • Consultants for the Future

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

  • 2021 Parkinson Voice Project grant recipient through South Tampa Voice Therapy
  • 2019 Genshaft/Greenbaum Passport Scholarship recipient
  • Member of Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

  • Teaching Assistant at USF in Communication Sciences & Disorders Department

Kristin Carlton

Licensed practical nurse

Clinical Coordinator

She/Her/Hers

Hello, my name is Kristin. I am the Clinical Coordinator for South Tampa Voice Therapy. I started my career in the medical field because I have always had a fascination with the disease processes of the human body. I have been in this field for almost twenty years working in various types of practices including OB/GYN, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, colorectal surgery, vascular surgery, general surgery, otolaryngology, and primary care before my position at South Tampa Voice Therapy. As my career has progressed, I have shifted from the clinical aspect to the administrative aspect because my knowledge on the clinical side has given me a broader base on understanding insurances and compliance guidelines at the federal and state level.

    • Medical Assistant- 2002
    • Licensed Practical Nurse- 2008
  • Licensed Practical Nurse State of Florida since 2008
  • Parkinson Voice Project Speak Out! Training

  • Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile (MBSImP) Training

  • Basic Life Support (CPR + AED)

  • HIV/AIDS: A Mini Course

    • Consultants for the Future

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

  • National Technical Honor Society Member
  • Member of Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

  • Teaching Assistant at USF in Communication Sciences & Disorders Department