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
