MS, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Katie is a licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with over 17 years of experience helping children find their voice. Her career has spanned hospital settings, Pasco and Pinellas County public schools, and private practice — giving her a breadth of perspective that makes her an exceptional therapist.
Through Speech by Katie, she brings that expertise directly to families across Tampa Bay — in their homes, in schools, and virtually — with the personalized attention that only a dedicated private practice can offer.
Katie believes that effective therapy starts with truly knowing a child — not just their diagnosis, but their personality, their interests, the things that make them light up. That understanding shapes every session.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Katie designs individualized treatment plans grounded in current research and continuously refined based on each child's progress. She embraces a play-based approach whenever possible, because children learn best when they're engaged, comfortable, and having fun.
Collaboration is central to how Katie works. She partners closely with parents, teachers, and other providers — sharing strategies, aligning goals, and ensuring that therapy skills transfer into real life.
To support this, Katie uses Talkli.ai — a platform that gives families complete visibility into their child's therapy goals, session notes, and progress. Parents can practice guided activities at home and ask questions specific to their child's plan, anytime. Real partnership means no surprises and no information gaps.
Built a strong foundation in communication science, linguistics, and speech-language development with honors coursework and research experience.
Graduate training in Speech-Language Pathology with clinical rotations across pediatric and adult populations in hospital and school settings.
Developed expertise in dysphagia, feeding therapy, and complex communication needs. Became VitalStim certified during this period.
Provided speech and language services to hundreds of students, collaborated on IEP teams, and developed deep expertise in school-based assessment and intervention.
Founded Speech by Katie to bring expert, personalized pediatric therapy directly to Tampa Bay families. In-home, virtual, and school-based services with a focus on individualized, family-centered care.
Across 17 years of practice, Katie has developed deep expertise in several high-need areas of pediatric speech-language pathology.
Functional communication, AAC, social pragmatics, and play-based approaches for children across the autism spectrum.
Phonological awareness training and structured literacy approaches that build the foundational skills children with dyslexia need.
Specialized motor-based treatment for CAS using evidence-based approaches focused on motor planning and intelligibility.
Comprehensive feeding therapy for picky eating, oral motor weakness, sensory sensitivities, and swallowing disorders.
Individualized therapy for children with language delays, improving their ability to understand and express themselves clearly.
Building the social language skills that help children navigate friendships, conversations, and classroom interactions.
Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association — the gold standard in the field.
Specialized certification in neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy for swallowing and feeding disorders.
Fully licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the State of Florida, meeting all continuing education requirements.
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University.
"I am committed to delivering evidence-based strategies through a collaborative approach — partnering closely with families, teachers, and other providers to achieve the best possible outcomes for every child."— Katie Tashkin, MS, CCC-SLP
Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. No pressure — just a conversation about your child.
Schedule Free Consult Call 813-431-3526