I am proud to be both the owner and a Speech-Language Pathologist here at Cobalt Therapy. I am currently passionate about voice, chronic cough and swallowing issues by providing much needed diagnostic information for patients with the use of flexible endoscopy (also known as FEES). I truly enjoy the journey of helping patients to problem solve their complex issues and develop a plan of care that will bring optimal results.
I have been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for 15 years practicing in the state of FL. I earned my Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Florida International University in Miami, FL in September, 2006. I have had the opportunity to work in various settings over the past 15 years including acute care in a level 1 trauma hospital, outpatient, home health and in subacute rehab facilities as well. I truly enjoy being able to help clients enjoy their life to the fullest by facilitating communication and swallowing skills.
I graduated from West Texas A&M University with Master of Science in Communication Disorders in 2016. Over the last 7 years, I have enjoyed working with adult populations in both outpatient and home health settings. I have been in The Villages/Ocala area since 2017 and have focused my clinical skills on treating adult populations with issues of dysphagia, dementia, aphasia, apraxia, voice disorders, and a variety of communication disorders. I am certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-LOUD for Parkinson's (2017) and the McNeill Dysphagia Program. I hold and maintain my Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).
I joined Cobalt Therapy in 2022 and have genuinely enjoyed working with other speech therapists passionate about what we do. I love getting to know my patients and helping them reach their goals!
I joined Cobalt Therapy in 2022 and have genuinely enjoyed working with other speech therapists passionate about what we do. I love getting to know my patients and helping them reach their goals!
I am a certified and licensed speech language pathologist who has worked in the field for almost 10 years. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2007. While taking graduate classes in cognitive sciences, I took a class in Aphasia (an acquired language disorder) and was immediately fascinated. I then applied to the communication sciences and disorders program, completing my master’s degree in 2013. I have worked with adults since that time, with my passions being in the rehabilitation of communication, cognition, and swallowing. My certifications include the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and the McNeill Dysphagia Treatment Program, and I am consistently pursuing further education and certifications to advance my skills and strive for effective therapy for my patients. I am honored to be a part of the Cobalt Therapy rehabilitation team and look forward to providing modern and up-to date treatment and patient-centered care.
After 11 years of administrative/supervisory experience working under an Optometrist, I joined the Cobalt Therapy family in late 2022. Being new to this field, I enjoy learning and growing every day. As the office liaison between our patients and therapists, I strive to make sure there is open communication, needs are met, and everyone has a good experience.
I have over 25 years of experience in adult medical speech pathology. I have worked in hospitals, skilled care facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health and outpatient clinics. My clinical interests are aphasia, swallowing disorders (dysphagia) and cognitive disorders. My family and I relocated to central Florida 20 years ago and never plan to leave we love it here! I am married to Dr. Christopher Johnson, have three adult children and 2 dogs. I enjoy the outdoors, family time and travel.
Speech and Swallow Therapy: Ann-Marie Dykstra, MA, CCC-SLP
Owner & Speech-Language Pathologist
Background
I received my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology in 2010 from San Diego State University. Prior to that, I had a 10-year career as a stunt performer for various theme parks around the world. Little did I know at the time how all that training would influence what I do today. There’s a difference between training muscles when they are healthy, and repairing them after damage has occurred. This, and many other invaluable insights, helped prepare me for my next career as a Medical Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
My first position after graduate school was with a major, level-two trauma center. There I was able to work with mentors and other professionals who had extensive backgrounds in the medical field. The skills and certifications I earned through the guidance of my more experienced colleagues provided a strong foundation for my work.
My role at the hospital involved performing extensive diagnostic procedures such as Modified Barium Swallow studies and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. In addition to this, I conducted medically complex treatment programs. To this day, I thrive on deepening my expertise. I’m particularly fascinated with the emerging technology in this field, and how we can apply it toward major advancements in speech-language pathology. I’m eager to make a lasting contribution to my field in diagnostic assessments and therapy programs.
Last but not least, is you. My clients are the heart, soul and voice of my life’s work.
Certifications
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment® (LSVT®)
- Certified for utilization of NMES by Ampcare, Guardian Way and Vital Stim
- Certificate of Training for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
- Licensed to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Florida
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Education
- Master’s Degree, Speech-Language Pathology, San Diego State University
Speech and Swallow Therapy in Lake County, Florida
Cobalt Therapy is the only mobile service that is exclusively speech therapy only and for adults living in Lake County, Florida. We offer therapies that target improvement of thinking skills (cognition), communication abilities, voice and swallow function. This includes advanced swallow therapy with services that utilize electrical-stimulation for improving muscles needed to swallow safely. We also provide a variety of effective voice therapies, such as LSVT Loud for Parkinson’s disease.
We are a privately-owned, speech-language pathology service. Our compassion-driven vision is based on the growing need for qualified medical speech therapists to serve the Lake County area. In addition to in-home services, we also provide staffing support for healthcare facilities.
The bird in our logo is a swallow, which is very common in this beautiful part of Florida. Swallows are deeply linked with new beginnings and the renewal of life. They are considered beautiful and delicate birds, bringing good news to those who see them fly by. And hey, let’s not forget the name of this bird …it’s one of the things we treat best!
The color cobalt has a strong connection with nature and is considered to be soothing, peaceful and trustworthy. We strive to embrace all of these qualities when we work with you.
The Personal Care You Deserve, Right In Your Home!
Please call us and we will set you up with a Free Consultation to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have: (352) 508-7789.
Or email us at Info@CobaltTherapy.com with any questions, comments or scheduling inquiries you may have. Doctors can fax referrals to (352) 855-0459.
