OUR Pathologist in Tampa, Florida Location
Alyssa Zecca
Speech Language Pathologist
Alyssa Zecca, M.S., CCC-SLP, is an experienced and compassionate speech-language pathologist serving patients at Radius TBI’s Tampa and Orlando locations. She provides specialized therapy for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury, concussion, dementia, and other neurological conditions. Alyssa works closely with patients to improve cognitive-communication skills, speech clarity, language processing, memory, and swallowing function—essential areas for restoring independence and daily quality of life. Her approach combines evidence-based techniques with practical, real-world strategies that help patients successfully return to work, school, and everyday tasks. Alyssa also partners with families and caregivers, offering education and tools that support long-term progress at home. Through personalized, one-on-one care, she empowers individuals to overcome the often invisible effects of brain injury and cognitive decline—helping them rebuild clarity, confidence, and meaningful connection.
EDUCATION
MS: Master of Science, Speech Language Pathology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
BA: Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Minor in Applied Behavioral Analysis, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
EXPERIENCE
- Speech Language Pathologist, Allcare Rehab Solutions, Tampa, FL
- Speech Language Pathologist, Functional Cognitive Rehab, Telehealth
- Speech Language Pathologist, Neurological Solutions, Palm Harbor, FL
- Speech Language Pathologist, I Rehab Now/Angels Home Health
- Speech Language Pathologist PRN, Residential Home Health
- Speech Language Pathologist PRN, St. Joseph’s Hospital- North
- Speech Language Pathologist PRN, Regional Medical Center at Bayonet Point
- Speech Language Pathologist PRN, Select Rehab, Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Speech Language Pathologist, Kernaghan and Moore, Outpatient Pediatrics
- Speech Language Pathologist, Independent Living
CERTIFICATIONS
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
- Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist – State of Florida, California and Washington
- MBS IMP Certified
- NOMS Certified
- Certified SPEAK OUT! Provider for individuals living with Parkinsons
- Completion of Cognitive Communication Course for Acquired Brain Injuries Modules 1, 10, 12
Languages
English
Speech Language Pathologist in Tampa for Brain Injury
Speech-language pathology plays a central role in helping individuals rebuild their cognitive and communication abilities after a traumatic brain injury, concussion, or neurological condition. At Radius TBI, our speech therapy services in Tampa are designed to improve language, memory, attention, executive function, and swallowing, empowering patients to participate fully in everyday life.
Meet Alyssa Zecca, Our Speech Pathologist in Tampa
Alyssa Zecca is an experienced and nationally certified speech-language pathologist offering individualized, evidence-based care for patients recovering from acquired brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. She works with adults navigating the challenges of concussion, post-traumatic cognitive impairment, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia—helping them reconnect with the world around them through stronger thinking, communication, and daily function.
Her approach is highly collaborative, functional, and person-centered. Alyssa’s therapy sessions are focused not just on clinical recovery but on real-life reintegration—returning to work, school, community, or caregiving roles with greater independence and confidence. She creates tailored therapy plans that address both short-term challenges and long-term quality-of-life goals.
Alyssa has supported hundreds of patients in settings ranging from home-based rehabilitation to outpatient neurological care. Her ability to connect with individuals and families during difficult transitions makes her a compassionate and trusted guide throughout the recovery process.
What Conditions Can Speech Therapy Help Treat?
Alyssa works with patients experiencing:
Cognitive-communication disorders due to brain injury or illness
Concussion-related cognitive fatigue, word-finding issues, and memory loss
Swallowing problems (dysphagia) that impact nutrition and safety
Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other progressive neurological disorders
Difficulty with expressive or receptive language
Reduced verbal fluency, articulation, and executive functioning
She also provides support for caregivers, families, and staff—offering training on strategies for communication, behavioral responses, and patient engagement, particularly in dementia and memory care.
What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a specialist trained to assess and treat conditions that impact speech, language, cognition, and swallowing. In the context of brain injury or neurological illness, this can include:
Helping patients regain attention, memory, and processing speed
Supporting clear and fluent verbal expression
Teaching strategies to manage cognitive overload or confusion
Evaluating and treating swallowing safety to prevent aspiration
Facilitating the return to professional or academic communication tasks
Alyssa’s treatment plans are always built around the unique needs, environments, and goals of each individual. Whether the concern is subtle word-finding difficulties or severe cognitive-communication deficits, her goal is to make daily life more manageable, more meaningful, and more connected.
Why Would Someone Go to a Pathologist?
Many people think speech therapy is only for speech problems, but the role of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) goes far beyond that. Someone might go to a pathologist like Alyssa Zecca when they begin to experience:
Trouble finding or organizing words
Difficulty understanding conversations
Memory lapses or disorientation after a concussion or head injury
Struggles with eating, chewing, or swallowing (dysphagia)
Problems speaking clearly due to neurological or developmental conditions
Changes in communication due to aging, stroke, dementia, or Parkinson’s
An SLP helps individuals regain independence, confidence, and safety through personalized, goal-oriented therapy that improves both brain and body function.
What Is the Role of Speech Therapy in Brain Injury Recovery?
After a concussion or TBI, patients often experience hidden cognitive impairments that don’t show up on imaging but greatly affect their lives—like forgetfulness, disorganization, fatigue, or difficulty following conversations. Speech therapy addresses these subtle yet life-altering challenges by retraining the brain to function more effectively and by teaching compensatory techniques that restore independence.
Alyssa provides therapy that targets:
Verbal fluency and processing speed
Attention, sequencing, and organization
Memory recall and retention strategies
Reading comprehension and writing clarity
Problem-solving and self-awareness
Her work supports patients not just in the clinic but in the real-world tasks they need to resume—answering emails, joining meetings, preparing meals, or engaging socially without frustration or withdrawal.
What’s the Difference Between Speech Therapy and Other Therapies? v
Speech-language pathology is often confused with other disciplines, but it serves a distinct and essential role—especially in brain injury care. Here’s how it compares:
Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on mobility, strength, and balance.
Occupational Therapy (OT) targets daily task performance and functional living skills.
Speech Therapy (SLP) addresses communication, cognition, language, and swallowing.
In brain injury recovery, all three services often work together. Speech therapy, led by professionals like Alyssa, ensures that patients can think clearly, speak confidently, and eat safely—without cognitive or communicative barriers holding them back.
Whole-Person, Functional Care for TBI Patients
Alyssa’s care model is rooted in real-world application. She doesn’t just work on drills or isolated skills; she ensures each patient can transfer what they learn into everyday situations—whether it’s navigating a noisy restaurant, managing bills, or giving a presentation. Her sessions may include:
Real-life communication role-playing
Task organization and cognitive pacing
Safety awareness for meal preparation and eating
Cueing strategies to reduce confusion or wandering
Partner-assisted communication tools
She also educates families and caregivers on how to reinforce these strategies at home and support long-term progress with dignity and understanding.
Work With Alyssa Zecca – Tampa Speech-Language Pathologist
If you or a loved one is facing communication or cognitive challenges following a brain injury or neurological diagnosis, Alyssa is here to help. Her compassionate care, clinical experience, and whole-person approach provide the support you need to move forward.
CONTACT US TODAY
Up to 90% of individuals with moderate to severe TBI experience some form of communication or cognitive impairment.
RESOURCE: Clinical knowledge and scope of practice outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):
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Tampa Medical Team
Radius TBI comprises a multidisciplinary medical team of neurology, neuropsychology, audiology, neuro-ophthalmology, psychology, and physical therapy dedicated to providing outstanding medical care and improving the quality of life in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion.
BOARD-CERTIFIED NEUROLOGIST: Claudio A. Osorio, MD
MD:General Medicine, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Columbia
MPH: Master of Public Health, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Providence, RI
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER: Maria E. Gutierrez, LCSW
MSW:Master of Social Work, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
BS:Bachelor of Science: Human Services, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL
BOARD-CERTIFIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST: John J. Dabrowski, PhD
PhD: Clinical Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL
MS: Clinical Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL
PHYSICAL THERAPIST / CONCUSSION CERTIFIED: Cheryl Mitchell, PT, DPT
DPT: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA.
Concussion Certified by the American Institute of Balance
