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Our Staff
When in need of help, your time can be limited. We understand your needs for guidance and assistance. Our entire staff is trained to support our clients with patience and customer care. North Florida, Jacksonville, Orange Park, and surrounding areas we are here to serve the community. Contact us today!
Khalilah Marques M.A. CCC-SLP
Licensed SLP / Clinic Director
An experienced, state licensed, vital stim and ASHA certified member since 2010. Khalilah Marques is licensed to practice Speech Language Pathology in the states of : California, Georgia, and Florida. Her experience includes working in every setting of Speech Pathology (schools, hospitals, home health, rehab & private clinic).
Currently, she is on the Communications Sciences & Disorders department advisory board with Jacksonville University. Khalilah has previously worked with Los Angeles County Office of Education, Loma Linda University Hospital, Duval County Public Schools, First Coast YMCA, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, and St. Vincent’s Hospital. She has provided quality care in the field for 15 years, also has treated and completed the VitalStim certification for Dyshagia treatment.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders from California State University of Los Angeles and a Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders from California State University of Long Beach.
Marcheé de la Cruz M.S. CF-SLP
Licensed SLP
Marcheé de la Cruz, MS CF-SLP received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 2017. While in college, Marcheé worked at a school for children and adults with cerebral palsy where she learned the importance of holistic education to meet more than just the student’s academic needs.
After graduation she worked as a speech therapist in Title I schools, which showed her the significance of educating parents and families on how to support their child’s speech and language development. Marcheé received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Jacksonville University in 2022. She is passionate about the field of speech language pathology and is excited to help foster the learning and growth of children, adults, and their families!
Dr. Jessica Baksh
Licensed OTD/OTR/L
Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Baksh. I am a new grad from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where I received my Doctorate in occupational therapy. Here I was able to expand upon my passion for pediatrics through my extensive research on the role occupational therapists play in addressing sensory processing and sleep among children with developmental disabilities.
In addition to sleep hygiene, I have experience with treating and assessing developmental milestones, developmental disabilities, congenital disorders, sensory processing, and handwriting. When not in the clinic I enjoy spending time exploring our beautiful city Jax and all the good food spots around town!
Valeria Pena Sanchez
Licensed SLP-A
Valeria is a graduate of University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders. At UCF, Valeria was an active member of NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Hearing Assoc) & Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Valeria is a licensed bilingual SLP-A and will assist our SLPs with (Spanish) translation as needed.
Valeria plans to attend graduate school to pursue a graduate degree in the field of Speech Language Pathology.
Loriann Bliss
Licensed SLP-A
Loriann is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders with a focus in Music. In her time at UCF, Loriann attended the 2019 ASHA Convention and also remained a member of NSSLHA (National Student Speech Language Hearing Association).
Loriann’s previous experience consists of over 5 years of childcare experience, including care for children with special needs. Loriann plans to continue her education and pursue a graduate degree in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
Jazmine goodman
Licensed SLP-A
Jazmine is a native of Jacksonville, FL, enjoys uplifting her community by mentoring young adults and creating special care packages for the homeless. When she isn’t traveling for new experiences, she enjoys roller skating, getting lost in photography, painting on canvas, and spending time with her loved ones.
Jazmine earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Criminology from Florida State University in 2017. She is currently finishing her second Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Science Disorders at the University of South Florida. She has worked in child welfare case management, where she educates and improves families’ knowledge of available resources that support the family’s well-being.
“Good, better, best,” is a quote that speaks to Jazmine the most. Never let it go to sleep. Until your good becomes better, and your better becomes best!”
Demetrice Wesley
Client coordinator
Demetrice Wesley is a Jacksonville native. Ms. Dee is connected to the community of Jacksonville by being a “cheer mom” to her daughter and an active member of her church. As client coordinator, Ms. Dee will assist FSST’s clients with their plan of care during the duration of their therapy.
Ms. Dee’s professional experience includes scheduling, client communication, and office administration. In addition to her many talents, Ms. Dee is also certified for HIPAA Compliance.
DeAndrea Castillo
Community Liaison
DeAndrea Castillo is the Community Liaison here at Fresh Start Speech Therapy. A graduate of Bethune Cookman University earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. DeAndrea has been advocating for the needs & services of children and families in Duval County and the surrounding areas for over 15 years.
DeAndrea is an avid believer that developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does, both professionally and personally. DeAndrea regularly attends national training sessions to continue her learning in the child welfare field in order to continue fostering connections within the community.
DeAndrea enjoys a good Netflix binge, but can also be found on long walks enjoying the Florida weather.
Thurmon Marques sr.
Business Manager
A fair and detailed orientated individual who strives for extreme efficiency in operations. Understanding customer care with protective communication, this is his focal point when incorporating our company’s policies and procedures. He has established systems that help maintain a strong core and values structure with our company strategy. Thurmon is also certified for HIPAA Compliance.
Majority of his experience from the last 20 years has been developed from working for Aviation Fortune 500 companies and also being a United States Army Veteran. A discipline and attention to detail skill set he says is credited to being a Federal Aviation Administration Licensed Technician.
He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Redlands.
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Our Story
We continue to operate on our combined history and experience since establishing in 2012.
Our clinic was developed to keep in mind results driven mindset with our clients . Since the doors have been opened, we have served families to large organizations with an equal mindset. As our story continues, we look forward in reaching those in need and impacting their goals positively.
- Established 2012 in Jacksonville FL.
- Locally owned and operated, a personal approach business
- We have many years of experience working with small and large school districts..
- Clinical and Rehabilitation experience extends from small providers to large hospitals.