Johanna Sims, MS, CCC-SLP

Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist

Johanna is a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Let’s Connect.  She grew up in Orlando and now resides in Sarasota, Florida.   She holds a Master’s of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University and a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Furman University.  Johanna maintains her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is certified by the Florida Department of Health.

She has speech-language therapy experience with both pediatric and adult populations in a variety of settings, which include: inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, in-home services, telehealth, and outpatient pediatric and adult clinics.  Johanna has worked passionately with clients demonstrating delays and disorders in articulation, phonology, expressive/receptive and pragmatic language, fluency, and literacy.  Johanna is formally trained in LANGUAGE!® and S.P.I.R.E.®, evidenced-based programs for beginning and struggling readers.  She also uses the speech-to-print curriculum from SPELL-Links to Reading & Writing™ to develop and strengthen children's literacy skills.

Johanna adores children, and prior to becoming a speech-language pathologist, she acquired invaluable experience working as a classroom and special education teacher for children ages Pre-K through sixth grade.  She empowers children by celebrating and building off of their interests and strengths.  Johanna understands the value of effective communication in the classroom and how it translates to academic success across all content areas, especially reading and writing.

Johanna is committed to providing evidence-based therapy services.  Through continuing education and clinical expertise, Johanna is able to provide the highest quality of care specific to each client.  With an emphasis on play, Johanna individualizes her therapy by incorporating  clients' unique preferences, needs, and goals.  Whether online or in-person, Johanna brings positive energy and warmth to each therapy session and builds trusting relationships with her clients and their families.

Outside of her role as a speech-language pathologist, Johanna enjoys church, running, spotting local manatees in the wild, and going for family bike rides with her husband and three children.