Clarissa Ocampo

Clarissa M. Ocampo, MM MA CCC-SLP, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Maryland and an ASHA Certified clinician. Clarissa specializes in voice and swallowing therapy and is certified in LSVT LOUD®. She has training in the Walt Fritz Manual Therapy for Voice and Swallowing, Lymphedema Management for Head and Neck Cancer, Kinesiotaping Techniques for Voice and Swallowing, and is a Movement Disorders Specialist for Parkinson’s Disease. Clarissa holds a Master of Music in Vocal and Opera Performance from The Juilliard School in New York, and a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders with a focus on Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is currently working toward a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology degree at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Recently, Clarissa joined the Adjunct Faculty in the Hearing and Speech Sciences Department at the University of Maryland. Clarissa is also the Owner and Program Director of Parkinson's Upfront Annapolis, a community-focused program that offers a safe, confidential, and supportive environment to encourage active participation in group and social activities, aiming to enrich the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's disease, along with their caregivers, families, and loved ones. The program provides integrative rehabilitation, counseling, and education. Parkinson's Upfront is dedicated to offering sustainable services and educational resources that foster independence and improve the lives of participants and their families.

My Approach To Speech Therapy

Clarissa’s clinical practice provides and delivers comprehensive, holistic-centered, and nuanced rehabilitative care services to individuals experiencing voice, speech, swallowing, and upper airway disorders that impact their Quality of Life.

What A Session Looks Like With Clarissa

My one-on-one sessions start with a thorough evaluation of voice and/or swallowing, including a detailed review of the individual's medical history, comprehensive analysis of acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, stimulability testing, and other appropriate assessments to determine a focused baseline of vocal, swallowing, and communication functions. Based on clinical findings, I work with the individual and their family to set personalized goals. I then provide initial recommendations and a home exercise program to establish a daily routine for voice and swallowing practice. Follow-up appointments are scheduled weekly, preferably in person, to monitor progress toward therapy goals and offer various hands-on therapeutic techniques as needed. Virtual sessions are available on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual's ability to travel to the clinic.

Through Parkinson's Upfront, I also lead a weekly group exercise program for people with Parkinson's disease to help with the transfer and generalization of learned speech, voice, swallowing, and communication strategies in daily life and community participation.Fun Facts About Clarissa

I am a professional Opera singer. I love horses and spend time at horse farms when I can.