About North Star.
Expert Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy in San Diego
Founded in 2020, North Star’s mission is to provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy services to children and adults through a holistic approach, in a safe and supportive community. North Star guides parents and caregivers to help their loved ones reach their highest level of autonomy and happiness. We understand the importance of involving parents and caregivers in therapy.
The focus of neurodiversity-affirming therapy, which recognizes diagnoses such as autism and ADHD as differences rather than disorders, is to improve the individual’s ability to self-advocate and fully respect their autonomy and self-determination. Read more about North Star’s position on autism. We are passionate about inclusion and supporting all forms of communication.
Student Placements and Observations
We have already filled the OT fieldwork position for Summer 2026 and are not able to accommodate an SLP graduate student intern for Summer 2026. We are not able to accommodate SLP graduate student clinicians or OT fieldwork placements for Fall 2026.
We will open applications for January 2027 SLP graduate student clinicians and OT fieldwork placements in August 2026. Up to two students from each discipline will be invited for an interview and up to one student from each discipline may be offered a placement. Please note that student placements are highly competitive.
Visit us in Point Loma
Main office:
3555 Kenyon St. Suite 201
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours (by appointment only)
Monday–Friday
8:00 am–6:30 pm
Phone
(619) 436-1187
View North Star Speech and Language Pathology Center's office building from Kenyon Street.
Lobby of North Star's upstairs office for occupational therapy.
North Star's team of occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, interns, and administrative staff.
Occupational therapy sensory room in the upstairs office
North Star's staff attends the Apraxia Kids Walk for Apraxia in 2023
Upstairs fine motor and messy play area in the upstairs occupational therapy office.
Sensory swing, crash pad, and quiet space in North Star's upstairs sensory room for occupational therapy.
Dina Stein, speech-language pathologist, presents a poster at the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA) conference in 2023.
A speech-language therapy office in our downstairs office.
North Star's exhibit at the 2025 California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA) conference
Dina Stein, SLP, and Grace Erhardt, OT, twinning in North Star's neurodiversity-affirming t-shirts.
A view of North Star's downstairs office from Kenyon Street.
Dr. Katherine McKernan-McCracken presents on speech-generating devices at CSHA's 2025 conference.
Dina Stein presents a poster presentation at the 2026 California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence conference on the topic of Clinical Implications of AAC Feature Matching.
Dr. Katherine McKernan-McCracken presents on childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) to an audience of SLPs at the California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence conference in 2026.
Entry way and waiting area of North Star's downstairs office.
Dr. Katherine and Chris McKernan-McCracken at CSHA's 2025 conference sharing resources for California's Voice Options grant program for free augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) devices.
A treatment room for speech-language therapy at the downstairs office.
A speech-language therapy treatment room in North Star's downstairs office.
Dr. Katherine and Chris McKernan-McCracken exhibit at the Apraxia Kids Walk for Apraxia in 2023.
Dr. Katherine McKernan-McCracken presents on independent educational evaluations (IEEs) to an audience of SLPs at the California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence conference in 2026.
Dr. Katherine presents on childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and speech-generating devices (SGDs) at the 2024 Apraxia Kids conference in Pittsburgh.
North Star's downstairs office view from the parking lot.
Dr. Katherine and Chris McKernan-McCracken attend the Keep the Promise protest in downtown San Diego in 2024.
Entry door for the downstairs office for speech-language therapy.
North Star's neurodiversity-affirming t-shirts, sweatshirts, and posters at California Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (CSHA) 2025 conference in Pasadena, California.
Dr. Katherine McKernan-McCracken presents on childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) to an audience of SLPs at the California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence conference in 2026.
Dr. Katherine McKernan-McCracken presents on independent educational evaluations (IEEs) to an audience of SLPs at the California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence conference in 2026.
Dina Stein presents a poster presentation at the 2026 California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA) Convergence conference on the topic of Clinical Implications of AAC Feature Matching.
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Languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL)
Expertise: Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), AAC, hearing loss, early intervention
Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of SpeechHi there! I’m Dr. Katherine. I’m so glad you found your way to North Star! I am a speech-language therapist with over twenty years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. I hold a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language and Hearing Science from University of Colorado, Boulder and a Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) from Northwestern University. I am nationally certified in the US and am licensed to practice in California (in-person and online).
My passion is applying research to improve the quality of the services I provide. I utilize a holistic, neurodiversity-affirming, person-led approach. During speech-language therapy and while mentoring North Star’s team, I apply high-quality research, explain what we are doing and why, and teach caregivers how to help their child or loved one at home. I find joy in working closely with parents and families to give you the tools to confidently support communication development and language learning.
I specialize in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) with training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cuing (DTTC), Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST), Speech Motor Chaining, ultrasound biofeedback, and PROMPT. I have over 300 hours of professional development in childhood apraxia of speech and recognized by Apraxia Kids for advanced training and expertise in childhood apraxia of speech. Additionally, I have completed the Meaningful Speech courses for gestalt language processing (GLP) / natural language acquisition (NLA) and GLP + AAC. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, I received the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Award for Continuing Education (ACE) by completing more than 70 hours of professional development in 36 months. I have also completed University of San Diego’s Special Education in Law and Advocacy Series (SELAS).
I have worked as an adjunct professor at Emerson College’s Speech@Emerson program, where I taught Speech Sound Disorders. I enjoy mentorship, supervision, and teaching; I welcome requests to collaborate on research or lead continuing education workshops. I am passionate about the intersectionality of the work of allied health professionals and I’m highly involved in advocacy through the California Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA), where I am currently the Chair of the Early Intervention Advocacy Committee.
When I’m not working at North Star, you can find me at the pottery studio, crocheting, or training our cats with my husband, Chris, who is North Star’s Director of Operations.
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Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, Japanese (Native)
Expertise: Early intervention, Bilingualism, AACHello! My name is Michelle Harrison and I am a bilingual English and Japanese speaking speech language pathologist. I earned my Master’s degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University. I have experience working in private clinic settings with culturally and linguistically diverse clients across the lifespan. My goal as a speech therapist is to utilize play-based, child-led and neurodiversity affirming approaches to help individuals communicate in functional and meaningful ways. I also greatly prioritize parent coaching in order to help caregivers feel empowered to support the client and implement strategies into their daily lives. I have training in Project ImPACT and Hanen It Takes Two to Talk. I want to ensure that my clients can feel confident in their multi-modal communication (speaking, signs, gestures, AAC) so that they can express their wants and needs as well as their personal thoughts, experiences, and more. In my free time I enjoy running, baking cookies, sewing, thrifting for clothes, and more!
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Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, American Sign language (intermediate), Spanish (Intermediate)
Expertise: Gestalt language processing, AAC, early interventiontHello! I am a speech-language pathologist who earned my bachelor's degree and master's degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a specialization in Alternative and Augmentative Communications (AAC) from San Francisco State University. My areas of interest include AAC, early intervention, gestalt language processing (GLP), neurodiversity-affirming practices, expressive language, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team. I value engaging families as active partners in therapy, with the hope that progress is carried over into the home and daily life. My practice focuses on creating a safe and supportive client-led environment where the client and their families feel empowered and connected. In my free time, I love trying new coffee places, reading, and exploring San Diego as I just moved here from SF!
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Languages: English
Expertise: AAC, Strengths-Based Therapy, Parent CoachingHello! I am a speech-language pathologist clinical fellow. I earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University and also hold a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. I have a background supporting adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users, to live with support and autonomy in their own community-based homes. Through these experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of accessible communication, self-determination, and meaningful participation in everyday life. I strive to provide neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based therapy that fosters connection and empowers clients to communicate in ways that feel authentic to them. I value partnering with families and caregivers and believe that each client's interests, strengths, and individuality should guide the therapy process. My goal is to help clients build communication skills that support participation, confidence, and independence across everyday environments. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, creating pottery, knitting, sewing, and listening to audiobooks. I also have two school-age children who keep life busy and fun.
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Languages: English
Expertise: Client service, scheduling, and project managementHi, I’m Dannie! I’m North Star’s Patient Service Coordinator. You’ll likely see me at the desk in the upstairs office.
I come from a background in marketing/advertising, organizational culture (HR), and change management consulting. My career portfolio gives me a breadth of expertise in client relationships, office operations, and human-centric approaches to work.
On the more personal side, I love live music, taking long walks at sunset, and rooting for New York Mets baseball.
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Languages: English, American Sign Language (novice)
Expertise: Gestalt language processing, AAC, sensory processingHello! I am a speech-language pathologist and received my Master’s degree from California State University San Marcos in Speech-Language Pathology. I listen to autistic voices and strive to provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy, where I encourage autonomy and the right to accessible communication. I have a strong passion for supporting individuals who communicate with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and echolalia/scripting (Gestalt Language Processing) to authentically express themselves. My experience co-treating with occupational therapists sparked my interest in supporting those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) to regulate themselves, share their unique sensory experiences, and advocate for their needs. It’s important that my clients feel motivated to communicate, so I encourage special interests and utilize a child-led, strengths-based approach. In my free time, I love playing beach volleyball, roller skating, painting, and practicing piano.
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Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, Spanish (Intermediate)
Expertise: Gestalt language processing, AAC, early interventionHello, My name is Grace, and I am a speech-language pathologist clinical fellow. I earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Emerson College and also hold a Master’s degree in teaching from San Diego State University. I have a lifelong passion for supporting childhood development, which led me on a journey from being an elementary school teacher to early start social worker to discovering my passion for speech-language pathology. I provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy focused on meaningful connection, child-led play, and incorporating sensory supports. I prioritize a strength-based approach highlighting each child’s unique strengths and interests with an emphasis on family collaboration and parent coaching. My driving force is accessible communication for all to empower self-advocacy and autonomy. My areas of focus are supporting children with Gestalt Language Processing, early intervention, and AAC coaching and support. Outside of work, I enjoy singing in a chorus, playing soccer, and biking to the beach.
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Licensed Occupational Therapist
Languages: English
Expertise: trauma-informed care, feeding therapy, sensory processing, executive functioningHi my name is Dr. Haley Edwards and I am an occupational therapist. I earned my doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh where I gained experience working with patients across the life span in a variety of healthcare settings before finding my niche in pediatrics. As an occupational therapist, I am interested in promoting quality of life for my patients through facilitating safe and trusting therapeutic relationships, using evidenced-based techniques to optimize motor, visual, cognitive, and emotional development, and through the use of playful, strengths-based interventions. I have advanced training in feeding therapy, pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, and sensory processing affording me the opportunity to deeply understand my patients’ individual strengths and needs. In my free time, I love to read, hike, do yoga, and explore my new home: sunny San Diego!
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Languages: English
Expertise: Administrative workflowsHi, I’m Allie, I’m North Star’s Therapy Aide. You may not see me at the clinic often, as I get to work behind the scenes. If you do find me, I’m likely learning something new during observation sessions with our Speech Pathologists!
A little bit about me: I am an undergraduate student pursuing speech-language pathology with a lot of passion for the field. My interest in pediatric speech therapy sprouts from teaching my younger sibling how to count and communicate. Outside the clinic, I love to spend my time playing volleyball or surfing on the beach, hanging out with my family, or jamming to 80’s music on a hike!
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Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English
Expertise: Apraxia, AAC, gestalt language processingHi! I’m Meghan and I am a pediatric speech language pathologist. I received my Masters from San Diego State University, and I have worked in public schools, in-home early intervention, and multidisciplinary pediatric clinic settings. As a therapist my goal is to provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy that supports communication independence and autonomy. In sessions this translates to prioritizing your child’s unique strengths, interests, and communication needs through child-led therapy. I believe in empowering families with evidence-based strategies, and hands on experience to support their children’s communication success. Areas I have additional training and experience in include early intervention, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and supporting gestalt language processors. In my spare time I love re-reading Lord of the Rings, running, and cross stitching.
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Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, Hebrew (Beginner), American Sign Language (Novice)
Expertise: Literacy, research integration, heritage language maintenanceHello! I am a speech-language pathologist and earned my Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from California State University of Northridge with Distinction. I was selected as the recipient of the Dean's Award through the College of Health and Human Development. I have presented research on heritage language maintenance and bilingualism at various conferences and strive to implement current evidence-based practice into my therapy. My focus is holistic, neurodiversity-affirming therapy that is child-led, play-based, and incorporates parent coaching to best support each client's individual needs. I believe that every voice matters and deserves to be heard with a total communication approach. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, yoga, hiking, and all things outdoors.
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Occupational Therapist
Languages: English
Expertise: sensory processing, executive functioning, occupational impacts of mental health, nature-based interventionsHello, I'm Dr. Malia! Through play-based interventions, I work to facilitate autonomy, meaningful participation, and enjoyment in my clients' daily lives! My occupational therapy practice is client-led, neurodiversity-affirming, and evidence-based. I earned my B.S. in neuroscience from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and my doctorate from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos. My clinical experiences in community mental health, school-based practice, and outpatient care have shaped my holistic, collaborative approach. I deeply value caregiver participation, and I believe that understanding each client's unique strengths, needs, environments, and routines is essential in supporting client goals. Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, hiking, dancing, and reading.
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Languages: English
Expertise: Client service, brand strategy, schedulingHello! I'm Chris McCracken, the Director of Operations at North Star. I'm new to the speech and language therapy world. I previously was an Account Manager and Strategist in advertising for over 14 years. I worked with major brands like GEICO, Petco, ASICS, and more. The skills I learned as an advertising Account Manger transition well to serving the diverse needs of North Star's clients. I have a passion for client service and I strongly believe in providing accountability, empathy, and support to everyone we interact with. In my free time, I enjoy playing with my cats, watching movies, and playing games.
Contact me if you have any needs regarding billing, scheduling, or available therapy services.
Dr. Katherine’s personal mission
My personal and professional purpose is to give others the tools they need to be happy and healthy by creating an environment where clients, co-workers, friends, and family can come together and thrive. I will help others build confidence in their skills and in who they innately are so that they can realize their life’s purpose. I will be confident in who I am, do what I say I will do, speak kindly and speak the truth, lead with vulnerability, ask for help when I need it, and be a model of happiness and health.
Parents Recommend North Star
“This place has exceeded my expectations. Grace is such an amazing speech therapist and always bring out so much quality language in our sessions. In such a short period of time, my son has made a lot of progress. I'm so grateful that I found North Star.”
— C.M., Parent
“I can’t praise Meghan enough for how incredible she’s been for our son… The improvement he’s made since working with Meghan is amazing… Every session Meghan goes above and beyond to support my son. Our family is so thankful for the unwavering support Meghan has shown us, but mostly towards my son. It will be a bittersweet day when he graduates from speech therapy.
Also, Chris who books appointments is amazing. It’s always so easy to reach him. The times I’ve had to reschedule are done with ease. I’ve never felt badly even on the few times we’ve had emergency based short notice changes I’m met with positivity and kindness.”
— A.S., Parent
“I can't say enough positive things about North Star and our SLP, Olivia! Not only is she incredibly kind and professional, but her knowledge and expertise in working with children is outstanding. She goes above and beyond to provide helpful advice and support to her clients. What I really appreciate is that she takes the time to explain the techniques she uses, making sure that everyone feels included and understands the process. It's clear that she has a genuine love for kids and a passion for what she does. I highly recommend her!!”
— C.A., Parent
“Mind blown!!!! …I cannot stress enough the importance of somebody explaining to you HOW to work with your child (since there are a lot more hours in the day than just one for speech therapy) it's something that "you need to carry it over" do at home to get maximum results!!!!!
…PLEASE if you are a parent of a non-speaking child, whether that's due to autism or any other speech, delays issues or concerns, I highly recommend that you give North Star try .... literally follow the North Star
Also if you are a parent who's been feeling defeated by the lack of progress let me assure you that there is hope… this is the place to start or start over!!!! I'm already seeing progress.”
— C.G., Parent
“My son had a significant speech delay, his biggest issue was something known as "echolalia" and I started to get desperate. I came across North Star Speech because they specialized in this area and our first visit was scheduled with their amazing speech echolalia expert Maddie Holtberg and the rest is HISTORY! My son formed such a huge bond with Maddie and his progress has been just extraordinary… Also, shoutout to Chris he manages the office and he's been super accommodating to us in regard to schedule changes and even including dealing with insurance reimbursements issues. Thank you North Star!”
— M.N., Parent
“Katherine hasn't only enhanced and changed our son's life, she has done so for both my husband and I. We finally have a clear path of where we're going and the light is shining so bright for our son's future. We will do anything to ensure our son has a normal life and to know Katherine shares that mission is everything to us. Thank you will never be enough to truly express our gratitude, but we will be sure to say it after each session until it does.”
— K.A.C., Parent
Presentations and Collaborations
Yu, V., Shin, N. Y., & Stein, D. (2026). Maintaining heritage languages across generations: Parental strategies and youth perspectives in U.S. immigrant families. International Journal of Bilingualism, 0(0).
Stein, D. & McKernan-McCracken, K. (2026) “Clinical Implications of AAC Feature Matching.” [Poster presentation]. California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. San Francisco, CA.
McKernan-McCracken, K., Hansen, T., Ito, N., & Hendrickson, L. (2026) “Early Intervention Panel.” [Conference presentation]. California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. San Francisco, CA.
Bishop, S. & McKernan-McCracken, K (2026) “Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) In Practice; Collaborative Strategies for School-Based and Private Practice SLPs.” [Conference presentation]. California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. San Francisco, CA.
McKernan-McCracken, K (2026) “Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Differential Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Treatment.” [Conference presentation]. California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. San Francisco, CA.
McKernan-McCracken, K. (2025) “Ditching Prerequisites for Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs) in Early Intervention.” [Conference presentation]. California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. Pasadena, CA.
McKernan, K. (2024) ”Integrating Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices into Evidence-Based Treatment for Moderate to Severe CAS.” [Conference presentation]. Apraxia Kids National Conference. Pittsburgh, PA.
Chow, M., Holtberg, M., Bermudez-Hopkins, O., & McKernan, K. (2024) “Combatting the Double Empathy Problem: Ethical, Evidence-Based Strategies for Neurodivergent Clients.” [Conference presentation]. California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. San Francisco, CA.
McKernan, K. (2021) “Maximizing Language Through AAC.” IEP Success Conference.
McKernan, K. (2021) “Speech Therapy: Empowering parents to take the lead.” Parent workshop hosted by Brain Balance of San Diego.
McKernan, K. (2021) “The Impact of Cognitive Bias on Clinical Decision-Making, Caregiver Education, and Supervision.” [Conference presentation]. California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. Online.
McKernan, K. & Sanford, C. (2021) “Supporting Social Skills at Home.” Contributor on Sanford Autism Consulting’s Thriving Special Families Facebook Live series.
McKernan, K. (2020) “Lighting the Way: Developing your toddler’s language skills at home.” Online course for parents.
McKernan, K. & Reyes, H. (2020) “The Connection Between Language Development and Movement Development in the First Year.” Instagram Live collaboration with Moving Munchkins.
McKernan, K. (2020) “Top 3 Strategies for Being a Successful SLP and Business Owner.” Contributor on The Fresh SLP Podcast.
McKernan, K. & Schmidt, H. (2019) “Improving Access to Care at a Midsize Private Practice Using a Lean Six Sigma Methodology.” [Conference presentation]. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Orlando, FL.
