About North Star.
Expert Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy in San Diego
Founded in 2020, North Star’s mission is to provide neurodiversity-affirming speech-language therapy services to children through a whole-child, whole-family approach in a safe and supportive community. North Star guides parents and caregivers to help their children reach their highest level of autonomy and happiness. We understand the importance of involving parents and caregivers in their child’s speech-language 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.
Join our team!
We’re looking for an occupational therapist to help us grow!
We are hiring a full-time pediatric occupational therapist to start in January 2025.
Email your resume to chris@northstarslpc.com.
North Star does not currently have any other opportunities available for full- or part-time positions, observations, volunteers, or clinical placements for students or SLPAs. Please check back in the future.
Visit us in Point Loma!
3555 Kenyon St #102
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours (by appointment only)
Monday–Friday
8:00am–5:30pm
Phone
(619) 436-1187
Dr. Katherine McKernan-McCracken, SLPD, CCC-SLP/L (she/her/hers)
President, Founder, & Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language
Expertise: Apraxia, AAC, hearing loss, early intervention
Hi there! I’m Dr. Katherine. I’m so glad you found your way to North Star! I am a speech-language therapist with over ten years’ of pediatric experience. 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).
I am a clinician-scientist: my passion is applying research to improve the quality of the services I provide. As your child’s speech-language therapist, I utilize a holistic, neurodiversity-affirming, child-led approach. During speech-language therapy, I apply high-quality research, explain to you what we are doing and why, and teach you how to help your child at home. I love working closely with parents and families to give you the tools to confidently support your child’s development.
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, and PROMPT. I have take over 100 hours of professional development 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, 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.
When I’m not working at North Star, you can find me gardening, wheel-throwing pottery, crocheting, training my cats, or playing the ukulele with my husband, Chris, who is North Star’s Director of Operations.
Maddie Holtberg, MS, CCC-SLP/L (she/her/hers)
Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, American Sign Language (novice)
Expertise: Gestalt language processing, AAC, sensory processing
Hello! 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.
Meghan Chow, MA, CCC-SLP/L (she/her/hers)
Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English
Expertise: Apraxia, AAC, gestalt language processing
Hi! 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.
Olivia Bermudez-Hopkins, MA, CCC-SLP/L (she/her/hers)
Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, Spanish (Intermediate)
Expertise: AAC, bilingualism and cultural issues, gender expansive voice
Hello! I’m Olivia and I am a pediatric speech language therapist. I hold a Master’s degree and bilingual certification in speech language pathology from the University of Maryland. I have a passion for supporting individuals who are culturally, linguistically, and neurologically diverse and I take pride in implementing neurodiversity-affirming and culturally sensitive interventions. My goal as a pediatric therapist is to use a child-led, play-based approach and to empower families with strategies that can be easily implemented into daily routines. I believe all individuals have a right to accessible communication and am particularly passionate about supporting individuals who communicate using multi-modal communication or Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC). In my free time I enjoy playing with my cat, traveling abroad, and being active outdoors.
Grace Smith, MA, SLP/L (she/her/hers)
Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, Spanish (Intermediate)
Expertise: Gestalt language processing, AAC, early intervention
Hello, 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.
Dina Stein MS, CF-SLP (she/her/hers)
Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow
Languages: English, Hebrew (Beginner), American Sign Language (Novice)
Expertise: Literacy, research integration, heritage language maintenance
Hello! I am a speech-language pathologist clinical fellow 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.
Chris McKernan-McCracken (he/him/his)
Director of Operations
Languages: English
Expertise: Client service, brand strategy, scheduling
Hello! 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.
Dannie Valenchis (she/her/hers)
Patient Service Coordinator
Languages: English
Expertise: Client service, scheduling, and project management
Hi, 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.
Jide Famoyegun, MS, CCC-SLP/L, PhD Candidate (he/him/his)
Licensed Speech-Language Therapist
Languages: English, Tagalog, Spanish
Expertise: Bilingualism
Jide is a multilingual speech-language pathologist who specializes in early intervention and language delay. He is currently completing his PhD through a joint program at SDSU and UCSD.
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
McKernan, K. (2024) ”Integrating Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices into Evidence-Based Treatment for Moderate to Severe CAS.” Apraxia Kids National Conference.
Chow, M., Holtberg, M., Bermudez-Hopkins, O., & McKernan, K. (2024) “Combatting the Double Empathy Problem: Ethical, Evidence-Based Strategies for Neurodivergent Clients.” California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference.
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.” California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference.
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.” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention 2019 Presentation.
