Starfish Youth Therapy Center is an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic that services youth ages 3-21 with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.
At Starfish, we provide services that support each child's independence, development, and well-being. We believe in a team approach between our providers, patients, and their families – emphasizing effective communication and individualized strategies for each patient.
Starfish Youth Therapy Center is a program of Waterfall Clinic.
We offer outpatient therapy services to youth ages 3-21 years with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.
Therapy services offered:
ABA
Occupational Therapy
Speech Langauge Pathology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Where is the clinic located?
Our address is 465 Elrod Ave Suite 101, Coos Bay, OR, 97420. We are across the street from the fire station, on the bottom floor.
How do I start therapy services for my child?
A referral from a physician is required for all of Starfish's autism services. You may ask your provider to complete a referral form if you feel our services may be of benefit for your child. For your convenience, a downloadable referral form is available at the top of this web page.
Once a referral is received, a Patient Services Representative will contact you to register and review next steps. You will be contacted by one of Starfish's providers when they have an opening for your child.
Starfish currently has a waitlist for all autism therapy services. We are working diligently to grow our team and expand access to our services within the community.
My child doesn't have autism, can he/she still be seen at Starfish?
An autism diagnosis is required for ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services. Waterfall Community Health Center also provides pediatric psychiatry and counseling services for children of varying needs. An autism diagnosis is not required for psychiatry and counseling services.
What happens during an evaluation?
The evaluation process differs across each type of therapy. Typically, a parent or legal guardian will be required to attend an initial intake appointment with their child that lasts anywhere from 60-120 minutes. Further evaluation appointments for additional testing or observation
may be scheduled at the provider's discretion. Your Starfish provider will clearly outline the intake and initial evaluation process with you prior to your child's first appointment.
Do I need to complete paperwork prior to my child's evaluation?
Prior to your child's initial appointment at Starfish, you will need to register as a patient. This can be done by visiting Starfish Youth Therapy Center to complete a form or by registering online: https://www.wfall.org/resources/patient-forms/new-patient-registration/
Your child's provider may request that you complete additional intake paperwork or questionnaires prior to the initial appointment. Your provider will instruct you how to obtain and complete these forms during the initial phone call.
What should I bring to my child’s initial evaluation appointment?
If a diagnostic autism report was no included in your child's referral, you may be asked to bring one with you to your child's initial appointment. You will also need to bring the following:
- A current photo ID (license)
- Insurance card
- Prior therapeutic, medical, or academic evaluations
- Starfish intake paperwork or questionnaires completed prior to the appointment
Can I bring my other children?
All siblings and children accompanying the patients must be supervised by a parent or other designated adult throughout their time at Starfish. It is recommended that siblings stay home during the initial evaluation so parents are able to give their undivided attention to the patient and evaluation process. If unable to secure childcare, it is recommended that families arrange for a parent or other adult to accompany and supervise siblings while on clinic property. Starfish Youth Therapy Center does not provide childcare services.
Do parents participate in therapy?
Parents are typically required to attend the initial evaluation appointment and may be asked to participate in some therapy sessions, depending on the type or therapy and specific skills targeted. Parents may also be asked to participate in individual parent education and training sessions or be given follow up tasks to complete with their child in an effort to maximize progress. Starfish providers strive to provide the entire family with skills and knowledge to help the patient gain the greatest benefit from therapy.
How is therapy scheduled?
The length and frequency of sessions will vary depending on the types of therapies and patient availability for therapy. Most children receiving speech or occupational therapy are scheduled for 30-60 minute sessions 1-2 times per week. Children enrolled in ABA therapy will be scheduled for reoccurring appointments 1-5 times per week that may last from 1.5-4 hours each. The duration of the treatment for all therapies depends on the child’s response to treatment and individual needs.
Will my insurance pay for therapy?
Medical coverage will vary, but many health insurance plans cover our services. Please contact your insurance company to verify if your plan offers a benefit for occupation therapy, speech therapy, or ABA services. Prior to intake, our team will work with you to verify benefits and obtain prior authorization for services.
How are Starfish's therapy services different from my child's therapy in school?
School-based therapists are considered a "related service." Their job is to observe and assess a child to determine their needs in order to best access their education. Therapists may use direct treatment and pull the child out of the classroom, push inside the classroom by providing equipment for the student to
access, or therapists may consult with an educator in the classroom to better accommodate the student. School based therapy uses an educational model that focuses on education and academic performance and is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act (IDEA). School-based therapy goals are specifically related to assisting the student better access their education. In contrast, Starfish Youth Therapy Center provides outpatient, clinic-based therapy using a medical model that focuses on working with the diagnoses prescribed by a doctor and often directed by insurance. Our therapists help children access and participate in activities in the home, community, and any other environment a child may find themselves. Goals are functional and based around the activities and environments specific to the child, not necessarily tied to their education. Goals are individualized based on the child's needs and family's priorities. Children are able to receive school and outpatient therapies in conjunction with each other. A child may qualify for services in an outpatient setting, but not in school, and visa versa.
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Dillian's Place
Waterfall Clinic's Starfish Youth Therapy Center is the only Autism Treatment Program of its kind in Southern Oregon. Dillian's Place has equipment that is used therapeutically to develop sensory input, allow for fun social interaction, and promote exercise among our patients. The playground is fully adaptable and accessible for patients of all abilities.
Learn More About Dillian's Story
How Can You Gain Access To Dillian's Place?
Dillan's Place is accessible to both patients and community members. You can gain access to the Dillian's Place playground by completing a registration form and obtaining and access code at Starfish Youth Therapy Center during our normal business hours.
Call 541-751-7948 for more information.
Meet Our Team
Ashley Naghash, BCBA
Board Certified Behavioral Anaylst
Emma Kinross
Speech Language Pathologist
Emma Kinross grew up in Austin, Texas and received her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology in Lafayette, Louisiana. Before accepting a position with Waterfall, Emma primarily worked in the schools as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication specialist, serving the kids who needed extra assistance with communication by using specialized devices or other supports to communicate. Emma is passionate about working with children who are neurodivergent and the unique challenges and strengths that they bring to the table. When not working, she enjoys working in her garden and spending time with her baby son.
Gail Davie, SLP-CCC
Speech Language Pathologist
Gail Davie is a nationally certified and state licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) with over 25 years of experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Linguistics, and her Master of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences both from Ohio University. Born and raised in Ohio, Gail has also lived and worked in Texas, California and Florida before recently relocating to Oregon. She has extensive experience serving children of all ages with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders including apraxia of speech and dysarthria, articulation and phonological disorders, expressive / receptive language delays and disorders, social / pragmatic language disorders, and oral and pharyngeal dysphagia. Gail is also well versed in the assessment and implementation of low and high tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Gail’s professional career extends beyond clinical work. She has served in leadership roles for local and state speech language pathology associations, as well as lectured and published in the area of neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders. Outside of work, Gail enjoys exploring the Oregon coast and spending time with friends, family and her three cats.
Gina Mastroianni, M. Ed., BCBA, LBA
Autism Program Manager
Gina Mastroianni was born and raised in northern California and spent 6 years living in Arizona before moving to Coos Bay in 2021. Gina earned a masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2019. Gina began working with individuals with developmental disabilities in 2009, and has worked in the field of ABA for over 10 years. Gina specializes in early intervention, social and adaptive skill intervention, academic consult, and family behavioral skills training. In her spare time, Gina enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with her husband and pets.
Kelly Squire-Hamblet, OT-C
Occupational Therapist
