Starfish Youth Therapy Center

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A donation of $100 provides a lesson to someone at Starfish.

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Starfish Social Summer 2024

Starfish Social Summer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I sign up for the Social Summer Groups?

To request enrollment in a group, email gmastroianni@wfall.org with the following information about your child: Age, date of birth, and diagnoses (if any). You will receive confirmation that your email was received as well as a date in which to expect a response regarding your child’s enrollment status. Please note that sign-up confirmation does NOT guarantee your child a spot in a Social Summer Group. Participants will be selected based on the order in which sign-up requests are received. You may also come to Starfish at 465 Elrod Ave #101 in Coos Bay to sign up in person.

How do I know if my child was selected to attend the Social Summer Group?

Each group will be limited to five participants. The first five individuals to sign up for each group will be contacted by May 13 and will be given instructions on how to register. Once registered, parents, guardians, and/or participants will be asked to conduct a brief phone-screener in order to gather basic information about participants’ interests, preferences, relevant medical and/or therapeutic histories, and areas of need to be supported during group meetings.

How much do Social Summer Groups cost?

My child does not have autism, can they still attend a summer social group?

My child is currently receiving ABA, OT, or speech therapy at Starfish. Can they still attend the summer groups?

Social Summer Groups have been developed to increase access to Starfish’s programs for children in our community that are on our waiting list but have not yet received services, or do not otherwise qualify for services. We ask that current Starfish patients refrain from signing up for Social Summer Groups, and instead talk with their Starfish provider(s) about ways to increase opportunities for structured socialization within scheduled therapy appointments.

My child is older than 18, can they still attend the high school group?

What will happen during Social Summer Groups?

Summer group activities will vary based on the age of participants. Some groups will offer opportunities for unstructured play, while others will focus on guides group activities to facilitate conversation, cooperative play, or other forms interactive engagement. Groups will be facilitated by two of Starfish’s therapeutic providers and will focus on building social skills through developmentally appropriate activities. Agendas outlining group activities and structure will be provided to participants one weeks prior to each monthly meeting. Supplemental information will be provided to participants and caregivers after each group in order to facilitate opportunities to support development of socialization, communication, and self-awareness skills outside of group meetings.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Where is the clinic located?

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?

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?

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?

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

Arthur Lee, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Arthur Lee was born and raised in Southern California prior to relocating to the state of Oregon. Arthur has received a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. Arthur has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2016 as a behavioral therapist, mid-level clinical supervisor, and currently in the capacity as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Arthur’s professional areas of interest include early learner and teenage patient populations, and further expanding his clinical repertoire in Practical Functional Assessment/Skills-Based Treatment procedures. In his free time, Arthur enjoys tinkering on his car, fishing, trying new restaurants and foods, attending sporting events, and seeking new outdoor activities in the area.

Ashley Naghash, BCBA

Board Certified Behavioral Anaylst

Ashley Naghash is a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), born and raised in Southern California. She has worked with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities in California, Arizona, Virginia and Texas, before accepting a position with the Waterfall Community Health Center and relocating to the Oregon Coast.

While previously supporting high-risk children as a Development Director at the Boys and Girls Club, Ashley pivoted to take a more hands on career path with children diagnosed with autism and other developmental delays. Ashley studied Psychology at California State University Fullerton before earning her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in La Jolla, California in 2019. She has been a licensed Behavior Analyst since 2021. Ashley holds a certificate in Organizational Behavior Management and has a passion for training and teaching the next generation of professionals in her field. She enjoys taking a hands on approach to working with families to help them learn and apply ABA strategies to best support their children. Outside of work, Ashley spends her time with her two dogs and horse, and enjoys traveling and exploring Oregon.

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 is a licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who joined the Starfish team in 2021. She studied psychology at San Francisco State University before earning her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University. Gina has dedicated her career to the education and support of others, working as a tutor, enrichment teacher, and in-home caregiver for adults with disabilities before entering the field of ABA in 2011. She specializes in family consultation and education, as well as developing individualized interventions for children and teens that emphasize self-awareness and self-advocacy. In addition to her clinical practice, Gina focuses her work at toward supporting multidisciplinary provider teams, facilitating sustainable growth of Starfish’s autism program, and increasing access to education and therapeutic services within the community. Gina was born and raised in Northern California and spent six years living in Arizona before moving to Coos Bay in 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running, reading, and spending time with her family and pets.

Kelly Squire-Hamblet, OT-C

Occupational Therapist

Kelly Squire-Hamblet is a nationally certified and state licensed occupational therapist with over 11 years of experience. Kelly received her Master’ s degree in Occupational Therapy at Touro University in Henderson, NV. She was born and raised in southern California and moved to Las Vegas as a young adult where she met and married her husband and raised her three children before moving to the beautiful southern Oregon coast 10 years ago. Recently, Kelly has completed doctoral level course work with specialty certifications in Ayers Sensory Integration and Qigong Sensory Treatment. She has been working in the schools for the past few years but also has an extensive medical background working with children and adults of all ages in a variety of settings such as home health, outpatient, skilled nursing, and acute rehab. When not working, Kelly loves to cook, bake, spend time with her family including her 5 grandchildren, and her dog Barkley.

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