Speech Therapy & Allied Resources
At STAR, we champion communication as a human right
and empower all voices to shine.
We provide evidence-based, neuroaffirming, and
family-centered care to ensure meaningful outcomes
for every child.
Speech
Therapy
Following a holistic, strengths-based approach, we evaluate and treat a variety of pediatric communication disorders
and delays.
AAC
Rooted in the belief that every child deserves a voice, we specialize in augmentative and alternative communication to support voices of all kinds.
Allied
Resources
We value a multidisciplinary team approach, and connect families with additional supports as needed.
Meet Our
Team
We prioritize our team's wellbeing and work-life balance, recognizing that supported therapists deliver better outcomes for the families we serve.
Our Approach
STAR was created on the inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming belief that
every child deserves to feel seen, heard,
and celebrated for exactly who they are.
We provide individualized and family-centered speech, language, and AAC services that honor each child's unique identity and full developmental profile at the center of our care.
When a child's needs extend beyond our scope, we don't just refer out — we connect families with trusted allied providers in OT, PT, psychology, and beyond. Whole-child care doesn't stop at our door.
We proudly serve families in Durham, NC and surrounding areas across home, community, and clinic settings.
From the Founder
I'm Kristen DeSena, a pediatric
speech-language pathologist
specializing in AAC. I have
been serving families in
North Carolina since 2014.
As a mom of two, I understand
the importance of authentic
and compassionate patient-
provider connections.
I built STAR for families
who deserve exceptional
care and for therapists
who want to deliver it.
I opened STAR in 2020 because I believed there was a better way:
better therapy quality, better team culture, and better access
for the families who need it most. What started as a solo practice serving children at home has grown into a clinic-based team of therapists who share that same conviction.
What Families Are Saying
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world.
It can feel lonely, scary, and you never know if you are doing exactly what's best for your child. When we learned that our son had some challenges in speech development, I was reminded again that it truly takes a village. Kristen showed up with a bright smile, a great laugh, and the biggest love for our son- and for our entire family.
As an educator, I immediately noticed her skill for modeling, reteaching, and creating low stakes situations where our son would learn and develop through play. She is incredibly smart, a great listener, and has been instrumental in my son's development. She cares deeply about each of her patients, is timely and considerate in communication, and has set the bar high for every other speech therapist. We are incredibly thankful for her and consider her part of our family.
Liz A, Parent
Referrals & More Info
Ready to take the next step? Whether you're a parent looking for therapy services or a provider making a referral, we're here to help.
Not sure where to start? Give us a call at 919-283-2884 or send us a message — we're happy to help.