Our Team
North Star was founded to connect our communities with specialized therapists, so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and love the journey they take getting there.
Why We Serve
At North Star, we believe everyone possesses unique strengths. Our mission is to help you find and develop those skills to achieve new heights of independence and confidence.
Whether helping a child build motor skills, regulate emotions, or master daily routines, our licensed occupational therapists are here to partner with you and your family.
Our Method
Playful
Engaging children through natural, joyful activities
Empowering parents with tools for home success
Family-Centered
Nurturing body awareness and motor planning with skilled therapeutic use of hands
NDT Based
Providing gentle, individualized therapeutic support
Client-Centered
Respecting the impact of culture and/or trauma throughout the lifespan
Informed
Kristine Barrios
Utah Based Representative, Co-Founder/Owner & OTR/L CAPS
Pediatric and Adult Specialist • Sensory Care
Kristine brings over 10 years of experience as both a skilled OT working in a variety of settings, and as a parent of neurodivergent children. She specializes in sensory processing, situational and environmental analysis, parent coaching, equine assisted services, aging in place, kinesiotaping, and more.
Services are offered in both English and Spanish in Payson Utah and the surrounding areas.
Matthew Cox
Texas Based Representative, Co-Founder/Owner & OTR C/NDT
Certified Pediatric NDT Specialist • Early Movement Care
Matthew brings a focus on play and creativity, backed by Neuro-Developmental Treatment's analysis and hands-on facilitation of movement. He has over 6 years of experience in exclusively pediatric settings with applicable advanced certifications and/or experience in NDT, aquatic based services, early childhood screening and intervention, and more. He strives to bring his unique skills directly to your local community or home.
Services are offered in both English and Spanish in Belton Texas and the surrounding areas.
Credentials & Expertise
All North Star therapists are licensed within the state where they practice, following local requirements. Specialized certifications as noted above, with continuous clinical training and learning, clear communication, and family-centered care standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ Ages served in UT & TX?
We support newborns, infants, toddlers, and young children through age 18 with customized pediatric occupational therapy services tailored to each child's individual developmental needs and goals.
We also support adult rehab for all ages, however adult services differ based on location/practitioner.
▶ Does my child need occupational therapy?
If your child experiences challenges with motor skills, sensory integration, emotional regulation, or self-care, our team can provide an evaluation to guide your decision.
▶ What locations do you offer?
We provide predominantly In-Home or Community-Based services to better serve you where you and/or your child naturally seeks out play and learning opportunities.
▶ What happens in the first visit?
Our initial visit includes a thorough evaluation process where we assess strengths, identify barriers, and collaborate with parents to build a personalized therapy plan. From there, frequency and duration of additional appointments and/or resource material is determined and enacted.
▶ How do we get started?
Contact either our Utah or Texas Representative by filling out the form on the respective page to begin your journey towards a brighter tomorrow.