At Shining Stars Therapy, we take pride in providing the best Pediatric Therapy Services for your child. With experienced, enthusiastic occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists, our team is here to serve you. Please scroll down the page to learn more about our team members!
Administrative & Office
Dawn Solomon, OTD, OTR/L — Executive Director, Practice Owner
Dawn received her degree in Occupational Therapy in 1997 from Downstate Health Science Center in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently pursuing a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Salus University and has recently obtained her certification in Remedial Vision and Rehabilitation. Dawn also has additional certifications in Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing (SIPT), Handwriting Without Tears, Interactive Metronome (IM), the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT), Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, the SOS feeding approach, and CAN-Eat. Dawn founded Shining Stars Therapy in 2009 after seeing a need for family and patient-centered therapy services for children in our community.
Julie Burke, MS, OTR/L — Clinical Director
After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003, Julie moved to North Carolina where she worked with young children with Fragile X syndrome and their families for three years while pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University. She has been working in pediatrics since 2010, and has gained specialized training in Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, functional vision, Beckman Oral/Motor assessment, CAN-EAT approach, sensory integration, Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique, NDT handling, and CIMT.
Taylor Crean, Billing Specialist
Taylor grew up in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. She graduated in June 2014 from Harnett Central High School, then attended Johnston Community College for two years. Taylor currently lives in the Harnett County area with her husband. She loves fishing, going to the mountains, going to the beach and everything outdoors. Taylor also loves to spend time with family and friends. Taylor has been with Shining Stars Therapy since 2014. She began as a front desk receptionist and has transitioned now to our billing department. Taylor helps with insurance authorizations for all patients, checking benefits, processing copays, and providing billing statements. Any questions regarding insurance and billing are directed to Taylor.
Kay Greenland, Administrative Assistant
Kay is an administrative assistant who earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University in 2012. She helps with human resources, credentialing, and special projects. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family.
Carol Dube, Front Office Administrator
Carol is a front office administrator who earned her degree in Business Management from Briarwood College. She has many years of experience in the medical field from management to medical billing and insurance verifications. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach and taking her dogs for hikes.
Occupational Therapists
Megan Bryan, MS, OTR/L
Megan is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Parks Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2021. Megan has experience in working with ages birth to 18 with a range of diagnoses including feeding difficulties, autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, rare genetic disorders, developmental delays, anxiety, and trauma. She has received specialized training in Therapeutic Listening, Sensory Integration through Therapeeds, Infant Massage, SOS Approach to Feeding, Feeding the 6-16 Month Old Child through SOS, and various other feeding approaches through Talk Tools, Lactation OT, and Food Smart Kids (When Babies Can’t Suck). Megan is a member of NANT (National Association of Neonatal Therapists) and has completed various educational webinars. She loves working with children and their families to build a therapeutic relationship to help maximize their full potential. Outside of work Megan likes to take her dog for walks, spend time with family and friends, traveling, and thrift shopping.
Kristen Asencio OTR/L
Kristen is a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in pediatric therapy. She has worked across a variety of educational and clinical settings, supporting children with diverse diagnoses, from early childhood through young adulthood. Kristen earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2000. Kristen has extensive experience with sensory processing, facilitating fine motor development, and helping children meet their goals within a variety of environments. She works closely with families and other professionals to create personalized, practical strategies that fit each child’s unique needs. She has certifications in Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and Interactive Metronome. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, especially watching movies together and coaching/cheering on her children at their sporting and school events.
Tara Mueller, MS, OTR/L
Tara is a pediatric Occupational Therapist who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in child development from East Carolina University and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2021. Tara has experience with patients of all ages and specializes in treating patients with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders. She has received certifications in Interactive Metronome and DIR/Floortime. Tara enjoys shopping, going to the beach, and cheering on her favorite sports team, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Rach Margolin, MS, OTR/L
Rach is a pediatric occupational therapist who earned their Bachelor of Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees from Quinnipiac University in 2024. Rach has experience working with ages birth to 18 with a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorders, mental health diagnoses, cerebral palsy, and visual perceptual difficulties. Rach enjoys reading, thrifting, crocheting, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Physical Therapists
Deanna Sipes, PT, DPT
Deanna is an ABPTS Pediatric Board-Certified specialist pediatric physical therapist. Deanna received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Deanna is originally from the DC area and received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Towson University.
Deanna has experience with children of all ages from newborns to teenagers with a variety of diagnoses. Deanna’s specific areas of interest include complex neurological conditions, adaptive sports/exercises, transition into adulthood/independence, and foot and ankle limitation, however she enjoys working with any and all pediatric patients! Deanna also has a passion for working with Hispanic populations and can provide PT services in Spanish. Deanna is a lifelong learner and always seeks to advance her clinical knowledge, most recently completing a course in (TASES) Task-Specific Electrical Stimulation applicable to a variety of children.
Deanna enjoys working closely with her patients’ families and collaborating with the child’s other related services to provide a holistic approach to treatment. Deanna strives to have fun and meaningful treatment sessions that encourage the child and their family to have an active part in achieving their goals. In her free time, Deanna enjoys being with her dog, Moose, being outside, hiking, going to the beach, working out, crafting, caring for her 50+ plants, and traveling.
Liisa Mosher-Hale, PT, DPT, ACSM-EP
Liisa is a pediatric Physical Therapist with her doctoral degree from Campbell University in 2022. She has two bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science from Hope College in Holland, MI, and Adapted Physical Education and Kinesiotherapy from Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. She is also a certified Exercise Physiologist with credentials from the American College of Sports Medicine. Liisa loves working with patients of all ages, from a few days old to their teens; treating anything from torticollis and gross motor delays to developmental coordination disorders to post-concussive syndrome. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog in nature and playing with photography!
Brittany Matsinger, PT/DPT
Brittany is a pediatric Physical Therapist who received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Methodist University. She received her BS in Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Brittany has experience working with kids ranging from birth-21 with complex neurological, orthopedic, and developmental conditions including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, genetic conditions, ASD, traumatic brain injury, brachial plexus injury, sport related injuries, torticollis, and developmental delay. She enjoys working with children of all ages and is passionate about helping each child reach their fullest potential. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time with family, crafting, and staying active.
Speech Therapists
Brittany Zinkow, M. Ed., CCC-SLP
Brittany is a Speech-Language Pathologist who received her undergraduate degree in Health Services Management from East Carolina University in 2012. She received her Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) from North Carolina Central University in 2016. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Brittany has worked with pediatrics in a variety of settings including; schools, preschools, and outpatient clinics. She has experience in treating a wide range of disorders and diagnoses including articulation delays/disorders, neurological/developmental disorders, expressive language, receptive language, pragmatic language, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency, autism, auditory processing, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and augmentative and alternative communication. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, and history podcasts.
Emma Nuyen, CCC-SLP
Emma is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Western Michigan University. She then received her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Michigan University in 2024. Emma has experience working with children in multidisciplinary clinics, school settings, and private practices. She has experience in treating a wide range of disorders and diagnoses including articulation, receptive and expressive language, pragmatic language, autism, early language development, childhood apraxia of speech, auditory processing, neurological and developmental disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication. In her free time she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, listening to music, watching tv shows, and spending time with her husband and two cats.
Amanda Levine, MS, CCC-SLP
Amanda is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist who relocated from South Florida. She has over 25 years of therapy experience working for the Broward County Florida Public School System. Amanda earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She received her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. Amanda has experience with children of all ages with a special interest in AAC-assistive technology. When not working she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and her husband.
Kaylee Davis, MS, CCC-SLP
Kaylee is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Brigham Young University in 2018. She then received her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Akron in 2024. Kaylee has experience working with children ages 1-18. She enjoys working with children with a wide range of disorders and diagnoses including early language development, autism, articulation, receptive and expressive language, pragmatic language, childhood apraxia of speech, and augmentative and alternative communication. Celebrating achieving goals and “ministones” or mini milestones with her patients and their families brings her joy. In her free time she enjoys reading, attempting to bake new recipes, and spending time with her husband, children, and cat.