Welcome to KM Pediatric Therapy
It's Nice To Meet You
Tell Me About KM

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

KM Pediatric Therapy is proud to announce our new clinic location!!!
Now accepting new patients for our Raleigh clinic located at

8514 Six Forks Road Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27615

Services

Services provided by KM Pediatric Therapy

KM Pediatric Therapy now offers AAC consultation. Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) involves software that increases a child's ability to communicate needs, wants, ideas, choices, questions, greetings, self advocacy etc. Children who have difficulty communicating verbally due to a variety of diagnoses, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dysarthria, Apraxia, Down Syndrome, etc. can benefit significantly from use of the right AAC device. Research shows that use of AAC does NOT impede the development of verbal speech; rather, it helps scaffold for development of these skills. Consultations are available by appointment only. Appointments are one hour and include the following:

  • Review current communicative status
  • Review past therapy history, including any past attempts at AAC use
  • Outline the communication priorities for your child
  • Discuss system options that would be functional options for your child
  • Trial communication software to determine what your child responds to best
  • Observation of child's strengths/weaknesses with AAC
  • Provide techniques, strategies and ideas for modeling and introductory use of AAC
  • Recommendations for next steps

Consultations are $175, payable via credit card prior to day of consultation. A consultation is not a formal AAC evaluation. A consultation will serve to determine if your child would benefit from a full AAC evaluation. If parents elect to pursue a full AAC evaluation, next steps will be outlined for completion of that process.

To learn more or book an appointment, please email Stephanie Molina at smolina@kmpediatrictherapy.com

Speech Language Pathology

KM Pediatric Therapy is a private practice focused on providing skilled speech and language pathology services to children of all ages. Services are provided within the child’s natural environment, which could be their private home, daycare, preschool, etc. Our objectives are to help children reach their highest potential and increase their quality of life. Services are provided under the direction of their attending physician.
Speech-language pathologists are required to hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. SLP’s are also required to have state licensure and national certification from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. SLP’s are trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat disorders of language (including both the understanding and use of), articulation and phonology (how clearly words are spoken), fluency, pragmatics (understanding and use of social language), oral motor skills, and voice.
Many of our SLPs are also trained to provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of swallowing and feeding disorders. Some of the most common disorders that require speech-language intervention include:

  • Apraxia of Speech
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Cleft Lip/Palate
  • Developmental Delay
  • Down Syndrome
  • Dysphagia/Oral Feeding Delays
  • Genetic Disorders
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Sensory Processing Disorders

Occupational Therapy

Early intervention occupational therapists (OT) provide skilled services for children ages birth to three in their natural environments to reach their full independence and developmental potential. OTs determine a child’s functional status through screening, assessments, observation, and parental interviews before creating a plan of care with individualized goals to address the child’s needs. Children have many important occupations, such as, sleep, play, feeding, bathing, and functional mobility that we address through play and participation. Interventions such as establishing routines, increasing fine motor dexterity, modulating sensory stimuli, and teaching coping mechanisms are all used. We use a family-centered approach to increase involvement and outcomes. OTs are required to hold either a bachelors, masters, or doctorate, depending on the year of training was completed, to practice. OTs must also uphold active state licensure and a national board registration. OTs provide intervention for various disorders, some of which are listed below

  • Down Syndrome
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Developmental Delay
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Attention Deficit Disorder

About

Our Humble Beginnings

  • 2002-2017

    Our Story Begins

    KM Pediatric Therapy was started by Loraine Allen. Kyle Murphy (KM) is Loraine's nephew. He was born 14 weeks premature in the summer of 1991. Kyle weighed 1.5 pounds. At that time Loraine was at a crossroads in her career. School psychology no longer held her passion. She wanted to change lives! From day 1 Kyle was a fighter! As he grew, various interventions were added to his schedule. One of these wonderful people was a speech language pathologist.
    Loraine soon found herself in graduate school for speech language pathology. She loved it! Towards the end of her graduate program, Kyle was diagnosed with cancer and left us. He was 3 1/2 years old. Loraine credits her career choice and the happiness in it to Kyle. So, when she opened her practice, who better to name it after than the angel who guided her?

  • June 2017

    The Story Continues

    In the spring of 2017, Loraine moved to MA to pursue new opportunities with her family. I have been with KM Pediatric Therapy since 2004 and was truly honored to take over as owner and team leader. Over the course of my career, I have had the absolute privledge of working with countless children and families who all have a story to tell.
    As in-home therapists, we share the ups and downs that our families and clients experience as they navigate their particular diagnoses. Some are mild and others are quite challenging. But at the heart of it all is a child. And just like Kyle, each child deserves the opportunity to be the best they can be. I am proud to lead this team of dedicated therapists.
    To me, maintaining Kyle's story and initials in our company name are important. They are a constant reminder of the positive impact we can have on the people's lives with which we work. As long as my team and I stay true to our guiding principles, we will honor our namesake and KM Pediatric Therapy will thrive!
    - Stephanie Molina

  • 2020

    The year 2020 has been like no other. Since the arrival of COVID-19 in March, KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. has outlined several policies and procedures to maintain the safety and health of our clinicians and patients. As essential workers, we are proud to continue serving the needs of our community to ensure that our patients continue to develop and thrive during this difficult time. Our special needs patients continue to face difficult challenges during this pandemic. We strive to exceed the therapeutic needs of our patients, while empowering parents and caregivers to do their best while we are all working to navigate the complexity and uncertainty that encompasses daily life at the moment. We wish you all health, happiness and peace of mind.

  • Our Chapter to Be in 2023

    As the new year of 2023 begins, it is exciting to anticipate all that is to come. It has certainly been an eventful 3 years since our last major posting. We are beyond proud of the KM team for how we handled the immense complexities that defined a new pandemic reality that no one saw coming. Those days are forever a part of our DNA and for some, the impacts of COVID-19 will last for generations. But to this current pediatric population that we are so honored to work with, we want to express our eagerness and commitment to help each child reach their maximum potential. The clinicians on our team continue to learn, develop and hone their professional skills in a variety of ways to provide the best care possible. For example, we have two clinicians who were recently awarded credentials as autism specialists, with two more clinicians anticipated to receive this same credential in 2023. KM's OT department is expanding as we speak, with our OTs learning new skills, such as feeding intervention techniques and constraint therapy approaches, to serve an increasing demand in our community. We have an SLP who is quickly becoming an assistive technology guru; her work with AT devices has given nonverbal children the ability to finally communicate their own thoughts, ideas, needs and wants. To all those who have and continue to work with a KM clinician, we thank you for your commitment to this therapeutic process. To those who are searching for a dynamic SLP or OT, reach out to us! And to all those professional SLPs and OTs out there who are looking to foster real progress and change in the lives of children with dynamic needs, get on board! We are moving forward in all the best ways. Watch us go and grow!!!

  • Be Part
    Of Our
    Story!

Our Amazing Team

Dedicated professionals with a passion for patient care

Stephanie Molina

Owner, Lead Speech Language Pathologist

Stephanie is a native of New Orleans. She graduated from UNC-Greensboro with an MA in Speech-Language Pathology. After a time with geriatrics, Stephanie returned to pediatrics with KM in winter of 2004. Although she has extensive experience treating a variety of diagnoses, such as developmental delays, apraxia, autism, cerebral palsy, and numerous syndromes, her particular passion is treating feeding delays and disorders. Stephanie is a supervising SLP and lead feeding specialist with KM Peds. She has specialized in evaluation and treatment of oral-pharyngeal dysphagia, sensory-based feeding dysfunction, and behavioral issues during meals since 2005. Stephanie has worked extensively with clients with g-tubes to transition them to oral consumption. In her spare time, she enjoys family time with her husband and two young children, completing house projects, and gardening. She is licensed by the board of North Carolina and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Rosie

VP of Office Productivity

Rosie is the KM Family dog who enjoys nothing better than a solid day at the office. She has extensive experience in napping all hours of the day and avoidance of walks at all costs. Rosie specializes in exceptionally loud snoring. In fact, many who call the office phone question the office staff about the loud noise they hear in the background, which is of course Rosie snoring under the owner's desk. When not napping, Rosie enjoys attacking the boxes of copier paper and nudging the staff for attention.

Jackie Sexton

Speech Language Pathologist

Jackie grew up in the mountains of NC before moving to Raleigh to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and a minor in Linguistics from North Carolina State University. She completed the master’s degree program for speech-language pathology at East Carolina University. She has been a SLP for KM Peds. since June 2010. Jackie is a supervising SLP and also a pediatric feeding specialist. She has extensive experience with a variety of pediatric speech and language deficits and feeding issues including, but not limited to, developmental delays, phonological delays, autism, numerous syndromes, verbal apraxia, fluency disorders, attention deficit/learning disorders, and prematurity. Jackie enjoys observing her clients excel and reaching their full potential through integrative, motivated familial support. During her spare time, Jackie enjoys hiking, art projects, reading, and collecting vinyl records. Jackie is licensed by the board of North Carolina and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Beth Levin

Office Manager

Beth is responsible for employee payroll and benefits, bookkeeping, insurance billing and patient invoicing for KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. Beth was born in Ohio and moved to Apex, North Carolina as a child. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Finance degree and has worked in medical settings most of her career as an accountant. Beth is married and has two children. Passions and pastimes include spending time with her family, attending App State football games and reading.

Patricia Conroy

Office Assistant

Pat joined our team as Clerical Support and is responsible for referral intake, follow-up with referral sources, obtaining MD orders for new and ongoing care and other clerical duties for KM Pediatric Therapy. Pat was born and raised in New York and made her way to Raleigh in 2008 by way of Los Angeles. She has been a nurse for many years with over twenty years of her career working with pediatric populations from Neo-natal and Pediatric ICU, Pediatric Home Care and Hospice and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at City of Hope Cancer Center in LA. After moving to NC she joined BCBSNC managing a team of case managers and moved on to developing programs to assist members with chronic conditions. Her knowledge of healthcare and insurance requirements in NC make her a great addition to our office team. Pat spends most of her free time with the joys of her life, three young grandchildren here in Raleigh ages 6, 9 and10 and two in San Jose, California ages 4 and 6 and her wonderful adult children and spouses.

When she is not working in the office or hanging out with family and friends Pat enjoys gardening, playing with her dogs and volunteering at Saving Grace Dog Rescue.

Caitlin Wainwright Clark

Speech language pathologist/Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

Caitlin grew up in Eastern North Carolina before attending Appalachian State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders and a minor in Spanish. She then returned to East Carolina University, receiving her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Caitlin has worked in the home, daycare, and school settings. Her clinical experience includes articulation and phonological delays, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, developmental delays, language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, tongue thrust and feeding delays. She has a particular passion for working with bilingual children and is also a pediatric feeding specialist. Caitlin enjoys building relationships with her patients and their families while in their natural environments to promote functional communication skills and overall success. As a new mom of two, she enjoys spending time with her growing family, being outdoors, audiobooks and hiking with her golden retriever, Lucy. She is licensed by the board of North Carolina and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Update: Effective August 2022, Caitlin Clark has completed in depth training and received her credentials as a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. The KM Pediatric Team congratulates Caitlin on her professional achievement!

Courtney Coates

Speech language pathologist/Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

Courtney moved to Wake Forest after growing up in Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Minnesota. Following undergraduate studies, she worked as a paraprofessional in an elementary school special education classroom. She went on to receive a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. Throughout and following graduate school, Courtney gained experience working with a variety of ages, including preschool, elementary age, and young adults aged 18-21. Courtney has clinical experience working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing, have expressive and receptive language delays/disorders, autism spectrum disorder, apraxia, various syndromes, developmental delays, articulation, and social skills. Courtney uses evidence-based practice while working closely with families, she believes family involvement and working as a team are key to a child’s success. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to the beach and places she can ski, playing board games, and exploring her new home in North Carolina. She is licensed to practice by the North Carolina Board of Examiners and holds the Clinical Certificate of Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Update: Effective October 2022, Courtney Coates has completed in depth training and received her credentials as a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. The KM Pediatric Team congratulates Courtney on her professional achievement!

Nancy Correa

Speech Language Pathologist

Nancy lived in the mountains of North Carolina for over 35 years while providing services to a varied population in that area for over 30 years. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology in 1982 from Appalachian State University and a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology from Appalachian State University in 1987. While living in the mountains, Nancy acquired extensive knowledge in evaluating and treating speech and language disorders and has interest in serving children with articulation, phonological and language delays but also enjoys treating children with verbal apraxia, autism spectrum disorder, feeding delays, cognitive delays and Down Syndrome. Nancy enjoys watching her clients and families become empowered to make positive changes in their communication within their natural environment and home setting. She has recently moved to the triangle to be closer to her family and loved ones and finds pleasure in spending time with family and friends, walking and cooking. Nancy is licensed by the NC Board of Examiners and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.

Ali Black

Occupational Therapist

Ali was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. She received her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. After spending 23 years in the city that raised her, she moved across the Savannah River to Augusta, Georgia to attend Augusta University in pursuit of a Masters of Health Science in Occupational Therapy. Ali gained valuable pediatric experience during this time through volunteering in Steps of Grace, a ballet class for children with special needs, providing OT intervention in a large school system, being a counselor for children with traumatic brain injuries at a summer camp, and even traveling internationally to Jamaica to serve special needs children of Mustard Seed Communities. She found her passion for working with pediatrics in these diverse experiences. Ali has clinical experience working with various diagnoses, such as, Down’s syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries, muscular dystrophies, and more. Ali is excited to join the KM Pediatric Team and work with children in their natural environments to reach their highest potential! In her free time, Ali enjoys reading, being outdoors, traveling, cheering on the Gamecocks, and exploring the Raleigh area! She is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy, registered through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and is a proud member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Ashley MacPherson

Speech Language Pathologist/Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

Originally from Somerset, MA, Ashley moved to the Triangle area following her graduation from University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders with a minor in Anthropology. Before returning to graduate school, she worked with children who have Autism as a Registered Behavior Technician. Ashley attended North Carolina Central University for her Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders. She has experience working with both children and adults who have complex physiological, behavioral and language needs in their natural environment, schools, and clinical settings. Ashley believes in therapy that is functional and enjoyable. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and reading. Ashley is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology.

Update: Effective January 2023, Ashley MacPherson has completed in depth training and received her credentials as a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. The KM Pediatric Team congratulates Ashley on her professional achievement!

Sophie Strawn

Occupational Therapist

Sophie grew up in Northeastern Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science as well as her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Milligan University. Sophie has diverse clinical experience working with both children and adults with a broad range of physiological and behavioral diagnoses in clinic, hospital and community settings. While working within an outpatient pediatric clinic, Sophie served patients ages 18 months to 14 years that presented with a variety of diagnoses and needs, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, sensory processing dysfunction, handwriting deficits and feeding dysfunction. She believes therapy can be both fun and functional, and enjoys helping children find their own independence and success. Sophie is excited to be moving to Raleigh and joining the KM Pediatrics team! Sophie enjoys reading, running, trying new sports, traveling, and exploring her new home of North Carolina!

Sophie is licensed through the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy and the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy. She is registered with the National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy and is a proud member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Insurance




KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. is an in-network provider for Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicaid/NC Healthchoice, BCBS NC State Health Plan, Medcost and Friday Health Plan. We are contracted providers with the Raleigh and Durham Children’s Developmental Services Agencies (CDSA). KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. is also a participating provider with BCBS Healthy Blue, AmeriHealth Caritas, United Healthcare Community Plan, WellCare, and Carolina Complete Health. Our in-network status does not guarantee that services will be covered by your insurance plan. It is important that you understand your individual benefits as they pertain to speech, feeding and/or occupational therapy services. It is your responsibility as the policyholder to contact your insurance company to find out if speech, feeding and/or occupational therapy is a covered service under your policy and whether you have any exclusions or visit limits. KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. is not responsible for obtaining or tracking benefit information. It is your responsibility to provide KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. with a copy of the front and back of your current insurance card so we can determine if prior authorization is needed for your child’s services.


Billing:

KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. will submit claims to your insurance company. While we will assist in filing claims, payment for all services is ultimately charged to you, not to your insurance company. Parents/guardians are responsible for payment of any portion not covered, or denied, by insurance. Statements for services are mailed around the 1st of each month. Payment is due by the due date listed on your Statement. In the event that payment is not received in full and on time, then a $25 late fee will be added to unpaid accounts every 15 days until payment is made. Also, if payment is late, your child’s services may be placed on hold, or terminated. Please note that if services are placed on hold, we cannot guarantee your time slot will be held. In the event collection efforts are necessary, then any costs incurred, including attorney’s fees and court costs shall also be due and payable as part of any post due amount.


PAYMENT OPTIONS:

  • Credit Cards/HSA or FSA Cards: If paying by credit card, you must complete the Credit Card Recurring Payment Authorization Form. Credit card information will be stored on a secure credit card system. Your credit card will be charged the balance amount listed on your Statement around the 15th of every month.If your credit card denies, you will be notified by KM Pediatric Therapy via email. If within 5 business days we have not received a valid credit card or check payment, your child will be placed on hold until account is paid in full.
  • Checks: Checks must be mailed and received in the office no later than 5 business days from the Statement due date. If not received within this timeframe, your child will be placed on hold until account is paid in full. A $25 fee will be charged for checks with insufficient funds.

CLAIM PROCESSING AND DENIALS:

KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. is NOT responsible for claim denials. KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. will not enter into a dispute between you and your insurance provider regarding a claim. Please be advised that insurance companies process claims according to their own timelines, independent of KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. Some companies will take 30-45 days before providing their initial response. If your insurance company requests medical records, we will fax or mail those to your insurance company but it is up to you to follow-up with the claim. If the claim remains unresolved after 60 days following the initial claim submission date, the parent/guardian will be billed the estimated charge of services provided. If your insurance eventually processes the claim and it results in a change of financial responsibility, KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. will either bill or refund the parent/guardian the difference.


CHANGES IN YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE:

It is your responsibility to inform KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. of any and all changes of insurance coverage during the course of treatment, including changes in your address, phone number, employment and medical benefits. Failure to provide this information will result in the parents/guardians being responsible for payment of all non-covered and/or unauthorized services that may result.


COMMON INSURANCE TERMS:

  • EOB—Explanation of Benefits: Your insurance company will provide you this documentation that explains your financial responsibility per claim.
  • Deductible: The amount you must pay for health care before your insurance benefits take effect.
  • Coinsurance: The percentage of health care costs you must pay once your insurer covers its share. Coinsurance typically goes into effect once the deductible has been reached.
  • Copay: The set amount you must pay for a health care service.

APPEALS PROCESS:

The appeals process is between you and your insurance provider, and not KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. However, we can assist in providing you with clinical documentation. You will be responsible for submitting the documentation to your insurance provider and any follow up communication required. During the appeals process, KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. is not receiving payment from your insurance provider. This in turn will result in you paying in full for the treatment sessions your child receives. If you cannot pay in full for the treatment sessions, therapy will be placed on hold until the appeals process is complete.


MISSED APPOINTMENTS:

All client cancellations require at least a 48 hour notice. Cancellations without a 48 hour notice will incur a $25 missed appointment fee which is not covered by insurance. Special consideration may be given to emergency situations and/or illness. Children who receive services through Early Intervention (CDSA) or who have Medicaid cannot be charged this fee but we still ask for advanced notice for any missed appointments. If you repeatedly miss your scheduled appointments, the therapist has the right to discontinue services. Please refer to the KM Pediatric Therapy Cancellation Policy for specific details.


CANCELLATION POLICY:

The following cancellation policy has been adopted by KM Pediatric Therapy, Inc. to be applied to all scheduled evaluation and therapy appointments. This policy is enforced in order to be respectful of your work schedule, personal schedule and that of our therapists. It is also important that service delivery is consistent in order to elicit the progress that is important for your child and required, per insurance regulations, for ongoing therapy to remain justifiable. By maintaining the prescribed and agreed upon frequency of treatment, your child will optimize their benefit from the provided skilled intervention and the duration of therapy can occur at its most efficient length.


  • Planned Cancellations: (e.g., doctor’s appointment, vacation) It is the parent/caregiver’s responsibility to keep the therapist informed of any changes needed to the therapy schedule. A 48-hour notice is required for any cancellations so that adjustments can be made to the evaluation/therapy schedule and make up sessions can be accommodated, if possible.
  • Cancellations due to Illness: It is vital that parents and therapists work together to keep each other healthy and safe. Our therapists travel from patient to patient and some of our patients, or their close family members, are vulnerable to medical complications should they be exposed to contagious diseases. Please cancel your scheduled appointment should your child experience diarrhea, vomiting, contagious disease, or a fever of over 100 degrees. Your child should be symptom free for at least 24 hours before therapy can resume. Our therapists will also notify you if they experience illness and are unable to provide services.
  • No Shows or Tardiness: In the event of a “no show” (i.e., not being home or at daycare/preschool at the scheduled time or not logging into a virtual session at the scheduled time) or tardiness (later than 15 minutes past your scheduled appointment time), you will be given written notice. A second no show or tardy within a 3-month period will result in your child being discharged from our practice. Parents must keep 75% of scheduled therapy visits per month. Clients who drop below this amount for 2 consecutive months will be given written notice of discharge from our practice. Our therapists will make every effort to accommodate a reschedule should a cancellation be required.
  • Copay: The set amount you must pay for a health care service.

Contact Us

Contact us with any insurance or treatment questions by filling out the form below.


Business office number is (919) 465-4424
Fax number is (919) 465-4427
office@kmpediatrictherapy.com
smolina@kmpediatrictherapy.com

Careers at KM Pediatric Therapy

We are currently hiring speech language pathologists and occupational therapist for part time and full time employment. Positions are available in our Raleigh Clinic and surrounding areas.
Please contact Stephanie Molina to learn more about our competitive pay rate and benefits package.

We look forward to learning more about you!