For Star Speech and Myo Therapy owner Dana Ann Hawkins, the path to building a more supportive, accessible speech therapy practice began with a simple but powerful realization: families needed more than reassurance: they needed tools.
A speech-language pathologist specializing in early communication, myofunctional therapy, and aural rehabilitation, Dana has spent years working closely with young children and their families. Time and again, she noticed a disconnect. Parents were often advised to “wait and see,” yet left feeling uncertain about how to help their child in the meantime. That gap became the foundation for her practice.
Dana created Star Speech and Myo Therapy to offer something different: care that feels clear, practical, and empowering. As both a clinician and a mother of three, she understands the realities families face. Her approach is rooted in the belief that therapy should seamlessly fit into everyday life, not exist as something separate or overwhelming.
Instead of focusing solely on what happens during a session, Dana emphasizes what happens in between. She guides families on how to support their child’s development during playtime, meals, and daily routines, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for growth. By offering both in-person and virtual therapy, she also ensures families can access consistent, high-quality care in ways that work for them.
For Dana, the most meaningful moments are often the smallest. A child using their first word, engaging more during play, or connecting in a new way can transform not only their confidence, but their relationships. These breakthroughs, she says, ripple far beyond the therapy room.
Her philosophy is simple: children learn best through connection, play, and real-life experiences. By focusing on the whole child and equipping families with strategies they can actually use, Dana is helping redefine what effective speech therapy looks like.
At its core, her work is about more than communication. It’s about giving children the tools to be understood, and giving families the confidence to help them get there.