Emily is a certified speech-language pathologist with over eleven years of experience working with pediatric clients. She is passionate about combining evidence-based practice with compassion and care to bridge the communication gaps for all clients. She is a highly skilled clinician with extensive experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses including autism, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), mild to severe phonological disorders, Down syndrome, receptive and expressive language disorders, and cleft lip and palate. She attended the Apraxia Kids conference in 2022 and is recognized as the first SLP in southern Utah on the Apraxia Kids SLP Directory. Emily is also passionate about working with autistic kids and gestalt language processors. She is a Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) trained therapist listed on the Meaningful Speech Registry, and she is also trained in PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets).

Originally from Wyoming, Emily is fully embracing the warm weather and desert climate here in Southern Utah. While studying to receive her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a minor in disability studies, Emily was also an integral part of the University of Wyoming volleyball team. Although she may no longer have the same vertical or athleticism after having a few kids and some years of aging, she is thankful for the work ethic and drive that athletics has sown in her. Emily received her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Wyoming while also serving as a graduate student research assistant where she had the privilege of studying the differences in speech sound productions in young children with and without cleft lip palate.

When Emily is not learning more about the field of speech and language therapy, you can find her spending time with her husband, two young children, and an energetic puppy. She loves going for hikes and exploring the beauty of Southern Utah. Being in the midst of motherhood herself, Emily understands the joys and struggles of motherhood and thrives on helping others watch their children develop and succeed.

A native to St. George, Kalista McMullin is a speech-language pathologist with a passion for working with children. She is a true kid at heart and an absolute expert at building rapport with any child. Kalista earned her master’s degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. She describes her approach to therapy as “connection over everything.” She has found that when she has a genuine connection with children, they are much more likely to find success in their speech sessions, no matter the skills they are working toward! Kalista’s caseload is typically filled with gestalt language processors, speech sound disorders, and late talking toddlers. She is an avid researcher, always willing to go the extra mile to find the best approach for her clients. Kalista is a Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) trained therapist listed on the Meaningful Speech Registry.

Kalista absolutely loves being around the red rocks of St. George, where she grew up. While the Prickly Pear team likes to call her the “resident balloon artist,” Kalista also enjoys spending her time hiking, mountain biking, and basically any other activity that allows her to spend time in this beautiful desert!

Dr. Kristy Lawson is an occupational therapist dedicating her career to pediatrics. Kristy has worked in a variety of settings including early intervention, schools, and clinics. She specializes in sensory integration, emotional regulation, and picky eating and has worked with children with a variety of diagnoses including autism, ADHD, developmental delays, Down Syndrome, and sensory processing disorder. Kristy graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy and a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. One of her passions is picky eating and childhood mental health, which was the focus of her clinical doctorate. Kristy has specialty certifications in Sensory Integration, Integrated Listening Systems, and Advanced Practice in Feeding and Swallowing. She uses a play-based approach to therapy and wants to help your child participate in activities that are most meaningful to them in a functional way. Kristy focuses on meeting each child where they are at and helping to support their unique, individual needs.  A key component of the therapeutic process is collaboration with the family as a unit so parents are an equal member of the therapy team when working towards a child’s goals. 

While originally from small town Minnesota, Kristy spent her time practicing as an occupational therapist in Southern California before moving to St. George. Kristy enjoys the outdoors, often hiking or camping with her husband, two children, and dogs. As a novice rock climber, Kristy enjoys trying something new and understands the challenges a child might go through when learning something hard. She is excited to bring her skills and knowledge to southern Utah for the benefit of families and the community.