Owner/Speech-Language Pathologist

Julie S. Urban is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who lives in Eden Prairie, MN with her husband, Brandon, and their teenage daughter. Their two older children are now grown! Julie has more than 20 years of experience in educational and clinical settings. She has a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Rockhurst University and a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing from the University of Kansas. Go Jayhawks!

Julie is a listed provider in the Apraxia Kids Speech-Language Pathologist Directory as well as the Childhood Apraxia Treatment (Once Upon a Time) directory. She is a recipient of the 2022 ACE Award and 2023 ACE Award from the American Speech and Hearing Association. Julie is PROMPT+ trained and is experienced in using DTTC. She also attended Dr. Edythe Strand’s advanced workshop, Clinical Thinking and the Diagnosis and Managment of CAS.

In her spare time, Julie volunteers at a local rescue, Pet Haven by fostering cats and kittens. Julie enjoys journaling, singing, and spending time with family and friends.

Care Coordinator/Office Manager

Kristin joined Urban Speech & Occupational Therapy in August 2022. She lives in Eden Prairie with her husband and three children. Kristin is our office manager, billing and insurance specialist, and compliance officer. Kristin has more than 25 years of group travel planning experience, but her true passion is helping others.

Kristin enjoys swimming, hiking, baking and spending time with her family. She loves watching hockey, reading for book club, and volunteering.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kristina is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who received her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She is originally from South Dakota and graduated from Augustana University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders.

Kristina is interested in many areas of speech-language pathology but has a special interest in childhood apraxia and feeding. Kristina has knowledge and experience working with a variety of speech generating devices. Kristina is trained in the Tr-EAT model by the Pediatric Feeding Institute.

Kristina is PROMPT+ trained. She also attended Dr. Edythe Strand’s advanced workshop, Clinical Thinking and the Diagnosis and Managment of CAS. Kristina is listed in the Childhood Apraxia Treatment (Once Upon a Time) provider directory. She has extensive training in DTTC.

Kristina is in the process of training her golden retriever, Luka, to become a therapy dog. Luka is at the clinic on Wednesdays!

In her spare time, Kristina loves to run outdoors, read books, listen to podcasts, and eat cookie dough ice cream! 

Speech-Language Pathologist

McKenzie joined the team in August 2023. She received her master's degree in speech-language pathology from Northern Arizona University and her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.  McKenzie lives in Waconia with her husband, Mitch, and their sweet daughter, Malina.

McKenzie enjoys working with children of all ages. She has experience working with children in the areas of articulation, expressive and receptive language, and social communication. She has a special interest in working with children who have phonological awareness difficulties. She offers Barton reading and spelling services to children who struggle with spelling, reading, and writing due to dyslexia or a learning disability. McKenzie also enjoys working with children who have apraxia of speech and is PROMPT+ trained.

In her spare time, McKenzie loves to hike, downhill ski, and spend time with her family and friends. She is excited about the opportunity to work with your family!

Speech-Language Pathologist

Isabel joined the team in April 2024 after completing her internship with us. She received her master’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences from the University of Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2021.

Isabel enjoys reading and listening to books, watching TV/movies, walking and running around Minnesota lakes, and baking. She loves working with children and helping them learn to advocate for themselves. Isabel is especially interested in speech sound disorders, social pragmatic disorders, and early language learners. Isabel is PROMPT+ trained and experienced in DTTC.

Isabel and her husband, Adam, live in Eden Prairie with their kitty, Fifi.

Occupational Therapist

Lauren joined Urban Speech & Occupational Therapy in January 2024 . She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Lauren completed her doctoral capstone on animal assisted therapy in pediatric OT and hopes to have a therapy dog someday. Lauren has experience working with a variety of pediatric populations and has additional training in reflex and sensory integration, therapeutic listening music program, and play therapy.

Lauren enjoys painting, taking care of her kitty Iggy, acai bowls, and the beach! 

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kristyn joined the team in April 2024. She is received her master’s degree from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri and her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

In her spare time, Kristyn enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping at local businesses, and playing with her dog, Flint. She plans to marry her high school sweetheart in May 2025!

Kristyn is passionate about working with autistic children and Gestalt language learners. She also excels in working with children who have receptive expressive language delay. She is also in the process of becoming PROMPT+ trained.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Anna joined the team in May 2024. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in communication sciences and disorders.

Anna loves to read and is quick to offer book recommendations! She loves hiking, boating, fishing, and all things outdoors. Anna has a special interest in play-based therapy that prioritizes all forms of communication such as sign, gesture, AAC, and verbal. She is interested in continuing her education to support multimodal communication users! Anna is completing Meaningful Speech courses to further her knowledge of gestalt language processing. Anna enjoys working with children of all ages and is excited to be a part of the Urban Speech & Occupational Therapy team!

Occupational Therapist

Katie is an occupational therapist who joined the team in September 2024. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2014. She also holds a bachelor of science degree in social work from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Katie has extensive experience in acute, transitional, and long-term health care settings as an OT and Director of Rehab. She is excited to return to serving the pediatric population.

Katie lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, Steven, their baby girl, Kate (Kathleen IV), and their dog, Breck.

In her free time, Katie enjoys playing sand and indoor volleyball, attending local live music and sporting events, exploring new restaurants, biking, boating, swimming, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Speech-Language Pathologist

COMING SOON!

Maris will join us in the summer of 2025 to complete our speech therapy team! She graduates from the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) with her master’s degree in speech-language pathology in May 2025. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UND as well.

Maris comes to us with pediatric experience in various elementary schools, clinics, and daycare centers.

Therapy Dog

Luka is a sweet and fun-loving retriever! She enjoys playing fetch and learning new tricks. Luka has completed training at the Humane Society in Golden Valley. Luka has passed five levels of obedience training where she learned basic skills and manners. She completed an introductory therapy dog course and canine good citizen class. In these courses, Luka was trained to remain calm in unpredictable situations, walk through a crowd, greet people of all ages, and interact with patients who have various physical and medical needs. In addition, Luka graduated from a scent work class where she was trained to search for certain scents hidden in a room.

Luka loves learning and will continue training throughout her career. In her spare time, Luka volunteers at local nursing homes. Her off-the-clock hobbies include collecting sticks, squirrel watching, and watching nature documentaries.