Pediatric & Developmental Neurology
Compassionate, whole-child neurological care — because every child deserves to thrive, not just survive.
Pediatric Specialist
Cathleen Marshall, MD Pediatric & Developmental Neurologist
Cathleen Marshall, MD, is a pediatric neurologist with subspecialty training in neurodevelopmental disorders and over 25 years of experience. At our clinic, she sees the child first—not the wheelchair, the tubes, or the diagnoses. Dr. Marshall wants to know what makes each child laugh, what they love to do, and who they truly are beyond their medical chart.
Her approach is rooted in deep partnership. She builds a dedicated team around each child that includes the family, therapists, specialists, and school support, all working in harmony to help every child reach their full potential. Safe, multidisciplinary intervention starts with listening to parents as the true experts on their children.
The clinic is designed as a kid-friendly sanctuary, filled with toys, Legos, and chalkboards where Dr. Marshall often gets down on the floor to play. She is passionate about making every child feel seen and supported, frequently telling her older patients with a smile: 'I have the best job ever. My job is to make you look great.'
Conditions We Treat
Cerebral Palsy
More than just a diagnosis, we look at how your child moves and explores the world, helping them find their own way to physical independence.
ADHD & Behavioral Concerns
Focus and behavior are often about how the brain processes information. We partner with you to create strategies that help your child succeed.
Neurogenetic Disorders
When conditions are rare or complex, we dig deep into the details to provide clear explanations and specialized care tailored to your child's needs.
Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
We work to find the right balance of treatment to keep your child safe and their brain active, so seizures don't stand in the way of childhood.
Spasticity & Dystonia
Tight muscles shouldn't limit a child's joy. We use gentle, effective treatments to improve comfort and make day-to-day movement easier.
Complex Care & Medically Fragile Children
For children with multiple medical needs, Dr. Marshall acts as the anchor, coordinating every piece of the puzzle so you can focus on being a parent.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Every brain is wired differently. We help you understand your child's unique communication style and support their social growth with patience.
Intellectual Disabilities
Every child has their own timeline for learning. We meet your child where they are and build a roadmap to help them reach their personal best.
Neurodevelopmental Delays
Early steps matter most. We identify where your child needs a little extra help and connect you with the right support to bridge those developmental gaps.
Our Approach — Team-Based, Whole-Child Care
Children with complex needs often navigate a confusing web of specialists. Dr. Marshall acts as your local anchor, coordinating care across physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, GI, pulmonology, and primary care so your child’s team works together rather than in silos. By communicating directly with other providers and programs like the Infant Learning Program, she ensures that no detail falls through the cracks and every voice on the team is heard and valued.
What Parents Are Saying
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“Dr. Marshall is literally the glue to our team. She manages far more than just the brain for us. She is a heavy advocate. She fights for her kids. She shows up for her kids, and she makes sure that everybody on the team is doing what they're supposed to do.”
“Having Dr. Marshall is imperative to my children's care — she actually listens. If I bring an idea to the table, she will look at it and give her honest opinion. And if it's something safe, let's go ahead and try it. She's very open to ideas.”
“Both of my kids see Dr. Marshall, and I fought very hard for that — because she actually listens. My son is moderately autistic and doesn't usually talk to doctors, but he's very connected to Dr. Marshall. He asks about her constantly and will open up with her about his feelings.”
— Sarah N., mom of Colton (age 3)
— Jenna R., mom of Atticus (age 5)
— Jenna R.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The first five years of a child's life represent a window of extraordinary neuroplasticity. During this time, the brain is building millions of neural connections every second. Early neurological evaluation isn't just about identifying challenges; it's about leveraging this natural adaptability to meaningfully improve a child's developmental trajectory from the very beginning.
Getting support in place early—even when concerns seem mild—can change the course of a child's future. By identifying neurodevelopmental delays or neurological conditions sooner, we can start targeted therapies that support better communication, motor skills, and social engagement. Dr. Marshall believes that just bringing a child in for an evaluation is already the first step toward a better outcome.
In Alaska, navigating specialized care can be complex. Dr. Marshall works hand-in-hand with local pediatricians, NICUs, the Infant Learning Program, and early intervention services across the state. She ensures that every child is identified early and that families are empowered with the resources and the team they need to see their child thrive.
Partners in Care
Pediatricians • NICUs • Infant Learning Program (ILP) • Early Intervention Services