Staff Bios
Message from the Director
Nearly twenty years ago I visited a home in rural Wisconsin to provide therapy for a 3 year old newly diagnosed on the spectrum. When I arrived at their home my interview consisted of playing for a half hour. In those 30 minutes I discovered what I would spend the rest of my life working toward. What drew me to this profession so many years ago remains the same: Teaching, learning, and playing. Our Center opened its doors in 2004. In that time, we have grown steadily from our first two students to over 70 today. The Rochester Center for Autism works with families, schools, and other therapies to provide a seamless thread of services. Therapies include but are not limited to individual and family skills training, crisis assistance, workshop and consultation as well as presentations. Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students. Whether in the home, community, or on-site our students will enjoy their time as they learn critical skills. Please join me, our staff, and our board in providing the best possible services for children with autism. Thank you for visiting our website. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.
~Jon Sailer
Supervisors
Name: Molly Hill
Title: Human Resources
Month/Year Started at RCC: : April 2004
Education/Experience: University of Minnesota- Twin Cities (Psychology)
Describe yourself using one word: Caring
Hometown: Wabasha, MN
Why I work at RCC: I have always loved working with kids and helping others and working at RCC helped me accomplish those goals. It was also important for me to work in a family oriented environment with people who shared the same values and had the same passion for the field.
Hobbies/interests: Playing sports, traveling, spending time with family and friends, boating, skiing
Family/Pets: Husband (Barry) and 5 kids
Name: Steve Bingner
Title: Director of Behavior Analysis
Month/Year Started at RCC: 2004
Education/Experience: Southern Illinois University- Masters in Behavior Modification, Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Describe yourself using one word: Encouraging
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD
Why I work at RCC: I wanted the opportunity to support early intervention with children.
Hobbies/interests: Play the trumpet in a Big Band and Brass Quintet
Family/Pets: Wife of 35 years (Karel), Raised two daughters in Rochester that were born in 1983 and 1986
Name: Kelli Branstad
Title: Clinical Director
Month/Year Started at RCC: June 2004
Education/Experience: Bethel College- Psychology, St. Mary's University- Marriage and Family Therapy
Hometown: West Concord, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love being around the contagious energy of kids and knew I needed that as part of my day! Building relationships with all of the kids at the Center and their families and watching them grow and succeed is the most rewarding thing. It makes me excited to come back each day!
Hobbies/interests: Camping, being outdoors, spending time with family scrapbooking, reading
Family/Pets: Wonderful husband (Paul) since 2008, two beautiful daughters (Sophia and Eleanor), handsome son (George).
Name: Katie Meyer
Title: Care Coordinator/Administrative Coordinator
Month/Year Started at RCC: September 2004
Education/Experience: University Center Rochester- Human Service Specialist, PCA, Recreation Therapy at Rochester Park and Rec, Special Olympic coach
Describe yourself using one word: Organized
Hometown: Stewartville, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love making a difference in the life of a child! Team RCC is amazing! All of our therapists work hard daily to help each child we serve reach their highest potential in life. It is fabulous to be a part of so many children's and families lives as they grow and learn new skills. Every day a child makes me smile or laugh!
Hobbies/interests: Traveling, spending time with my family and friends, camping and watching my kids participate in their many activities
Family/Pets: Husband (Nate), Sons (Carson and Corbin), Daughter (Avery)
Name: Jaclyn Burton
Title: Manager
Month/Year Started at RCC: June 2007
Education/Experience: Bethel University (Elementary Education)
Describe yourself using one word: Intuitive
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: I enjoy working with kids and being able to make a difference in the life of families and children. It's great helping students learn new skills.
Hobbies/interests: Decorating, hanging out with family and friends, cooking, walking and running
Family/Pets: Husband (Tyler), 1 son
Name: Kris Helfer
Title: Business Officer
Month/Year Started at RCC: August 2004
Education/Experience: Winona State University- Recreation Therapist, Possibilities Youth Recreation, Certified American Sign Language instructor
Describe yourself using one word: Incredible
Hometown: Zumbrota, MN
Why I work at RCC: I enjoy watching the children grow and learn day to day. I love knowing what I do every day helps them be successful. It means so much to touch their lives.
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with family and friends, attending my boys numerous activities, camping, vacations and coffee
Family/Pets: Husband (John) Sons (Ben and Tommy), Dog (Vader)
Name: Taylor Brown
Title: Lead Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC:June 2019
Education/Experience:Bachelors of Science Degree (Speech- Language-Hearing Sciences) Five years working in ABA, providing both center-based and in-home services.
Describe yourself using one word: Easy-going
Hometown:New Prague, MN
Why I work at RCC:I love seeing the progress and growth in all of our kids and learning something new every day.
Hobbies/Interests:Spending time with family and friends, exercising, playing and watching sports, decorating, music.
Family/Pets: My parents (Randy and Therese) and two younger sisters (Kendra and Ellie)
Name: Alyssa Brundige
Title: Lead Supervisor, In-home coordinator, Training Coordinator
Month/Year Started at RCC: June 2013
Education/Experience: University of Wisconsin- La Crosse (B.S. Psychology) University of St. Thomas- (M.A. Special Education-Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Describe yourself using one word: Dependable
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: I interned at RCC in the summer of 2011 and fell in love! The atmosphere at RCC is one of a kind. I love making a difference in the lives of our kids and their families.
Hobbies/interests: Hanging out with friends and family, dancing, boating
Family/Pets: Husband (Josh), Son (Charlie)
Name: Katie Dolan
Title: Lead Supervisor, BCBA
Month/Year Started at RCC: June 2015
Education/Experience: Masters in ABA
Describe yourself using one word: Passionate
Hometown: New Ulm, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love watching our kids make progress and grow. The work environment is so positive here.
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, being outdoors
Family/Pets: Husband (Tom), son (Jay), dogs (Freddie & Dilly)
Name: Paige Galles
Title: Lead Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: July 2019
Education/Experience: Bachelor of Science in Teaching (Special Education- Developmental Disabilities)
Describe yourself using one word: Caring
Hometown: Bloomington, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love working with kids and watching them grow and learn!
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking/baking, concerts, camping, hammocking, board games, reading
Family/Pets: Husband(Mitch), Mom (Deb), Dad (Kyle) and 2 sisters (Nicole and Megan)
Name: Lisa Hanson
Title: Class Coordinator, Supervisor
Month/Year Started at RCC: December 2008
Education/Experience: BA in Christian Education, I have worked with children with autism for over 20 years
Describe yourself using one word: Patient
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: I enjoy working with children and seeing their progress. RCC has a great work environment.
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my family, going for walks and hikes, reading
Family/Pets: Husband, Two kids
Name: Lindsey Hanson
Title: Lead Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: April 2015
Education/Experience: University of Wisconsin- La Crosse (Psychology/Sociology)
Describe yourself using one word: Team-Player
Hometown: Sheboygan, WI
Why I work at RCC: I enjoy helping children reach their full potential
Hobbies/Interests: Water sports, horseback riding, reading, birds
Family/Pets: Husband (Herb), Son -Reece, Dog (Eddie)
Name: Katie Jech
Title: Lead Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: August 2016
Education/Experience: Social work at Winona State University
Describe yourself using one word: Understanding
Hometown: Chatfield, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love watching kids progress on their skills after working here with us. It's nice to work with other caring people who enjoy helping others as much as I do.
Hobbies/Interests: Being with family and friends, watching and playing sports, crossword puzzles and being in the water.
Family/Pets: Mom & Dad. Brother
Name: Stephanie Johnson
Title: Lead Supervisor, BCBA
Month/Year Started at RCC: July 2010
Education/Experience: UW La Crosse (Psychology), St. Cloud State (Applied Behavior Analysis, Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
Describe yourself using one word: Caring
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love watching kids grow in a fun learning environment alongside staff who are passionate about teaching chidlren on the autism spectrum.
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with family, running, and serving as the secretary on the Board of Directors for the RT Autism Awareness Foundation (RTAAF)
Family/Pets: Husband (Tucker) and Bernedoodles (Haddie and Mac)
Name: Katie Kummeth
Title: Senior Lead Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: May 2016
Education/Experience: University of Wisconsin- Stout (Psychology Major, Human Development Family Studies Minor). I also worked with the Wisconsin Early Autism Project.
Describe yourself using one word: Passionate
Hometown: Kasson, MN
Why I work at RCC: I fell in love working with children with Autism during college and RCC seemed like a great fit for me upon graduation. I love what the children have to offer!
Hobbies/Interests: Crafting, decorating, running, spending time with friends and family
Pets: 2 cats (Tiger and Felix)
Name: Matt Mulvihill
Title: Office Manager
Month/Year Started at RCC: May 2016
Education/Experience: Minnesota State-Mankato (Elementary Education)
Describe yourself using one word: Fun
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: I enjoy working with kids and to help anyway I can.
Hobbies/Interests: I love the Pittsburgh Steelers, music and bird watching.
Family/Pets: Wife (Lindsay), Sons (Garrett and Crosby)
Name: Meggan Sprout
Title: Lead Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: Aug. 2009 (restart date)
Education/Experience: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, BA Sociology, Minor: Family Studies
Describe yourself using one word: Kindhearted
Hometown: Edina, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love helping and watching the kids and their successes. First, from small tasks that build towards the success of harder and larger tasks are all accomplishments and is very rewarding.
Hobbies/interests: Boating, waterskiing, swimming, snowmobiling, ATVs, reading, scrapbooking
Family/Pets: Husband (Kyle). 2 Sons (Lucas and Parker), Dog (Cooper)
Name: Adam Will
Title: Supervisor
Month/Year Started at RCC: September 2006
Education/Experience: Luther College (Psychology), Working towards MA in Marriage and Family Therapy through St. Mary's University
Describe yourself using one word: Fun-loving
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: During my internship in 2006 I immediately fell in love with the kids and the atmosphere of learning, compassion, and growth.
Hobbies/interests: Tabletop games, Reading
Family/Pets: My wife and I are raising 3 boys
Senior Therapists
Name: Beth Schwalbe
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: June 2021
Education/Experience: B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation with Minor in Psych from University of WI- La-Crosse
Describe yourself using one word: Goofy
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: I have a passion for working with kids and love getting to play such a close part in enriching all kids lives!
Family/Pets: Husband Sam (Married Oct. 2020) and currently taking care of my Godson Buddy, while my brother serves overseas
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Name: Alexis Thompson- Langley "Lexi"
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: April 2019
Education/Experience: 7 years working with children & adults with disabilities.
Describe yourself using one word: Extroverted
Hometown: Kasson, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love the kids and being able to watch their progress has been wonderful.
Hobbies/Interests: Thrifting, plants, zoo's and museums, hiking, art
Family/Pets: My mom-Jodi; sister- Chloe; and 2 cats Jupiter and Venus
Behavior Therapists
Name: Krystal Anderson
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCA: March 2023
Education/Experience: Bachelor
Describe yourself using one word: Nice
Hometown: Hudson, Wi
Why I work at RCA: I love working with kids and watching them grow.
Hobbies/Interests: I love hiking and boating in the summer
Family/Pets: 2 cats, Panda and Noddle and 1 dog, Sarge
Name: Bekah Birgin
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCA: Feb.2023
Education/Experience: Worked as a preschool teacher for 3 years and have been a nanny for a few years.
Describe yourself using one word: Caring
Hometown: Kasson,MN
Why I work at RCA: Enjoy watching the children grow and making an impact in their lives.
Hobbies/Interests: Anything outdoors, going on walks with my dog.
Family/Pets: Fiance- get married in June 2023. 1 dog, a beagle named Ruby.
Name: Taylor Ann Bremer
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: February 2022
Education/Experience: 2 years teaching Pre-school. Obtaining bachelors in social work
Describe yourself using one word: Mindful
Hometown: Webster City, Iowa
Why I work at RCC: I love working one-on-one and building relationships with children and families.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, cooking, hiking, roller-blading, shopping, music
Family/Pets: One cat named Winston
Name: Brittany Carney
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: August 2021
Education/Experience: Decades of working with kiddos in special education. Some schooling. Google!
Describe yourself using one word: Empathetic
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: I have a passion to work with kids in this field for a lifetime. I have a brother with Autism and love the knowledge, experience, and making a difference.
Hobbies/Interests: Watching my kids do sports. Adventures anywhere. Fishing, hiking, motocross, watching tv.
Family/Pets: 2 boys, a Fiance and an old dog
Name: John Crecca
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: March 2020
Education/Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Luther College. Direct Support Staff at Ark Regional Services
Describe yourself using one word: Responsible
Hometown: Laramie, WY
Why I work at RCC: To help people with autism and prepare them for life outside of RCC
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, Exercising, reading, and riding a bike
Family/Pets: One older sister
Name: Sarah Darga
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: January 2022
Education/Experience: I have worked in day programs and group homes since 2015
Describe yourself using one word: Open-minded
Hometown: Mesa, AZ
Why I work at RCC: I enjoy working with kids and it is such a rewarding job.
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, hiking, being outdoors in nature
Family/Pets: I am married and have 4 huskies, 3 chickens, 3 ducks and 2 rabbits.
Name: Brooke Dessellier
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCA: March 2023
Education/Experience: BA- St Olaf College, Psychology and Neuroscience. MA- Marymount University, Legal Psychology.
Describe yourself using one word: Thoughtful
Hometown: Ham Lake, MN
Why I work at RCA: I love being able to make an impact in the lives of kids and their families and watching them advance.
Hobbies/Interests: Anything outside, roller blading, taking my dog hiking, going up north.
Family/Pets: One dog Osiris, three cats, Merlin, Clover, and Freya.
Name: Anika Evers
Title: Behavior Therapist/Trainer
Month/Year Started at RCC: September 2020
Education/Experience: B.S. in Health Sciences (Class of 2020) Currently in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Minnesota (Class of 2024) I have worked with the special needs population my whole life.
Describe yourself using one word: Driven
Why I work at RCC: I love working with kids and helping them develop new skills.
Hobbies/Interests: Arts + crafts, board games, puzzles, photography and afternoon naps.
Family/Pets: I have an older sister and an older brother. I also have a German shepherd named Rocko and I have a calico cat named Calli
Name: Angie Fitzgerald
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: April 2022
Education/Experience: Psychology at UMD; 11 + years experience at a vocational day program for adults with developmental disabilities. 2.5 years experience at a mental health facility after school program for kids age 5-14 years old.
Describe yourself using one word: Dedicated
Hometown: Rochester,MN
Why I work at RCC: I love kids! I've always really enjoyed working with people on the autism spectrum. So when I got the opportunity to work with both again, I was excited. It's such a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Hobbies/Interests: Movies, crafts, reading, fishing, kayaking
Family/Pets: Mom, Dad + Step-Mom, sister + 2 brothers
Name: Marianna Garcia-Velasco
Title:Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: June 2022
Education/Experience:Universit
Describe yourself using one word: Diligent
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Why I work at RCC: I am currently pursuing a career in healthcare and am always looking to grow and expand my horizons. I believe working at RCC will expose me to new environments in which I can grow into a great healthcare provider who can advocate and care for a diverse group of people I may come in contact with, in my future profession.
Hobbies/Interests:Movies, TV-Shows (Netflix, Hulu) I love Marvel and Fast and Furious!
Family/Pets:No Pets! :(
Name: Katy Gerleman
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: September 2022
Education/Experience: High School Diploma
Describe yourself using one word: Kind
Hometown: Mazeppa, MN
Why I work at RCC: I love working with kids.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, listening to music
Family/Pets: 2 dogs; Nugget and Loki. 1 cat; Kloe Moon
Name: Christy Henry
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: September 2019
Education/Experience: B.A. in Psychology and 6 years teaching preschoolers in a daycare center.
Describe yourself using one word: Caring
Hometown: Spring Valley, MN
Hobbies/Interests: Reading and working on various arts and crafts.
Family/Pets: Husband (Dagan) Son (Johnathon) Daughter (Etta) 2 cats- Marbles and Starsky
Name: Kyle Hoffman
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: June 2021
Education/Experience: Psychology Bachelors
Describe yourself using one word: Fun-Loving
Hometown: Pequot Lakes, MN
Why I work at RCC: Working with kids with autism is a rewarding and fun experience and it gives me an opportunity to continue what I love to do.
Hobbies/Interests: Music
Name: Kaitlin Kruckeberg
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: May 2021
Education/Experience: Winona State University - Majors in Elementary Ed. and Early Childhood Education
Describe Yourself using one word: Enthusiastic
Hometown: Owatonna, MN
Why I work at RCC: To work with some awesome kids!
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, cooking, and being with my friends and family
Family/Pets: Mom, dad, and sister
Name: Morgan Lauterbach
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: September 2022
Education/Experience: I graduated from Whitehall High School. I worked at a group home for 6 years.
Describe yourself using one word: Outgoing
Hometown:Northfield, WI
Why I work at RCC: I am passionate about working with children.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy being outside, camping, playing softball, and hanging out with family.
Family/Pets: I have 1 brother and 1 nephew. I also have two St. Bernards named Auggie and Gretta.
Name: Courtney Lewis
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/ Year Started at RCC: April 2021
Education/ Experience: Worked with people with disabilities and also at a nursing home.
Describe yourself using one word: Caring/Kind Hearted
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Why I work at RCC: Enjoy helping people and bringing joy to people's lives.
Hobbies/Interests: Bowling, hiking, movies, traveling, spending time with family and friends.
Family/Pets: Fiance Eric, two step sons Logan; Carter. Two cats: Loki;Leo
Name: Jamie Meyers
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC:January 2022
Education/Experience:B.S. from Winona State University with a minor in psychology. I have been working with kiddos with mental health diagnoses since 2018.
Describe yourself using one word:Patient
Hometown:Madison, WI
Why I work at RCC:I love working with kids and watching them grow! I enjoy teaching kids new skills and seeing them master those skills.
Hobbies/Interests:Sports, music, any outdoor activities.
Family/Pets:Mom, dad, older brother. Currently live with my significant other and our 3 cats Archie, Teager, and Lou.
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Name: Kaitlin Nettell
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: January 2023
Education/Experience: Animal Science Major, minors in psychology and sociology.
Describe yourself using one word: Kind
Hometown: Chippewa Falls, WI
Why I work at RCC: To make a difference in the lives of children.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Writing
Family/Pets: I have one sister who is 15 months older than me.
Name: Kayla Starzynski
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: October 2021
Education/Experience: Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Human Services. Minor in Special Education. Worked as a job coach for individuals with disabilities as well as a paraprofessional for students in special education and autism centered classrooms.
Describe yourself using one word: Caring
Why I work at RCC: I am pursuing a doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy and I think being involved in a population I want to work in is a good experience for my future practice. With my previous experience of working as a job coach for individuals with disabilities as well as a paraprofessional, I enjoy working and learning from children and CRR is the best environment for me to continue doing this.
Hobbies/ Interests: I enjoy being outside, going for hikes, and recently got into paddle-boarding. I love watching and playing sports, my favorite is volleyball. I enjoy art and try to find different crafts to do occasionally.
Family/Pets: I grew up really only being around my mother, father, and my younger sister. We currently have 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs, Mocha and Moose.
Name: Logan Stewart
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: August 2021
Education/Experience: Bachelors in Psychology
Describe yourself using one word: Kind of different but in a good way
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Why I work at RCC: Lots of fun with every day different
Hobbies/Interests: The tv show Friends, Netflix, swimming, baking, chocolate eating activities, Christmas.
Family/Pets: I have 2 sisters and my mom. I have two pet plants named Frank II and Frank III.
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Name: Kirsten Theisen
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCC: January 2023
Education/Experience: BSHS degree in progress @ the University of Minnesota-Rochester
Describe yourself using one word: Self-Motivated
Hometown: Blackduck, MN
Why I work at RCC: Since starting my degree I have discovered new passions that I was unaware I had. This job is an opportunity for me to explore and understand what those passions are and how they will help me in my future medical career.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, movies, family time, hunting, fishing, basically anything outdoors.
Family/Pets: 1 sister (Alli) Mom and Dad, 3 roommates, family dog (Aspen)
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Name: Ciarra Valadez
Title: Behavior Therapist
Month/Year Started at RCA: March 2023
Education/Experience: I hold an Associate in Psychology and I am furthering my education in hopes of graduating with a B.S. in Psych.
Describe yourself using one word: Energetic
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Why I work at RCA: I love to help people grow into the person they are capable of being.
Hobbies/Interests: I love to read thriller books and watch scary movies. I like to go to Roca (indoor rock climbing) to let out extra energy.
Family/Pets: I have three dogs named Pancake, Freya, and Ginger. We love to play in the snow and go on hikes during the warm weather.