Jon Sailer
Program Director
Jon has worked in the field of Behavior Analysis for over ten years. He began training at the Wisconsin Early Autism Project. He received further training at the New England Center for Autism. Jon's first job after college was working for a family with two Autistic children in rural Wisconsin. He loved it so much that he has continued working with children with Autism ever since. "I feel lucky every morning that I can wake up and go to a job that I really love. I enjoy watching the progress that our students make. That is one of the best things about this job." When not working Jon enjoys spending time with his wife, Bobbie, and their three children - Olivia, William, and Oscar.

Steve Bingner, MSLP
Steve is a licensed psychologist and has been consulting with RCA since May of 2004. He has a Master's Degree and over twenty years of experience in Behavior Modification. He has worked at two mental health centers for a total of thirteen years and has been in private practice for the last nine years at the Center for Effective Living in Rochester. Throughout his career he has combined a "kind heart" with a constant desire to stay on top of Research-Based approaches to treatment. In his spare time he is involved in local musical groups as a trumpeter and enjoys spending time with his wife, Karel, who is a Nurse Manager at a local nursing home. Steve, his wife and two daughters have lived in Rochester since April of 1989.

Mandy Eggert
Human Resources Director
Mandy has been a behavior therapist for over five years. After college, she began working and training with Jon at the Wisconsin Early Autism Project. This was her introduction to working with children with autism, and after falling head over heels in love with the kids, she knew she was in it for the long haul! She has over four years of experience as a supervisor in two center-based programs, including RCA. "Working in the field of autism has taught me patience, as well as how to use my imagination. This is, by far, the most rewarding job I have ever had. I simply cannot imagine doing anything else." When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Adam, and their two sons, three-year old Carson, and four-month old James. She loves to travel, and also enjoys walking, rollerblading, scrap booking, and shopping!!

Molly Hill
Program Supervisor
Molly began working with children with Autism in July of 2001 in a center-based facility. At the same time, she began working in the pediatric and adult bone marrow transplant unit as a Nursing Station Technician. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Psychology and became more interested in Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior. She was also interested in learning more about the home component of behavior therapy so she began working in a home-based program in May of 2003 until April of 2004. She has always loved working with people and she wanted to work in a profession where she could help kids learn while have fun. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time wither her family and playing games. She got married to her husband, Barry, in July of 2005. She usually spends time boating, golfing, bowling, snowboarding, and traveling when she has the opportunity. Her interest in traveling and other cultures has led her to Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Ireland, and Brazil where she spent a year as a foreign exchange student and became fluent in Portuguese. "Above all, I'm so excited to be working here at RCA. The kids amaze me all the time with the amount of progress they continue to make."

Katie Meyer
Katie has been a part of the team here at RCA since September of 2004. She loves being part of a program where she can help each child work towards accomplishing their goals on a daily basis. She graduated from Stewartville High School in 1998 and the University Center Rochester in 2000 with an Associate Degree as a Human Service Specialist with an emphasis on Developmental Disabilities. While going to college, she completed three internships including Whipple Heights Alternative School, PossAbilities of SE MN, and Pathway Home-Coed program. She has previously worked as a Personal Care Attendant and as a Recreation Therapy Program Leader through Adaptive Park and Rec. She and her husband, Nate, live in Stewartville, and they continue to be involved in Adaptive Recreation programs and Special Olympic coaching. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, scrap booking, traveling, and watching sports - especially when Nate is coaching. "I love my job! Working in this field is so rewarding and everyday is a new adventure. The kids and their families are awesome, and I look forward to sharing in their success."

Kelli Meyer
Kelli has been with RCA since June of 2004. She is a 2003 graduate of Bethel College and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She also has hopes to pursue a graduate degree in the same field in the near future. Her previous work experience includes assisting in a preschool setting and many years of child care, three of which include care of a young child with ADHD. She was also a Developmental Trainee and Care Coordinator at Fraser Child and Family Center in Minneapolis, which involved one-on-one therapy, training and overseeing staff. She really enjoys music, fishing, camping, participating in and watching sports, and spending time outside. "When I first interviewed at RCA, I fell in love with the center. In my time spent here, I have loved working with all of the kids and seeing the progress that they have made. Playing and working with them all day puts a smile on my face. I can't wait to go to work each day and see what the kids will do and watch them grow. It's wonderful to be a part of their lives."

Kristen Helfer
Kris has been with RCA since August of 2004. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Winona State University. Her experience ranges from working two years in a home for children with disabilities to a summer internship through PossAbilities Youth Recreation. Kris was also the JETS Special Needs Gymnastics coach. Kris is married and has a beautiful little boy, Benjamin. Kris enjoys playing with her son, scrap booking, and reading. "I have worked with children with ASD at my internship and found out about RCA through a parent. I have always enjoyed working with children and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to continue! I love seeing the children progress every day! They are fantastic!

Sara Miller
Sara recently graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She has a B.A.S. in Psychology and minored in Sociology. For the last two years she has worked in three different companies with adults with disabilities. She worked with a range of different needs, but her favorite part of the job was putting smiles on the faces of the residents.

She just finished her last semester of school in Perth, Australia. She was fortunate enough to get to see the east and west coasts while she was there, as well as spending two weeks touring around New Zealand.

As a new mommy-to-be, I look forward to learning from and building relationships with your children.

"I am very excited for a change of pace to be working with kids. I’m, sure I will learn much from the kids, while hopefully teaching them some things as well."

Adam Will
Adam graduated from Luther College in 2006 with a B.A. in Psychology. He fist learned of the Rochester Center for Autism from a friend at school who had recently finished an internship. It sounded like such a blast that he decided to intern here in January of 2006. He immediately fell in love with the kids and the atmosphere of learning, compassion, and growth. In his free time, he enjoys playing games, reading, and ultimate Frisbee.

Ben Thornton
Ben has been at RCA since August of 2005. He has worked with children for the last four years as a personal attendant, a paraprofessional, and a Behavior Therapist. Ben graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He also has a minor in Community Psychology. His future will be devoted to treating those with autism and other developmental delays. He wants to continue to learn about the vast spectrum of autism. Ben lives in the wonderful city of Rochester, Minnesota. He has been married since November 2003 to his beautiful wife Jessica. In May of 2006 his daughter Nina was born. He likes spending time outdoors observing nature.

Ben enjoys listening to music, watching sports, and exploring technology. Ben prefers the color blue. He is a Sagittarius, but does not read horoscopes. If he could give one piece of advice to people it would be to "stop and smell the roses."

Allison Augustine
Allison graduated from Winona State University in 2005 with a BS in social work. Some of her favorite work was with the Incredible Years, Dinosaur School Project, where she worked with young children who have been diagnosed with various behavioral disorders. She recently relocated to Rochester from Milwaukee with her boyfriend, Chris. In Milwaukee, she worked as a manager for three group homes in the area. The work experiences that she have had with children have been some of the most fulfilling of her career! In her spare time she enjoys live music, travel, and volleyball. She can't wait for the new challenges and experiences that are in store!

Jenny Stewart
Jenny has been with RCA since May 2006 and absolutely loves it! She graduated from Saint Mary's University of MN with a B.A. in Psychology. During the past year she spend a lot of time nannying three young boys, and discovered that she really enjoyed working with children. She will be pursuing a Master's in School Counseling at Winona State in August 2006. After she earns her Master's, she hopes to work in elementary school and coach high school softball. "I am very excited to be a part of RCA, and look forward to watching and helping each and every child's progress."

Jennifer McNallan
Jennifer graduated from Elgin-Millville High School in 1996. She attended St. Cloud Technical College and graduated with a diploma in Child Development/Developmental Disabilities. She also attended RCTC and graduated with an AA in Human Services.

In December of 2005 she decided to move to Scottsdale, AZ. She worked for Value Options Inc. as a social worker for the mentally ill. In December of 2006 she decided to move back to Rochester, MN to be back home with her family.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her niece, nephew and twin sister. She also enjoy playing sports, skiing, horseback riding and spending time hanging out with my friends. She enjoys traveling around the world and hopes to travel to all 50 states and many foreign countries in her lifetime.

Linda Hanson
Linda began working at the Rochester Center for Autism in August of 2005. Linda has always enjoyed working with children since she worked for seven years as a special education bus driver and classroom paraprofessional in North Dakota. After Linda moved to Minnesota in 2000, she decided to go back to school and earn her teaching degree. Linda worked part time as a special education paraprofessional while she was going to school, and received her Elementary Education Degree from Winona State University in May of 2005. After receiving her teaching license, Linda worked for one year as a substitute teacher. When she first came to the Rochester Center for Autism, Linda immediately fell in love with the children and with the exciting work that was being done. "I feel my past experiences and training have been leading me to exactly this point. I have a son, daughter, two grandsons, and a granddaughter. I enjoy gardening, bicycling, bird watching, and especially, being a grandma!"

Liz Hoskins
Elizabeth grew up in Arlington, Iowa and graduated at Starmont High School in the spring on 1999. She then moved to Rochester to attend the Minnesota Bible College. From there, she started working with MR and MI clients in 1999 with REM River Bluffs as a staff member. Then, in 2001, she became a supervisor until May of 2006. Liz is married to Lewis Hoskins and is a mother of two, a five-year old boy named Lantz and a four-month old girl named Liberty. "I am working at RCA because I enjoy working with kids and love to make a difference in their lives. This job is very rewarding."

Meggan Sprout
Meggan has been with RCA since May 2006. She graduated from UW Eau Claire with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Family Studies. Meggan was introduced to the ABA method while in college and participated in a home-based program. After graduation, she worked with seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. She is excited to be working with children with autism again. Outside of work Meggan enjoys spending time with her husband, going to Bible studies, playing all kinds of sports and spending time with family and friends.

Nina Gooddale
Nina has been with RCA since March of 2005. She is a graduate of Wartburg College with a degree in Music Therapy/Music Education and spent six months at the Fairview Development Center. Nina has been a certified nursing assistant for four years and has gained many valuable experiences. She has also worked with children in several different areas and enjoyed it immensely! Nina enjoys playing piano, singing and being with family!

Lindsay Deling
Lindsay graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in December of 2006 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Family Social Science. She interned at RCA from May of 2006 to August of 2006, and now she's back because she couldn’t get enough!

She has worked at Rochester School Age Child Care for 4 1/2 years, and still currently works there a few hours a week. "I enjoy working with children, and I’m excited to be back to help your children learn and grow!"

Patrick Walsh
Pat has been with RCA since September of 2006. He is a graduate of Winona State University and holds a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication and minor in Marketing. Prior to coming to RCA he worked as a graphic designer, store manager, personal banker, and radio DJ. He was an after-school childcare program coordinator for seven years. "I came to RCA because I love playing with the people that act the age that I feel. The best part about working with children is their unfiltered honesty and emotion." When Pat is not at work, he enjoys being home with his wife, Heather, shooting pool, bowling, playing card games, and cheering on the Minnesota Wild. His motto for life is "I'll try anything twice!"

Sarah Myers
Sarah recently moved to Rochester after completing her B.A. in English at UW-Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She is hoping to continue my education with a master's degree in the next few years. As a tutor and mentor throughout college she is convinced that one-on-one work with a student is the most effective and rewarding - whether the student is a seven year-old with dyslexia, a college-age ESL student, or a child with Autism. She is excited to begin her work here and to work with younger children again. In her spare time she can be found teaching her birds new tricks, reading and hiking.

Michael Nett
Mike and his wife Kristi have two children, Natasha, age 7, and Alex, age 5. Originally, he grew up in Mankato, MN. He comes from a family of six brothers and four sisters, of which he is the youngest.

He went to college at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Before working with RCA he was employed by Ability Building Center. "Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I am honored to be here at Rochester Center for Autism."

Erin Thorpe
Erin Thorpe joined the RCA team in February of 2007.

She received my degree from the University of Colorado, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. During her five years in Boulder, she was a research assistant for both the Cognitive Development Center and the Institute for Behavioral Genetics. There, she worked on a variety of projects, from playing with kids, studying brain function and the development of cognition to studying twins with alcohol and substance addiction.

Since returning to Rochester, she has worked for Prairie River Home Health Care as a PCA for individuals with a variety of needs. "I love working with and helping children and am so excited to be here!"

Maria Slawson
Maria Slawson grew up in Rochester and graduated from Mayo High School. She then married her husband Gary and they moved to Millville, MN.

She worked in the Plainview School District for ten years and worked one on one with an Autistic child from grade one through eight. She then worked in the Rochester School District until she came to the Rochester Center For Autism in March of 2007. She has been around people with disabilities her whole life. Maria has a younger brother with a mental disability and she is a very active advocate for him.

In her spare time, Maria loves spending time with her husband, daughter, age 16, and son, age 10. They have a cabin in Northern Wisconsin and enjoy spending every free moment in the "Northwoods".

"I am so excited to be joining the team at RCA! I love working with children and watching them reach and go beyond their goals. There is no bigger reward than the sound of laughter!"

Shauna Silaggi
Shauna is originally from Illinois, but came to Minnesota in August 2002 for school at Winona State University. She graduated in May 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. For a year and a half she worked for Home and Community Options in Winona as a Personal Care Attendant. She fell in love with her job and what she was doing, which, in turn, landed her here at RCA, after she moved to Stewartville. Sarah enjoys anything that makes her laugh. She enjoys the company of her friends and family. She has two step brothers, two half sisters and one half brother who are the greatest!

She played volleyball in Junior High and High School and has played on several winter leagues in Winona. She loves muscle cars and going racing at a dirt track anywhere in the U.S. "I guess you could say I am a race fanatic!"

Ray Bissen
Ray Bissen is a 2007 graduate of Luther College. He graduated with a degree in Psychology and has a great interest for the field. He especially enjoyed taking courses in Learning Behavior, as well as Brain and Behavior, where he was first introduced to Autism.

He has always loved being around and working with children, and as the second oldest of six, he wasn’t exactly volunteered for the position! Growing up in a big family has taught him valuable lessons of patience and teamwork - lessons that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. Last summer Ray interned at Gerard Treatment Programs, a facility dedicated to helping adolescents with emotional and behavioral setbacks. The experience was very insightful, as he interacted with children who faced many challenges, including Autism. The time at Gerard heightened his interest for the whole spectrum of Autism and encouraged him to apply at RCA.

"I am so glad to be a part of the team here at the Rochester Center. I look forward to learning so much from everyone, staff and children alike!"

Rebecca Olson
Rebecca graduated from Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. The first time she had an encounter with Autism was in an Adaptive Physical Education Class at Luther. She got to play, help and teach three pre-school children with Autism. She had so much fun and learned a lot from working with them.

Some work experience she has had includes having worked for a year in a group home for disabled adults, and working at a local nursing home when she attended Luther. Outside of school and work she enjoys visiting with friends and family, playing with her nephew Ben, being outside and singing!

Jaclyn Stubstad
Jaclyn joined the RCA team in June 2007. She graduated from Bethel University in 2006 with a BA in Elementary Education. While attending college she also worked as a Youth Sports Instructor and Camp Leader. Additionally, she tutored Bethel students in Elementary Education math courses.

Since returning to Rochester, she has spent the last year working for the Rochester Public School District as a substitute teacher. This fall she hopes to begin a Masters Program in Special Education. "Working with children is something that I greatly enjoy, and I am excited about being a part of the RCA staff!"

Jennifer Davis
Jennifer joined RCA in September of 2007. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in December of 2006 with a Masters Degree in Social Work. She has worked with children in a variety of settings for the past five years, including a day treatment facility, camps, and as a personal care assistant. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, running, camping, and reading.

Liz Kappel
Liz is a 2005 graduate of Minnesota State University, Moorhead with a BA in Criminal Justice. Over the past six years, she has work with emotionally and behaviorally disturbed youth, individuals with developmental disabilities, and adults and children with autism. She is excited to use a fun environment and play skills as teaching tools! In her spare time, Liz enjoys spending time with friends, family and her two cats. She also looks forward to welcoming her first child in April of 2008!