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.

Molly Hill
Human Resources Director
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.

Katie has an Associate Degree as a Human Service Specialist with an emphasis on Developmental Disabilities. Prior to working at RCA, Katie was a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), a Recreation Therapist for adults and youth with special needs, a Special Olympic Coach, and she worked as an in-home ABA therapist for two children with autism in the Rochester area.

Katie lives in Stewartville with her amazing husband, Nate, and they have a wonderful little boy named Carson, who was born in May 2007. When not working, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, playing outside, 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 Branstad
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. Recently, she also began a graduate program in Marriage and Family therapy through St. Mary's University. Her previous work experience includes assisting in a preschool setting and many years of child care, including 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, scrapbooking, and spending time outside. Kelli married her husband Paul in April of 2008 and they are excitedly awaiting their first child in September of 2009.

"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."

Kris Helfer
Kris has been working for the Center since August 2005. She enjoys being a part of the "RCA Team" that helps each child achieve their utmost success. Kris graduated Winona State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Her experience ranges from two years at the children's home at Home and Community Options in Winona, an internship at PossAbilities Youth Recreation Program, being a JETS Special Needs Gymnastic Coach. During her time at RCA, she has taken on the role of the American Sign Language "guru." She enjoys the task of learning this second language and has taken and given several courses on the topic. Kris is married and has two fantastic boys, Ben and Tommy. She enjoys playing with her boys and watching them grow, scrapbooking their not-quite-every move, and helping to renovate her house.

"Watching the children grow and learn from day to day fills me with joy. I love to know that what I do everyday helps with their success, it means so much to touch their lives."

Sara Miller
My name is Sara Miller. I have been working at the center for two and half years, and am now Lead Therapist. Prior to working at the center, I worked as a Personal Care Assistant in a few different group homes for handicapped adults. I completed my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and studied abroad in Western Australia for my last semester of school. I studied in Perth on the West coast for five months, and was lucky enough to travel most of the East coast and New Zealand before returning home.

In 2007, I married my husband Justin Miller and welcomed our son Dillon to the family. I love being a mom and working with kids. Each day I learn something new, and there is never a dull moment when kids are involved. I work hard as a therapist to provide the best therapy that I can for each child. It is so rewarding to see a child learn a new skill that I helped to teach them. Smiles on the kids faces really make this job worth while, along with a great team of coworkers!

In my spare time I love to camp, go for walks, cook, and spend time with friends and family. We will be welcoming our newest member of the family this December when Dillon becomes a big brother! My husband and I are excited to see what is in store for us with two kids and puppy. Life will be a little busier, but we can't wait.

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."

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."

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!

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!"

Ray Bissen
My name is Ray Bissen. I am 24 years old and I have been a part of the Rochester Center for Autism team since June of 2007. Before that time I graduated from Luther College with a degree in Psychology. One of my favorite classes was "Brain and Behavior" which sparked my interest for Autism and ultimately led me to the center!

I love working with and being around children. I have learned so much during my time here, and I always enjoy learning something new each day. It is wonderful to interact with these children and I hope to continue in this area for a long time!

When I'm not at the center, I enjoy spending time with my fiance Amy. We are getting married this summer and are very excited for the big day! I also enjoy many different types of music. I play in a band with my brothers as well as another band from the area.

I am very proud to be a part of RCA! It is a place full of great people (kids and adults alike)!

Jaclyn Stubstad
I joined the RCA team in June 2007. It has been a great experience working with kids at the Center, and I enjoy being able to watch them make consistent progress through the curriculum goals! I graduated from Bethel University in 2006 with a BA in Elementary Education. While attending college I also worked as a Youth Sports Instructor and Camp Leader. Additionally, I tutored Bethel students in Elementary Education math courses and worked for Prairie River Home Care. When not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love to play sports and travel to warm destinations! A goal for the future would include going back to school to earn a Masters Degree in Special Education.

Beth Cosby
My name is Elizabeth Cosby and I grew up in St. Charles, MN. I worked at various retail positions until finding great joy working with TBI, MR and MI women at REM River Bluffs. Within a few months I became Program Coordinator. I took some time off with the birth of my second child, Connor, now 1. I also have a daughter named Lydia, who is 5. I joined RCA in April 2008. The kids, along with the atmosphere to teach and learn, make this an amazing place to work.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my children and husband, Carl. I also love museums, plays, concerts and sports (playing and watching.)

Hannah Mulholland
My name is Hannah Mulholland and I joined the Rochester Center for Autism team in May 2008. I graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a BA in Psychology in May of 2008. I grew up in Preston, MN and am happy to have returned to Minnesota. During my undergraduate studies I interned in a boy's rehabilitation program and a county hospital. I have a passion for children with Autism and love helping them to increase their communication skills. I began earning my Masters of Social Work through the University of Minnesota in September 2008. I'm enjoying being a newlywed and I'm also a huge football fan, especially of the Minnesota Vikings!

Alyssa Winslow
My name is Alyssa Winslow. I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 2008 with a BA in elementary education with specialization in math. While going to college I worked as a tutor, with summers spent in Rochester working for PossAbilities, and as a program leader for Adaptive Park and Rec.

In my spare time I enjoy running, running, and more running!

I am excited to be working at RCA. Someday I hope to get my masters in special education.

Lizzie Mangan
My name is Elizabeth (Lizzie) Mangan. I graduated from UW-River Falls in May of 2003 with a BS in English. Following graduation I worked as a Program Coordinator/Teacher at a private preschool in Edina, MN. I loved working with the children there and watched them develop new skills and new relationships.

I have recently relocated back to my home town of Rochester and when I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends biking or being outdoors.

Ana Braun
My name is Ana Braun and I am a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, Duluth, with a degree in Applied Science. My major was Psychology and I hope to continue expanding my education. I grew up in Rochester and graduated from Lourdes High School in 2004. I moved back to Rochester with my fiancé, Andy, to be closer to our families. Andy and I spend our weekends with friends, family and our puppy, Arthur.

I am also planning our May 2009 wedding, which is turning out to be quite an adventure! I love working with children and am thrilled to be able to do so at RCA.

Michelle Amiot
My name is Michelle Amiot and I graduated in 2006 from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a degree in Social Work. Over the past few years I have had the privilege of working with children and adults with varying developmental disabilities and am very excited to join the team at the Rochester Center For Autism.

Mandy Ball
Hi, my name is Mandy Ball. I attended high school in St. Charles, MN. After high school I moved to Rochester to pursue my dream of being able to work with children. I attended RCTC and received a degree in Child Development in May of 2006. I was a preschool teacher at Knowledge Beginnings for a year. After that I took my first nanny position with four month old triplets.

I have spent the last year and a half working for a local company as an hour supervisor and program coordinator for group homes. I am also a First Aid and CPR Instructor. I have a passion working with children. It's a great feeling knowing that I am making a difference in someone's life.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends!

Amanda Lacek
Hi there! My name is Amanda Lacek. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2005 with a BBA in Marketing and a Certificate in Business Communications. While in college, I worked for the S.A.C.C. program before and after school. I was also a nanny during my time off in the summer. I have always enjoyed being around children. Since I graduated I have had various jobs related to Marketing and was a buyer for the Rochester Public Schools. In all my jobs, I have loved any contact I have had with children. So, I am very excited to have contact with children every day in my new position at RCA!

As a Rochester native, I was very excited to learn that we have a Center geared specifically towards Autism. I am excited to get to know these kids better!

Lisa Hanson
My name is Lisa Hanson and I joined RCA in December 2008.

I earned a BA in Christian Education from Crossroads College in 2000.

I have worked with children with Autism for many years. I have done behavior therapy in homes and have worked as a paraprofessional with children with Autism. I also spent three years as a Head Teacher in a Day Care. I enjoy working with children and find it greatly rewarding!

I look forward to many more years.

Lenae Bonnema
My name is Lenae Bonnema and I recently graduated Dec 8, from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa with a BA in psychology. Living in Rochester is a new adventure for me, because I grew up fifteen miles from my college and lived in North West Iowa my whole life. I did spend one semester during college in London, where I had an internship at a Children's Center. I worked in the Center's nursery school, spending time with 3-5 year olds, focusing on developmental skills.

My interest in working with kids with Autism started in the summer of 2008 when I worked with two kids with Autism in my hometown doing respite care for a local organization.

I have always loved working with kids and am very excited to be working at RCA!

Sara Nethercut
My name is Sara Nethercut. I joined the Rochester Center for Autism team in February 2009. I graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN in May of 2008 with a BA in psychology. I was lucky enough to complete my degree in 3½ years including a semester in York, England.

I have been working with children for years, including daycare, tutoring and working with children on the Autism Spectrum at Fraser Child and Family Center in Minneapolis. I currently live in Chatfield, MN, which is right in between work and play (Lanesboro, MN).

I adore watching children learn and grow and seeing their faces light up when they make new discoveries!

Tony Canfield
My name is Tony Canfield. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in December of 2008 with a BA in Psychology and Criminology. I was born and raised here in Rochester where I attended Lourdes High School and graduated in 2004. I enjoy working with children and adolescents of all ages and absolutely love making them laugh! I interned at a residential facility in Duluth where I worked with older teen-age boys.

In my spare time I enjoy playing guitar, reading and golf.

Stephanie Reneson
Hi! My name is Stephanie Reneson and I joined the RCA team in March of 2009. I grew up in Rochester, MN, but have also lived in Morgan Hill, CA and Cedarville, OH. I received a BA in psychology and Sociology in 2007 from Winona State University. I am currently working on my MS degree in community counseling at Winona State University. I love working with people, but especially kids! I worked as a nanny for four years and at the Adaptive Park and Recreation Department, since September of 2000, helping kids and adults with development disabilities. I have also been able to help with Special Olympics and it has been great! I love to make a difference in the lives of others.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I like to paint, hike, run, and just be outside. I have two great cats, one dog, and a lot of fish. I look forward to meeting you!

Heather Robinson
My name is Heather Cole and I just moved to Rochester this past September. I went to Winona State and majored in Social Work. I received my License and worked in Winona at Home and Community Options four and a half years working with teens with disabilities. Most recently my Rochester job had me working with an elderly woman with diabetes and dementia.

I also like doing a variety of activities such as: hiking, being with friends, Arts and Crafts, music, going on walks, road trips and many other things!

Brytnie Carolan
My name is Brytnie Carolan. I started work at RCA in April 2009. I spent 3 years studying Exercise from BYU-Idaho with a B.S. in Health Sciences and Communications. I have worked as a group home supervisor in Idaho, recreational therapist and Special Olympics Coach in Iowa. I moved to Austin, MN two years ago when I got married and worked as a MHP and CTSS worker for Cedar House. I enjoy running, scrap booking, playing the piano, camping, fishing and hiking.

Alex Hampel

Amanda Hageman

Ashley Kaspar

Ashley Agenten

Corie Coe

Crystal Henslin

Darrell Fritzel

Sehee Fritzel

James Rechs

Kayla Risler

Liz Chutka

Matthew Talmadge

Mary Reiter

Meggan Sprout

Melissa Fitzgerald

Molly Walters

Thea Flinn

Vicki Volden