Staff

Jon Sailer

Program Director

jonsailer@rcautism.com

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

mollykhill@rcautism.com

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

Lead Supervisor/Lead Therapist

katiemeyer@rcautism.com

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

Program Supervisor/Lead Therapist

kellibranstad@rcautism.com

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 with a minor in Communications.  She has also recently started to pursue a Masters Degree 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, 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.  This involved one-on-one therapy and training and overseeing staff, while working with children with Autism.  She was married in 2008 and she and her husband, Paul, have a little girl named Sophia.

She loves spending as much time with her family as possible, watching her daughter grow and experience new things.   She also enjoys music, scrap-booking, fishing, camping, sports, and spending time outside.

“When I first interviewed at RCA, I fell in love with the center.  In my time spent here at RCA, I have loved working with all of the kids and seeing the progress that they have made, playing and working with them puts a smile on my face all day long.  I love to go to work each day and see what the kids will do and watch them grow.  It’s amazing to be a part of their lives and their learning!”

Kris Helfer

Communication Coordinator/Lead Therapist

krishelfer@rcautism.com

Kris has been working for the Center since August 2004. 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."

Ben Thornton

Lead Therapist

benthornton@rcautism.com

Ben has been at RCA since August of 2005.  He has worked with children for last ten years as a personal care attendant, a paraprofessional and a Behavior Therapist.  Ben graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Community Psychology.   His professional future will be devoted to treating those with autism and other developmental delays.  He wants to continue to learn about Autism and how to effectively teach students that have it.  Ben lives in Pine Island, MN.  He has been married since November of 2003 to his beautiful wife Jessica.  He has three daughters (Nina, Vic and Addy) and a couple of cats (Sylvester and Billy).  

Ben enjoys listening to music, watching sports, and exploring technology. Ben prefers the color blue. He is a Sagittarius, but does not read horoscopes. One thing he really tries to do is live in the moment.  There is peace in every step!

Ray Bissen

Lead Therapist

raybissen@rcautism.com

Ray has been a part of the Rochester Center for Autism team since June of 2007. Before that, he graduated from Luther College with a degree in Psychology. One of his favorite classes was "Brain and Behavior" which sparked his interest for Autism and ultimately led him to the center!

He loves working with and being around children. He has learned so much during his time at RCA, and always enjoys learning something new each day. He thinks it is wonderful to interact with these children and hopes to continue in this area for a long time!

When he is not at the center, he enjoys spending time with his wife Amy and son Zach. He also enjoys many different types of music and plays in a band with his brothers and 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 Burton

Student Intake Coordinator/Lead Therapist

jaclynburton@rcautism.com

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, Jaclyn tutored Bethel students in Elementary Education math courses and worked for Prairie River Home Care. When not working, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys playing sports and traveling to warm destinations! She is currently back in school and working to earn a Masters Degree in Special Education. "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!"

Amanda Lacek

Lead Therapist

amandalacek@rcautism.com

Amanda has been a part of the RCA team since December 2008. She enjoys learning more about autism every day. It is so amazing to watch each child make advances in their own way. Everyday a child makes her smile or laugh. Knowing that she makes a difference in even one child's life is most important.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also likes reading, working out, gardening, spending time with her dog (Oscar), and vacationing at her family cabin. She has been married to her husband (Chris) for just over 5 years and they are expecting their first child at the end of December. As a Rochester native, she is proud to be a part of a business whose first priority is the child. 

Ashley Agenten

Lead Therapist

ashelyagenten@rcautism.com

Ashley joined RCA in May of 2009. In the prior six years, she enjoyed working as a behavior therapist providing in home therapy to children with autism. She looks forward to working in the center based program and utilizing all of the resources at the center.  She loves working in this field and with the children. "Seeing the progress that children make in an ABA program is truly amazing and gives me the desire to go to work."

In 2003, she graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. In 2004, she married her husband Dan and they built their home together in Goodhue, which is where she currently resides. 

Not only does she love working with children, she also love being a Mom to her two children Avy and Cameron. In her spare time she likes to go for walks, cook, spend time at her family cabin and snuggle and play with her children.  "I look forward to working at RCA, meeting all of the wonderful students and making a difference in the lives of the children!"

James Rechs, LICSW

James Rechs is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. He has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Grinnell College in Iowa. He works part-time at RCA and has been a part of the RCA team for over three years (2006-2007 and 2009-2010). His roles at RCA have included direct therapy with students, starting the social skills group, helping facilitate the parent support group, and completing diagnostic assessments for RCA students. James also works part-time as a Child/Family Psychotherapist in Zumbrota, MN and was an Elementary School Social Worker for two years. James enjoys raising his two children and loves to play guitar in his spare time.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

I graduated from Winona State in 2006 with a degree in Social Work. I also obtained my Social Work license the following year. Throughout college I worked at a resource home for teens and young adults with disabilities. After college, I did supervisory work at the home for over two years. I moved back to Rochester in September 2008. Before working at the Rochester Center for Autism, I worked one-on-one with an elderly woman who has dementia and diabetes. In April 2009, I joined the Rochester Center for Autism team. I have loved getting to know my fellow coworkers and working one-on-one with students. Outside of ABA therapy, I teach art classes at the center, work with the parent support group, and enjoy being involved in other groups and events at the center. Outside of RCA I like cooking, baking, reading, crafting, nature, and being with my friends and family.

Amanda Hageman

I joined the RCA team in September 2009.  I graduated from Winona State University in 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. I have a passion for helping others in need and have had a variety of experience.  I have worked with adults and children with developmental disabilities, TBI and mental illness and have even worked as a case manager for the elderly. I have always had a special place in my heart for working with children and am ecstatic to be joining the Rochester Center for Autism, so that I may continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

In my spare time, I like to read, go for walks and spend time with my family.  I also hope to go back to school to get my Master’s degree in Social Work or a field closely related to developmental disabilities.

Crystal Henslin

I have been with RCA since October 2009.  I am a graduate of UW-LaCrosse with a BS in Psychology. I absolutely love working with children with special needs and have been doing it for over ten years. I have a background in Applied Behavior Analysis and have seen unbelievable outcomes through this teaching!

My husband, Andy, and I recently moved back to the area from Minneapolis with our adorable son, Wilfred (who just turned 2). We are expecting his baby brother or sister at the end of May! We have made the big move from the city back to the farm and are really enjoying it! 

I currently teach a group called "Team Time" at RCA and enjoy helping expand the the children's knowledge on a different topic each month.

Meggan Sprout

I originally started working at RCA in 2006, but for the last year and a half have been at home with our son, Lucas.  I’m very excited to be back and helping make a difference in the lives of children.

I graduated from U.W. Eau Claire with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Family Studies.  My husband, Kyle and I were married in 2004 and have been living in Rochester ever since.  Prior to working at RCA I was an Assisted Living Supervisor at a home for residents with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  We welcomed our son in 2008, and my life has not been the same!

I love to spend time with family and friends, being active in our church, participating in Bible Studies, playing volleyball, spending time at the Lake and of course, playing and watching my little one grow up.

Molly Walters

I graduated in May 2010 from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN, where I was born and raised, with a B.A. in Elementary Education. I’ve been a Personal Care Attendant for a young boy with Autism for seven years. He has influenced my career in so many different ways and I have learned to grow from him.

I come from a well-oriented family that’s always on the go. I have a younger brother, Jeff, who is twenty and we are both heavily active in sports. I competed in volleyball and softball I high school and still continue to be involved. In my spare time, I like to read, hang out with friends and family, camp, be outdoors and try something new.

I’m very excited to be part of the RCA team and to help enrich the lives of students, and I know they will teach me a thing or two as well.

Thea Flinn

I grew up in Northern Illinois and graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Psychology. After graduating college I worked at a Residential Treatment Center in Illinois.  I then moved to Washington State where I worked with children and then later became part of the management team. After 10 years, I transferred to Minnesota where I could be closer to my family.

I am very excited to part of the Rochester Center for Autism team! I have worked with children for over twenty years and love making a positive difference in their lives. In my spare time, I love to camp, take pictures and be around family and friends.

Casey Yelfimov

My husband and I moved from Indianapolis, Indian to Rochester in May of 2010. I joined RCA in the fall of 2010 and excited to be part of the team.

I attended Purdue University where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. My job throughout college was working as an In-Home Care Provider for children with disabilities. I then worked as a paraprofessional for three years in a severe disabilities life skills classroom at a middle school.

I truly enjoy working with children and excited to be here at RCA.

Edie Koch

I am a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor degree in Child Psychology. I am extremely excited to be joining the team here at Rochester Center For Autism.

I am originally from Wisconsin (Go Packers!!) and my family and I have been greatly involved in a summer camp for people with various disabilities for the past twelve years. This is where my passion for working with children with Autism began.

I live for spending time with my nieces and nephews.  I love meeting new people and watching and playing just about any sport.

Kevin McClure

I have been living in Rochester area now for the past 6 years. I am married to my lovely wife Andrea, and we have two beautiful sons named Caiden (2 and 1/2 years) and Caellum (6 months). My family is the joy of my life.

I have a B.A. in Psychology and have recently completed a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University. My internship for my degree was done at the Autism Society of Minnesota in St. Paul where I worked with individuals with ASD and/or their families and caregivers. This is what led me to the Rochester Center For Autism. This has been a wonderful opportunity for me and am loving working here, as I am also working on completing my licensing for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Rhonda Becker

I just moved to Minnesota from Illinois this past August. I went to Waubonsee to study Early Childhood and Developmental Psychology in hopes to soon receive my Masters in Psychology Counseling.

I received my Paraprofessional license in 2008 and have worked with children

with Autism ever since. I love working with children! I also enjoy camping, music, traveling, art, anything that involves the outdoors! I also play the guitar and love working with technology.

Stephanie Schmidt

I am a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse where I received my BA in Psychology. I love working with kids of all ages. Over the past few years, I have worked for the YMCA’S child care center, School Age Child Care and The Family and Children’s Center’s Alternative Education Program.

In my spare time I like to stay active and enjoy many outdoor activities as well as dancing. I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life and working here at Rochester Center for Autism.

Merrick Mitchell

I am from Rochester and a graduate of Century High School. I lived in St. Paul while attending St. Thomas and graduated with a B.A. in psychology. For a semester in college I volunteered at the Minneapolis Senior Skyway Center where I interacted with seniors, assisted the director, and kept the center organized.

After college, I moved back to Rochester. I currently volunteer at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital with the Department of Child Life. At the hospital I read books and participate in arts and crafts with children.

My hobbies include bicycling, snowboarding, and skateboarding.

Steve Castro

I have been at RCA as a volunteer since February 2010.  I am currently attending Winona State University with my Master in Psychology and a Minor in Computer Technology.  I plan to graduate in Spring of 2011. I moved to Rochester with my wife, Sheryl and three wonderful kids, Austin, Aleyna and Kei from Hawaii after completing a 20 year career in the Navy. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and outdoor sports. I and looking forward to working with kids and learning from the RCA family!

Dawn Paschke

I joined RCA in August of 2010. I grew up in Blue Earth, MN. In my spare time, I love to camp, and spend time with my son and my two granddaughters. I have lived in Stewartville for nine years. I am very happy to be part of the RCA team.

Jenny Kruse

Hello!  My name is Jenny Kruse; my husband Scott and I live on the outskirts of Rochester with our Golden Retriever, Ari.  I am a Neurologic Music Therapist and provide music therapy services to autistic and developmentally disabled children and adults here at RCA and other places in and around Rochester through my business, Jenny Kruse Music Therapy, LLC.

In my free time, I sing as a member of the Choral Arts Ensemble, and play percussion and saxophone in the Rochester Community Band.  To keep things interesting, I’m planning on taking up horseback riding lessons this year.

I am originally from small-town Wisconsin but left my home for my education.  I first went to Minnesota where I received a BA in music and psychology from St. Olaf College.  While I was there, I was a member of many ensembles including the St. Olaf Band and the Chapel Choir.  After graduation and a summer working as a construction laborer, I went on to the University of Iowa where I completed my Equivalency and MA in Music Therapy.  During my time there, I had the fun experience of being in a Steel Pan Ensemble and of learning some African drumming techniques.

I believe that music can be an effective tool for facilitating development, rehabilitation, learning, communication, relaxing, socializing, and having fun.

Paige Turri

I am currently entering my senior year of my undergrad degree at Crossroads College in Rochester, MN.  I am majoring in Counseling/Psychology.  I am fulfilling my internship requirement at Rochester Center for Autism during the summer of 2011, and I am so excited to start! In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, reading, and spending time with my family and friends. I can’t wait to be a staff member at RCA!

Kelli Reuter

I joined RCA in May of 2011.  I am originally from Marshalltown, Iowa and recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls with a degree in Biology. My now 17 year old brother was diagnosed with Autism 9 years ago, and during my time at UNI I babysat twin boys with Autism.*  I absolutely love spending time and working with children with special needs and look forward to being able to do just that everyday!

I moved up to Rochester in early May and am having fun getting to know the area. In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with my friends, family and boyfriend, Dave. Autism has been a part of my daily life since I was 14, and it only took me 5 long years of college to figure out that I wanted to work with children on the spectrum for a living!

Beth Duff

I recently moved to Rochester in July of 2011, and joined RCA that same month!  I graduated from Truman State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Art’s in History and again in 2011 with a Master’s degree in Special Education.

I have worked with children with special needs in a variety of settings, including in-home, in the classroom, and at summer camp. I love working with children of all ages!

Faiza Hajiomar

I grew up in Rochester, MN.  I moved to Winona, MN to go to WSU to study Psychology, Sociology and Child Advocacy Studies. I love working with people, especially kids.  I’ve worked with adults and kids with developmental disabilities throughout my high school and college years. I’m excited to be part of the Rochester Center for Autism.  I look forward to meeting new people.

In my free time I like to spend it with family and friends.  I love to travel and I recently got back from a trip to Europe and Africa and it was an amazing trip!

Kelly Hill

I joined RCA in September 2011.  I am from Harmony and happy to be back after spending a year in the cities. I graduated from Bemidji State University in 2009 with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in preprimary education.

Since graduation I have been a member of AmeriCorps LEAP and have been a substitute teacher.  I came to RCA because of the joy I found substituting in ASD classrooms.  Along with being at RCA, I also teach School Readiness at Fillmore Central. In my spare time I enjoy running, reading, scrapbooking and just about anything to keep me busy!

Sam Restad

I was born and raised here in Rochester.  I graduated fro RCTC in 2009 with an Associates Degree in Human Services, which gave me a well-rounded knowledge in mental health, physical disability, and chemical dependency.

I started at RCA in June 2011 and I am thrilled to be here.  Prior to coming to RCA I worked as a Special Education Para at Ben Franklin Elementary and at Rochester Park and Rec. where I was an adaptive Swim coach and the assistant troop leader for Rochester Adaptive Girl Scout Troop.

In my free time I enjoy boating with my family, camping with friends and spending time with my boyfriend Justin and our dogs Boomer and Marley.

I look forward to meeting you and your child and to start creating some wonderful experiences here at RCA!

Ryan Belonga

I’ve been with RCA since February of 2011.  I’m originally from Wisconsin where I attended UW-Stout and received my BA in Psychology.  Since graduating in 2003 I’ve volunteered my time working at Elementary School and after school programs for Children’s Mental Health Services until starting here at RCA.

In an attempt to improve my knowledge and understanding of what working with children in the Autism Spectrum entails I also take a few graduate level courses in Applied Behavior Analysis.  My current aspirations include obtaining Board Certification as an Assistant Behavior Analyst and improving my abilities and skills to more effectively help children within the Spectrum. 

Wole Adebayo

I graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a BA in Psychology. I learned about RCA from a friend who works here.  I started as an Assistant Teacher at the University of the Child before transferring over to RCA because I wanted a more one on one experience with the kids.

Ashely Waldron

I graduated from RCTC in 2009 with a Para Education Degree.  I worked with students with Autism for a year and a half.  I have also worked with students with developmental disabilities.

I love working with children.  My future goal is to become a Special Education Teacher.

Lisa Howard

I joined RCA in March 2011.  I graduated from Winona State University in 1991, with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work. I worked at Home and Community Options in Winona for 18 years with adults and children with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.  The last three years at HCO I worked in the Children’s Therapy program providing therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  It was there that I fell in love with this field and the children and families I worked with.  I am so blessed to be part of the RCA team and to have a career that I truly love.

I am happily married to my husband, Vince, and together we have six children who keep us very busy!  I enjoy playing piano and singing on our church’s worship team and also have a photography business on the side. 

Mary Reiter

I started working at the Rochester Center for Autism in the fall of 2006. 

I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Saint Mary’s University, and then continued on to earn my master’s degree and license in K-12 school counseling from Winona State University.

I have worked with a variety of students throughout multiple settings (center, in-home, and school) and enjoy watching students learn, grow, and achieve their highest potential. My passion is working with children and watching them succeed in all avenues of their lives.  I am excited to be part of the RCA team and eager to work with the students enrolled here!

Bram Ellenbecker

I attended RCTC then moved onto Mankato State University.

For the past few years I’ve worked with Autistic children.  I’m very excited to be joining the Rochester Center for Autism. Some of my hobbies include art, silversmithing and traditional Okinawan Karate.

Sylvia Andresen

I am a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato where I obtained a BS in Health Sciences. By chance I accepted a position in Mankato after college caring for 3 low functioning women with a non profit agency in a group home setting.  During the same time I worked in the Mankato School District as a paraprofessional, assisting children of all ages with special education needs.

Wanting to add to my professional experience I took a job under the Department of Human Services in the Rochester area at a Intermediate Care Facility, helping 6 vulnerable adults on a daily basis. My passion for children with special needs remained and I returned into the field by coming to RCA.

In my free time I enjoy working out, trying new restaurants, walks and reading.  Because my parents reside in Germany I add an annual visit each year, if possible.

Lenae Bonema

Sara Peterson

Melissa Heyrman

Brianna Crawford