Meet the Team
Dedicated & Certified
Anne
M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner and Founder, Speech-Language Pathologist
Anne attended Marquette University for her undergraduate degree and obtained a Master's degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. While starting a family, Anne continued to work part-time across a variety of settings, including schools, skilled nursing facilities, home-based settings, and outpatient clinics. From this varied experience, Anne learned that the most meaningful aspect of work is connection to families, whether the client being served is a child or an adult.
Anne lives in the Highland Park neighborhood with her husband and three children; her oldest attends college in Chicago. Clients at The Therapy SP/OT may occasionally meet the family pet, a four pound teacup Yorkshire Terrier named Noah. Three of Anne's four children have received both occupational therapy or speech therapy services, solidifying for the Nelesen family the absolute need for talented and caring practitioners in this area.
Alex
M.A, CCC-SLP
Owner and Founder, Speech-Language Pathologist
Alex earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She was drawn to the field of speech-language pathology for the opportunity to be part of children's growth in finding their voice. Alex has worked in a variety of pediatric settings and enjoys cultivating confidence in children with communicating their wants, needs, and ideas... all through play. She values being part of a strong team and collaborating across disciplines to provide the best possible care, fostering growth in all the clients she serves.
In her free time, Alex enjoys reading a book and any opportunity for live music. She teaches piano lessons on the side, where she gets to combine two loves: music and kids. Alex's lovable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Honey keeps her busy. Alex is currently pursuing adoption (solo!), working with an agency in the domestic infant adoption program. She is eager to share any new addition to her family with The Therapy SP/OT family!
Laura
COTA/L
Rehab Team Lead, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Laura’s passion for working as an occupational therapy assistant began at a young age. Using nature, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and other creative modalities, her passion for uplifting and encouraging the lives
closest to her began. Prior to getting her license in occupational therapy, Laura worked in group homes, day programs, senior centers, and in homes to provide care to a diverse population within the Twin Cities. After graduating from Anoka Technical College in 2015, Laura has found her calling working with children and their families using personalized care to cater to child-centered skill development and independence in a fun, creative setting. Laura lives in St. Paul with her husband John and son Jay.
Colee
MOTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Colee is a gopher-alum fanatic, graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, coupled with minors in child psychology and family social science. She received her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she participated in a diverse range of settings, including adult day treatment, orthopedics, and the lifestyle setting at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Colee spent additional time in the brain and spinal cord unit at Courage Kenny, yet she continued to yearn for pediatrics, stemming from prior experience in special education, as a personal care assistant, and from clinical work. She is inspired by the enthusiasm, curiosity, and imagination of children, and loves to find creative, child and family-centered fun that fosters growth and independence!
Emily
MOTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Emily graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Elementary Education. She then attended graduate school for occupational therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Emily has a variety of experience with children, from working in parks and recreation children's programs as her first job, to leading a cooking club for teens with down syndrome, and completing her fieldwork in the outpatient and inpatient settings of Shriners Children’s hospital. Prior to joining The Therapy SP/OT she worked in a pediatric outpatient setting.
Emily has found joy through play across her life via creating imaginative worlds with friends, building forts in the woods, running around during capture the flag. She now channels that joy into teaching kids how to rock climb at a local gym, and of course every day in her occupational therapy sessions with kids! Emily believes in the power of play, and strong connections, as well as the intrinsic motivation these bring, to help kids do what they need and want to do throughout their day to day lives!
Emily enjoys being active throughout all the seasons in Minnesota, whether that be running, hiking, rock climbing, ice skating, or nordic skiing. She also likes to spend time playing board games, and attempting to get a question right at trivia with her friends.
Kaylin
M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kaylin holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, and a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota. Her journey into the world of speech therapy was influenced by a chance encounter in high school. After a sports injury, she found herself taking an adapted PE class, where she struck up a friendship with a charming girl. This young friend introduced her to the array of therapies she attended during the week, highlighting how her speech therapist played a pivotal role in understanding and assisting her.
Kaylin's professional and personal experiences have deeply connected her to the profound impact of speech therapy. This passion and understanding have driven her to make a positive difference in the lives of those she serves. As a dedicated speech-language pathologist, Kaylin's commitment to her clients has earned her praise from many families who have benefited from her expertise.
Kaylin was raised in the suburbs of Chicago, but after attending the University of Minnesota for graduate school, she decided to make Minnesota her new home. Kaylin now lives in South Minneapolis with her husband, Eric, their son, Jeremiah, and their beloved puppers, Nellie. In her free time, Kaylin enjoys quality time with friends and family as well as playing volleyball year-round.
Taryn
M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Taryn has always loved working with children and knew from a young age that her career would involve supporting kids and families. She discovered the field of speech-language pathology on a chance encounter in high school, and while observing a pediatric speech therapist thought “You can be paid to do this?!” From that moment on, she was set on this career. Taryn holds Bachelor’s degrees in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Spanish from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!). She received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Taryn is passionate about meeting children where they are, working alongside families to foster growth, and using play to support the development of children’s communication skills. She believes in the power of connection and the importance of creating an environment where kids feel safe and heard.
When she’s not at The Therapy SP/OT, Taryn enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends, family, and her puppy Phoebe.
Maddie
COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Maddie graduated from St. Catherine University in 2019 receiving her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. During her clinicals, Maddie quickly discovered her passion for helping others of all ages and abilities. Maddie started her career in the Skilled Nursing setting, though always felt drawn to working with children. Maddie intends to be a positive influence and provide client- and family-centered care through play and creativity. Maddie is also the Head Coach for the Roseville Area High School Gymnastics team. Using her skills as a therapist, Maddie brings awareness to the mind and body connection. Maddie is devoted to giving back to her community and making an impact. When she's not at The Therapy SP/OT or coaching, you can find her spending time with friends and family, traveling, or staying active.
Michelle
COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Michelle is an Occupational Therapy Assistant with years of experience in a variety of fields relating to OT. Before going back to school for OT, Michelle fulfilled an enlistment in the Air Force, worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Personal Care Assistant, and provided care and support to individuals in group homes. While attending St. Catherine's OTA program, she worked as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher for ISD 917. Prior to joining The Therapy SP/OT team, she worked as a COTA in the mental health field. Michelle also has Bachelor’s degree in Business & Political Science from Bethel University. Through her many life experiences, Michelle has discovered there is intrinsic value in working with individuals with all different needs in every environment. Michelle loves working with kids and their families because she feels early intervention can be key in helping people reach their highest potential.
In her spare time Michelle loves spending time with her family and friends, doing DIY projects and just playing outside: gardening, hiking, paddle boarding, skiing or running. She lives in Inver Grove Heights with her two energetic rambunctious dogs who also demand much of her free time.
Heather
Administrative Assistant
Heather is a Physical Therapist by training and has been a friend and supporter of The Therapy SP/OT since long before its inception! Seeking a change from the hospital setting and the therapist role, she is now a valued member of the SP/OT team.
Heather lives in New Brighton with her husband and three children.
Keanna
Rehabilitation Assistant
Nia
Administrative Assistant
Keanna is currently in the doctor of occupational therapy program at St. Catherine University and will graduate in 2025. As a dual-degree student, she will also obtain her Bachelor's degree in psychology in 2023. She has worked for The Therapy SP/OT since the spring of 2019 when she began volunteering a few days a week. Now, she supports our therapists as a rehabilitation aide.
Keanna was raised in Appleton, Wisconsin but has lived in the Highland Park neighborhood since starting college at St. Catherine University in 2019. In her free time, Keanna enjoys hiking, backpacking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends.
Nia Kumi is a student at the University of St. Thomas studying Entrepreneurship, Marketing Management and Data Analytics! A real busy bee! She loves kids and hope to put a smile on everyone's face when they walk through the doors of Therapy SP/OT!
When Nia Kumi isn't at work she really loves reading and talking walks around the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood!