Meet Our Staff

Speech Therapists

Kelly Jaeschke M.S. CCC/SLP

Kelly received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech-language pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has been working in the field since 1995. She started her career working with adults with developmental disabilities and has been working in pediatrics since 2000 and has been working with Functional Kids Clinic since 2007.

Areas of special interest include: literacy development, phonological processing, auditory processing, receptive/expressive language skills, pragmatic language development, and oral-motor skill development. She loves working in a multidisciplinary sensory clinic. Kelly has particular interest in the areas of bonding and attachment as she is the lucky mother of two amazing daughters who she adopted from China.

Melanie SanMiguel M.S. CCC/SLP

Melanie earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She started her career working for a non-for profit organization in Missouri and then worked in the Connecticut public school system for four years prior to joining the Functional Kids Clinic team in 2014.

Areas of special interest include: Phonological processing disorders, phonological awareness, expressive/receptive language disorders, early childhood language development and language development in culturally and linguistically diverse populations, fluency, and apraxia of speech.

During her free time, she enjoys being active (playing tennis, rock climbing, biking and traveling.

Kayla Stuart CCC/SLP

Kayla earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Communication Disorders and Sciences from the University of Oregon and her master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University. She joined Functional Kids Clinic in 2023.

Areas of special interest include: early childhood language development, receptive/expressive language disorders, pragmatic language development, AAC, cultural and linguistic diversity, and fluency.

During her free time Kayla enjoys reading, hanging out with her 2 Greyhounds, puzzles, crafting, and playing board games.

Chong Yang M.S., CCC/SLP

Chong earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Saint Cloud State University. She joined the Functional Kids team in the Summer of 2023. Chong is passionate about working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and collaborating with other therapists.

Areas of special interest include: expressive and receptive language, phonological disorders, early language development, and speech sound disorders

In her free time, Chong enjoys reading mystery novels, playing music, and doing DIY projects with her many nieces and nephews.

Thomas Brewer M.S., CCC/SLP

Thomas earned his Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Hearing Sciences from Minnesota State University Moorhead, followed by a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He finds fulfillment in collaborating with fellow professionals, and dedicating his expertise to working with individuals of all ages with a variety of conditions and disorders.

Areas of special interest include: dysphagia, cognition & memory, early childhood language development, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

Outside the realm of speech-language pathology, Thomas delights in spending time outdoors, immersing himself in the enchanting worlds of fantasy books (with a special nod to Brandon Sanderson), embarking on trips with his wife, and spending time with friends.

 

Occupational Therapists

Kris Worrell BS, OTR/L

Kris has been an occupational therapist since 1986 and can’t remember a time when she didn’t see the world through the filter of empowering, informing, and guiding others to be independent in their lives.

She graduated from the university of MN with her degree and started working with developmentally delayed adults for 2 years. This group of people is near her heart because she has a brother and an aunt who are developmentally delayed. Kris then shifted to a school job for 5 years where she saw the challenges kids faced fitting in the the large group model. She then worked for a pediatric clinic for 9 years before starting her own in 2001.

Kris loves the opportunity to dig beneath the surface of difficulties to try and find the core issues. Kris has been certified in RDI since 2010. This has enabled her to break down the steps to flexible thinking and development of empathy– very good things!

Krista Phelps MS, OTR/L

Krista received her bachelor’s degree at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD and received her master’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of Minnesota. She has been working in pediatrics since 2002, with a specialization in sensory integration.

Krista has been part of the Functional Kids Clinic team since she graduated from graduate school and has enjoyed watching the clinic and team grow.

Kara Schultz MA, OTR/L

Kara graduated from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN with a Master’s of Arts degree in Occupational Therapy. Kara has been employed at Functional Kids Clinic since 2005. She is currently working part time in the clinic and part time in a school based environment. Her post education and certification courses support her interests in sensory processing, postural development, body based strategies (CranioSacral, myofascial release), reflex integration and trauma informed care. Kara provides treatment interventions through a more holistic lens.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors and camping with her family, going to concerts and sports events, traveling and enjoying quality time with family and friends. Kara deeply loves engaging and learning from the children here at FKC and is devoted to promoting the highest level of functioning into their daily lives!

Laura Wier MS, OTR/L

Laura graduated from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Laura began working at Functional Kids Clinic in 2013 after completing a fieldwork rotation here. She enjoys empowering adults and children to be independent in their daily lives. Laura’s post education and certification courses include Sensory Processing Integration, Therapeutic Listening, Berard Auditory Integration Training, Primitive Reflex Integration, Craniosacral Therapy, and Trauma and Attachment.

In her free time, Laura enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Kandy Moen OTR/L

Kandy graduated from the University of Minnesota Program in Occupational Therapy in December of 1981. She has been practicing Occupational Therapy ever since. She has a special passion for children of all ages, and enjoys every opportunity to help clients reach their individual goals and maximum potential. Kandy has been with Functional Kids Clinic since 2014

Otherwise, she loves to laugh, enjoys improvising, loves animals, makes efforts at cooking, skiing, bicycling, sailing, and other small adventures.

Holly Brown BA, COTA/L

Holly graduated from the University of St. Thomas with Bachelor’s degrees in Music and Psychology in 2018. She then went on to receive her Associate of Applied Science degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from St. Catherine University.

Holly joined the Functional Kids Clinic team in 2021 after completing a fieldwork rotation here. She enjoys working with and empowering children of all ages to discover and develop their capabilities.

Holly enjoys exploring restaurants and adventures in the Twin Cities, spending time outside, learning a new creative hobby, making music, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Chrissy Vang MOT, OTR/L

Chrissy received her Bachelor of Arts in Rehabilitation Science from Arkansas Tech University and her Master of Occupational Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin. Chrissy joined the Functional Kids Clinic team in 2022. She enjoys working with children and helping them to promote independence and quality of life through the use of meaningful activities.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new foods, outdoor activities, listening to music, and playing volleyball.

Elizabeth Keagy COTA/L

Elizabeth graduated from Arapahoe community college in Littleton Colorado in 2001. Over the last 20 years, Elizabeth has worked in a variety of different settings including public schools for 12 years and home care for 8 years and all in pediatrics. Elizabeth has been at Functional Kids since 2022 and recently moved to Minnesota after living all her life in Colorado.

Areas of special interest include: Sensory integration, feeding therapy, assistive technology and animal assisted therapy.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves being around animals and has 7 pets (4 dogs and 3 cats) and is working towards making her Husky( Loki) a therapy dog. She also likes spending time with her husband and children (18 and 22) and exploring Minnesota.

Abby Maas MOT, OTR

Abby graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2018. She then went on to receive her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Abby joined the Functional Kids team in October of 2024 after moving from Chicago where she worked in a therapeutic preschool and kindergarten setting. Abby loves child-driven therapy and integrating therapeutic practices into their play ideas.

In her free time, Abby enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 year old dog, Bort. She loves to read, try new restaurants and activities in the city, and get on the lake when the weather permits!

Lindsey Brown COTA/L

Lindsey graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition. She went on to earn her Associate of Applied Science degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Herzing University.

Prior to joining Functional Kids in 2024, Lindsey worked in outpatient pediatrics for 7 years. She enjoys the beauty of using the “just right” challenge to build confidence in all kids and break down barriers.

Areas of special interest include: primitive reflex integration, vestibular-visual matters, sensory processing integration, and quick shifts.

Lindsey enjoys beach volleyball, softball, hiking, cooking, crafting, and spending time with her husband while acting as a personal chauffeur for their 4 active children who are exploring their own passions and interests!

Kelsie Danchertsen MOT, OTR/L

Kelsie received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and her Master of Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University. Kelsie joined the Functional Kids Clinic team in 2023. She enjoys working with children through play to help them reach their fullest potential. Kelsie’s post education and certification courses include Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding therapy including the Feeding the 6-16 Month Old Child advanced course, Therapeutic Listening, interoception, and reflex integration

In her free time, she enjoys being outside, playing with her cat, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Hannah Mehrhoff MOT, OTR/L

Hannah got her masters in occupational therapy at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She joyfully joined the F.I.T. team in 2024. Hannah has completed post education and certificate courses in Attachment and Trauma, and Therapeutic Listening. Helping to create opportunities for children to learn and thrive is what gets Hannah out of bed in the morning!

In her free time, Hannah plays volleyball, spends time with friends and family, and plays with her two kittens.

 

Physical Therapists

Kristi Haas DPT

Kristi completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at St. Catherine University. She graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology and again in 2016 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.

She started her career in Kansas City, in an outpatient orthopedics clinic for a number of years before moving back to Minnesota. She then worked in a hospital setting until she started at Functional Kids Clinic in April of 2023. Her experience includes work in pediatrics, aquatic therapy, chronic pain, and sports and orthopedics. She enjoys working with kids from birth through young adults to empower them to be more independent in their bodies and enjoy movement in their lives.

In her spare time, Kristi enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and her dog. She loves outdoor activities and sports including soccer, volleyball, nordic skiing, hiking, and running.

Dustin Skarda PTA

Dustin graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Anoka Ramsey CC in 2020. He has worked in skilled nursing and joined FKD in ’24. Dustin has also been a youth hockey coach for over 10yrs.

Dustin enjoys bicycles, camping, BBQ, family game nights, and playing hockey.

 

Administrative Staff

Laurie Emerson OT/PT Billing Administration

Laurie worked as a special education paraprofessional for 4 years, then joined the Functional Kids team in June of 2005. She works for the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy departments taking care of insurance billing and appeals, parent billing and other miscellaneous administrative and insurance duties.

In her spare time she enjoys baking, hiking, camping, spending time with family and friends.

Kim Bauer Billing Administrator

Kim started at Functional Kids in February of 2006 as the morning receptionist. In 2011 Kim joined the speech therapy billing department verifying insurance, submitting authorizations and referrals, processing claims and payments and other administrative duties.

When not working she enjoys reading, camping and spending time with her kids and grandkids. Kim
resides in Maplewood, MN with her husband Ed and dog Max.

Jenny Michlitsch OT/PT Billing Administration

Jennifer joined the Functional Kids team in 2007. She is an insurance billing administrator for OT and PT. She processes claims and payments, verifies eligibility, submits authorizations and referrals, and other administrative duties.

Jennifer attended St. Catherine University and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, music, and traveling.

Amy Scaramuzzo Administrative Assistant

Amy joined Functional Kids staff in March of 2019 as an Administrative Assistant.

Amy is responsible for answering incoming calls, scheduling and a variety of clerical duties.

Amy grew up in St. Paul and currently lives in Vadnais Heights. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time doing all kinds of different activities and projects with her children.

Aisha Mohamud Administrative Assistant

Aisha joined Functional Kids staff in…….