Tom Hoel

Tom Hoel is the Founder and CEO of Family Achievement Center. As a parent of a child with physical and developmental disabilities, he saw the opportunity to create a vision and environment that believed in every child. He is passionate about helping families through a unique model that leverages a holistic view of the child’s care team. Tom has an extensive background in business and holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.

Prior to starting Family Achievement Center, he was in various leadership positions in the corporate arena including business planning, market analysis, customer management systems, and product forecasting. In 2020, Tom was also the co-founder of the newly formed Family Achievement Foundation. This nonprofit 501(c)(3) was founded specifically to help parents who face a challenging parenting journey. “I provide hope and improve lives by continuously seeking ways to better serve our clients. I love connecting with our families because I understand what they are going through. I sincerely want them to know they are not alone in their journey.”

Sarah Mason

Sarah is passionate about Family Achievement Center’s mission to help families, and enjoys building community and professional collaborations with like-minded organizations. Over the past twenty years, she has been at the executive and board levels in various organizations. Her expertise is strategic planning, organizational and brand development, workplace engagement, operations, and building sustainable business models that make a difference. Her passion for pursuing a mission, while at the same time building collaborative and engaging workforces are a great match for the FAC culture.

In partnership with her husband, Tom, Sarah, is also the co-founder and board chair of the newly formed Family Achievement Foundation. This nonprofit 501(c)(3) was founded specifically to help parents who face a challenging parenting journey. As a parent herself with a child with mental health challenges, Sarah has made it her personal mission to help families. “I provide hope and improve lives by sharing my own parenting heartaches, and by pursuing every possible opportunity to help lighten the journey in any way I can.”

Kristine Rutten

Kristine is a seasoned senior leader with years of experience in organizational infrastructure. She is skilled at business analytics, process re-engineering, project management, client services, technology support, and compliance and operations. She enjoys supporting the community and giving back to further the mission of Family Achievement Center. Kristine is passionate about a positive workplace culture, while providing support to everyone around her and helping people while digging in to solve problems.

Her passion for helping people aligns seamlessly with FAC’s mission to provide hope and improve lives. As a parent with a daughter that has had struggles, Kristine desires to share in the journey of others by listening and showing compassion to those facing challenging times. “I provide hope and improve lives by showing care and kindness to people on life’s journey of ups and downs while dedicating my time and energy in helping people to know they are not alone.”

Katy Gavin

Katy received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is passionate about helping a pediatric population and loves being able to work with not only her patients, but also their families. Katy also loves collaborating with other disciplines at FAC to help her patients achieve the best outcomes. “I provide hope and improve lives by encouraging my patients and their families to never give up and to always believe in themselves. I strive to make each session fun and unique to the patient based on their individual needs and interests.”

Lori Peterson

Lori earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, emphasis in Human Resources. Her passion for organizing people and information is a central focus of her life because she enjoys helping others connect in meaningful ways. When not working, Lori loves traveling, reading as much as possible and spending time with her husband and kids at the lake. “I provide hope and improve lives by helping to ensure that business operations run smoothly and that the Family Achievement Center continues to make an impact in lives of everyone we connect with.”

Meaghan Haug

Meaghan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Music from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona. Meaghan has always enjoyed the healthcare industry and has experience in several diverse areas of healthcare. She enjoys the intricacies and complexities that go along with insurance and billing. Meaghan finds great joy in explaining those intricacies to our clients and families, thus providing additional positive experiences for all! In her spare time Meaghan enjoys cuddling her cat and getting lost in a good book. “I provide hope and improve lives by providing and explaining information, while problem solving complex insurance matters, to alleviate additional worry in the busy lives we lead.”

Kallie Schreifels

Kallie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is interested in continuing her education in occupational therapy, and Family Achievement Center has been a great environment for learning and observing. She enjoys the interactions that she gets to have with the children and their families each day and seeing the progress they make. ““I provide hope and improve lives by creating a comfortable and positive space for families to begin their therapy journey”

Angie Ellingson

Angie graduated with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of MN. She has experience working with children and teens with sensory integration and enjoys seeing the positive changes they make through OT. She is also passionate about working with parents and is a Mad2Glad certified parent coach. “I provide hope and improve lives by fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship with kids and their families to work toward the goal of improved function and harmony in daily life.”

Kyle Nelson

Kyle graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. He brings a unique perspective and understanding to pediatrics through his experience of having and working with a sibling with Autism. “I provide hope and improve lives by connecting with each individual through their own interests and abilities to help them live their lives to the fullest.”

Taylor Smith

Taylor graduated from University of Wisconsin- La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology before receiving her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University. Her favorite part of working in pediatrics is collaborating with families and celebrating victories, whether they are big or small. She loves how working at Family Achievement Center gives her the opportunity to collaborate with other disciplines to help contribute to a child’s success. “I provide hope and improve lives by creating a fun, positive, and personalized therapeutic experience for my clients. I will always support my clients and families at every step of their therapeutic journey.”

Amanda Bresnahan

Bio Coming Soon

Elly Boles

Elly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University. During her time in Eau Claire she played on the women’s basketball team and worked as a personal care giver for a young child. This experience and being one of the oldest in a family of 6 has fueled her drive for working with the pediatric population. She enjoys coming up with the “just right challenge” to help a child meet their goals. “I provide hope and improve lives by finding meaningful activities for each client to motivate them to meet their goals”.

Tiana Burda

Tiana graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Sciences and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Her favorite aspect of being a pediatric OT is being able to work with all abilities and skill levels to achieve success across all environments. “I provide hope and improve lives by facilitating a fun and creative environment to foster achievement of goals for all children and families.”

Malorie Casalengo

Malorie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin. Her favorite part about working in the pediatric setting is collaborating with the children and their families to promote progress towards each child’s individualized goals. Malorie chose the field of occupational therapy to serve others in the hopes of positively influencing their lives. “I provide hope and improve lives by creating a fun and therapeutic environment to challenge clients so they can engage in activities they love to do and live their highest quality of life.”

Anna Connor

Anna graduated from Creighton University where she received her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. Her favorite part of working with the pediatric population is seeing children light up when accomplishing even the smallest of victories. “I provide hope and improve lives by developing individualized and fun treatment plans to help kids stay motivated to reach their goals.”

Erin Finnegan

Erin received her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She has a variety of work experience including outpatient pediatrics, schools, inpatient acute care, and adult hand therapy. She is excited to be working in the pediatric setting with a multi-disciplinary team to tailor treatments to each individual child and their family. One of her favorite things about being a pediatric occupational therapist is being able to share in the successes of each child and their family. “I provide hope and improve lives by finding fun ways to learn and engage in therapy sessions, while also working closely with the family to ensure optimal functioning in daily life.”

Alli Fox

Alli graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor’s in Biology with an emphasis in Health Medical Science before pursuing her occupational therapy degree. Alli graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from University of North Dakota. During her career Alli has worked in primarily pediatric therapy clinics and experienced working in consistent collaboration with behavioral therapy and speech therapy. Alli is a Certified Autism Specialist and trained in the TR-eat feeding approach by the Pediatric Feeding Institute. “I provide hope and improve lives by appreciating each child and family’s unique strengths and using those strengths to promote progress and growth.”

Tina Hanson

Tina completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota and received her master’s degree in occupational therapy at St. Catherine University. She has experience with working with children of all abilities and is excited to be working in a pediatric setting. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with family. “I provide hope and improve lives by collaborating with clients and their caregivers to understand their needs and interests and help them reach their full potential.”

Hannah Hillstrom

Hannah graduated from St. Catherine University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master of the Arts in Occupational Therapy. She is passionate about serving the pediatric population, fueled by personal and professional experiences. Hannah has served acute inpatient children and adolescents, addressing mental health needs. She enjoys applying her creative lens to design unique and wholistic interventions. “I provide hope and improve lives by fostering meaningful relationships and by providing a positive atmosphere that allows my clients and their families to succeed and grow to their fullest potential.”

Kristi Kaschmitter

Kristi graduated from the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, MN with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Her favorite part of being a pediatric occupational therapist is being creative to make sessions fun and seeing her clients progress towards achieving their goals. “I provide hope and improve lives by creating a fun atmosphere that challenges clients to work towards their full potential.”

Katelyn McLellan

Katelyn graduated from the University of North Dakota where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services as well as her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. Her favorite part of working with the pediatric population is experiencing the great joy that children have when accomplishing their goals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. I provide hope and improve lives by creating a fun and collaborative environment that allows both children and their families to reach their full potential!

Corinne Peick

Corinne graduated with her master of arts in occupational science in June 2016, from St. Catherine University. During under-graduate and graduate school, she worked as a therapy aide and billing professional in a habilitative clinic setting. She specializes in sensory processing disorders and sensory integrative techniques, and enjoys embracing all progress with her clients, even if it is hard to see with the naked eye. Corinne has an interest and focus in social skills facilitation, and was the social skills group specialist at her previous clinic. “I provide hope and improve lives by working with clients and their caregivers to support their success and independence within their daily lives.”

Bree Roberge

Bree received her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Concordia University – WI and her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Analysis & Developmental Disabilities from Drake University. Her favorite part of being a pediatric occupational therapist is encouraging her clients to become the best versions of themselves, while increasing their independence in their daily lives. Bree strives to work collaboratively with her clients and families while providing compassionate and effective care. She also brings a unique perspective and understanding of sensory processing through specialized training and loves to work with clients who may also struggle with managing their mental health.
“I provide hope and improve lives by encouraging and maintaining a safe place for all to grow and succeed to their highest potential. I believe in the importance of connection and compassion to support one’s journey to be the best version of themselves.”

Julia Rupp

Julia graduated from St. Catherine University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health as well as her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Julia has had multiple experiences working with children in her past and finds each child she works with to be their own unique self, adding to her passion for working with this population. Julia also enjoys using her creativity and positive spirit to make the most out of every moment. “I provide hope and improve lives by fostering meaningful relationships and by providing a positive atmosphere that allows my clients and their families to succeed and grow to their fullest potential.”

Katie Stewart

Katie received her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota in Casper, WY. Katie chose the occupational therapy profession to be able to support individuals across the lifespan in navigating the challenges and successes along their journey to optimizing their quality of life. In her free time she enjoy fishing, gardening, and getting creative with DIY projects. “I provide hope and improve lives by fostering a therapeutic relationship that engages the client and their family in establishing self-confidence to engage in their most meaningful daily tasks.” ”

Sam Swenson

Sam received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from South Dakota State University, then went on to Colorado State University and graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She loves collaborating with children and their families to find creative ways to enhance abilities and help children reach their full potential. “I provide hope and improve lives by maintaining a positive outlook as I connect with clients and families to promote growth and participation in everyday activities.”

Stacy Tri

Stacy received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis and her Bachelors from St. Olaf College. During her career, she has worked in in-patient rehabilitation, home health, in school settings, and in other pediatric outpatient clinics. She has been trained in the Wilbarger Therapressure protocol, Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, and Beckman’s Oral Motor techniques. In her free time, Stacy likes to bake, sing, travel, and spend time with her family. “I provide hope and improve lives by working with children to find that ‘just right’ challenge and I collaborate with families and other providers to help children reach their full potential.”

Julie Trnka

Julie has earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University. She appreciates gaining an understanding of each client’s and caregiver’s unique experiences, and building upon their existing abilities and strengths with intervention strategies that are both research-supported and personally motivating. “I provide hope and improve lives by facilitating opportunities and environments where play, creativity, discovery, and connection are used as empowering tools for growth and meaningful participation.”

Katy Gavin

Katy received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is passionate about helping a pediatric population and loves being able to work with not only her patients, but also their families. Katy also loves collaborating with other disciplines at FAC to help her patients achieve the best outcomes. “I provide hope and improve lives by encouraging my patients and their families to never give up and to always believe in themselves. I strive to make each session fun and unique to the patient based on their individual needs and interests.”

Cassie Friedli

Cassie graduated from the College of Saint Scholastica, where she received both her Bachelor of Arts in Health Science and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Cassie enjoys working with people of all ages and seeing smiles on their faces when they accomplish their goals. As a therapist at Family Achievement Center, Cassie loves being a part of a team where many disciplines can be working with one child to improve their life. “I provide hope and improves lives by making therapy sessions fun so that hard work doesn’t get discouraging.”

Aaron O’Donnell

Aaron received his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Minnesota. One of his favorite aspects of being a pediatric physical therapist is the opportunity to witness improvements in kids’ functional mobility day in and day out. He especially enjoys thinking up creative and fun ways to personalize treatments and make them as effective as possible. “I provide hope and improve lives by supporting both the patients and their caregivers.”

Karynn Adams

Karynn received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Jamestown in Fargo, ND. Her favorite part about being a pediatric physical therapist is seeing her patients accomplish a challenging task and the joy that it brings them. Karynn enjoys being able to work with her patient’s families directly and being able to work with other disciplines. “I provide hope and improve lives by working with my patient and their families to create

Sarah Chyzyk

Sarah received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. She enjoys the diversity, creativity, and family interaction that is involved when treating the pediatric population. Sarah enjoys being a part of the Family Achievement Center team and getting to work with other disciplines to help a child reach their fullest potential. “I provide hope and improve lives by fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship with my patients and their families to help them achieve their individual goals.”

Allison Freehill

Allison graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL where she received both her Bachelor of Degree is Health Sciences and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Allison enjoys working with the pediatric population and seeing how physical therapy can be fun and functional helping the child reach their goals. As a therapist at Family Achievement Center, Allison enjoys the collaborative care that can be seen daily and how the family and child’s needs are always at the forefront. “I provide hope and improve lives by creating individualized treatments for each child where the child can have fun, improve their function, and reach their goals.”

Trista Moore

Trista received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Concordia University, St. Paul and her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science from St. Catherine University. Her favorite part of being a pediatric physical therapist is engaging patients through play while challenging their balance, coordination, strength, and motor skills. Trista strives to help patients and families achieve their individualized goals by providing fun, compassionate, and effective patient-centered care. She enjoys celebrating and sharing in her patients’ successes throughout their time at Family Achievement Center. “I provide hope and improve lives by motivating and educating my patients and their families to reach their goals. I believe in the importance of collaborating with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes, level of independence, and quality of life for patients.”

Jana Smith

Jana attended the University of Minnesota- Duluth to obtain her Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology. She has experience working with adults in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and with pediatrics in the outpatient setting. She has been trained in PROMPT, Beckman Oral Motor, and Interactive Metronome. “I provide hope and improve lives by working together with families to help children reach their highest potential.”

Aly Kornack

Aly attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls to obtain her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Her favorite aspect of Speech-Language Pathology is working with children and their families to support the growth of communication. Aly’s areas of special interest include language development, articulation, and phonology. “I provide hope and improve lives by collaborating with clients and their families to foster a fun, comfortable, and functional environment to learn and grow.”

Kelly Nelson

Kelly completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The majority of her experiences prior to working at FAC involved serving children and adults on the autism spectrum. She also has experience working with children in the areas of articulation, phonology, language, fluency, and social skills. What she loves most about being a Speech-Language Pathologist is that I have the opportunity to assume the role of both a teacher and a student. “I provide hope and improve lives by helping clients and families see and take pride in their great potential every step of the way.”

Elizabeth Tickle

Elizabeth attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth to obtain her Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology. She has experience in in-patient adults and pediatrics and outpatient pediatrics. She also has experience in the educational setting. She has been trained in PROMPT, Therapeutic Listening, MNRI Oral Facial Reflex Protocol, and the SOS Feeding Program. She also has experience with AAC devices/systems, CORE Language, and CranioSacral Therapy as it relates to Speech and Language. Elizabeth enjoys spending her time with her husband and two children exploring the outdoors! “I provide hope and improve lives by working side by side with a child’s families, celebrating each and every milestone they achieve, and assuring them that their child will tell us what they are going to achieve and when and we are only the facilitators of that growth and development.”

Shannon Zimmerman

Shannon attended Saint Cloud State University where she received her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Her special interests include supporting the growth of children with articulation & phonological disorders, early language intervention, pragmatic language deficits secondary to Autism, apraxia of speech, and the development of Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems. “I provide hope and improve lives by encouraging parents to become an active member in the therapy team; giving them the tools & ongoing support to feel empowered and successful in facilitating their child’s speech-language growth and development.”

Rachel Beck

Rachel obtained her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communication Disorders and Sciences at the University of Oregon. She obtained a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at University of North Dakota. Rachel has experience in working with individuals of all ages and various cultural backgrounds in clinics, hospitals, schools and residential facilities. She has a unique interest in articulation, language, fluency, social skills, and AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) systems. In her free time, Rachel enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with family, and her two cats. “I provide hope and improve lives by implementing play, creativity, and humor into each session.”

Angela Bendickson

Angela attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to obtain her Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. She has always had a passion for working with kids of all abilities. Angela’s special interests include supporting the growth of children with articulation & phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, language deficits secondary to Autism, and the development of Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems. “I provide hope and improve lives by encouraging individuals to find their own voice and ability to communicate effectively, taking a team approach, providing ongoing support and tools to facilitate growth and development outside the therapy room, bringing creativity and individuality to meet the needs and interests of all my clients and to celebrate every milestone no matter how big or small!”

Caitlin Buhr

Caitlin received her Masters of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She has experience with the pediatric population in the outpatient setting (with the majority of her caseload having ASD and/or trauma history) as well as the school-based setting. Caitlin enjoys collaborating and building trusting therapeutic relationships with her clients, families, and coworkers to help reach the clients’ fullest potential. “I provide hope and improve lives by bringing a positive attitude to every session, working as a team with all that are involved, and making each session fun and individualized towards the needs and interests of the client.”

Chelsea Campagna

Chelsea earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and her Master’s degree from St. Ambrose University. She has experience working with children of all ages and abilities, primarily within outpatient settings. Chelsea’s areas of special interest include: global language development, articulation, and phonology. Chelsea enjoys reading and seeing live music shows in her free time! “I provide hope and improve lives by bringing energy and compassion to every session, capitalizing on all gains no
matter the size, and ensuring all clients and their families feel supported.”

Teresa Gonia

Teresa received her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from St. Cloud State University after completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She has experience working in schools as well as in pediatric outpatient settings. She has always had a passion for working with kids and has unique interests in early childhood language development, fluency disorders, social skills development, and articulation disorders. She uses a lot of humor and play in her therapy to engage clients and motivate them to be an active part of their own journey.“I provide hope and improve lives by working closely with families as I use each child’s unique strengths to build upon areas of growth.”

Michelle Hilden

Michelle received her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She has experience working with the pediatric population in the outpatient setting and hospitals (with the majority of her caseload having Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or trauma history). Michelle has always been passionate about working with children and has unique interests in pediatric dysphagia, AAC, language, articulation, and phonology. Michelle enjoys fostering therapeutic relationships and collaborating with her clients, families, and other professionals in order to help each client reach their fullest potential. “I provide hope and improve lives by creating a nurturing learning environment rich in language, play, and creativity to encourage each clients’ individual growth and development while celebrating every achievement and milestone along the way.”

Katie Smith

Katie received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and her Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She brings a unique perspective as a therapist because her older sister with Down syndrome and herself both grew receiving speech therapy services. She was considered a “late talker” until age 4. “I provide hope and improve lives by collaborating with clients and their families in order to aid the client in reaching their fullest potential.”

Kelsey Smith

Kelsey attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech Language Pathology. She has experience working with children and adults in an outpatient setting and with children in an educational setting from 4K-12th grade. Kelsey’s areas of special interest include social communication, articulation, and language development. “I provide hope and improve lives by taking a client led approach to therapy that focuses on functional goals in order to help individuals and their family members to feel engaged and valued throughout the therapeutic process.”

Anna Udenberg

Anna graduated from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has experience working with a wide range of ages and needs within the pediatric outpatient setting. Anna enjoys using a team approach to therapy, collaborating with family, teachers, and other professionals to individualize therapy for each client. “I provide hope and improve lives by bringing creativity and laughter into therapy and helping each client and their family feel confident bringing therapy successes into everyday life”

Taylor Vlasak

Taylor attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls to obtain her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Her favorite aspect of Speech-Language Pathology is working with the multiple different modalities to give a variety of people a voice and ability to communicate. Taylor’s areas of special interests include language development, Augmentative and Alterative Communication (AAC) Systems, and social skills. “I provide hope and improve lives by incorporating laughter, creativity and fun into therapy to make each session personable and relatable to the client inside clinic and outside in their everyday lives.”

Laura Swenson

Laura received her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Iowa. She has pediatric experience in outpatient, early childhood, and elementary and middle school settings. In addition to treating clients at FAC, Laura provides services in the schools. Laura has training and specialized experience in autism spectrum disorders, fluency, phonology, augmentative and alternative communication, and parent-training programs that promote early communication skills and pragmatic language. Laura celebrates all forms of communication and enjoys facilitating language through play, social interaction, and functional experiences. “I provide hope and improve lives by creating a welcoming environment, forming trusting relationships, and encouraging children and families to take risks, be confident, and celebrate moments big and small.”