Meet the Burnsville Staff

Kristin Dolby, senior occupational therapist
Kristin graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1994 with a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy, specializing in pediatrics. She has experience working in outpatient and home therapy.  She is trained in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding approach, Therapeutic Listening and kinesiotaping.  She is a certified Interactive Metronome provider. Her special interests include sensory integration and feeding therapy.  Kristin is married and has two children. In her free time she enjoys going for walks, downhill skiing and spending time with her family.   

Dana Frost, occupational therapist
Dana graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a master of science degree in occupational therapy in 2007. She has a bachelor of science degree in exercise science from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Dana has been working with children in a variety of settings from acute hospitalization to in home therapy. She has special interest in children with autism and feeding issues. Dana lives with her husband and daughter. She enjoys movies, ice skating, yoga and running 5ks.

Mariel Goettsch, occupational therapist
Mariel graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn. with a master of science degree in occupational therapy in 2011. Mariel has been working with children with disabilities since a young age, starting as a volunteer in high school. She also spends every other weekend working at Hennepin County Medical Center. She has a special interest in children with sensory processing disorders. Mariel grew up on a farm near a small town in Minnesota. She is now living in Minneapolis with her fianc?. She enjoys playing soccer, reading and crafting.

Julie Huddock, senior occupational therapy assistant
Julie has worked as an occupational therapy assistant since 1990.  She is experienced with both children and adults. She specializes in the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) feeding approach, sensory integration, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and behavioral issues.  Julie has been trained in mind and body immersion. Julie has presented on parenting, traumatic brain inury in adolescents, and communication with providers and families. She is married with three children and enjoys socializing and a good round of golf.

Jessica Johnson, occupational therapist
Jessica graduated from St. Catherine University with a master of arts in occupational therapy in 2012.  She also has a bachelor of science degree in exercise science from the University of St. Thomas.  Jessica has been working at Courage Center with both adults and children.  She has a strong interest in working with children and adolescents.  Jessica enjoys being physically active indoors and out, scrapbooking, baking, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her new little niece.

Emily (Kubes) Brovold, occupational therapist
Emily graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology in 2006 and a master of science degree in occupational therapy in 2009. She began working at Courage Center in June 2009. Emily is certified in Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding, and Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs). She also has special interests in sensory integration, feeding therapy and executive functioning disorders. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. 

Katie Pieper, clinic manager and senior occupational therapy assistant
Katie has a background in occupational therapy, completing her studies at the College of St. Catherine in 1990. Her areas of expertise are spinal cord injury and brain injury. She has experience in the areas of assistive technology and energy conservation, and training in neurological developmental techniques, aquatics, Interactive Metronome and the Alert Program for children. Katie lives in the south metro area with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors and boating.

Monica Manning, senior physical therapist
Monica graduated from St. Scholastica in 1984. She worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools and home-based agencies before coming to Courage Center in 1993. She has specialized training in pediatric neuro-developmental treatment, neuro-muscular electrical stimulation and kinesiotaping. She also is certified for Interactive Metronome and has Intensive Therapy training. Monica is married, lives in Rosemount and has four children - including a set of twins. She enjoys attending their many sporting events, and going for walks.

Becky Rees, physical therapist
Becky graduated in 1993 from the College of Saint Scholastica with bachelor of health sciences degree, and again in 1995 with masters degree in physical therapy. She began working for Courage Center in 1995, specializing in aquatics with children and adults. Becky has had training in neurodevelopmental treatment, multiple sclerosis, aging changes and beginning postural restoration. She lives in Farmington with husband and three children, and enjoys doing almost anything outside - hiking, fishing, hunting, gardening, riding horseback and snowshoeing.

Amy Strohm, senior physical therapist
Amy graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1986 with a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy. She has worked extensively with children in hospital, outpatient home and school settings. Amy continues to complete coursework in many areas related to pediatrics, including neurological developmental treatments, kinesio taping, rhizotomy and spasticity management. She has been with Courage Center since 2005, and is a certified Interactive Metronome provider. Amy has always felt a real affinity for children; their uniqueness, courage, determination and ability to laugh. She lives in the Burnsville area and has two adult children.

Jana Heidemann, speech language pathologist
Jana is a speech language pathologist who has been at Courage Center since 2006. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2005 with a Master of Science degree in speech language pathology. Prior to coming to Courage Center, Jana worked as a speech language pathologist in a Twin Cities school district. She has been trained in the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding techniques.  She also has attended a course on PROMPT techniques (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets).  She enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities, especially with children who have articulation and language disorders. Jana lives with her husband, daughter, son, and two dogs. She enjoys going out to eat, movies, traveling, reading, sewing, going for walks, and spending time with friends and family.

Vicki Markhart, senior speech language pathologist
Vicki has a bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State University in speech, language, hearing sciences and a master’s degree in communication disorders from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, Mo. She has worked with Courage Center since 1995, specializing in pediatrics. She has advanced training in oral-motor and sensory feeding treatment (the SOS approach), cochlear implant therapy, motor speech therapy, articulation and language therapy, and assistive technology for access to augmentative communication. Vicki is certified in Vital Stimulation for swallowing and Interactive Metronome. Vicki lives in Rosemount with her husband, daughter and dog. She enjoys traveling, scrapbooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Gretchen Philpot, speech language pathologist
Gretchen joined Courage Center after graduating with her master’s degree in communication disorders at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006. She completed internships in an elementary school and an acute rehabilitation center. She is trained in the use of Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding techniques and has experience working with all areas of speech and language therapies. Gretchen loves working with children of all ages and is particularly interested in alternative and augmentative communication and articulation disorders. She is a member of the Employee Advisory Council at Courage Center and the national organization- American Speech Language Hearing Association. Gretchen lives in Farmington with her husband Matt and her dog Benson. She enjoys reading, outdoor activities, volunteering at her church, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Kimberly Robran, speech language pathology assistant
Kimberly graduated from South Central Technical College in May 2003 with an Associate of Arts in Science degree in speech language pathology assisting. She completed her internship at an elementary school and has been with Courage Center since 2003. She is trained in the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding techniques, Interactive Metronome, and augmentative communication. Kimberly enjoys working with children of all ages. She is married and has two children. She enjoys biking, fishing, traveling, scrapbooking, shooting trap, and spending time with family and friends.

Barb Herzog, receptionist
Barb has been with Courage Center since January 2007. She holds a degree in music education, with a major in organ and a minor in voice. For over 40 years she has served various Protestant churches as an organist/choir director.  In addition to her job at Courage Center she is a member of the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is their business administrator.  She enjoys attending musical concerts of all kinds, is active in her church and enjoys reading.  She has two children, Erica, who is an army major, currently in the Reserves, and a Karl, who is a salesman with Slumberland Furniture and a part time college student majoring in business.

Holly Ingling, placement specialist 
Holly Ingling is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, General Studies with an emphasis in Health Care Administration. She began working at Courage Center in March 2011, as a placement specialist, after having served as a placement specialist in the private sector for more than 10 years.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with with family and friends - including her two children, sailing, traveling and gardening.

Marlys Johnson, receptionist
Marlys graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in elementary education. Marlys has worked for Courage Center for 26 years; 22 years in Golden Valley in various areas and four years in Burnsville. She is married and has four children and two grandchildren. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Katie Kensy, Therapy Aide and Volunteer Coordinator
Katie has worked as a therapy aide and volunteer coordinator for Courage Center since March 2012, and she also serves as a program specialist for the Courage Center Sports and Rec Department. She is currently a student at St. Catherine University, pursuing a biology major with psychology and Spanish minors. After graduating, Katie hopes to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Katie has worked with children in a variety of settings, from home care as a PCA to group home work. In her spare time, Katie enjoys bowling, golfing, traveling and volunteering.

Karen Larson-Hahn, MS, LP
Karen Larson-Hahn is a licensed psychologist who has worked in community mental health and rehabilitation settings.  She has been employed at Courage Center since 1995 providing individual, group and family therapy to outpatient clients as well as clients in the Transitional Rehabilitation Program.  Karen works with adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, and chronic health conditions.  She also works with children with Asperger’s, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), anxiety disorders and depression.  Karen has a master’s degree from Fort Hays State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Farmington. She interned at Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island and is a licensed psychologist, certified by the Minnesota Board of Psychology. Her clinical interests include autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, health psychology, mind-body therapies and hypnosis.

Rob Mandell, fitness specialist 
Rob graduated from the College of St. Catherine in 2001 with an AAS degree as a physical therapist assistant. He began working at Courage Center in 2009. Rob is also an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer since 1996. Rob’s areas of interest include pool and balance/coordination therapy.  Rob also enjoys health and wellness training and education. In his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors running, biking and gardening.  He stays active with his family, which includes two young daughters.  He is very excited to be part of the team at Courage Center and to be able to help patients achieve their goals in a fun way.

Bernie Morris, CDRS, LDI
Morris has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She has worked for Courage Center’s driving program for more than 20 years. Morris provides behind-the-wheel evaluations and driving lessons.

Becca Neuger, fitness specialist
Becca graduated from St. Olaf College in 2001 with a bachelor of arts degree in exercise science with a biomedical studies concentration. She has been worked with children from ages three months to 18 years, with most of her contact coming from coaching youth and high school sports and personal training. After being a three-sport college athlete, Becca enjoys any type of physical activity and loves being outdoors. 

Katie Pieper, clinic manager and senior occupational therapy assistant
Katie has a background in occupational therapy, completing her studies at the College of St. Catherine in 1990. Her areas of expertise are spinal cord injury and brain injury. She has experience in the areas of assistive technology and energy conservation, and training in neurological developmental techniques, aquatics, Interactive Metronome and the Alert Program for children. Katie lives in the south metro area with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors and boating.

Steve Quinn, CDRS, LDI
Quinn has more than 30 years’ experience with Courage Center’s driving program. He specializes in the use of adaptive driving equipment for sedans and modifications for vans. He provides behind-the-wheel evaluations and in-vehicle training along with behind-the-wheel services at Golden Valley and Duluth.

Molly Rydeen, client service specialist
Molly is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - River Falls with a degree in Animal Science.  She has been with the Courage Center since September 2008 beginning as a receptionist at Courage St. Croix before moving into scheduling at the Burnsville site.  Molly currently serves on the Diversity and Accessibility Council.  In her free time, Molly attempts to tame her five horses, three dogs, two children, and husband.  Barrel racing, knitting and reading are her favorite hobbies. 

Chris Vandergriff, therapy aide
Chris is an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in kinesiology. He plans on going to physical therapy school after he graduates and focus on sports and orthopedics. His two main interests are neck and shoulder injuries. Before his role as a therapy aide he was a volunteer at the Courage Center for two years, helping out in both the PT intensive and Autism intensive therapy. When he is not in class, Chris enjoys being in the outdoors and watching the Vikings and the Gophers.

Kathy Woods Rakowczyk, OTR/L, CDRS, LDI
An occupational therapist, Kathy worked in the vehicle modification industry for seven years before joining Courage Center’s team. She provides clinical testing, behind-the-wheel assessments and lessons in many of our locations. She also works with clients on adaptive equipment needs.