Autism Matters has a staff of over 45 professionals dedicated to the mission of treating children with autism. All behavioral therapy staff members qualify as Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) or Mental Health Behavioral Aides in the state of Minnesota and have been trained by professionals with over 30 years of collective experience in ABA and VB programming for children diagnosed with autism. Our Speech-Language Pathologists have extensive training in ABA/VB principles and are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Staff Directory
Executive Director
Administrative Department
Behavioral Therapy Program
Speech-Language Pathologists
Parent Resources
Tara Bertone, M.A., CCC-SLP
Executive Director
Tara Bertone has worked with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in ABA programs since 1996. Her training and experience in ABA and autism treatment began in the University of Nevada's Early Childhood Autism Program through the Behavior Analysis Program in the Department of Psychology. There she was trained by Board Certified Behavior Analysts Dr. Pat Ghezzi and Dr. Meeta Patel. It was through this experience that she became passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families affected with ASD.
After earning her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Nevada Reno, Tara moved to the frozen tundra of Minnesota! She earned her Masters degree in Communication Disorders at the University of Minnesota in 2001 and started her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) providing one-on-one intervention, in addition to social-communication groups for children with ASD. Over the last fifteen years, she has been a behavior therapist, speech-language pathologist and private consultant in a wide variety of autism programs throughout the U.S. and UK. She has worked with hundreds of children on the autism spectrum in multidisciplinary rehab clinics, as well as Verbal Behavior (VB) and traditional ABA programs.
She is licensed through Minnesota Department of Health and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
When asked what she likes most about her job, Tara said,
"Running a program that offers hope to families of children with ASD is my absolute purpose in life. I love being a part of the community of professionals at Autism Matters who feel exactly the same way I do. When a child says a new sound or word, the whole building knows about it in a matter of minutes! We love what we do and we do it well."
Hobbies: Tara enjoys running, yoga, gardening, her iPhone and playing with her two dachshunds Lou and Lylah.
Administrative Department
Terry Jochum
Administrative Director
Terry earned his Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of Nebraska with Minors in Asian Studies and Marketing. His studies included teaching English in Niigata Japan in 1989 before graduating in 1994. Terry has over 20 years of experience working for marketing and advertising agencies in a strategic capacity with clients from a wide variety of industries. Prior to joining Autism Matters, he worked for Thomson Reuter's Legal and Regulatory Division in Eagan, Minnesota.
Having an older brother with autism, Terry understands the challenges families face.
"This is my most rewarding position because our primary mission is helping people. Every day we improve the kids we treat and positively impact the families who are affected by autism."
Hobbies: tennis, music, do-it-yourself house projects and the art of making one fine latte.
Andy Parisian, B.A., MHP
Office Manager
Andy received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Morris, focusing in both the clinical and behavioral subfields. He first joined Autism Matters in 2010 as a Behavioral Therapist, where he worked for over a year with children as their personal jungle gym. Now behind the front desk, Andy is able to interact with parents, children, and staff to help make sure everything runs smoothly—and to put on daily puppet shows.
"Knowing many of these kids so well, I love being able to watch all the progress they make—be that new words, new skills, or whatever! They all work hard, and it shows."
Hobbies: Andy enjoys writing and playing music, and is in both an Irish and a wedding band. He also spends his spare time creating tabletop games and writing children's books.
Behavioral Therapy Program
Ashlee Secord, M.A., LMFT
Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Family Therapist
Ashlee received her Master's degree from Alfred Adler Graduate School in Richfield, MN and has worked with children and families of children with autism since 2006.
In addition to her duties as our Clinical Supervisor, Ashlee offers professional marriage and family psychotherapy to individuals, married couples, and family groups, either singly or in groups.
Ashlee is passionate about working with children with challenging behaviors, individuals, parents and families. Her perspective and insight is practical, realistic and directed by the goals of the client. Ashlee's desire is to equip individuals, families and parents with communication, resources and tools to create an atmosphere where each family member feels respected, heard and uncompromised. With Autism Matters, she provides support, training and understanding to families of children with autism.
"I have always loved working with kids but working with children with autism has taught me more about communication than any book, class or conference. These children have taught me how much can be said without saying anything at all and how much can be taught through a little laughter and fun."
Hobbies: Baking cakes that don't look like cakes, exercising, finding something to giggle about, traveling, creating healthy food that doesn't taste "healthy," journaling, shopping and enjoying friends and family!
Kelli Capocasa, M.S., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Kelli has worked in center-based programs, in-home programs and in a variety of schools and classrooms. She is passionate about individualized treatment for children with autism and collaborating with everyone involved in the child's life.
During her undergraduate education at UW-Eau Claire, Kelli participated in a technical training program that applies the principles of behavior to teach language and learning skills to young children with autism. After seeing the positive impact of ABA, she knew she wanted to devote her energy to improving the lives of children with autism. Kelli received her Masters of Science degree in Psychology with a specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida State University in 2008.
"Every child I've had the privilege of knowing has touched my life in one way or another. Being able to watch these incredible children grow and persevere through life's odds is inspiring. Their warm, unique personalities bring a smile to my face each and every day."
Hobbies: Cooking, live music, anything outdoors in the summer, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Christine Hendrickson, MHP
Supervising Behavior Therapist
Christine has worked with children with autism since 1999 where she began her career working in the public school setting. Over the last twelve years Christine has helped children and families in a wide range of settings including in-home intervention, center based therapy, in-home consulting and school consulting. She has worked with Autism Matters since 2007. Her favorite part of this field is,
"helping children learn how to communicate and teaching others about autism."
Hobbies: Christine enjoys spending time with her family and friends, bowling, reading, shopping, watching movies and traveling.
Ryan Krebsbach, B.A., MHP
Behavior Therapy Specialist
Ryan received his international Baccalaureate degree from the International School of Amsterdam. He has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and has attended the first and third Carbone workshops. Ryan has also received hands-on training from Dr. Carbone and his staff. Ryan has been working in this field since 2000 and has been with Autism Matters since 2008. Ryan's says favorite part of this field is,
"Helping a child say his/her first word and seeing the look on a parent's face when they observe a learned skill for the first time. I also enjoy hearing that one of my client's is having a sleep over." Ryan has personal experience with autism , as well. His nephew was diagnosed with autism when he was four. After a reevaluation at age six, no diagnosis was given.
Hobbies: Rock climbing, hiking, camping.
Melanie Busiahn, B.S., MHP
Lead Therapist
Melanie has worked in this field since 2006 and has been with Autism Matters since 2008. Melanie says her favorite aspect of working in this field is,
"Witnessing the moment when a child learns to communicate using their first word or sign. Each time a child is able to communicate their wants and/or needs or acquires a new skill is considered an achievement and is cause for a celebration! There is so much joy in being a part of each child's journey. Providing tools for success not only for the child but for each family is one of my greatest passions."
Hobbies: Melanie enjoys being lakeside or boating in the summertime and babysitting her new nephew in her spare time.
Emily Neuwald, B.S., MHP
Lead Therapist
Emily began working with children with autism in 2005 when she began doing in-home therapy. It was in this setting that she was trained in ABA/VB. She began working for Autism Matters in 2008. Emily elaborates on why she enjoys this field so much,
"I get to be a kid forever! And, of course, I get to watch the kids acquire new skills and learn how to communicate. It is very exciting to hear a child's first words and know that you helped them achieve that goal. The gratitude from and happiness expressed by a child's parents is encouraging and a highlight of my day."
Hobbies: Indoor and outdoor gardening, cooking vegetarian meals, camping, and live music.
Kristin Schneider, MHP
Lead Therapist
Kristin began working with children with autism in 2006 and started working with Autism Matters in 2008.
"I enjoy watching the kids learn and grow each day. I also like the relationships I have developed with the families of the kids I work with."
Hobbies: Kristin enjoys being outside in the summer, spending time with friends and family and reading.
Tim DeYoung, B.S., MHP
Lead Therapist
Tim has a B.A. in Psychology and English from University of Minnesota
He has worked in the Autism field since 2009 and joined Autism Matters in 2010.
Hobbies: Tim enjoys reading, making music, antiques and playing tennis.
Behavioral Therapists
Kate Bartlein, MHP
Anna Blyly-Strauss, B.A., MHP
Jessica Dahlvang, B.A., MHP
Kasarah Drake, B.A., MHP
Christa Fiedler, B.A., MHP
Dan Hatfield, B.A., MHP
Rebekah Hereth, B.A., MHP
Alyssa Klein, B.A., MHP
Kristen Klein, B.A., MHP
Kate Kohler-Platten, M.S., MHP
Tom Kraemer, B.A., MHP
Amy Massen-Shidla, Behavioral Aide
Jennifer Metelak, B.A., MHP
Steve Ostlund, B.A., MHP
Kelsey Rehome, B.A., MHP
Kayla Summerland, Behavioral Aide
Jamie Thompson, B.S., MHP
Sophia Tschida-Reuter, B.A., MHP
Krystal Tshumperlin, B.S., MHP
Nick Vail, B.A., MHP
LeAnn Wald, B.A., MHP
Kelly Wichor, B.A., MHP
Kristine Yost, B.S., MHP
Speech-Language Pathology Department
Heidi Pahl, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist Department Supervisor
Heidi received her B.A. degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota and carries her Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Minnesota Department of Health License.
Experience: Heidi began working in the Autism field in 2005 as a behavior therapist. She began her work as a speech-language pathologist in 2008 when she joined Autism Matters.
"I love that I am able to make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families. I believe that communication is extremely powerful. Teaching children to communicate helps to empower them and opens up a whole world of possibilities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively, and I love being a part of that learning process."
Hobbies: Heidi enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, canoeing,
Kali Maatz, M.A., CFY-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kali received her B.S. in Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her M. A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota. She is licensed through the Minnesota Department of Health and is working toward her Certificate of Clinical Compentency (CCC) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Kali has previous experience with early childhood special education and elementary school-age children.
"I love the team approach at Autism Matters. The parents, behavioral therapists, and SLPs all work together to increase the amount of success each child experiences. This relationship also helps generalize new skills to a variety of environments."
Hobbies: Kali enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, and golfing.
Kassie Flora, M.S., CFY-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kassie received her B.S. in Communication Disorders from Minnesota State University – Mankato and received her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kassie is currently working towards her Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) through ASHA and is licensed through the Minnesota Department of Health.
Kassie's previous experience in working with children with autism, include, working at a preschool for children with autism (ages 3-5) while attending graduate school.
Kassie's favorite part of this field:
"Helping children learn how to communicate is what I love to do. It is so much fun to help discover each and every child's fullest potential!"
Hobbies: Kassie enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog, Kona. She also enjoys reading, traveling and baseball.
Amy Wegshied, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Amy earned her M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Truman State University and her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from St. Cloud State University.
Amy began working in this field when she joined Autism Matters in 2010. Amy's favorite part of working in this field is,
"That I am given the opportunity to help foster a strong connection/collaboration between a behavioral approach and speech-language therapy for this population. I enjoy witnessing and celebrating the small steps each child makes daily and watching them evolve into giant leaps over time!"
Hobbies: Amy enjoys camping at Minnesota state parks, traveling (anywhere!), and cooking and baking.
Robyn Young, M.A., Educational Speech-Language Pathologist
Robyn has a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. In addition to running social skills groups at Autism Matters, she works as a speech-language pathologist in the Carver County School District. Robyn has over 15 years experience working with children diagnosed with autism in a variety of settings including, home-based/center-based intensive behavioral intervention programs and early childhood special education classrooms in the public schools. Her experience in a wide variety of settings is crucial in bridging the gaps between intensive programming and school-based instruction.
Parent Resources
Julia Sawyer, B.A.
Parent Resource Coordinator
Julia brings 12 years of extensive research and information gathering to Autism Matters. After her son was diagnosed with autism in 1999, she has been dedicated to learning about the causes and treatments for autism. Julia has attended numerous autism-related seminars, dedicating her time to better understand everything from various therapies (ABA, speech-language, occupational therapy) to diet to biomedical intervention. Julia organizes and hosts regular parent meetings where she shares her knowledge, in addition to offering support and hope to Autism Matters' parents.
