Occupational Therapist, Co-Founder

I'm an Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent Occupational Therapist who parents a neurodivergent child. I've been a therapist for 14 years, working with people of all ages. I became involved in the disability community a few years ago and through listening to diverse voices, I've learned to more deeply appreciate the differences that naturally exist in humanity.

Learning is a process that never ends, and it leads us to places we may not have expected. True growth is never easy but is always worth it. As I listen and learn from you, we can create supports and services that promote your well-being as you become more autonomous and authentic in yourself.

Occupational Therapist, Co-Founder

I am an occupational therapist, yoga teacher, and ADHDer who is passionate about connecting with people to facilitate their engagement in meaningful life activities that support their autonomy, confidence, and goals. I use various techniques tailored to meet your needs, including (but not limited to) sensory, motor, nature-based, and activity-based.

I am consistently learning and self-reflecting to ensure quality and compassionate services. I look forward to a collaborative therapeutic experience, that is genuine to you or your child.

OT Administrative Coordinator

I am an Occupational Therapist and proud mother of an ADHDer. I have 33 years experience collaborating with families in the Minneapolis community, both as a therapist and as Director of Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapy for a local agency.

Over my career, I have been blessed to partner with thousands of families from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences to co-navigate the joys and challenges of neurodivergence. I am excited to take on the role of supporting and expanding the staff of Roots and Wings, to enable us to be readily available to all families seeking our services and unique expertise.

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

I am a Twin Cities-based arts administrator, professional dancer, and yoga teacher. Since landing in Minneapolis in 2019, I have supported the local arts ecosystem through my work at the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Grants Office, Zenon Dance School, and the National Theatre for Children.

I am excited to bring my creative lens to the occupational therapy world and contribute to Roots and Wings’ neurodivergent-affirming mission. My background in dance and yoga education has shaped my belief that every person deserves to take up space fully and authentically. Within each of my artistic and administrative practices, I am interested in bringing communities together through the collective power of movement and imagination.

Occupational Therapist

I am an occupational therapist, mother to three teenage sons, Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe woman), and a MN LEND Fellow (2015-16). I have a combined 18 years experience in the field of OT, most recently as an Occupational Therapist from 2016 to present and previously as an occupational therapy assistant from 2006-2016.

My experience with navigating the world as a neurodivergent, BIPOC therapist has enabled me to hone a highly empathetic and collaborative, person-centered approach to care. My experience in the field of OT has spanned four states, multiple treatment settings, and an abundance of diverse clients across the lifespan. These experiences have fueled my passion for equitable, person-centered, trauma-informed, gender affirming and culturally responsive care. I am very excited to be joining the Roots and Wings team and look forward to developing collaborative, meaningful, therapeutic relationships with you and your community!

Occupational Therapist

Hello! My name is Aster and I am an occupational therapist. I’m autistic ADHDer and a transman who celebrates his queerness and neurodivergence by searching for funky button downs, cuddling every cat who agrees to it, and trying new things that make me excited!

In the past four and a half years I’ve worked with children, adults, families experiencing homelessness, and in a public hospital - I love working with a little bit of everybody! My favorite part of being an occupational therapist is getting to know the people I’m working with so that I can empower them and their community to meet their deepest needs. I’m a total nerd and can’t wait to get to know you, your family, and your special interests!

Occupational Therapist

My guiding principle is that every individual deserves to be met with genuine celebration for exactly who they are. With five years of experience supporting both children and adults, I see therapy as a partnership where we work together to turn personal strengths into tools for overcoming barriers.

My practice is rooted in providing a safe, supportive environment where I draw on advanced training in sensory processing, interoception, DIR Floortime, executive functioning, and feeding therapy to help my clients engage more fully in what matters most to them. Instead of trying to “fix” the individual, I focus on adapting the environment and building skills that honor their natural way of being. I’m a firm believer that progress is most sustainable when it’s collaborative and holistic.

Outside of work, some of my favorite occupations are playing volleyball, rollerblading around the Chain of Lakes, and watching probably too much reality TV. Can’t wait to meet you or your child!

Occupational Therapist

I believe every person deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves and celebrated for who they are. As an occupational therapist, I’m passionate about creating that space alongside clients and empowering them to engage in what feels most meaningful in their lives.

I see occupational therapy as a collaborative journey, where we explore together what feels supportive and sustainable. My approach is rooted in neurodiversity‑affirming, trauma‑informed, and person‑centered care. I draw on sensory‑based, activity‑focused, and holistic strategies tailored to each individual’s needs and interests. I’m excited to join Roots & Wings and look forward to connecting with you or your child!

Occupational Therapist

My occupational therapy journey began in an acute care hospital setting, where I had the privilege of supporting patients through moments of vulnerability, hope, and change. Those experiences taught me the importance of truly seeing the whole person, their goals, their strengths, and the barriers that get in their way.

I’m now shifting into home and community-based practice because I value the connection and collaboration that happens when you get to meet someone in their own environment. I love sitting down with clients, getting curious about what’s meaningful to them, and working together to find solutions that fit their life. My goal is always to help people feel capable, supported, and confident as they move toward what matters most to them.

Outside of work, I’m happiest spending time with my family, golfing, traveling, crafting, swimming, baking, and reading, just to name a few.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

I am originally from Western South Dakota. I have lived in the Twin Cities since 2017 and have greatly enjoyed my time here. I share my home with two cats, Gibbs and Bleu, a dog named Cosmo, and a bearded dragon named Bernie. My fiancé and I currently reside in North Minneapolis, where we appreciate the sense of community in our neighborhood.

I graduated from Herzing University in 2020 and began working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at a Transitional Care Unit (TCU). While I gained valuable experience there, I have always been passionate about pediatrics and eagerly transitioned into pediatric occupational therapy. With over three and a half years of experience as a Pediatric OT, I am excited to further expand my skills and knowledge to positively impact a broader group of individuals.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

I have a diverse, decades-long background in disability services, working with clients from kindergarten through retirement in a variety of settings and services. I earned my first degree in Communication Disorders and realized, 15 years later, that my true calling was in Occupational Therapy.

I believe in equity in the disability experience and love to celebrate the successes of others, no matter how big or small. I am fascinated by the brain-body connection and enjoy creating adaptive tools and working with other assistive technology. My favorite sensory activities are snuggling my cats, sorting fabric for quilting, and making music.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

I am new to Occupational Therapy after years of working in a nonprofit. My first degree is in fine arts before studying OT at St. Catherine University. I would travel full time if I could. I spent many years building houses with Habitat for Humanity before coming to Roots and Wings. It may seem unconnected, but both careers include learning from community, teaching new skills, modifying activities, working toward long term goals, and working directly with interesting people.

I love animals, traveling, making things, being creative, and my delightful dog. I am passionate about occupational justice, equity, and creating safe, healthy communities. Providing neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed care is important to me. My favorite part of OT is seeing growth, finding new techniques, and collaborating with clients on improving skills.