KCC Professional Staff

From therapists to support team members, each person on the KCC staff brings expertise and a genuine love for working with kids. We believe in partnering closely with families and each other, creating a warm and encouraging environment where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow.

Speech & Language Staff

NANCY R. KAUFMAN

KCC DIRECTOR
Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Nancy is the owner and director of Kaufman Children’s Center and a renowned expert on the topic of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). In addition to working with local children, she offers intensive speech and language programs that bring families from other states and around the world to work with her at the KCC.

Since 1979, Nancy has dedicated herself to developing the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP) methods and materials to help kids become effective vocal communicators. She lectures internationally and over 20,000 speech-language pathologists have learned the K-SLP directly from the creator.

Nancy earned her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and her master’s at Wayne State University, having been awarded a graduate assistantship. She and her husband reside in West Bloomfield, Michigan and have three grown children, a son-in-law, and two granddaughters.

Honors & awards:

Additional career highlights:

Visit Nancy’s page to learn more about her methods and the services she offers

JENNIFER HILL

SPEECH DIRECTOR
Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts and sciences from Michigan State University with high honors. She completed her master’s in speech-language pathology at Wayne State.

She was named clinical director of the speech and language department at KCC in 2024.

Jennifer’s experience includes evaluation and treatment in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities. She has worked exclusively in pediatrics at KCC since 1999.

Jennifer lives in West Bloomfield with her husband and three children. She enjoys time with her family, boating and being by the water, and staying active.

KRISTI SHEARER

ASST. SPEECH DIRECTOR
Speech-Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP

Kristi earned her undergrad degree at Central Michigan University and her master’s in speech and language pathology from Nova Southeastern University.

Kristi was an ABA tech at KCC before becoming an SLP. She has a wide range of pediatric speech experience, including private practice, mobile private practice (where she treated at private schools and childcare centers), public schools, and outpatient hospital settings.

Kristi enjoys spending time with her husband and their young son and daughter and doing anything outdoors.

AMANDA DUNN

Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s in communicative sciences and disorders at Michigan State University.

She has worked as an SLP in both pediatric inpatient and outpatient settings as well as acute care settings.

Amanda is a new mom to a baby girl. She also has a mini goldendoodle named Copper.

LARA ELMBLAD

Speech-Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP

Lara earned her bachelor’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s in the same subject from New York University.

Lara loves reading and kayaking in her free time. She has two dogs (Laney and Teddy) and they enjoy going for walks to the lake together.

SHADYA ESSAILI

Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Shadya earned her undergrad degree in biology and psychology at the University of Michigan and her master’s in speech-language pathology from Wayne State.

Before joining us at KCC, she worked with children in the schools and in an ABA outpatient clinic. Shadya also has experience using a holistic approach to work with people who stutter at the speech clinic at Wayne State.

She enjoys watching nature and spending time with family, including her niece and nephews.

ELLE GALLAGHER

Speech-Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP

Elle received her bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences at Northern Michigan University. She went on to earn her master’s in speech-language pathologist at St. Ambrose University.

Elle worked as a clinical intern at University Center for Literacy and Language and was a lead speech therapy practice associate at Chicago Speech Therapy.

She enjoys playing pickleball, reading, being outside, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

MELANIE PIERCE

Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Melanie earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communicative sciences and disorders from Michigan State University.

She has worked as a pediatric SLP in school-based, outpatient hospital, and private practice settings.

Melanie enjoys traveling, being by the water in the summer, and spending time with her family.

CHRISTINA ROCHON

Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Christina earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders at Northern Michigan University in 1999 and followed up with a master’s in speech pathology from NMU in 2001.

Before coming to the KCC, she worked for many years at a school for children with autism in Illinois.

Christina was named a “Mom-Approved Doc”  by the readers of Metro Parent magazine in 2014. She has two children.

ALANNA VOTRUBA

Speech-Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP

Alanna earned her undergrad degree at Michigan State, majoring in communications with a minor in communicative sciences and disorders and earning high honors. She went to Grand Valley State for her master’s degree in speech and language pathology.

Alanna loves traveling, trying new things, and spending time with family and friends.

MARLA ZERBIB

Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Marla earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Windsor and her master’s in speech-language pathology from Wayne State.

In addition to her regular individual speech sessions at the KCC, Marla is our clinical director and evaluates children ages 6 and up.

She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors (especially in or on the water), and curling up with a good book.

Occupational Therapy Staff

AMY HENGSTEBECK

KCC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Occupational Therapist
OTRL

Amy was named the center’s assistant director in 2024 after serving as the director of occupational therapy and sensory integration programs since 2014.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State University.

Amy has previous experience working with inpatient orthopedic and outpatient pediatric patients in the hospital setting, as well as with spinal cord and traumatic brain injury cases.

She has been named a “Mom Approved Doc” by the readers of Metro Parent magazine.

Amy and her husband Josh have three children, and a crazy Australian Shepherd named Sadie.

JEANETTE JONES

OT DIRECTOR
Occupational Therapist
MOT, OTRL

Jeanette earned her bachelor’s degree in science and master’s degree in occupational therapy at Eastern Michigan University.

She was named the director of occupational therapy and sensory integration programs in 2024 after serving as the program’s assistant director since 2014.

Before coming to the KCC, Jeanette worked in a private pediatric sensory clinic in Chicago.

She presented at a national conference on CDKL5 after being invited by the parents of a child she treats with the rare genetic disorder.

Jeanette and her husband Greg have two sons and a daughter.

ERIN GRECO

ASST. OT DIRECTOR
Occupational Therapist
MOT, OTRL

Erin received her bachelor’s degree from Alma College and her master’s in occupational therapy from Wayne State University in 2015.

She also has experience as an OT in the school setting and has facilitated many camps for the KCC.

Erin played softball at Alma College and loves to stay active with running, hiking, and gardening.

She married her husband in 2024. They have a dog named Farley.

Erin is an avid supporter of mental health!

CARMEN CARRILLO

Occupational Therapist
MOT, OTRL

Carmen earned her BA in sociology from Chapman University and both a BS in health sciences and master’s in occupational therapy from Wayne State University.

She completed her level II field work here at the KCC.

Carmen previously worked as a nanny for children with ASD, a lifeguard and swim instructor, and as a diversity and equity program assistant.

She enjoys playing board games with her friends and boyfriend, reading, swimming, and finding new hikes around Michigan.

MARJORIE DESCHNER

Occupational Therapist
OTRL

Marjorie earned her bachelor’s in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan University.

She previously worked at the KCC as OT director before moving on to Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center in New York.

Marjorie has experience with early childhood programs in both the school and clinic settings and developed OT clinics for Sensory Systems.

Marjorie is married with two children. She enjoys yoga and is a dog lover, especially of her rescue Beagle mix.

HADLEY MOAK

Occupational Therapist
OTD, OTRL

Hadley earned her doctorate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Michigan-Flint. Her undergrad is in exercise science with a minor in deaf studies from Xavier University. In addition to her fieldwork in pediatrics, she has experience as a daily living teacher and coordinator for adults with different abilities.

Hadley’s brother is a BCBA in New Jersey and Hadley credits their mother for always exposing them to a diverse world of friends, neighbors, and family with different abilities. She showed them from the start that the world is full of people who think differently and have different needs.
 
In addition, Hadley grew up navigating the world with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. She has grown skilled in advocacy and advocates for kids in their growth and learning the same way she has advocated for herself.

Hadley loves weightlifting and building Legos! She credits her time in the gym for her ability to play and keep up with kids on the floor, in bouncy houses, in ball pits, and anywhere else therapy takes her.

CHRIS PURGATORI

Occupational Therapist
MOT, OTRL

Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Michigan State University. He went on to complete a second bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State.

Before coming to the KCC, he worked in the public school system with children who were severely multiply impaired, cognitively impaired, or on the autism spectrum.

Chris has served as the varsity soccer coach at Rochester High School since 2008.

He married his high school sweetheart, Carrie, and together they have a son and boy/girl twins.

SANDRA SEELBINDER

Occupational Therapist
MOT, OTRL

Sandra earned her bachelor’s in health science and master’s in occupational therapy from Baker College.

She was twice named a “Mom Approved Doc” by the readers of Metro Parent magazine.

Sandra has two dogs (rescues named Maya and Ellie) and enjoys reading, cooking, and shopping.

JAMIE STOCKDALE

Occupational Therapist
MOT, OTRL

Jamie earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Michigan State and her master’s in occupational therapy from Western Michigan.

She completed her level 2 fieldwork here at the KCC.

Throughout college, Jamie worked as a research assistant, teaching fundamental motor skills to children on the autism spectrum. She has also worked as a nanny and soccer coach.

Jamie enjoys being outside running, biking, paddle boarding and spending time with her dog, Theo.

JULIA SZYMANSKI

Occupational Therapist (ABA)
MOT, OTRL

Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from Concordia University and her master’s in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan.

Throughout college, Julia worked as a preschool aide and did her level two student fieldwork working with kids with severe autism, ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

She enjoys spending time with her family and doing anything outdoors, such as camping and going to the beach.

Julia married her husband John in 2022.

Applied Behavior Analysis Staff

AMANDA PRATER

CLINICAL DIRECTOR – K1
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in applied behavior analysis, both from Western Michigan University.

She was named an ABA clinical director in 2021, after first serving as a BCBA and K1 program director.

Before joining the KCC, Amanda was a behavior analyst in a residential treatment facility, conducting functional analyses and developing clinical programming for children with severe challenging behavior.

She enjoys training staff and parents to positively impact the families we provide services for.

Amanda and her husband Chris have two boys.

LINDSAY MUNCEY

CLINICAL DIRECTOR – K2
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Lindsay earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Western Michigan University and her master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Ball State University.

She was named an ABA clinical director in 2021, after first serving as a BCBA and K2 program director.

Before becoming a board-certified behavior analyst at the KCC, she worked here for many years as an ABA tech.

She says the best part of her job is learning from all of the wonderful kids and their families.

Lindsay and her husband Max have two daughters, a cat named Albie, and a French mastiff named Marty.

LAUREN AKINS

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Lauren earned her undergrad degree in psychology from Indiana University and her master’s in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University.

Before becoming a BCBA, she was a lead RBT at KCC for five years.

Lauren is married and has a fur baby named Winston. She enjoys outdoor activities and traveling to new places. She is the oldest of three kids.

Fun fact: Lauren has lived in a Dr. Seuss-themed house!

KRISTI BUCCELLATO

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Kristi earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Wayne State University.

She obtained her master’s in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis in autism at Ball State University.

Before becoming a BCBA, Kristi was a longtime ABA tech here at the KCC, and had previous experience as a tech at a different facility.

Outside of work, Kristi enjoys camping and going on adventures with her three kids.

HAILEE HALL

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Hailee graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in neuroscience and psychology. She went on to earn her master’s in special education from Oakland University.

Hailee was an ABA tech at the KCC before getting her BCBA certification. She had previous ABA experience before that, and also worked as a psychometrist intern at a mental health facility.

Hailee enjoys reading, sports and travel. She has a poodle/yorkie mix named Poochie Edward.

KRISTYN PARKER

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Kristyn earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Central Michigan.

She was a senior ABA tech at the KCC before becoming a BCBA and has previous ABA experience in the hospital setting.

Kristyn enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

KRISTI WOJNO

RBT/STAFF TRAINER
Board-Certified Assistant
Behavior Analyst
BS, BCaBA, LABA

Kristi earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Central Michigan University.

She and her husband Eric have two children.

ABA Technicians

CHANEL ANDERSON

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Chanel earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts and sign language through a dual program from Oakland University and Siena Heights University. She also completed a large amount of coursework in psychology and sociology, graduating as a member of the honor society.

Before coming to the KCC, Chanel worked in the culinary field and often volunteered for sign language interpreting conferences. She has completed over 300 working in the sign language field. She and her husband have two children.

TAYLOR CHAMBERS

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in human biology and neuroscience at Michigan State University. She has previous experience as a registered behavior technician.

BOBBI RHEA COOPER

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Bobbi Rhea studied at St. Clair College.

Fun fact: She is a classically trained musician.

BRENNA DIRKSE

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Brenna earned her bachelor’s degree in cognitive science from the University of Michigan.

She has 2 1/2 years experience as an ABA tech.

Brenna enjoys reading history, traveling, and cooking. She loves cats and has two boys: Scooter and Louie.

ERIN FRANKLIN

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Erin earned a BS in psychology at Towson University, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.

She has completed additional coursework in family and human services and previously worked as a reading tutor.

Erin enjoys swimming, cooking with her boyfriend, traveling (including a trip to Alaska) and spending time with friends and family.

 

HELENA HANAEE

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Helena earned a BS in social work at Oakland University. She has previous experience working with children.

KENDALL LUBERTO

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Kendall is currently attending Macomb Community College.

Fun facts: She is a dual citizen and is related to actress Sharon Tate.

SHEENA PARIKH

Lead ABA Tec
RBT

Coming soon

FLYNN PARKER

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Flynn is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has experience teaching in early childhood classrooms.

RACHEL STEED

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Rachel earned a BS in education at Bowling Green State University, majoring as an intervention specialist. She has previous experience in elementary and Montessori schools in a variety of positions, including as a substitute teacher, teacher’s aide, and paraprofessional. She enjoys working with children and has a passion to teach.

Rachel has a golden doodle named Rusti.

SAMANTHA VANSICKLE

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Samantha earned an associate’s degree in general education from Macomb Community College and studied elementary education at Oakland University. She is currently finishing a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis through Purdue Global University and hopes to continue on to earn her master’s in ABA.

Samantha has worked with young children for over 10 years in childcare facilities and preschools. Her duties grew from support staff to assistant teacher, and she took on lead teacher duties when needed.

Samantha has two French bulldogs, Moxi and Mowi, and has a lifelong love for horses and their beauty. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and being outside in nature.

DALLAS WHEELOCK

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Dallas earned a BA in communication sciences and disorders from Central Michigan University. She previously worked in respite and direct care at JARC and has a strong knowledge of American Sign Language.

Dallas’ favorite things in the world are her dachshund and gecko. She enjoys being active and loves to rollerblade.

RACHEL BAUSE

ABA Tech
RBT

Rachel earned a BA in psychology and business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

She has previous experience as a behavior tech.

AMIRA FARRIS

ABA Tech

Amira earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Michigan State, where she was named a Dow STEM Scholar. She has previous experience as a behavior technician and also as a youth and adolescent counselor.

Amira and her fiancé have a 4-year-old daughter and three pet fish, who their daughter named Auntie, Jelly, and Onion. Amira is a hairstylist at a salon and enjoys servicing women, men, and children. She is also God-centered and likes to spend time engaging in weekly church services and Bible study sessions.

Fun facts: Amira can do a backflip and hold a handstand for a significant amount of time!

JENNIFER FLORES

ABA Tech

Coming soon

LINDSAY FURMAN

ABA Tech

Lindsay earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central Michigan University. She has previous experience as a preschool teacher.

Lindsay has two daughters and enjoys cooking, painting, and photography.

Fun fact: Lindsay shares her maiden name, Foon, with the Remarkable Foon from Dr. Seuss’s “If I Ran the Circus,” a character who eats hot pebbles from the moon!

JHANELLY GARCIA

ABA Tech
RBT

Jhanelly has a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience with a minor in linguistics from the University of Michigan. While at UM, she earned university honors and was a James B. Angell scholar.

Jhanelly is currently completing leveling courses in communication sciences and disorders to apply to speech-language pathology graduate programs. She has previous experience as a teaching assistant at the Health System Children’s Center for the University of Michigan hospital.

Jhanelly’s first language is Spanish. She enjoys taking walks outside, trying new workout classes, and going to unique coffee shops and restaurants.

Fun fact: Jhanelly has three siblings and 72 first cousins!

JO HEMRY

ABA Tech

Jo earned an undergrad degree in elementary and special education at Western Michigan University and a master’s in middle grades math at Piedmont University.

She is a certified teacher in special education and elementary education and previously worked in those fields.

Jo has four daughters and enjoys painting, swimming, and dancing.

Fun fact: her favorite foods are anything with cheese!

ASHLEY LADOMER

ABA Tech

Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Michigan State University. She has previous experience as a research assistant and behavior technician.

Ashley enjoys yoga, reading, and watching movies.

Fun fact: she lived in Italy for four months during college.

ROBBYE MADSEN

ABA Tech

Coming soon

AADA MASON

ABA Tech

Aada earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science at Anna Maria College. She has previous experience as a nanny and a childcare teacher’s assistant.

Aada enjoys snowboard and going to the gym.

Fun fact: Aada was born in Finland.

CAMRYN McCRARY

ABA Tech
RBT

Camryn is attending Oakland Community College. She is a certified birth doula.

AMANDA MORTON

ABA Tech
RBT

Amanda earned a BS in elementary education at Grand Canyon University.

She enjoys reading and word games.

SARA RITTENHOUSE

ABA Tech

Sara has a bachelor’s degree in missiology and education from Indiana Bible College, where she earned highest honors and was named to the President’s List. She has previous experience at a learning center and managing behavioral health in a church setting.

Sara is married and has 12 sisters, including two on the autism spectrum. She enjoys reading, drawing, participating in any form of art, researching, writing, and learning new things.

Fun fact: Sara is almost fluent in Spanish and is working toward learning Arabic.

NATALIE ROBINSON

ABA Tech

Coming soon

MALINA SHABA

ABA Tech

Malina studied psychology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she earned the Chancellor Scholarship. She has previous experience as an ABA technician.

Malina enjoys making art, listening to music, exercising, and watching and playing all sports. She especially loves to swim. Malina’s favorite food is sushi.

HILLARY SMITH

ABA Tech
RBT

Hillary earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and social work at Western Michigan. She has previous work experience as a registered behavior technician.

Hillary enjoys reading and going to concerts. She has two cats and loves the color purple.

SHANIQUA SPENCER

ABA Tech
RBT

Shaniqua is currently attending Henry Ford Community College, working on an elementary education degree.

She loves to cook and enjoys art museums.

LAURA TAMBE

ABA Tech
RBT

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in psychological science from the University of Kore Enna and a master’s in social psychology from the University of Milano Bicocca, both in Italy.

She enjoys reading and Japanese food.

Administrative Staff

NANCY R. KAUFMAN

KCC DIRECTOR
Speech-Language Pathologist
MA, CCC-SLP

Nancy is the owner and director of Kaufman Children’s Center and a renowned expert on the topic of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). In addition to working with local children, she offers intensive speech and language programs that bring families from other states and around the world to work with her at the KCC.

Since 1979, Nancy has dedicated herself to developing the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP) methods and materials to help kids become effective vocal communicators. She lectures internationally and over 20,000 speech-language pathologists have learned the K-SLP directly from the creator.

Nancy earned her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and her master’s at Wayne State University, having been awarded a graduate assistantship. She and her husband reside in West Bloomfield, Michigan and have three grown children, a son-in-law, and two granddaughters.

Honors & awards:

Additional career highlights:

Visit Nancy’s page to learn more about her methods and the services she offers

AMY HENGSTEBECK

KCC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Occupational Therapist
OTRL

Amy was named the center’s assistant director in 2024 after serving as the director of occupational therapy and sensory integration programs since 2014.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State University.

Amy has previous experience working with inpatient orthopedic and outpatient pediatric patients in the hospital setting, as well as with spinal cord and traumatic brain injury cases.

She has been named a “Mom Approved Doc” by the readers of Metro Parent magazine.

Amy and her husband Josh have three children, and a crazy Australian Shepherd named Sadie.

KELLY SWAGLER

Administrative Director

Kelly has been with the KCC since 1992. She has a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the University of Michigan.

In her free time, she enjoys thrifting with her husband, playing with her two cats, learning about mid-century modern design and architecture, hearing live music, organizing, and traveling.

CYNDI DAVIS

Communications &
Outreach Coordinator

Cyndi majored in English at the University of Michigan-Flint. She worked in journalism before moving to the communications and marketing field, first in public school districts and then here at the KCC since 2010.

Cyndi and her husband Joe have four sons. She enjoys reading, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with her family and their dogs.

DAWN FIELDS

Administrative Assistant

Dawn has been with the KCC since 2006. She earned her associate’s degree in office information systems from Schoolcraft College.

She enjoys reading, gardening, bike riding, and camping.

KAITLYN GENSMAN

Billing & Insurance Specialist

Kaitlyn earned an associate’s degree in social work from Grand Valley and is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in human resources. She has previous experience working with insurance in emergency rooms and outpatient clinics.

Kaitlyn enjoys fashion, Detroit sporting events, exploring metro Detroit, and helping with local dog rescues. She has a boyfriend named Anthony and dogs named Clare and Obie.

KAYLA PERDUE

ABA Clinic Coordinator

Kayla earned a BA in family life education from Concordia University. She has experience in the ABA field as both a tech and a scheduling coordinator.

Kayla has two daughters with big hearts who keep her on her toes. She loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys summertime and going camping.

DIANE REINHEIMER

Office Manager

Coming soon

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