Our Clinical Services Staff

blankBridget Beckmann, Senior Registered Behavior Therapist

Bridget is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Developmental Psychology with a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a minor in Applied Psychology in Educational and Community Settings. She’s worked in the human service field in a variety of settings for over 6 years prior to working at Franklin Center, including in a hospital school room in London where she provided both classroom and bedside instruction. Her other previous work experience includes supporting children and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities as a camp counselor, a PCA, an assistant teacher, a preschool assistant, and as a behavior therapist at an ABA center. Bridget also worked in an Infant Autism Intervention Lab at the University of Minnesota for over 3 years, collecting data. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, listening to live music, and cooking.

blankSam Bergum, Registered Behavior Therapist

Sam is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She got her Bachelor of Psychology degree at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. After graduating in 2022, she began working full-time as a behavior practitioner at Fraser Minneapolis. She worked there for a year delivering ABA therapy to children aged 3-7 with ASD. In her free time, Sam enjoys hiking, skiing, reading, traveling, and spending time with family. She is very excited to continue her career at the Franklin Center!

Jackson BerraJackson Berra, Case Coordinator

Jackson is the Case Coordinator at Franklin Center. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Platteville with a B.A. in criminal justice. Prior to working at Franklin Therapy, Jackson worked with at-risk youth, as well as a behavioral specialist for children with ASD, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Michaela ParnellMichaela Bohmert, Family Consultation Therapist

Michaela is a Family Consultation Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development & Family Studies. Out of college, Michaela worked with individuals with mental health diagnoses in their own homes. In 2019, she started working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in their home as well as in a center.

 

blankMichaela Born, Registered Behavior Therapist

Michaela is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in psychology and a minor in family studies. Right out of college, she started working clinic-based with kids from 5-16 years old diagnosed with ASD and other developmental disabilities. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis while also getting her second bachelors degree to become a Speech Language Pathologist in her future. Michaela is excited to be at the Franklin Center, watching kids grow every day. Outside of working in the clinic, Michaela likes to hike, go on walks and try new restaurants with old friends.

blankSuad De Leeuw, Family Consultation Therapist

Suad is a Family Consultation Therapist at Franklin Center. Suad is currently enrolled and pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at Saint Mary’s University. Suad has several years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, bringing compassion and dedication to her work. She is a returning employee, rejoining the team after gaining valuable experience as a case manager working with adults dealing with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Suad’s diverse background and commitment to service make her a vital part of the family consult team.

blankSavannah Deinhart, Registered Behavior Therapist

Savannah is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelors degree in Speech Language & Hearing Sciences in 2023. Savannah is currently pursuing her masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and is set to graduate in March 2025. Prior to Franklin Center, Savannah provided behavioral therapy services at an early intervention ABA clinic. In her free time, Savannah enjoys going to the lake and watching the Vikings!

 

blankMichayla DeSoto, Treatment Lead

Michayla is a Treatment Lead at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in child psychology and a minor in speech-language-hearing science. In 2015, she began working as a therapeutic recreation support staff with children and young adults. She then decided she wanted to pursue a career working with children in a school setting and became a special education paraprofessional. After working with students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Michayla’s passion for working with individuals with ASD continued to grow. In 2018, she began her career in behavior therapy and has worked as an in-home and center-based behavior therapist and senior therapist working with children with ASD.

blankKenady Duesterhaus, Registered Behavior Therapist

Kenady is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. They graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Masters degree in Elementary Education. They have previously worked in an ABA clinic for 1 year and subbed in the St. Paul School District for 6 months. They enjoy playing with their cats, throwing pottery, and watching movies.

blankMelissa Eickhoff, Mental Health Therapist

Melissa is a Mental Health Therapist at Franklin Center. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Music from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and received her graduate degree in Counseling and Psychological Services through Saint Mary’s University, Twin Cities. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, she was a behavior therapist at Franklin Academy’s high school. Melissa has experience working with teens and young adults experiencing homeless and other disparities. In her work at Franklin Therapy, Melissa focuses on a cognitive behavioral and person-centered approach. 

Lizzy FreeseLizzy Freese, BCBA, Associate Director of Therapy Services

Lizzy is the Assosciate Director of Therapy Services at Franklin Center. She graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a triple concentration in psychology, human development, and Business administration. Lizzy obtained her Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Prior to Franklin Therapy, Lizzy worked with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy programs.

Wyatt FreieWyatt Freie, Senior Registered Behavior Therapist

Wyatt is a Senior Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a BA in Psychology. Prior to working at Franklin Therapy, Wyatt worked as a Behavioral Therapist performing ABA therapy for kids with ASD in-home and in-center.

 

blankMarianna Garcia-Velasco, Registered Behavior Therapist

Marianna is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She is a 2025 graduate of the University of Minnesota Rochester, where she earned a B.S. in Health Sciences and developed a passion for fostering belonging and supporting others through compassionate, client-centered care. Over the past three years, she has worked as a Behavior Therapist at the Rochester Center for Children, where she discovered a deep interest in ABA therapy. Her previous experience as a Personal Care Assistant at Mayo Clinic and a Certified Nursing Assistant at Samaritan Bethany further strengthened her commitment to helping others. Marianna is known for her empathy, dedication, and strong work ethic, and she enjoys movies, music, and spending quality time with her family who play a central role in her life.

blankMarlena Garza, Registered Behavior Therapist

Marlena is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She is from Worthington, MN, and has experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Previously, she was part of the team at Caravel Autism Health, where she honed her skills in providing compassionate and effective care. Beyond her clinical work, she enjoys reading and painting.

 

 

blankKhalid Hashi, Registered Behavior Therapist

Bio coming soon!

 

Emily HassEmily Hass, Clinical Trainer

Emily is a Clinical Trainer at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. While getting her degree, she also worked as an assistant preschool teacher in Duluth. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, she spent two years working at an autism therapy center providing ABA therapy to children on the autism spectrum.

 

blank Kelsey Holman, Registered Behavior Therapist

Kelsey is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. Prior to working at Franklin Center, Kelsey worked with elementary-aged students with special needs in Minneapolis Public Schools for three years. During this time, she discovered her passion for working with individuals diagnosed with ASD and hopes to pursue her Master’s in ABA to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Lea IchimuraLea Ichimura, IBI Program Manager

Lea is the IBI Program Manager at Franklin Center. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, she provided behavioral therapy services to clients ranging from 2 – 12 years old, where she worked in the clinic, residential, and in the community. Lea has also provided cognitive behavioral therapy and applied behavioral analysis for children with behavioral, emotional, and learning disabilities, as well as children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-occurring disorders. She also conducted diagnostic assessments and taught American Sign Language for 3 years to students ages 5 – 12.

blankAshlea Jenkins, Registered Behavior Therapist

Ashlea is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. They graduated from Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in theater design with a focus on costume design. Ashlea has worked in the human services field for about five years. Their skills involve working with elderly individuals and adults with special needs. For two years, Ashlea worked with children and teens with autism at Balance Autism in Iowa. They are working on returning to school to get their Masters in play therapy. In their free time, they enjoy going to anime conventions, sewing, hiking, and reading and watching anime. 

blankLihi Kidron, Registered Behavior Therapist

Lihi is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Metropolitan State University. Prior to working at Franklin Therapy, Lihi worked as a PCA, a Mental Health Technician at Fraser, and as a Behavior Therapist at the Minnesota Autism Center. Lihi is currently working on returning to school to earn a Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology. In her free time Lihi enjoys writing, reading, yoga, pickleball, and enjoying the outdoors.

blankAmy Lincoln, Training Manager

Amy is the Training Manager at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Minnesota and her Master’s degree in Public Health from London Metropolitan University in London, England. Amy has been working in the autism field since 2012 and has experience working as a behavior therapist, a lead behavior therapist, and a treatment supervisor. Prior to that, Amy worked in Shanghai, China as a classroom teacher. She has provided 1:1 skills training, family skills training, and behavior management in homes, schools, and in a clinic setting with children from 2-18 years old.

blankGabe Madson, Registered Behavior Therapist

Gabe is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. He received his B.A. from Loyola University – Chicago and worked at Chicago ABA Therapy for a few years prior to moving back to Minnesota.  Gabe loves to drum and was in a Chicago band called Gorilla Tuesday for 2 years. He’s so excited to be back in Minnesota and work at Franklin Center!

 

blankHadiya Martin, Registered Behavior Therapist

Hadiya is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She has six years of experience in the field. Working with kids brings her so much joy, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to connect with them—sometimes even getting to embrace her inner child alongside them. She’s known for her bubbly, energetic personality, which makes every day an adventure.

When she’s not working, she channels her creativity as a nail technician and enjoys the company of her furry friend, her beloved cat. She’s always up for new challenges, constantly seeking opportunities to grow and better herself as a person.

Sunni MyersSunni Myers, LPCC, LADC, Mental Health Therapist

Sunni is a Mental Health Therapist at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She earned her Master of Science Degree in Child Development and Family Relations from East Carolina University as well as her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, Sunni has provided services to address mood disorders, trauma, social skills, co-occurring chemical dependency/mental illness, and school-based services. Sunni focuses on cognitive behavioral, systemic, and strength-based views.

Grace OlsonGrace Olson, Treatmend Lead

Grace is a Senior Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota – Duluth with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Psychology. Grace’s background includes working as a Personal Care Assistant and a Direct Support Professional for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, she provided in-home ABA therapy to children diagnosed with ASD.

 

blankEmory Payne, BCBA, Clinical Trainer

Emory is a Clinical Trainer at Franklin Center. She received her Master of Science degree in Psychology specializing in Behavior Analysis from Marquette University and completed her undergraduate degree at St. Norbert College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Emory has experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in various roles. She began working as a behavior technician at the SSAIL Center in Milwaukee, WI in 2021 and earned her RBT certification in January 2022. In the future, she plans to obtain her BCBA certification. In her free time, Emory enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and cooking. She is very excited to take the next step in her career at the Franklin Therapy Center.

blankLouie Peralta, Mental Health Therapist

Louie is a Mental Health Therapist at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor’s of Psychology from North Park University in Chicago. She is currently enrolled at University of St. Thomas and received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology in May of 2024. Prior to working at the Franklin Center, Louie worked within the ABA community providing support for children all over the spectrum. Some of her favorite things to do are be outside by any body of water, play volleyball/workout, and read.

blankMackenzie Rabanus, Registered Behavior Therapist

Mackenzie is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato with her bachelor’s degrees in sports management and a double minor in marketing and business administration. Prior to Franklin, she worked for two years as a DSP at the Harry Meyering Center in Mankato. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys running, traveling, cooking, and reading. Mackenzie is very excited to start her journey at Franklin!

blankNathan Ross, Mental Health Intern

Nathan is a Mental Health Intern at Franklin Center. He earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Minnesota, and currently studies Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas. Before joining Franklin Center, Nathan had managed a fitness center, worked in applied behavioral analysis, and spent time as a teaching assistant at NIU. He is leaning toward a focus of relational-cultural and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Kim RaesKim Raes, Billing Specialist

Kim is the Therapy Services Billing Specialist at Franklin Center. She has over 15 years of experience billing mental health services. Prior to that, she was a legal assistant for a large law firm in Minneapolis.

 

Luella RambergLuella Ramberg, Intake and Operations Coordinator

Luella is the Intake and Operations Coordinator at Franklin Center. Prior to her employment at Franklin Center, she served as a Librarian at a community library, providing resources for individuals of diverse backgrounds. Lue also served as a leader of a 4H Club and on the 4H Leader Council, promoting the development of a wide variety of skills in young people between the ages of 4 and 18.

blankAllie Reid, Mental Health Therapist

Allie is a Mental Health Therapist at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology at the University of Minnesota, and her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas. Prior to joining Franklin Center, Allie provided mental health therapy to children and teens and behavioral parent training to families, as well as managed and led social skills group programs at a private clinic in Washington. Her specialties include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Depression, behavioral and emotional regulation concerns, and social skills development. Allie utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other theoretical models, guiding children and teens to learn about themselves and their capabilities.

Claire RobertsClaire Roberts, Treatment Lead

Claire is a Treatment Lead at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Deaf Studies/American Sign Language. She has previous experience working as a PCA, RBT and Senior RBT for children with various physical, cognitive and emotional needs.

 

blankRachel Ryan, Registered Behavior Therapist

Rachel is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in At-Risk Child and Youth Care from UW – La Crosse. She has been working with children with ASD for the past 4 years in both in-home and clinical settings. Rachel is currently in school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her friends, family, and cat!

 

Keiora SmithKeiora Smith, Senior Registered Behavior Therapist

Keiora is a Senior Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. Her background includes working as a PCA for the elderly and working with kids and teenagers ages 2-15 years old. Prior to coming on board with Franklin Therapy, she was employed at Minnesota Autism Center for three years.

 

blankMelody Thor, Registered Behavior Therapist

Melody is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. Melody earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University in 2020. With a strong foundation as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and experience as a sales professional, she specializes in fostering meaningful connections, driving results, and empowering others to succeed. Committed to lifelong learning and creating value, Melody brings her passion for blending diverse skills to inspire growth and transformation at Franklin Center.

 

Katie ThormodsgaardKatie Thormodsgaard, MSW, LICSW, Director of Therapy Services

Katie is the Director of Therapy Services at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, WI and her graduate degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, Katie provided (ABA) therapy. She also has been a behavior therapist, a lead behavior therapist and a supervisor providing 1:1 skills training, family skills training, implementation of skills programming and managing behaviors in children ages 2 to 19 years old at home and in a clinic setting. Katie was instrumental in the development of clinical services for Franklin Therapy focusing on providing a holistic approach so students and families feel supported in all areas.

blankEllie Wallace, Registered Behavior Therapist

Ellie is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with her Bachelor of Science in Family Social Science in 2024. Prior to Franklin, Ellie was a Behavior Practitioner at Fraser. Ellie enjoys spending time with family and friends and baking in her free time!

blankHannah Weise, Treatment Lead

Hannah is a Treatment Lead at Franklin Center. Hannah received her bachelors in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. In 2018, Hannah started working at Franklin as a Classroom Behavior Therapist. After gaining 3 years of classroom experience, Hannah transitioned to Therapy Services. In Therapy Services, Hannah practiced ABA 1-1 with clients ranging from ages 5-16. While spending 2 years away from Franklin to be closer to her family, Hannah continued to work in EIDBI Services. In her spare time Hannah enjoys crocheting and tending to her houseplants.

blankIsaac Wolfinsohn, Registered Behavior Therapist

Isaac is a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. They graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Isaac has about 1 year of experience in ABA. Prior to Franklin Center, they worked at a therapy clinic in Illinois, providing clinic-based therapy for children diagnosed with ASD. In their free time, they enjoy collecting records, going to concerts, and gaming with friends.