Our Clinical Services Staff

 

Jackson BerraJackson Berra, Registered Behavioral Therapist

Jackson works as a Behavioral Therapist for Franklin Therapy. 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.

 

Suad De LeeuwSuad De Leeuw, Registered Behavioral Therapist

Suad De Leeuw is a compassionate Behavior Therapist dedicated to serving individuals with special needs or behavioral issues with utmost respect and consideration.

 

 

Michayla DeSoto, Treatment Lead

Michayla 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.

Melissa Eickhoff, Mental Health Intern

Melissa is a Mental Health Intern in our clinic. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Music from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and is currently pursuing 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 within 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, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Lizzy serves as a BCBA at Franklin Therapy. 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, Registered Behavioral Therapist

Wyatt serves as a Behavior Therapist at Franklin Therapy. 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.

Juliana FullerJuliana Fuller, Registered Behavioral Therapist

Juliana serves as a Behavior Therapist at Franklin Therapy. She graduated from University of Minnesota with her BA in Child Psychology. Juliana was a gymnastics coach for 5 years and taught preschool, boys team and girls competitive team. Prior to working at Franklin Therapy, she worked with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder doing in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy.

 

Ruth Gaie, Registered Behavioral Therapist

Ruth works as a Behavior Therapist at Franklin Therapy. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Rehabilitation. Before joining Franklin Therapy, Ruth worked at Caravel Autism Health right after completing her bachelor’s. Ruth is currently working on her Master’s in ABA and hopes to take her BCBA exam after graduation. Ruth’s background includes working as a Personal Care Assistant and a Direct Support Professional for adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. .

Emily HassEmily Hass, Senior Registered Behavioral Therapist

Emily works as a Behavior Therapist at Franklin Therapy. 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.

 

Colin Gran, Registered Behavior Therapist

Colin graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in developmental psychology. He worked in the field of ABA both in college and in the years following, and is currently taking courses to prepare for medical school. In his free time, he enjoys being with his pups Millie and Mako, backpacking, and skiing.

 

Lea IchimuraLea Ichimura, Treatment Lead

Lea received her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, she provided behavioral therapy services to clients ranging in age from 2 to 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 ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old.

Amy LincolnAmy Lincoln, Clinical and Safety Trainer

Amy 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.

Liz Mills, Intake and Operations Coordinator

Liz is an Intake and Operations Coordinator for Franklin Therapy. She received her bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University in Speech Communication. She has over 10 years of experience working in environments containing neurodiversity. While not at work, Liz enjoys spending time outdoors, playing games, and trying to keep up with her two toddlers.

Ayan MursalAyan Mursal, Senior Registered Behavior Therapist

Ayan works as a Behavior Therapist at Franklin Therapy. She is currently working on obtaining her registered behavior technician certification. Ayan’s background includes working as a PCA and DSP for children and adults with autism and traumatic brain injuries. She also has experience working with other diagnoses such as learning disabilities, schizophrenia, etc. Prior to joining Franklin Therapy, Ayan worked at Minnesota Autism Center.

Sunni MyersSunni Myers, LPCC, LADC, Mental Health Therapist

Sunni 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, Registered Behavior Therapist

Grace works as a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Therapy. 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.

 

Michaela ParnellMichaela Parnell, Registered Behavior Therapist

Michaela works as a Registered Behavior Therapist at Franklin Therapy. 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.

 

Louie Peralta, Registered Behavior Therapist

Louie received her Bachelor’s of Psychology from North Park University in Chicago. She is currently enrolled at University of St. Thomas and will be working on her Master’s in Clinical Psychology starting Fall of 2022. 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.

Kim RaesKim Raes, Billing Specialist

Kim works as the Therapy Services Billing Specialist. She has over 15 years of experience billing mental health service. Prior to that she was a legal assistant for a large law firm in Minneapolis.

Claire RobertsClaire Roberts, Registered Behavior Therapist

Claire works as a behavior therapist at Franklin Therapy. 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 for children with various physical, cognitive and emotional needs. Additionally, she has practiced ABA for a year.

Keiora SmithKeiora Smith, Senior Registered Behavioral Therapist

Keiora works as a behavior therapist at Franklin Therapy. She will be obtaining her registered behavior therapist certificate soon. 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.

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

Katie serves as the Director of Therapy Services at Franklin Therapy. 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.