Meet The Team
Maria Dobbertien
Owner & Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L, BCP, LMT
Maria is the proud owner and operator of Functional Kids Therapy Center LLC. She started the business in 2014. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, pediatric intensive care and adult rehabilitation. She graduated from Western Michigan University with her Master’s degree in science with an emphasis in Occupational Therapy. She is one of the only certified Irlen Screeners and Diagnosticians in the state of Michigan. Maria is certified in Interactive Metronome, IM Home, Advanced Therapeutic Listening programs, Handwriting Without Tears Level 1, Rhythmic Movement Training (levels 1, 2 & 3), and Brain Gym. Maria is trained in John Barnes Myofascial Release techniques (including MFR healing, MFR I, Cervical Thoracic, MFR Rebounding, MFT Unwinding, and Pediatric MFR). She is also a certified Massage Therapist. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, being outdoors, and making delicious food.
Jen Roelof
Occupational Therapist
BS, OTR/L
Jen started with Functional Kids in 2017 Jen graduated with a BS in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 1995. She started her career working in geriatrics, but after having her own children re-focused her career path towards pediatrics. Prior to starting at Functional Kids Jen worked within the school system. She is trained in Handwriting Without Tears, visual processing and academics, Brain and Sensory Foundations and Rhythmic Movement. She also uses Brain Gym and SOS approach to feeding programming and John Barnes MFR. She is certified in Interactive Metronome and Therapeutic Listening. Jen has 2 children, enjoys traveling, and reading in her free time.
Greta Shires
Speech Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP
Greta started working with Functional Kids 2017. Greta works at our Battle Creek and Schoolcraft location. Greta graduated with her Masters in Speech Language Pathology from Wayne State University in 2012. Prior to becoming a speech therapist she was a 7th grade Language Arts/ Reading teacher. Greta is trained in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing, the Kaufman approach to speech praxis, DIR Floor time, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, PECS and the LAMP approach to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is also certified to provide the “It Takes Two to Talk” Hanen group program for parents. Greta enjoys hiking, taking care of her rabbits and chickens, watching her children at their sports games, and teaching Sunday school.
Kelly Pixley
Occupational Therapist
Marketing Coordinator, MS, OTR/L
Kelly joined Functional Kids Therapy in 2021. Kelly graduated from Western Michigan University with her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services with a double minor in Holistic Health and Wellness and Speech and Hearing Processes in 2016. Kelly then continued on to receive her Master’s degree in
Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 2018. Kelly has experience with a variety of pediatric conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and
feeding difficulties. Kelly has worked with SOS Approach to Feeding, Handwriting Without Tears, Zones of Regulation, and Interactive Metronome. Kelly wants to continue her education in all areas, however has a passion for feeding in all pediatric ages. In her free time, Kelly enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, baking, traveling, and going on new adventures.
Cortney Carlisle
Clinical Director
& Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L
Clinical Director/ Occupational Therapist Cortney has been with Functional Kids since the Caledonia location opened in 2018. She graduated from The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, MN with her undergraduate degree in 2012 and her masters in 2014. She has spent the majority of her career working with the pediatric population in the outpatient setting. She is certified in the SOS Approach to Feeding, Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting Without Tears, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, RMTI level 1, and Astronaut Training. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, being on the lake, and traveling.
Danielle Hackert
Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L
Danielle began working with Functional Kids in 2019 at our Caledonia location. Danielle received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 2017. Danielle is certified in Therapeutic Listening and Interactive Metronome. She has additional experience working with a variety of neuromuscular conditions and feeding challenges. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and dog (Gigi), cooking, and traveling.
Lori Davis
Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L
Lori began working with Functional Kids in 2019 at our Battle Creek location. Lori has her master’s degree from Western Michigan University and has over 20 years of pediatric experience. She has worked in a variety of settings including rehabilitation, Early Childhood intervention, educational and community environments. She has also been instrumental in instruction at Western Michigan University as a professor for Neurokinesiology and helped design research in the field of occupational therapy. In her free time she enjoys finding great vegetarian meals and traveling.
Sophie Grelson
Speech Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP
Sophie graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire with an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Sophie has a passion for working with children of all ages and taking a comprehensive, family-based approach to meet their communication goals. Sophie has experience working with pediatrics in both outpatient and public-school settings. In her free time, Sophie enjoys running with her dog, baking, cross country skiing and spending time with family and friends.
Tammy Pool
Office Coordinator &
Authorization Specialist
Tammy joined Functional Kids in 2019. Tammy has worked extensively within the medical field with a background in insurance authorizations, billing, and office management. She is a creative problem solver that is up for any challenge. She has enjoyed volunteering for the Jaycees for many years. In her free time she likes to enjoy the lake and spending time with her family.
Elvira Kracker
Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA/L
Hello everyone! Happy to share a little about myself. I have been a pediatric focused therapist since 2007. This Fall I am in my 16th school year as a school-based practitioner which is my full-time job. I have really enjoyed getting to work with some terrific kids! Thank you. I have certification in Interactive Metronome and Therapeutic Listening. My training includes Brain Gym, Bal-A-Vis-X, Handwriting Without Tears, School Moves, and Alert Program. It has been great to work with such a talented team on every level!
Alyssa Rohr
Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L
Alysa received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. Alyssa has experience with a range of pediatric conditions and has worked with Zones of Regulation, Therapeutic LIstening, and Handwriting Without Tears. Alyssa enjoys spending time working out, watching new movies, and playing with her dogs.
Madison Charlton
Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L
Ms. Madison went to Western Michigan University for her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services, later receiving her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Madison is excited to continue learning and growing as she furthers her passion for helping children and families. In her free time, she loves to be outside and play various recreational sports. A fun fact about Ms. Madison is that while swimming, she plugs her nose with her lips.
Anna "Jo" Leibovich
Physical Therapist
​Jo joined Functional Kids in 2021. She has her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma. As a physical therapist she has worked within the pediatric and home health setting. Prior to becoming a physical therapist she was a paraprofessional and literacy coach within the school system. In her free time she enjoys running with her dogs, re-reading her favorite Stephen King novels, and listening to music.
Sheryl Holtsclaw
Speech Language Pathologist
Sheryl received her Master’s degree from Michigan State University. Her internships included: Outpatient Pediatrics, Public Schools, and Adult Neurorehabilitation. Before joining the team at Functional Kids Therapy, Sheryl worked as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist. She is trained in DTTC for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Natural Language Acquisition (Gestalt Language Processing), and has experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)She strives to create individualized and functionally relevant therapy plans for each client. Outside of work Sheryl also enjoys kayaking, gardening, playing the oboe, and spending time with family.
Bailey Towns
Speech Language Pathologist
CF-SLP
Bailey received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology from Bowling Green State University. She then graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Bailey has experience working with a wide range of pediatric populations and she is excited to provide individualized, child-centered care to each of her clients. In her free time, Bailey enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with her cat Hoagie.
Leah Krosschell
Speech Language Pathologist
CCC-SLP
Leah began working with Functional Kids in 2023 at our Caledonia location. Leah received her Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Calvin College in 2018. Leah’s clinical experience includes pediatric and adult acute care and pediatric outpatient therapy. Leah’s clinical experience includes working with children with dysphagia, feeding, fluency, and speech and language disorders including Childhood Apraxia of Speech and patients utilizing low- and high-tech AAC. Leah is trained in pediatric NMES Vital Stim and the SOS Approach to Feeding. In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time with her husband and cat (Harley), reading, and traveling.
Stana Kier
Counselor
MA, LPC
Stana Kier is a licensed professional mental health counselor in the state of Michigan. Stana received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University, MI. Stana has over 8 years of clinical experience providing cognitive-behavioral counseling, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused interventions, and grief and trauma interventions to individuals, couples and families in a variety of settings. Stana is trained in Brief Strategic Family Therapy approach and has experience in providing brief solution focused counseling, crisis response, coaching, and education. Stana uses a variety treatment approaches that are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Stana works with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, and relationship/family concerns.
Melody Manwell
Counselor
MA, LLPC, NCC
Melody has recently graduated from Liberty University with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and is a licensed counselor. Melody has a passion for helping kids and teens overcoming challenges in their lives caused by trauma, anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression and all those other things life throws at us. Play is how children learn and is their first language. Melody uses a play based, cognitive behavioral approach that is family focused to help your child or teen meet their goals. Melody has twenty years of experience working with kids in a variety of educational settings and counseling settings. Melody is married and has three children. In her free time she likes to bake, go to the beach, have fun with friends and family, scrapbook and make jewelry.
Kelsey Klingenberg
Counselor
LMSW
Ms. Kelsey attended Calvin College for her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, then continued onto Western Michigan University to receive a Master’s degree in Social Work. She has experience with youth and family therapy, treating mental health disorders, and facilitating educational/ support groups for teens. Ms. Kelsey continues to grow her knowledge and experience through trainings such as CAFAS Reliability training, Mindfulness in Clinical Practice, ADHD, Anxiety, and Trauma-Informed Play Therapy. In her free time, she loves to run, read, do puzzles, and spend time with her 3 kids and husband. A fun fact about Ms. Kelsey is that Caledonia is her hometown!
Jewel Stiltner
Billing Specialist
Jewel joined Functional Kids in 2022. She is certified in billing and coding. She has over 6 years of experience with DME and professional billing. Jewel is also a certified massage therapist and has been working in the Health Services field for over 12 years. In her free time, Jewel enjoys cooking and listening to music.