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.
Voted "Top Occupational Therapist in SW Michigan" in 2024 by KZOO Kids
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.
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.
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.
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.
Voted "Top Occupational Therapist in SW Michigan" in 2023 by KZOO Kids
Danielle Hackert
Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L
Danielle began working with Functional Kids in 2019 at our Caledonia location. Danielle received her Bachelors in Health Science with concentration in Health Promotion and Behavior Education from Clemson University, Cum Laude. She then went on to receiving her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University, Suma Cum Laude. Danielle is certified in Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, and SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy. She has additional experience working with a variety of children with sensory processing difficulties, fine motor/gross motor delays, visual impairments, ASD, neuromuscular conditions, and feeding challenges. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog, cooking Italian food, and traveling.
Kelly Pixley
Occupational Therapist
Marketing Coordinator
MS, OTR/L
Kelly joined Functional Kids Therapy in 2021. Kelly received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 2018, where she also graduated 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 has experience with a variety of pediatric conditions including ASD, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, fine motor delays, and
feeding difficulties. Kelly has experience with SOS Approach to Feeding, Handwriting Without Tears, Zones of Regulation and is certified in Beckman Oral Motor Protocol and Interactive Metronome. In her free time, Kelly enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, baking, and going on new adventures.
Voted "Top Occupational Therapist in SW Michigan" in 2024 by KZOO Kids
Morgan Adams
Occupational Therapist
MS, OTR/L
Morgan graduated from Western Michigan University, where she received her Bachelors and Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. She has been working alongside children and adolescents by helping facilitate functional independence through the use of meaningful activities. She has experience providing trauma informed care, utilizing multi-sensory approaches to promote regulation, and is Beckman Oral Motor certified. She is excited to grow by learning additional ways to improve health and overall quality of life for those seeking support. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outside, and traveling.
Voted "Top Occupational Therapist in SW Michigan" in 2024 by KZOO Kids
Kate Bergsma
Occupational Therapist
OTD, OTR/L
Kate received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University and her Bachelors in Exercise Science from Calvin University. She joined Functional Kids Therapy Center in 2023, where she currently splits her time between the Battle Creek and Caledonia locations. Kate has a variety of experience working with kids including fieldwork placements at WMU OT Clinic at Calvin University and Sparrow Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation. She is well-versed in sensory processing concerns and has experience with Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, Zones of Regulation, and more. Kate is married and has one fur-puppy at her home in Byron Center.
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.
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.
Sheryl Dudley
Speech Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP
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.
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.
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.
Meagan Stump
Speech Language Pathologist
CF-SLP
Meagan received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Grand Valley State University. She then graduated with her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from Calvin University. Meagan's graduate school clinical experiences include pediatric feeding disorders, fluency, speech and language disorders, and low/high tech AAC devices. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, playing pickleball, and spending time with her family.
Caroline Sarbieski
Speech Language Pathologist
CF-SLP
Caroline graduated from the University of Minnesota and is new to Michigan within the last year. She is completing her clinical fellowship with Functional Kids Therapy Center and Kalamazoo Public Schools working mostly with ages 3 and 4. Caroline is passionate about incorporating evidenced based strategies that support development. Some of these approaches include literacy based intervention, emotional vocabulary and regulation, muti-modal communication and cueing, and the complexity approach.
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!
Amy Steinman
Counselor
LMSW
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has had the opportunity to work with individuals and families in southwest Michigan for the last nineteen years. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in areas such as trauma, anxiety, depression, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, and other life experiences. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, I draw from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. I use a client centered, humanistic approach, focusing on aspects of existentialism, play therapy, mindfulness, family-systems, TraumaPlay, Attachment based, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As a therapist, I am warm, open, encouraging, and supportive. I consider myself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, and sense of humor with a down-to-earth approach to counseling