- Lino Lakes: 651-784-7007
- White Bear Lake: 651-683-2953
Karissa Hanson-
My name is Karissa and I graduated from St. Catherine University in 2016 with my Master’s of Arts in Occupational Therapy. I began working at Advance Therapy in January 2021. Although I have worked with a variety of ages, I love working with kids the most! I have experience working in the clinic as well as the school setting. My favorite part of being a pediatric Occupational Therapist is helping children and their caregivers be successful with activities that are important to them. I love that I can help them learn through fun and creative activities and it is amazing to see their growth along the way. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family including my son who keeps me very busy.
Email: karissa@advancetherapy.org
Karissa primarily works on our School-Based team with one of our charter school partners during the school year.
Paula Metling-
I graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and in 2010 with a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy, both from St.Catherine University in St. Paul. I joined Advance Therapy the first time upon graduation in 2010, providing occupational therapy services in the clinic and in charter schools through June 2014. I returned to Advance Therapy in September 2016. I love discovering and using children's unique strengths to support their development and independence in their everyday activities. In my free time I enjoy hobby farming, hiking, kayaking, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
White Bear Lake Clinic: 651-683-2953
Email: paulam@advancetherapy.org
Jamie Norris-
My name is Jamie, and I am a licensed and certified occupational therapy assistant. I had the amazing opportunity to complete my final fieldwork rotation at Advance Therapy in the spring of 2022. Shortly after graduation I joined the Advance Therapy to cover 2 maternity leaves, and remained part of the team after. I love working with children and creating plans that are unique to each individual. When I am not working, I am with my husband and 2 boys playing games or making art. I also really enjoy reading and crafting.
Lino Lakes: 651-784-7007
Email: jamie@advancetherapy.org
Jessica Olson-Team Lead, Lino Lakes
My name is Jessica and I am a 2014 graduate from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. I started work at as an OT at a day treatment Center for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and then transitioned to working in the outpatient clinic based setting. I joined the Advance Therapy team in 2015. I have loved every minute of my work with Advance! I enjoy getting to work with such amazing and unique children each and every day. It is a blessing to be able to help them and their families reach their fullest potential. In my free time I enjoy working out, reading, spending time with family, and catching up on all things sports with my husband!
Lino Lakes Clinic: 651-784-7007
Email: jessica@advancetherapy.org
Mia Massaro-
Hi! My name is Mia Massaro. I earned my doctor of occupational therapy credentials from St. Catherine University. I had the wonderful opportunity to specialize in pediatrics throughout my education and past work experiences. I love working with children and seeing how their creativity and imagination shapes the way that they see the world. My favorite part about being a pediatric occupational therapist is finding ways to make learning new skills relevant and important to each child and their families. Outside of work I love spending time with my dog, friends, and family.
White Bear Lake: 651-683-2953
Email: mia@advancetherapy.org
Katie Rascher-
My name is Katie Rascher, and I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a Master's in Science of Occupational Therapy in 2021. I began working at Advance Therapy shortly after in 2022. My favorite part about pediatric occupational therapy is discovering and utilizing a kid's unique strengths in order to achieve their full potential in everyday activities through exploration and play. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with my loved ones.
Lino Lakes: 651-784-7007
email: katie@advancetherapy.org
Victoria Holmquist-
I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2015. I started as a fieldwork student at Advance Therapy and was able to come on board as a licensed occupational therapist after graduation. I have been at Advance Therapy ever since and couldn't imagine working anywhere else! I have loved working with pediatrics and love that therapy goals can be achieved simply through play! It's also such a joy to see children make gains in their goals. In my free time I enjoy biking and several times through the summer I have even biked to work! Camping is another favorite activity that my husband and I do together.
Lino Lakes Clinic: 651-784-7007
Email: victoria@advancetherapy.org
Emily Iniguez-School Team Lead
I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a minor in Family Violence Prevention, then went on to get my Master of Occupational Therapy from the U of MN in 2011. I began working at Advance Therapy in the summer of 2011. I love being an occupational therapist because I really enjoy being active and “playing” with kids all day. (Don't worry, it looks like we're playing, but the kids are actually working hard!) In my free time I love traveling, running, reading, and spending time with my family.
Lino Lakes Clinic: 651-784-7007
Email: emilyi@advancetherapy.org
Amber Bauer-
Bio coming soon!
Lino Lakes: 651-784-7007
Email: amber@advancetherapy.org
Jennie Frison-Team Lead, White Bear Lake
I am a licensed and registered occupational therapist with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. I received my degree in 2009 from the College of St. Catherine. I joined the Advance Therapy team in September 2009. I have training in Sensory Integration, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding therapy, reflex integration, Integrated Listening Systems, Therapeutic Listening, Berard Auditory Integration Training, play-based strategies, and CranioSacral Therapy. My favorite part of being an occupational therapist is helping children grow and learn through exploration, play, and fun!
When I am not at Advance Therapy, I enjoy baking, gardening, reading and cheering for MN Wild and White Bear Lake hockey. I also enjoy heading up to the cabin for boating, relaxing, and fishing with my husband and our 3 kids.
White Bear Lake Clinic: 651-683-2953
Email: jennie@advancetherapy.org
Sarah Johnson-
Sarah is providing services to students in one of our charter school partnerships.
Amy Golla-
My name is Amy Golla, I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I graduated from the College of St. Catherine’s in 2004 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree for Occupational Therapy Assistant. Since I graduated I have enjoyed working with pediatrics. I have been an Advance Therapy team member since 2006. I am passionate about making a positive impact on my clients’ daily lives. I also enjoy being a helpful resource to caregivers. I am married and enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and dog. I love the outdoors and can be found camping, boating, and exercising in my down time.
White Bear Lake Clinic: 651-683-2953
Email: amy.golla@advancetherapy.org
Kendra Mertes-
Hi, I'm Kendra! I graduated in 2021 from St. Catherine University with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. I have worked in pediatrics since graduating, and joined the Advance Therapy Team in August of 2022. I have experience working in both the clinic and school setting. My favorite part about being a pediatric occupational therapist is that every day is different and getting to target therapy goals through play! In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, volunteering at church, going to my cabin, and spending time with loved ones.
Kendra is primarily working with our school partners in the Twin Cities area.
Lia Del Sol- Lia primarily works with our charter school partners during the school year
Lino Lakes Clinic: 651-784-7007
Email: lia@advancetherapy.org
Hannah Stegora-
Hi there! My name is Hannah and I am a registered occupational therapist with a doctoral degree from the University of Mary—Billings, MT campus. I received my degree in 2021 and have been with Advance therapy since graduating. I have a background in clinic-based behavioral therapy and enjoy using those skills and experiences when providing occupational therapy services. My favorite parts about pediatric occupational therapy are learning the unique strengths of each client, and finding out what motivates them to be their best selves. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy traveling, reading, skiing, gardening, and spending time with my loved ones.
White Bear Lake Clinic: 651-683-2953
email: hannah.carlson@advancetherapy.org
Emily Mertens-
Bio coming soon!
Emily is currently serving on our School-Based team with one of our charter school partners.
Jennifer Corbin-
Hi, my name is Jen. I am a co-founder of Advance Therapy and a registered and licensed occupational therapist with a master's degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Since graduating in 2001, I have been working with children assisting them to build independence in all daily living skill areas and teaching them to learn and use age appropriate social, emotional, and functional skills. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, I earned a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy.
I am a guest lecturer at the University of Minnesota graduate occupational therapy program for topics of developmental disabilities and auditory processing disorder. In addition to lecturing, I have presented on various topics to parent groups, school personnel, and medical professionals.
Lino Lakes Clinic: 651-784-7007
Email: jennifer.corbin@advancetherapy.org
Occupational therapy is an important service for children with a variety of conditions, including premature birth, developmental cognitive delay, congenital anomalies, neurological disorders, sensory processing difficulties, challenging behavior, neuromuscular disease, prenatal drug exposure, attention disorders and autism. Services address feeding skills, sensory integration, motor development, environmental exploration, play skills, adaptive behavior, and interactions between the child and the caregiver.
Our occupational therapists have training in
- Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI)
- CranioSacral Therapy
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding
- Interactive Metronome
- Integrated Listening Systems (iLs)
- Therapeutic Listening
- Berard Auditory Integration Training (AIT)
- Handwriting
- Social and Emotional Development
- Sensory Processing Disorder
Alaina Tolzmann-
My name is Alaina Tolzmann, I am an Occupational Therapist. I graduated with my Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Minnesota in 2018. I also began working with Advance Therapy in 2018. I love working with kids both in the clinic and at school, incorporating what motivates them into our sessions. I appreciate getting to support and collaborate with my clients' caregivers and school staff. I enjoy spending time outside with my husband and dog. I also love reading, running, singing, and playing guitar.
White Bear Lake Clinic: 651-683-2953
Email: alaina@advancetherapy.org
Shari Weyer-
I am an occupational therapist and graduated from the University of MN, Twin Cities campus. I joined the Advance Therapy team in August of 2021. I have worked in pediatric, hospital and home care settings and I am excited to be back in a pediatric setting again. I love working with kids, helping them grow through play, learn new skills and collaborate with caregivers. I am married, have 3 adult children and 1 grandson. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, reading and traveling.
White Bear Lake Clinic: 651-683-2953
email: shari@advancetherapy.org