Children's Theraplay is a pediatric occupational therapy group, founded in 1993 by Maggie Lesher, MA, OTR/L, an occupational therapist with over 30 years of pediatric experience. Our dedicated, knowledgeable therapists work exclusively with children and their families. Our focus on pediatrics, family-centered philosophy, and collaboration with other professionals form a strong foundation for providing effective treatment and excellent care. All of our therapists have an occupational therapy degree, national board certification, Minnesota licensure, and prior pediatric experience.
Maggie Lesher, MA, OTR/L
Lorianne Michaud, OTR/L
Bryn Wasserman, OTR/L
April Holen, MA, OTR/L
Jen Lunde, MA, OTR/L
Dr. Marchell Vang, OTD, OTR/L
Amanda McNaughton, OTR/L
Bonnie Meingast, MA, OTR/L
Katie Novak, OTR/L
Tricia Madison, MA, OTR/L
Jennifer Brady-Johnson, MA, OTR/L
Stacy Tri, MS, OTR/L
Kristin Westbrock
Mike Westbrock
Betty Tepe
Owner/Director
Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed
Founded CT in 1993
Experience:
I have over 30 years pediatric experience in home/community based, school, hospital, and clinic settings. My special interests include facilitative play strategies utilized by parents and caregivers; social interactive and play skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; sensory interventions with a focus on measurable gains in functional skills; early intervention and prevention; and early childhood mental health. I also conduct workshops for parent groups and education and community organizations.
More About Me:
Being the owner and director of this clinic is tremendously fulfilling. I enjoy leading such a talented and creative group of people, and trying to keep up with them! In my spare time, I enjoy having coffee with friends, practicing Yoga, reading, gardening, organizing get-togethers with my three grown children and two grandchildren, traveling with my husband Tom, and visiting my extended family in Iceland.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed
Joined CT in 2002
Experience:
I've worked in outpatient pediatrics, school settings birth to elementary age, and at a private center for children with disabilities. I've also worked as a preschool teacher, PCA/Respite care, and in adult rehabilitation.
More About Me:
I have a strong interest and involvement in special needs ministries for faith-based organizations, consulting and planning activities for youth and adults with a variety of developmental disabilities. I enjoy reading, music, and playing piano. I especially enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband Jim, and my children, Anna and twins John and Janelle.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed
Joined CT in 2003
Experience:
I've worked in inpatient children's mental health, outpatient pediatrics, adult acute care and in-home services, and adult and pediatric rehabilitation. I've also worked at summer camps through the Minneapolis Parks and Rec. for many years.
More About Me:
I enjoy spending time with my husband Shane and our children, Addison and Davin. I like playing with my dog Ella, who I am training to be a therapy dog. I'm learning to play golf, scrapbook, and knit. I also enjoy watching movies, traveling to NY to visit family, having tea with friends and family, biking, and eating out at different ethnic restaurants and ice cream shops.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/LicensedJoined CT in 2004
Experience:
I've worked in a neonatal intensive care unit; inpatient and outpatient pediatrics; a child & family center for children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and mental health concerns; and in adult acute care.
More About Me:
I enjoy spending time with my husband Jeremy and daughter Lily, golfing, biking, reading, watching movies, playing games, knitting, scrapbooking, and eating! I love animals of all kinds, especially my dog Myko, and cat, Delphi. I also volunteer for the Special Olympics.
Occupational Therapist Registered/LicensedJoined CT in 2004
Experience:
I've worked in pediatric outpatient, adult rehabilitation, and as a QMRP, providing in-home and group home services for children and adults with Autism Spectrum and related Disorders. I have also worked as a PCA for children with autism and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and have experience as a behavior therapist utilizing Applied Behavior Therapy techniques. I am very interested in how food sensitivities and allergies affect behavior in children and adults.
More About Me:
My husband Corey and I live in White Bear Lake with our son, Trenten. He has enriched my life in more ways than I ever thought possible. I enjoy traveling, watching movies, crafts, playing card and board games, and spending time with family and friends.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/LicensedJoined CT in 2004
Experience:
I have worked in pediatric outpatient, adult outpatient, and orthopedic rehabilitation. I've also worked as Curriculum Coordinator for an enrichment program for at-risk, inner city, minority adolescent girls, and at the Minnesota Youth Work Institute.
More About Me:
I enjoy watching movies, traveling, golfing, photography, chocolate, ice cream, non-commercialized coffee houses, experiencing exotic foods/cultures, rollercoaster rides, the Pacific Ocean, foreign movies/music, the Christmas season, anything pink, and creative writing.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/LicensedJoined CT in 2007
Experience:
I've worked at a child and family center for children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and mental health concerns, outpatient pediatrics, and also in adult transitional care.
More About Me:
I enjoy reading; playing games; scrapbooking/cardmaking; watching movies; playing with my dog Tucker and my bird Jade; and spending time with my husband Nate and daughter Kaylee.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/LicensedJoined CT in 2007
Experience:
I have taught preschool through high school students and been a director of a preschool. While living in Illinois, I helped design and implement occupational therapy and educational programs in public school settings for pediatric populations with special needs. Over the years, I have worked with children challenged by developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome as well as varied physical and emotional disorders.
More About Me:
Throughout my life, I have volunteered in diverse roles within the community. My husband and I like to travel, especially to see our three adult daughters and three grandchildren. I enjoy reading, gardening, listening to music, dancing, biking, drawing, and painting. I have two small dogs, but appreciate all of nature.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/LicensedJoined CT in 2007
Experience:
I have worked at an outpatient clinic for children who have brain injuries. I have also worked in the public schools, home care, therapeutic horseback riding, and adult transitional care.
More About Me:
I enjoy the performing arts, especially singing and dancing. In my free time, I like to ride my bike, eat M&M cookies, and hang out with friends.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/LicensedJoined CT in 2007
Experience:
I have worked in a child and family day treatment facility for children with ASD, developmental delays, and mental health concerns. I've also worked in outpatient pediatrics and adult rehab.
More About Me:
I enjoy spending time with my husband Ryan, and sons Martin and Ryan Jr. I also like to garden, go for walks, play board games, and watch movies. I love to scrapbook!
Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed
Joined CT in 2008
Experience:
After college, I worked in a non-profit organization, ARC Resource Center, coordinating a respite program for families with children with disabilities. I also worked in an outpatient pediatric sensory integration clinic. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have worked in both rural and suburban school districts since 1996, with ages 1.5 through 18, in both regular and special education.
More about me:
My interests include spending time with my husband and three children, running and coaching, and being outdoors.
Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed
Joined CT in 2010
Experience:
I have experience in outpatient pediatrics, and also have experience in adult physical rehabilitation, both acute in-patient and home health.
More About Me:
I like to travel and spend time with my two elementary-aged children and husband; attend Twins games, scrapbook, exercise, and sing with a worship band at church.
Clinic Manager
Joined CT in 2001
Experience:
As Children's Theraplay has grown from a small part-time private practice into a busy clinic with two locations, my position has developed along with it. I've also worked with Applied Behavioral Analysis for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and therapeutic riding programs for at-risk children and adult group home residents.
More About Me:
I spend much of my free time training and playing with my Italian Greyhounds, Joey and EJ, and any foster dogs that we have as part of our work with a rescue organization. I also enjoy riding horses or just hanging out at the barn; gardening; reading; Pilates; spending time with my goddaughter, nephew, and niece; traveling; and listening to my husband Mike play the guitar.
Administrative AssistantJoined CT in 2007
Experience:
I've worked as a clinic service representative at a facial surgery clinic; as a receptionist for a multinational information management corporation; and as a front desk receptionist at an ENT clinic.
More About Me:
In my free time, I enjoy playing with my dog Edie, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy camping and the outdoors, reading anything by Jack Kerouac, and drinking tea.