Meet the Team
-
Elizabeth Duffy
Occupational Therapist
I'm an Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent Occupational Therapist who parents a neurodivergent child. I've been a therapist for 14 years, working with people of all ages. I became involved in the disability community a few years ago and through listening to diverse voices, I've learned to more deeply appreciate the differences that naturally exist in humanity. Learning is a process that never ends, and it leads us to places we may not have expected. True growth is never easy but is always worth it. As I listen and learn from you, we can create supports and services that promote your well-being, as you become more autonomous and authentic in yourself.
-
Michelle Pettit
Occupational Therapist
I am an occupational therapist, yoga teacher, and ADHDer, who is passionate about connecting with people to facilitate their engagement in meaningful life activities that support their autonomy, confidence, and goals. I use various techniques tailored to meet your needs, including (but not limited to) sensory, motor, nature-based, and activity-based. I am consistently learning and self-reflecting to ensure quality and compassionate services. I look forward to a collaborative therapeutic experience, that is genuine to you or your child.
-
Nikki Huelsman
Occupational Therapist
I am an occupational therapist, mother to three teenage sons, Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe woman) and a MN LEND Fellow (2015-16). I have a combined 18 years experience in the field of OT, most recently as an Occupational Therapist from 2016 to present and previously as an occupational therapy assistant from 2006-2016. My experience with navigating the world as a neurodivergent, BIPOC therapist has enabled me to hone a highly empathetic and collaborative, person-centered approach to care. My experience in the field of OT has spanned four states, multiple treatment settings, and an abundance of diverse clients across the lifespan. These experiences have fueled my passion for equitable, person-centered, trauma-informed, gender affirming and culturally responsive care. I am very excited to be joining the Roots and Wings team and look forward to developing collaborative, meaningful, therapeutic relationships with you and your community!
-
Aster Gallus
Occupational Therapist
Hello! My name is Aster and I am an occupational therapist. I’m autistic ADHDer and a transman who celebrates his queerness and neurodivergence by searching for funky button downs, cuddling every cat who agrees to it, and trying new things that make me excited! In the past four and a half years I’ve worked with children, adults, families experiencing homelessness, and in a public hospital- I love working with a little bit of everybody! My favorite part of being an occupational therapist is getting to know the people I’m working with so that I can empower them and their community to meet their deepest needs. I’m a total nerd, and can’t wait to get to know you, your family, and your special interests!
-
Kathryn O'Brien
Occupational Therapist
I am an occupational therapist with 3 and a half years of experience working with clients across the lifespan. My career began in an outpatient pediatric clinic in Chicago and from there I worked in home health and most recently in early childhood education. I am passionate about promoting neurodiversity affirming practice and trauma informed care in our public school system. I have advanced training in responsive feeding therapy and DIR floortime. My areas of expertise include sensory/emotional regulation and feeding therapy. My favorite part of being an OT is cheering on my clients while maximizing their ability to reach their goals! When I’m not working with clients I enjoy being active outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
-
Sarah Carlson-Wallrath
Office Manager
Sarah Carlson-Wallrath is a long time advocate in the disability community. Her primary focus has been to bring awareness to teachers and parents the importance of evidence-based literacy instruction to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn to read. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two kids, one of whom is autistic. Sarah loves the neurodivergent affirming mission of Roots and Wings and loves helping it grow.
-
Vanessa Nguyen
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I am a very outgoing and silly Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I began working as a COTA in 2023, and started my career in an outpatient pediatric clinic and at a charter school. I am a passionate advocate for my clients and aim to increase autonomy in meaningful activities. I am SOS Approach to Feeding certified and enjoy working with "picky" eaters. I enjoy implementing play and your hobbies into my practice, every person is different and each session will be tailored to you! Outside of my OT career, I have experience with all walks of life from kids to older adults. My favorite part of being an OTA is experiencing clients grow mentally and physically and gaining confidence and autonomy! Outside of being a COTA, I am also a Navy Reservist. I served 4 years active duty prior to joining the reserves. I enjoy trying and learning new hobbies, being active, reading, cooking/baking, and thrifting. I can't wait to meet you!
-
Madeline Kurtz
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I am originally from Western South Dakota. I have lived in the Twin Cities since 2017 and have greatly enjoyed my time here. I share my home with two cats, Gibbs and Bleu, a dog named Cosmo, and a bearded dragon named Bernie. My fiancé and I currently reside in North Minneapolis, where we appreciate the sense of community in our neighborhood. I graduated from Herzing University in 2020 and began working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at a Transitional Care Unit (TCU). While I gained valuable experience there, I have always been passionate about pediatrics and eagerly transitioned into pediatric occupational therapy. With over three and a half years of experience as a Pediatric OT, I am excited to further expand my skills and knowledge to positively impact a broader group of individuals.
Interested in joining our team?
If you’re a student, OT, or OTA interested in joining our team send us a resume and cover letter via email.