The Aspire Team
Caring. Experienced. Effective.
Aspire therapists are licensed, insured, and active in regular continuing education. All Aspire team members uphold the highest ethical standards in their profession.
Megan Alber, OTR/L
Megan is a licensed occupational therapist who has experience working with pediatrics in a variety of settings, including in school and in behavioral health clinics. She grew up in Madison and completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Megan is passionate about building positive relationships with children and their families, making treatment fun and individualized, and helping children discover their full potential. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time outdoors and crafting.
Megan is a licensed occupational therapist who has experience working with pediatrics in a variety of settings, including in school and in behavioral health clinics. She grew up in Madison and completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Megan is passionate about building positive relationships with children and their families, making treatment fun and individualized, and helping children discover their full potential. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time outdoors and crafting.
Dana Bohrer, MA CCC-SLP | Executive Director & CEO
A licensed speech-language pathologist with nearly 20 years of experience in school, clinical, and in-home settings, Dana is passionate about understanding the unique capabilities of each child and bringing out the best in the children she serves. Dana has successfully treated infants, preschoolers, school-aged children, and young adults with a variety of diagnoses from mild speech and language delays to children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and many other disorders and disabilities. Dana and her husband Jeff founded Aspire Therapy in 2014 with a mission to provide outstanding services to children and families through an exemplary team of highly-skilled professionals who demonstrate commitment and compassion to the people they serve. Dana received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Dakota.
A licensed speech-language pathologist with nearly 20 years of experience in school, clinical, and in-home settings, Dana is passionate about understanding the unique capabilities of each child and bringing out the best in the children she serves. Dana has successfully treated infants, preschoolers, school-aged children, and young adults with a variety of diagnoses from mild speech and language delays to children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and many other disorders and disabilities. Dana and her husband Jeff founded Aspire Therapy in 2014 with a mission to provide outstanding services to children and families through an exemplary team of highly-skilled professionals who demonstrate commitment and compassion to the people they serve. Dana received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Dakota.
Jeff Bohrer, MA | Director of Operations
Jeff is responsible for administrative leadership including financial, HR, technology, and facilities. After founding Aspire with his wife Dana in 2014, Jeff joined the team full-time in 2021 following a 25 year career in the educational technology field in which Jeff led teams, programs, and projects in school districts, universities, and non-profit organizations. Jeff holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Dakota.
Jeff is responsible for administrative leadership including financial, HR, technology, and facilities. After founding Aspire with his wife Dana in 2014, Jeff joined the team full-time in 2021 following a 25 year career in the educational technology field in which Jeff led teams, programs, and projects in school districts, universities, and non-profit organizations. Jeff holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Dakota.
Allie Engeldinger, MS OTR/L
Allie received both her Bachelor's of Education in Rehabilitation Psychology and her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan but has particularly loved her community and clinic-based experience working with children and families. Allie loves tailoring each session to the unique family and child and focusing on increasing engagement in daily life in a fun, purposeful way. She has a particular interest in increasing access to the outdoors for all individuals and emphasizing the importance of positive mental health across the lifespan. In her free time, Allie enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Allie received both her Bachelor's of Education in Rehabilitation Psychology and her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan but has particularly loved her community and clinic-based experience working with children and families. Allie loves tailoring each session to the unique family and child and focusing on increasing engagement in daily life in a fun, purposeful way. She has a particular interest in increasing access to the outdoors for all individuals and emphasizing the importance of positive mental health across the lifespan. In her free time, Allie enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Kerryn Foley, MS CF-SLP
Kendra Hilgemann, MS CCC-SLP
Kendra is a licensed speech-language pathologist who has experience working with the pediatric population from birth to 21 years in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. She has experience treating a variety of communication disorders including, articulation, receptive/expressive language, social communication, fluency, voice and feeding/swallowing
disorders. Kendra enjoys working as a speech-language pathologist to help ensure all children have a voice. Kendra received her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Marquette University. In her free time, Kendra enjoys going to the northwoods and spending time outside with her family and yellow lab.
Kendra is a licensed speech-language pathologist who has experience working with the pediatric population from birth to 21 years in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. She has experience treating a variety of communication disorders including, articulation, receptive/expressive language, social communication, fluency, voice and feeding/swallowing
disorders. Kendra enjoys working as a speech-language pathologist to help ensure all children have a voice. Kendra received her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Marquette University. In her free time, Kendra enjoys going to the northwoods and spending time outside with her family and yellow lab.
Emily Jollota, OTR/L
Emily is a licensed occupational therapist who has experience working with individuals birth to 21 years in a variety of settings including outpatient, school-based, and in home. She has worked with children and teens with varying diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, developmental delay, Down Syndrome, sensory processing challenges, and feeding. Emily’s passion for occupational therapy increases with every individual she meets and she strives to make therapy an enjoyable and collaborative experience for children and their families. Emily received a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Salus University.
Emily is a licensed occupational therapist who has experience working with individuals birth to 21 years in a variety of settings including outpatient, school-based, and in home. She has worked with children and teens with varying diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, developmental delay, Down Syndrome, sensory processing challenges, and feeding. Emily’s passion for occupational therapy increases with every individual she meets and she strives to make therapy an enjoyable and collaborative experience for children and their families. Emily received a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Salus University.
Gretchen Jones | Intake Coordinator
Gretchen supports Aspire families through the intake and scheduling process. Her first career was as a speech-language pathologist in the school setting where she provided speech therapy for a diverse population of preschool and elementary school children with a variety of communication challenges. Her second career found her owning her own licensed family child care where she cared for infants and toddlers with and without special needs in her home. Although helping raise very young children and supporting new families was a truly rewarding career for 19 years, Gretchen was excited for the opportunity to join Aspire as the intake and scheduling coordinator and support children and families in yet another way. Gretchen is overjoyed to be working with so many creative, hard working professionals and parents who are all dedicated to helping children Learn, Grow and Aspire! Gretchen is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association.
Gretchen supports Aspire families through the intake and scheduling process. Her first career was as a speech-language pathologist in the school setting where she provided speech therapy for a diverse population of preschool and elementary school children with a variety of communication challenges. Her second career found her owning her own licensed family child care where she cared for infants and toddlers with and without special needs in her home. Although helping raise very young children and supporting new families was a truly rewarding career for 19 years, Gretchen was excited for the opportunity to join Aspire as the intake and scheduling coordinator and support children and families in yet another way. Gretchen is overjoyed to be working with so many creative, hard working professionals and parents who are all dedicated to helping children Learn, Grow and Aspire! Gretchen is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association.
Alison Jozwiak, MS CCC-SLP
Dr. Angela Kloiber, PT DPT
Dr. Angie received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Carroll University. Dr. Angie has experience in orthopedics, and pediatric populations over the last six years. She has experience treating children both in-home and in-clinic with a wide array of diagnoses including, but not limited to the following: Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, hemivertebrae, Prader- Willi syndrome, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, global developmental delay, spina bifida, torticollis, plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, CVA, muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial disorder, genetic disorders, DiGeorge syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Charcot Marie Tooth, and VACTERL association.
Dr. Angie received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Carroll University. Dr. Angie has experience in orthopedics, and pediatric populations over the last six years. She has experience treating children both in-home and in-clinic with a wide array of diagnoses including, but not limited to the following: Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, hemivertebrae, Prader- Willi syndrome, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, global developmental delay, spina bifida, torticollis, plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, CVA, muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial disorder, genetic disorders, DiGeorge syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Charcot Marie Tooth, and VACTERL association.
Jessie Koehler, MS CCC-SLP
Jessie is a licensed speech-language pathologist with experience in school-aged populations with a variety of disabilities. She most recently worked on an Assistive Technology team in a school district in Georgia where she worked with students requiring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and other AT supports to access their educational environment. Jessie received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and is excited to have just recently relocated back to Madison.
Jessie is a licensed speech-language pathologist with experience in school-aged populations with a variety of disabilities. She most recently worked on an Assistive Technology team in a school district in Georgia where she worked with students requiring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and other AT supports to access their educational environment. Jessie received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and is excited to have just recently relocated back to Madison.
Dr. Ben Leppek, PT DPT
Dr. Ben is a licensed physical therapist that received dual bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science and Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University, as well as his doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Belmont University. He has experience working with individuals aged 2 months to 18+ years in both outpatient and inpatient settings including early intervention programs. He is passionate about using creative and purposeful play to improve each patient’s ability to connect with friends and family. Dr. Ben enjoys traveling, sailing, fishing and photography in his spare time.
Dr. Ben is a licensed physical therapist that received dual bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science and Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University, as well as his doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Belmont University. He has experience working with individuals aged 2 months to 18+ years in both outpatient and inpatient settings including early intervention programs. He is passionate about using creative and purposeful play to improve each patient’s ability to connect with friends and family. Dr. Ben enjoys traveling, sailing, fishing and photography in his spare time.
Jill Lins | Administrative & Billing Coordinator
Jill is Aspire's Administrative and Billing Coordinator. She brings a background in administration of too many years to mention, ranging from Intake and Human Resources to Transcriptionist and Revenue Cycle Associate. She worked for 18 years in various capacities at an autism clinic and eventually found her way to all things billing. Jill grew up in Verona and continues to live there with her husband. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Jill is Aspire's Administrative and Billing Coordinator. She brings a background in administration of too many years to mention, ranging from Intake and Human Resources to Transcriptionist and Revenue Cycle Associate. She worked for 18 years in various capacities at an autism clinic and eventually found her way to all things billing. Jill grew up in Verona and continues to live there with her husband. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Elizabeth Ostrowski, MS CCC-SLP | Assistant Director
Elizabeth is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience working with the pediatric population in the medical, clinical, and public school settings. Elizabeth is determined to have the delivery of speech-language therapy be a delightful and collaborative experience for children and their caregivers which has been proven to be a successful model. Elizabeth received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University and a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas-Dallas. Before joining Aspire, Elizabeth spent the previous 8 years working at an outpatient pediatric medical facility, where she received specialized training in interdisciplinary care and treatment for a variety of developmental disabilities. Elizabeth is passionate about working with children of all ages to promote meaningful communication skills through a variety of treatment approaches. Outside of therapy “room” walls, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, being outside, and accumulating books on her nightstand to read….one day.
Elizabeth is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience working with the pediatric population in the medical, clinical, and public school settings. Elizabeth is determined to have the delivery of speech-language therapy be a delightful and collaborative experience for children and their caregivers which has been proven to be a successful model. Elizabeth received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University and a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas-Dallas. Before joining Aspire, Elizabeth spent the previous 8 years working at an outpatient pediatric medical facility, where she received specialized training in interdisciplinary care and treatment for a variety of developmental disabilities. Elizabeth is passionate about working with children of all ages to promote meaningful communication skills through a variety of treatment approaches. Outside of therapy “room” walls, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, being outside, and accumulating books on her nightstand to read….one day.
Rachel Petersen, MS CCC-SLP
Rachel is a licensed speech-language pathologist with experience serving pediatric clients of all ages from birth to 21, and enjoys helping the child succeed through family involvement. She is PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) trained and has significant experience with a variety of diagnoses including speech and language delays, autism spectrum disorders, apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. Rachel is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Rachel is a licensed speech-language pathologist with experience serving pediatric clients of all ages from birth to 21, and enjoys helping the child succeed through family involvement. She is PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) trained and has significant experience with a variety of diagnoses including speech and language delays, autism spectrum disorders, apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. Rachel is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Dr. Amanda Purcilly, PT DPT
Amanda loves to work with individuals of all ages and abilities to create purposeful play and develop therapeutic programs for children and families in her care. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. In her free time, Amanda enjoys playing soccer, crafting, and hiking with her husband Adam, and Border Collie, Meadow.
Amanda loves to work with individuals of all ages and abilities to create purposeful play and develop therapeutic programs for children and families in her care. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. In her free time, Amanda enjoys playing soccer, crafting, and hiking with her husband Adam, and Border Collie, Meadow.
Pricilla Reyes | Scheduling Coordinator
Pricilla might be the youngest Aspire team member, but has gained much experience from an early age. Pricilla went straight into the military at the age of 18 and was stationed in Montana for 3 years. She recently left the Air Force to pursue her true goals and values and be able to use her awesome skill in being bilingual in Spanish. Pricilla is also currently pursuing a degree in Social Work with Boise State University. She is passionate about helping others around her, immersing in culture, and assisting families that don't have all the means for access to community resources. Pricilla was thrilled to join the team at Aspire in 2021 as their Administrative Assistant. She can be found at the front desk, excited to greet you and is always happy to help!
Pricilla might be the youngest Aspire team member, but has gained much experience from an early age. Pricilla went straight into the military at the age of 18 and was stationed in Montana for 3 years. She recently left the Air Force to pursue her true goals and values and be able to use her awesome skill in being bilingual in Spanish. Pricilla is also currently pursuing a degree in Social Work with Boise State University. She is passionate about helping others around her, immersing in culture, and assisting families that don't have all the means for access to community resources. Pricilla was thrilled to join the team at Aspire in 2021 as their Administrative Assistant. She can be found at the front desk, excited to greet you and is always happy to help!
Dr. Emily Rice, PT DPT
Emily is a licensed physical therapist who has experience working in outpatient pediatrics and school-based services. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Concordia University in Mequon, WI and has additional training in pediatric pelvic floor therapy. She enjoys working with children and their families to create therapeutic programs that focus around family-centered goals and that maximize a child’s potential through purposeful play. In her free time, Emily enjoys being outdoors, supporting local coffee shops, restaurants, and other businesses, and discovering “hidden gems” of Wisconsin!
Emily is a licensed physical therapist who has experience working in outpatient pediatrics and school-based services. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Concordia University in Mequon, WI and has additional training in pediatric pelvic floor therapy. She enjoys working with children and their families to create therapeutic programs that focus around family-centered goals and that maximize a child’s potential through purposeful play. In her free time, Emily enjoys being outdoors, supporting local coffee shops, restaurants, and other businesses, and discovering “hidden gems” of Wisconsin!
Melanie Sard, OTR/L
Melanie received her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University and has experience in a variety of pediatric settings, including homes, clinics, and schools. She has worked with preschoolers through teens with diagnoses of Autism, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, and other physical and developmental delays. Melanie has advanced training in reflex integration, sensory processing, feeding, and facilitating emotional regulation skills.
Melanie received her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University and has experience in a variety of pediatric settings, including homes, clinics, and schools. She has worked with preschoolers through teens with diagnoses of Autism, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, and other physical and developmental delays. Melanie has advanced training in reflex integration, sensory processing, feeding, and facilitating emotional regulation skills.
Will Simonson, OTR/L
Heidi Wagner, OTR/L
Heidi is a licensed occupational therapist and received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has experience in a variety of school, clinic, and hospital settings. Her focus is on helping children and families thrive through meaningful engagement in their everyday life. She is passionate about expanding recreational opportunities for kids and volunteering in the community. When not at work, Heidi loves to bake, play various sports, and rollerblade.
Heidi is a licensed occupational therapist and received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has experience in a variety of school, clinic, and hospital settings. Her focus is on helping children and families thrive through meaningful engagement in their everyday life. She is passionate about expanding recreational opportunities for kids and volunteering in the community. When not at work, Heidi loves to bake, play various sports, and rollerblade.
Kayla Weavers, MS CCC-SLP | Private School Coordinator
Kayla is a licensed speech-language pathologist with experience serving pediatric clients from the ages of birth to 21 years. She is trained in PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) and has experience working with clients with a variety of communication disorders, including articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, intellectual and learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, fluency disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. She enjoys building relationships with her clients and their families to help each child succeed in their everyday life. Kayla is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kayla is a licensed speech-language pathologist with experience serving pediatric clients from the ages of birth to 21 years. She is trained in PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) and has experience working with clients with a variety of communication disorders, including articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, intellectual and learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, fluency disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. She enjoys building relationships with her clients and their families to help each child succeed in their everyday life. Kayla is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.