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Our Speech Team
Meet Lauren Glessing, M.S. CCC-SLP, Owner of OWL Therapy Services
Lauren is a 2006 graduate of the University of Minnesota - Duluth and a 2008 graduate of Syracuse University, where she earned a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology. Lauren began her dream of starting OWL Therapy Services in 2011.
Growing up with a sister with special needs, Lauren understands being on both sides of the therapy table and is now one of her sister's legal guardians. Lauren understands the struggles, concerns and celebrations that go along with being a caregiver, and believes that your life should be easier when it comes to therapy services.
Lauren's experience working in Birth-Age 3 programming made her realize the importance of home-based therapy, both to reduce stress on families, and to include parents, siblings and friends in the therapy process in a child's most comfortable environment. Running to another appointment and entering an office room is not always the most welcoming environment. Lauren is thrilled you would consider welcoming her into your home and into your world of communication.
Meet Jeffery Glessing, M.A. CCC-SLP
Jeff is a speech-language pathologist and a person who stutters. Jeff knows the experiences of those who stutter both as a clinician and a former therapy client. He is focused on providing therapy services with the highest levels of client satisfaction and will do everything he can to meet your expectations.
With a vast amount of experience with all ages of people who stutter, Jeff does not have a one therapy fits all approach, rather care is taken to diagnose each client's specific needs and beliefs to design a therapy program to aid them in becoming a more effective communicator over the course of their lifetime. An investment that will payoff for the client for the rest of their lives.
Meet Sydney Moon, M.A. CCC-SLP
Sydney graduated from California State University, Chico with her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019. She spent the first two years of her career as a speech-language pathologist at a Montessori elementary school in California. Sydney worked with a wide variety of students, ranging from 4-14 years old, with needs in articulation, expressive and receptive language, fluency, social language, and dyslexia while in the schools. Sydney loves providing play-based therapy for children of all ages. She is passionate about expanding communication for children with autism and has specialized training in gestalt language processing.
When Sydney is not working at OWL, she is exploring Minnesota’s trails and parks and spending time with her husband and two kids.
Meet Autum Erickson. M.S. CCC-SLP
Autum graduated from Minnesota State University- Mankato with her Master's degree in 2022. Throughout grad school, Autum gained experience working with a variety of needs including articulation disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, expressive & receptive language delays, literacy, and social aspects of communication. Autum is most passionate about helping children grow their expressive & receptive communication skills through play-based therapy, and building a strong rapport with her clients and their families.
During her free time, Autum enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family.
Meet Kathy Smith, M.S. CCC-SLP
Kathy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with her Master's Degree in Speech Pathology in 1998. She spent her first 7 years as an SLP in the school districts working with grades 6-12 as well as the birth to 3 population. She then transitioned to the pediatric outpatient therapy setting where she has worked for the past 18 years. Kathy has experience working with a wide variety of needs including articulation, receptive and expressive language, social language, autism, and gestalt language processing.
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During her free time, Kathy enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Meet Erik Christensen, M.S. CCC-SLP
Erik graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2020 with his Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders. In 2023, he graduated from Gallaudet University with his Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
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He has experience working in a variety of settings, including a summer camp for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) children, a private practice specializing in voice therapy, and transitions programs for students with complex communication needs in K-12+ schools. Erik is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and is passionate about aural (re)habilitation, AAC, voice therapy, and the use of play and functional living skills in language therapy.
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When he is not at OWL, Erik enjoys learning new skills like crocheting, and enjoys spending time with friends and family. He is also passionate about board games and is always eager to share his recommendations with clients.
Our Occupational Therapy Team
Meet Emily Breunig, M.S. OTR/L
Emily Breunig graduated from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2010. The focus of her work has been in pediatrics and has many years of experience working with children with sensory processing disorders and Autistic children. Emily has specialized training in Therapeutic Listening, the Astronaut Training Vestibular- Visual Protocol, and the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach for picky eaters and problem feeders.
In her free time, Emily enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children, time outside, traveling, and doing yoga.
Emily has a passion for working with children and their families and will not hesitate to advocate for their needs. She feels her creativity, playfulness, and collaboration are great benefits for being a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.
Meet Lauren Vincent, M.S. OT, OTR/L
Lauren graduated from UW-La Crosse in 2016 with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After that, she moved to western Massachusetts and graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College in 2018.
Lauren has worked with children and their families in a variety of settings, including early intervention, schools, and outpatient clinics. She has specialized training in feeding through the SOS Feeding Approach.
Lauren's areas of interest include sensory processing, feeding, and visual perceptual skills. She loves working with families and helping children succeed and participate in their daily tasks using play.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys hiking, running, playing soccer, and spending time with her husband and family.
Meet Zach Gascho, OTD, OTR/L
Zach graduated in 2020 from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with his bachelor's degree in exercise science. He then graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2023 with his doctorate degree in occupational therapy. Zach completed clinical rotations at a pediatric occupational therapy clinic where he worked with many children of varying ages. He completed his doctoral project at a neonatal intensive care unit focusing on parental education, empowerment, and support.
Zach has a passion for working with children and bridging fun activities with their therapeutic goals. He has a particular interest in assistive technology, sensory processing, and advocating for the family unit.
In his free time, Zach enjoys doing anything outdoors (running, biking, camping, etc.). He also enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
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Meet Kyann Jones, MS, OTR/L
Kyann Jones joins the team serving both Rochester and Winona clients and families.
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Kyann graduated with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2014. She has provided outpatient and early intervention services to adults and children with a wide range of diagnosis in Winona throughout her career.
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Kyann is excited to provide holistic, trauma-informed services through OWL. She believes a trusting relationship is the most important component of effective therapy (with having fun being a close second!). Her treatment is personalized, creative, connection-focused, and heavily informed by neuroscience.
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In her free time, Kyann enjoys reading (a lot!), spending time with her daughter and husband, attending live music events, hiking and rollerblading. She graduated from yoga teacher training in 2023 and strive to incorporate the eight limbs of yoga into her life and practice.
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