Meet our Group Facilitators
MnCAN is fortunate to have an experienced group of passionate professionals working to facilitate conversation and support groups.
Amber Beyer, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator
Amber Beyer joined the MnCAN team in 2020. She currently facilitates the MnCAN Rochester area virtual aphasia conversation group.
Education: Masters degree in Speech Pathology; degrees in German, Cultural Music; certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Career: Amber works full-time for Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester. Her major interests are in the areas of aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, voice, swallowing and TBI. She is certified in LSVT LOUD. As one of the first SLPs at her current facility, she has been instrumental in establishing innovative communicative disorders programs for acute care and outpatient services.
Why MnCAN?
“The first time I heard about aphasia was the same day I decided to become a speech language pathologist. When I was very young, a family member had a stroke and was unable to speak. I didn’t understand it then, and no one explained it to me. I didn’t know that she could probably understand me and probably was desperate for connection and interaction with her family.
Helping people share their thoughts and maintain connections through such challenges is what drives me in my work today. Being a part of MnCAN is so amazingly fulfilling. I get to see and share in the positive impact our groups have on participants. I get to be a small part of helping my friends with aphasia find joy and purpose every day.”
Sheen Chiou, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator
Sheen Chiou joined the MnCAN team in 2014. She facilitates a MnCAN virtual aphasia conversation group.
Education: Master’s degree from University of Buffalo in 2001; doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota in 2007
Career: H. Sheen Chiou, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at the Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her clinical and research interests include language and cognitive communication disorders in adults with neurogenic disorders. Sheen has trained numerous graduate students in conducting aphasia therapy and cognitive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She also supervised and facilitated the Minnesota State University Mankato Aphasia Group for five years. As a speech-language pathologist, Sheen has worked in a variety of clinical settings including a transitional care unit, long-term care, and outpatient rehabilitation.
About Me: I grew up in Taiwan and am fluent in Mandarin Chinese. I enjoy sharing my expertise about bilingual aphasia and multicultural education with colleagues, students, clients and family.
Nicole Davis, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator / SLP Staff
Nicole Davis joined the MnCAN team in 2024. She facilitates two in-person aphasia conversation groups in Edina, one in-person conversation group in Plymouth and the MnCAN Book Club for People with Aphasia. Additionally, Nicole provides skilled program and administrative support to the Executive Directors in her role as staff speech language pathologist.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Phoenix; Master’s degree in Communication Science Disorders from Emerson College.
Career: Nicole has had several clinical experiences working with pediatrics spanning from infants to teens, but finds her true passion in working with adults. She has worked in a variety of settings to include skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and outpatient rehabilitation. Nicole‘s areas of interests include aphasia, AAC, dysphagia, and cognitive communication.
Why MnCAN?
“MnCAN holds a unique kind of magic. I’ve seen it again and again in different groups, with different participants, and in moments that are read, heartfelt, vulnerable and full of growth. The relationships I have witnessed form and deepen around something as challenging as aphasia have been more impactful than anything else I could have anticipated in my career. My commitment to MnCAN is shaped by these powerful experiences, which make it an absolute honor to be a part of this community.”
Jill Dimitri, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator
Jill Dimitri joined the MnCAN team in 2018. She facilitates the Neuroscience Aphasia Conversation Group, Roseville Conversation Groups, Border Battle Conversation Group, All Over Minnesota Virtual Aphasia Conversation Group and the Talk To Me Drama Club.
Education: Undergraduate and graduate speech language pathology degrees at UW-Stevens Point in 1995
Career: Jill has practiced speech pathology in Connecticut, Michigan, and Illinois prior to moving to Minnesota in 2015. She initially worked with adults in acute care, short term rehabilitation and outpatient settings. She then developed a specialty in early intervention and has worked with children and families in their homes, clinic, and school settings for 20 years.
Why MnCAN?
“MnCAN is an important part of my life. As an SLP, I get to be part of creating a place where people truly understand one another’s challenges and successes. It is more than just practicing communication skills—it is a community built on patience, encouragement, and connection.
Watching members support each other, share stories, laugh together, and gain confidence reminds me weekly of how important human connection is. The groups give people a chance to feel heard, valued, and understood, all while showing incredible resilience and determination. Being part of an aphasia group is meaningful because it helps people rebuild confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.”
Jen Engman - Rients, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / MnCAN PPA Group Facilitator
Jen Engman-Rients joined the MnCAN team in 2025. She currently facilitates a MnCAN virtual aphasia conversation group.
Education: Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Career: Jen has spent her SLP career working in various medical settings in the Twin Cities (hospitals, home health, and outpatient clinics) helping adults with neurogenic conditions improve and maintain their communication skills. She is passionate about patient-centered care and treatment that focuses on real-life skills that facilitate participation in meaningful activities of daily living.
Why MnCAN?
“I participated in MnCAN conversation groups as an SLP graduate student. That experience sparked my passion for working with people impacted by aphasia and fostering meaningful communication, confidence, and relationships. I am ecstatic to now return to MnCAN as a group facilitator to continue the work I love and contribute to MnCAN’s mission.”
Alexis Fronk, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / MnCAN Group Facilitator
Alexis Fronk joined the MnCAN team in 2026. She currently facilitates a MnCAN aphasia conversation group in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Angie Maier, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator / MnCAN Co-Executive Director
Angie Maier joined the MnCAN team in April of 2020 initially as an aphasia conversation group facilitator. In 2021, she assumed the role of MnCAN Program Coordinator under the leadership and direction of the founding Executive Director, Julia Halvorson. In August of 2023 following Julia’s retirement, Angie was named MnCAN Co-Executive Director of Programs and Operations. She continues to facilitate one virtual aphasia conversation group and one in-person aphasia conversation group.
Education: Masters Degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth (2004)
Career: She has practiced speech-language pathology in the acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation in Arizona, Colorado and her home state of Minnesota. She is passionate about creating opportunities for people to find support, connection and education. She helped to create several educational materials and support groups during her time working in the hospital rehabilitation setting.
About Me: Angie and her husband live on a small acreage in Carver, Minnesota with their three school-aged children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, travelling, and volunteering in her local community including a weekly role serving lunch at her children’s school.
Why MnCAN?
“The highlight of my week is always facilitating aphasia groups – it fills me with so much joy to help people with aphasia and care partners connect in an organic way. People with aphasia are brave and strong in ways that I cannot fully understand. I see their joy, their frustrations, their hard work and their commitment to participating in life.
MnCAN has been the highlight of my 22-year career as a speech-language pathologist – a truly blessing to have the opportunity to be a part of this community.”
Sara Nuahn, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C
Clinical Social Worker / MnCAN Group Co-Facilitator
Sara Nuahn joined the MnCAN team in 2024. She currently co-facilitates the MnCAN Care Partner Support Group.
Education: Master’s of Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago
Career: Sara Nuahn, LICSW, PMH-C, has been a Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years. Sara spent many years in co-located and outpatient services with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute as a Behavior Professional, working alongside individuals and families who had experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury. She oversaw the navigation and implementation of services, supports, and resources for clients connected under TBI and CADI waivers as well as acted as the Clinical Supervisor for ARMHS (Adult Rehabilitation Mental Health Services). For the last 10 years Sara has been in private practice in Chanhassen, continuing to work with individuals through life changes and transitions. Sara also acts as a clinical supervisor to individuals working towards their LICSW licensure.
Why MnCAN?
“It has been such an honor to be a part of both the PPA and Aphasia care partner groups. The connection and strength shared with one another, as well as updates on how they and their loved ones are continuing to make strides is inspiring! The importance of community within MnCAN is so rich, and shows that collaboration and support is essential for healing and growth!”
Krista Petersen, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / PPA Support Group Facilitator
Krista Petersen joined the MnCAN team in 2018. She currently facilitates the MnCAN PPA Support Groups and the Staying Connected PPA Education Class.
Education: Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota in 1995
Career: Krista has worked with adults in the area of neurogenic communication in acute care, home care, long term care and rehabilitation settings. She also has experience treating children with communication disorders.
Megan Schmoll, CCC-SLP
Speech Language pathologist/Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator
Megan Schmoll joined the MnCAN team in 2026. She facilitates the Brooklyn Park Aphasia Conversation Group.
More information coming soon!
Leah Snow, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language pathologist/Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator
Leah Snow joined the MnCAN team in 2020. She currently facilitates a virtual aphasia conversation group.
Education: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Career: Leah currently works as a Speech-Language Pathologist for in the school setting.
About Me: In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time outside with my husband, Isaac, and dog, Rudy.
Why MnCAN?
“As an SLP and conversation group facilitator, I get to witness how a conversation group can develop into a safe space where friendships grow and joy is found. What a gift to be able to share in each others’ successes and challenges and connect with those who truly understand what it is like to live with aphasia.”
Jessica Wald, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator / MnCAN Co-Executive Director
Jessica Wald joined the MnCAN team in 2022 as an aphasia conversation group facilitator. In August of 2023, she was named MnCAN Co-Executive Director of Advancement and Operations. She continues to facilitate a weekly aphasia conversation group as well as the care partner support group.
Education: Masters Degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities.
Career: She has 10+ years previous experience in a leadership position at United Hospital and currently a casual speech-language pathologist for Allina Health.
About Me: Jessica and her husband live in North Oaks, MN and have two children. She enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
Why MnCAN?
“The moments that stay with me are the conversations, relationships, laughter, and friendships that develop within our community. There is something incredibly powerful about watching people support one another, celebrate successes together, and find joy despite the challenges aphasia and PPA can bring.
It has been a privilege and a gift to walk alongside so many remarkable individuals and families. The resilience, courage, kindness, and hope within this community inspire me every day, and I am deeply grateful to be a small part of it.”
Rebecca Wilson, SLP
Speech Language Pathologist / Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator
Rebecca Wilson joined the MnCAN team in 2023. She currently facilitates an in-person aphasia conversation group in St. Paul.
Education: Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington in 2005
Career: Rebecca worked in a medical setting for the first 6 years of her career in the Pacific Northwest. She came back to her Midwest roots in 2011 and has been working in a medical setting in the Twin Cities area ever since. She has supervised numerous graduate students across the years and is passionate about teaching the next generation of speech pathologists the intricacies of neuro-rehabilitation with a focus on patient centered care and exploration of individualized goals. Throughout the years working with patients in all phases of rehab care, Rebecca has particularly enjoyed the work she has done with people with aphasia – helping them to grow and explore their ability within different communication opportunities.
Why MnCAN?
“My favorite part of aphasia group is seeing participants develop from nervous and unsure to confident and comfortable. They find their voice, discover common interests with new people, and build friendships. Aphasia doesn’t define who they are, and MnCAN groups provide the perfect space for them to share their stories and truly connect.”