Amber Beyer facilitates the  Rochester aphasia conversation group and works full time for Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester. In addition to a Masters degree in Speech Pathology, she holds a degree in German and Cultural Music and a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.   She is fluent in German, studied in Germany and taught English in Austria before beginning her career in Speech Pathology.  Amber’s 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.  Amber looks forward to contributing to MnCAN’s vision and mission in the Rochester area!

Carly Cauley is a Speech-Language-Pathologist and group facilitator for MnCAN Aphasia Conversation Groups. She is also an SLP Clinical Supervisor at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  She has a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Minnesota and a BA in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Iowa. Her areas of interest include aphasia and adult neurogenic communication disorders, literacy-based intervention and AAC.  She has supervised and trained graduate students in conducting speech therapy, aphasia conversation groups and cognitive rehabilitation since 2013. As a speech-language pathologist, Carly has worked in a variety of settings including a transitional care unit, outpatient rehabilitation and public schools. Carly facilitates the multiple MnCAN aphasia conversation groups. She also facilitates the PPA Staying Connected! Education & Support Program.  Carly loves supporting those with communication disorders through a person-centered approach and is thrilled to be part of the MnCAN Team.

H. Sheen Chiou, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at the Minnesota State University, Mankato. Sheen received a Master’s degree from University of Buffalo in 2001 and a doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota in 2007. 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. Sheen grew up in Taiwan and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. She enjoys sharing her expertise about bilingual aphasia and multicultural education with colleagues, students, clients and family. Currently Sheen facilitates the MnCAN aphasia conversation group and individual treatment sessions in Wayzata and is currently working on an outcomes measurement tool to measure the functional success of our participants through their participation in MnCAN conversation groups.

Jill completed her undergraduate and graduate speech language pathology degrees at UW-Stevens Point. Since earning her Master’s degree in1995, she has practiced in Connecticut, Michigan, and Illinois prior to moving to Minnesota in 2015. Jill 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 the past 20 years. She looks forward to becoming more involved with adults who have aphasia and their families. Jill facilitates the Neuroscience Aphasia Conversation Group, Roseville Conversation Group, Border Battle Conversation Group, All Over Minnesota Virtual Aphasia Conversation Group and the Talk To Me Drama Club. Jill is excited about being part of the MnCAN team and helping individuals with aphasia work toward their life participation goals.

Erin Helgeson is a speech-language pathologist and resilience coach. She studied at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Spanish Studies, followed by a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Throughout her career, she has helped people with cognitive and communication impairments resulting from stroke or brain injury through traditional outpatient therapy and an Intensive Aphasia Program. Erin deeply values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with her clients and their families. She brings a holistic approach to supporting those with communication disorders, emphasizing both improved communication and greater emotional well-being. Erin has supervised and mentored graduate students in both the clinical setting and the classroom since 2015. She is thrilled to be returning to MnCAN to facilitate the in-person West Metro Aphasia Conversation Group and to continue to empower the people she serves.

Sara Nuahn, LICSW, PMH-C, has been a Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years.  She earned her MSW from Loyola University-Chicago.  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.

Krista Petersen, MA, CCC-SLP earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of Montana in 1989 and her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota in 1995.  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  exhibiting challenging behaviors.   Krista now serves as the PPA Support Group facilitator.

Leah holds an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Science and Spanish Studies and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. As a graduate student clinician, she worked with individuals with aphasia during her time with North Memorial Intensive Aphasia Program (IAP) and MnCAN. She also has experience working with children in both educational and outpatient settings. Leah currently works as a Speech-Language Pathologist for Minneapolis Public Schools. She is excited to reconnect with MnCAN as an aphasia conversation group facilitator.

Rebecca Wilson MS, CCC-SLP has been a speech pathologist since 2005.   She earned her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington and worked in a medical setting for the first 6 years of her career in the Pacific Northwest.  Rebecca 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.

She looks forward to this new opportunity to work in MnCAN groups and is very excited to bring a group back to the United Hospital campus!