Therapeutic Services Staff
Amy Thrasher, Speech-Language Pathologist
Amy Thrasher has been serving as a Speech-Language Pathologist at TLC since August 2019. Amy holds a BA in Psychology from Williams College and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from United Cerebral Palsy.
Her passion for working with children in early childhood settings began in her teenage years when she served as a counselor at a United Cerebral Palsy camp in New York. There, she witnessed the transformative power of play and friendship as children thrived in an inclusive environment. This experience sparked her lifelong dedication to supporting social development, fostering friendships, and using stories and play as tools for learning.
Outside of her professional life, Amy enjoys spending time at the creek with her husband and dog, as well as exploring her creative side through various art and craft activities. She lives in Eldorado Springs, where she is always up for a conversation about welding or sharing her love for great children’s books and the Storybook Journey approach to learning. Amy’s passion for creativity, play, and learning deeply influences her work, making her an invaluable part of the TLC team.
Christy Griffith, Occupational Therapist
Kathy Keith, Occupational Therapist
Mia Girard, Occupational Therapist & Certified YogaKids Teacher
Mia Girard is an Occupational Therapist and certified YogaKids teacher at TLC, where she has been a dedicated member since August 1996. Originally from Massachusetts, Mia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern California before moving to Colorado to pursue her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University. She began her career at Poudre Valley Health Systems, and shortly after, she found herself balancing work there with her roles at TLC’s preschool and therapeutic services. Eventually, Mia chose to focus her career on the place where her heart was—TLC Learning Center.
Mia is passionate about using play, mindfulness, and self-regulation techniques to support children’s development, especially in areas like sensory processing. Over the years, she has completed numerous trainings, including in Sensory Processing Disorder, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Reflex Integration, The Alert Program for Self-Regulation, Handwriting without Tears, and the TEACCH conference. In 2010, Mia became a certified YogaKids teacher, integrating yoga into her work to promote peace, understanding, and health, values that compliment TLC’s mission of helping each child reach their highest potential. She teaches YogaKids classes within the preschool and after school.
Mia is married and a mother of two wonderful young adults. When not working, she can be found at home in Fort Collins or at their cabin in the mountains. She enjoys travelling, yoga, doing anything creative, and being outdoors relaxing, hiking, SUPing, or fly fishing with her family. Mia’s younger years were filled with a passion for learning, attending live music events, and traveling to remote corners of the world. She later built a cabin with her family, where they now spend most weekends. Mia’s life is a blend of adventure, family, and a dedication to nurturing others.
Grace Levasseur, Speech-Language Pathologist & Qualified Orofacial Myologist
Grace is a Speech-Language Pathologist at TLC, having joined the team in May 2016. With a Master’s degree in Communication Science Disorders and a certification as a Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM), Grace is deeply committed to fostering effective communication and supporting individuals with diverse speech and language needs.
Grace’s passion for working with children in early childhood settings stems from her desire to be an advocate for children and their families, offering creative and personalized solutions to communication challenges. She is particularly passionate about advancing the Neurodiversity Movement, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and supporting children with Apraxia of Speech and speech sound disorders.
Outside of her professional life, Grace enjoys spending time with her two daughters, finding joy in the balance between family and her meaningful work. Her commitment to both her profession and her family is a testament to her caring nature and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those she serves.
Caity Burns, Speech-Language Pathologist
Jessica Fiegland, Physical Therapist
Jessica Fiegland is a Physical Therapist at TLC, where she has been part of the team since April 2008. With a Bachelor’s of Health Science in Physical Therapy, Jessica is deeply passionate about supporting gross motor development in children. She finds joy in watching children grow, reach their goals, and gain new skills. The dynamic and ever-changing nature of working with children keeps her engaged and motivated, as every day presents new opportunities for learning and progress.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying active. She loves running and horseback riding, and she lives on a small farm with her husband and two children, who are both TLC graduates. Their farm is home to a variety of animals, including horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, and cats, offering plenty of opportunities for family fun and adventure. Jessica’s dedication to both her profession and her family is evident in her passion for nurturing growth, whether physical or personal.
Megan Hanna, Occupational Therapist
Nicole Sauer, Physical Therapist
Nicole is a Physical Therapist at TLC, having joined the team in August 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s of Health Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, bringing a strong academic foundation and clinical expertise to her work with children. With a passion for pediatric care that began in 2011, Nicole is committed to helping children develop and thrive through movement and physical therapy.
Her love for working with kids of all ages led her to the field of pediatric physical therapy, where she enjoys using her skills to address a variety of challenges, including toe walking, retained reflexes, gait abnormalities, and employing NDT (Neurodevelopmental Treatment) techniques. Nicole is particularly passionate about supporting children in early childhood, where she can make a lasting impact on their physical development and overall quality of life.
Outside of her work, Nicole enjoys staying active with activities such as hiking, running, and yoga. She also loves to travel, read, and spend quality time with her three children and husband. One fun fact about Nicole is that she’s had the unique opportunity to walk on the Great Wall of China, a memory she cherishes.
Shari Karmen Occupational Therapist & Certified Lactation Counselor
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B.S. Occupational Therapy, Louisiana State University
- Occupational Therapist, Certified Lactation Counselor
Shari has been an occupational therapist for many years, having joined TLC in October, 1999. She loves working with families and children. She especially enjoys helping babies and children with growth, nutrition, and feeding issues and is passionate about working with medically fragile children dealing with multiple issues. Shari strives to make occupational therapy fun and meaningful for both kids and their families and states that the best part of her job is witnessing a child (and parent) reach those hard-earned developmental milestones.
In addition to working as an occupational therapist, Shari also serves as TLC’s Therapeutic Services Manager, which allows her to work closely with other therapists, families, members of TLC’s administrative team and other community agencies. Shari is a phenomenal advocate for TLC and children with special needs in our community.
After growing up in New Orleans, Shari worked as an OT in Arizona where she met her husband. She has two great kids and in her free time enjoys cooking, hanging out with friends, being active, and reading historical fiction. An avid collector of all things elephant, you can find her extensive collection on her desk, in her home, on her jewelry—just about everywhere!