Our Team | CHATTER PEDIATRIC THERAPY

Our team is here to serve your family.

At Chatter Pediatric Therapy, your child is important to us. We are driven to provide our patients with highly researched therapy techniques in a welcoming atmosphere so that each child receives the best personalized care they deserve! Get to know the dedicated professionals at Chatter. These individuals come from all walks of life and are united by their passion for helping children and providing outstanding therapy.

KATIE A. KRINGEN

MS CCC-SLP

Owner, Speech & Language Pathologist

A native of Bottineau, ND, Katie received her Master's degree in Speech & Language Pathology from Minot State University. Katie worked in the public school system for six years until relocating with her husband and three children to Williston, ND. Katie enjoys spending her time at Lake Metigoshe, a place near and dear to her heart since childhood. She is a hockey fan and loves watching her kids on the ice or competing in other sports and participating in school activities. Family, sports, spending time with her closest friends and her large, extended family are her favorite things about life!

JENNIFER LARSON

BS Business Administration

Business Manager

Growing up in Dickinson, ND, Jenny received her Business Administration, Management & Marketing degrees at Dickinson State University. Jenny married her college sweetheart and have made Dickinson their home. Jenny enjoys spending time at home with her husband, three kids, two cats and two dogs. Photography, hockey, and coffee are a few of her favorite things.

RAYEL M. McCOY

MSOTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Rayel was born and raised in Upton, Wyoming. She moved to North Dakota to attend Dickinson State University where she ran track and cross country for the Bluehawks. Rayel received her Master’s Degree from the University of Mary. She has been an occupational therapist for almost seven years and has worked in a variety of settings. She is excited for the opportunity to provide therapy services to children in Dickinson and the surrounding area. Rayel enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters. Some of her hobbies and interests include going to the lake, fishing, visiting family and friends, reading, and watching sporting events.

AUBREY M. BJORDAL

MS CCC-SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

Originally from Sioux Falls, SD, Aubrey received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Augustana University and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. While attending school, she had the opportunity to work with a variety of patients of all ages but enjoyed working with kids the most! Aubrey likes being with friends and family, doing anything outdoors or traveling. Her favorite things include cleaning/organizing, country music, and shoes! While Sioux Falls will always be home, Aubrey looks forward to exploring Dickinson!

LAYNEE R. KUDRNA

MS CCC-SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

Laynee was born and raised in South Heart, North Dakota, received her Bachelor's and Master's in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND. It has always been Laynee's goal to return home and serve her rural community. Laynee is eager to join the Chatter team and support pediatrics and their families! Laynee enjoys spending time with her family and friends, golfing, listening to music, and traveling.

KACEY M. SYKORA

MSOTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Originally from Dickinson, ND, Kacey received her Master's degree from the University of Mary. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings including outpatient clinics and schools. While working in these settings she has discovered a passion for using sensory and play based approaches to assist children of all ages. She also has experience in assisting children with mental health concerns after receiving her Youth Mental Health Certification. She enjoys educating families and caregivers to facilitate the child's success within daily routines. When not at work, Kacey enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, yoga, reading, biking, hiking, and skiing.

JENNY L. LADENDORF

MS CCC SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

Jenny was born and raised in Minot, ND. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders then went on to pursue her master’s degree in speech language pathology at Minot State University. She has worked with children in public schools and private practices throughout her education. Jenny spends most of her free time trying to keep up with her two boys. She and her family enjoy going to the lake, exploring the outdoors, and visiting family in Minnesota. Jenny is passionate about caring for others and looks forward to giving back to the community that she and her husband are happy to call home.

SHELBY KELSCH

Office Director

Shelby is a native of Linton, ND. She attended Bismarck State College and was the director of a childcare center for over three years. When she moved to Dickinson in 2023, she was excited to have the opportunity to continue to work alongside kids and their families at Chatter! Outside of work, Shelby enjoys lake days, riding horse and spending time with family.

HAILEY M. AXTELL

MSOTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Hailey was born and raised in Harrisburg, South Dakota. Hailey received her Master's Degree from the University of North Dakota, after receiving a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of South Dakota where she also competed in track and field throwing Javelin. She has been an occupational therapist for almost 4 years and has worked in schools, pediatric home health, and out patient clinics. Hailey strives to build strong relationships with her young patients and their families by finding creative ways to help children succeed in the activities they love. Hailey enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and dogs. Some of her hobbies and interests include traveling to new places, camping, playing and coaching sports, and all things outdoors.

BAYLI J. KRANCE

MS SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

A native of South Heart, ND, Bayli received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Throughout her education, she found a love for working with children of all ages. She finished her degree with an externship at Chatter in Dickinson and is eager to join the team! Bayli enjoys spending time outdoors and hanging out with her family and close friends. Some of her favorite things include hunting and fishing with her fiancé, going to the lake, golfing, traveling, and iced coffee!

TESSA R. LARSEN

MS SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

Born and raised just outside of the North Dakota border in Culbertson, MT, Tessa received her Bachelors degree at University of Montana and completed her Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology from A.T. Still University in Arizona. Tessa has worked with pediatrics and adolescents in a variety of settings as well as adults in acute care throughout her education. A few of her favorite things to do are hiking, traveling, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family. Tessa is thrilled to return to her roots and give back to the rural community that raised her!

AMANDA R. NEBEKER

PSYCHOMETRIST

Originally from a small mountain town in Idaho, Amanda relocated to Williston in 2011. She has three teenagers at home and a strong appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoys hiking in the warmer months and values an active lifestyle. With nearly 10 years of experience as a personal trainer, she focuses on the benefits of fitness for both physical and mental well-being. Outside of work, she spends her free time staying active, loves the spring months, enjoys coffee, and relaxing with her two dogs, Pongo and Bruce.

EMILY WENSTAD

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Emily was born and raised in Williston. She loves the sunshine, boat rides, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and close-knit family. She’s a summer girl through and through—always down for a Diet Coke and a little style inspiration. Known for her kindness, fashion sense, and love of a good chat, Emily brings her heart and a helping hand to everything she does!

Dr. MERYL WILLERT

Ph.D.

Child & Adolescent Psychologist

Dr. Willert completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Dakota and Spokane Mental Health in Washington. He attended NDSU for his undergraduate degree in psychology. He has 29 years of experience in evaluating and treating children and adolescents for various mental health and behavioral problems in hospital, residential, and outpatient settings. He specializes in psychological testing for ADHD, autism spectrum, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, emerging personality issues, and learning problems. For therapy, he primarily uses evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral and acceptance approaches. He also uses play therapy, clinical hypnosis, dynamic/insight-oriented therapy and emotional freedom tapping when indicated. On the creative side of things, Dr. Willert has played drums and percussion professionally since he was 12 years old and still performs with a classic rock band. When he’s not working with kids or playing music, he enjoys being with his family, barbecuing with charcoal (old school style), and hanging out in Cabo San Lucas, MX.

JOAN M. ZANDER

LCSW

Mental Health Counselor

Originally from Minot, ND, Joan received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. Joan worked in a variety of Social Service Agencies before beginning her career in Mental Health Therapy in 2012. Joan has over 17 years of experience and
works with clients aged 16 years and older specializing in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief, Anger Management, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Specific Phobias. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Joan has a passion for helping parents navigate the roller coaster ride
of parenting, especially for parents with children who have their own
mental health struggles, providing techniques to assist with
co-regulation, stress management, boundary setting,
implementation of behavioral plans and communication skills
and relationship building. When she is not at work, Joan and her husband keep busy raising their boys, spending time at the family lake house, and visiting family in Minot!

MATTHEW T. McDONALD

LPC

Mental Health Counselor

Matt was originally from Brainerd Minnesota, but moved to North Dakota in 2019. He has worked with children for six years before beginning a career in mental health. Since obtaining a degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of the Southwest, Matt has loved working as a therapist with families. His work is built on the idea that healing and growth in children and adolescents must involve the family. Parental support and consultation is thus a priority throughout therapy with Matt. His work with individuals from four years of age through eighteen includes offering help for anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, OCD, and anger management. Matt uses a blend of Acceptance and Commitment, Solution Focus, Existential, Polyvagal, and Creative therapies. In his free time, Matt enjoys playing music, reading old books, cross country skiing, and going on adventures with his family.

SAMMY L. NEVA

MS CCC-SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

A native of Bismarck, ND, Samantha received her Master's degree in Speech & Language Pathology from the University of Mary in 2021. She has work alongside children with speech & language difficulties across the school setting as well as a private practice during her schooling. She finished her degree with an externship at Chatter Pediatric Therapy and is excited to be a part of the team! Sammy enjoys going to the lake, fishing, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

ABBEY M. AIDE

MS CCC-SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

Originally from Bottineau, ND, Abbey received her Master's Degree in Speech & Language Pathology from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. She has worked with children in public schools and private practices throughout her education. She completed her degree with an externship at Chatter Pediatric Therapy where she fell in love with the kids and staff. A few of Abbey's favorite things include traveling with her wife, spending time at Lake Metigoshe with her family and friends, and attending her nephew's and niece's sporting events.

MADDIE MILLER

Office Director

Maddie was born and raised in Williston, North Dakota. She is currently attending the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota and pursuing a degree in Health Studies with a special emphasis on health promotion and health administration. Maddie enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors during the warm weather months, and attending concerts.

ALLISON L. SMELLEY

LMSW

Mental Health Therapist

Allison was born and raised in Williston. She graduated with her Master's degree in social work in 2022 from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Allison has been a licensed social worker since 2008 and has worked within the community of Williston over the last 15 years. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé and three children, hunting, fishing and occasionally singing.

ABBY A. JOHNSON

MS SLP

Speech & Language Pathologist

Abby was born and raised in North Dakota. She loves doing anything outdoors from gardening to running half marathons to riding snowmobile in the mountains, but her favorite thing is being up at Lake Metigoshe. She and her husband, Ryan, got married last June. They have two dogs Remi and Baylee who keep them on their toes. Abby graduated from Minot State University with her Masters in Speech Language Pathology.

ASHLYN D. KESSEL

PT, DPT, ATC

Physical Therapist

Ashlyn was born and raised in Dickinson, ND. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Throughout undergrad she was able to work with and help high school and college athletes return to their sports and assist with preventing injuries. Throughout grad school she was able to work with a wide range of ages but enjoys the pediatric setting the most. In the summer you will often find Ashlyn in Medora on the weekends. She enjoys spending time with her dog (Skeeter), family, friends, and her fiancé.

LEXTYN H. PORTRA

LMSW

Mental Health Therapist

Born and raised in Culbertson, MT, Lextyn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Montana, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from Boise State University. Lextyn has experience primarily working with children and teens. She has worked in an inpatient adolescent addiction treatment facility, and in a child/adolescent partial hospitalization program. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and more. When she isn't helping others, you can find her spending time with her 11+ nieces and nephews, being at the lake, going to the gym, and shopping!

CHRISTINA R. CLARK

LMSW

Mental Health Therapist

Christina, originally from California, moved to North Dakota in 2015 with her husband and kids. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of New England in 2024. Dedicated to helping others, she has worked in various social service roles, with a strong passion for supporting children and adolescents.
When she’s not working, Christina loves spending time with her husband and their four boys, often cheering them on at their sporting events! She enjoys camping, fishing, reading, and making memories with family and friends—all with an iced coffee in hand and music playing in the background.

LAUREN FANDRICH

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Lauren is a native of Wishek, ND. She is currently attending Dakota College at Bottineau to pursue a degree in becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding. She enjoys spending time with family, snowboarding, going to the lake, and golfing. Lauren has a passion for travel and takes any opportunity she can to travel the world.