Our Team.

Your Team of Caring Professionals -- Here to Serve You!

Partner and Occupational Therapist

Mandy Carlsen, MOT, OTR/L

Mandy is an occupational therapist specializing in feeding and mealtime skills. She received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Arizona in 2001. She then moved to Seattle to pursue her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Sunny Tucson drew her back to the Southwest in 2004 with her husband. She has been in private practice working with children with feeding challenges and their families in southern Arizona for the last nine years. She became a founding partner with Mealtime Connections in 2007 and is a founding member for Nourish, a 501(c)3 non-profit supporting families whose children have feeding challenges (www.nourishaz.org). Mandy enjoys spending time with her family and colleagues and taking advantage of all Tucson has to offer.

Partner, Occupational Therapist, and Certified Lactation Counselor

Kimberly Edwards, M.S., OTR/L CLC

Kimberly is an occupational therapist, certified lactation counselor and partner at Mealtime Connections. Kimberly moved to Tucson in 1980, graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 1995 and from Arizona School of Health Sciences with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1999. Kimberly has been working in pediatrics since 1999 with experience in school districts, home based and outpatient clinic based services with an emphasis on feeding the medically fragile infant and child. She was involved with the Pediatric Intensive Care Team for five years, has been actively involved with the Smooth Way Home Project, and recently completed the Fragile Infant Feeding Institute training. Realizing there was a need to support families with complicated breastfeeding concerns, Kimberly became interested in pursuing additional education in lactation and became a certified lactation counselor in 2015. She especially enjoys supporting medically fragile infants and their families. Kimberly has lived in Tucson for more than 30 years and enjoys participating in community events with family and friends.

Speech Director, Speech Language Pathologist, and Certified Lactation Counselor

Randi Morgan, M.A., CCC-SLP CLC

Randi received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University, and a Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Iowa. Randi joined the Mealtime Connections team in 2009, where she is the Director of Speech Language Pathology. Randi is also a community campus partner with the University of Arizona for the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Department providing supervision and clinical training for students in the Speech Language Pathology graduate program. Randi specializes in pediatric feeding, dysphagia, and speech and language skill development, and has practiced in hospital, clinic, and home based therapeutic settings. She has significant expertise evaluating and treating infants / toddlers / children with both special healthcare and developmental needs. Randi pursued her interest in supporting moms and babies with complex breastfeeding concerns, becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2015. Randi has advanced dysphagia assessment and management.

Speech Language Pathologist

Erin Phillips, M.S., CCC-SLP

Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Science from the University of Arizona and a Master of Sciences degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Arizona. She joined the Mealtime Connections team in July 2013 during her clinical fellowship year. Erin specializes in assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding, dysphagia, oral-motor skill development, and speech and language skill development. Erin has direct experience working with infants, preschool-age and school-age children in clinic and home based therapeutic settings. Erin pursues an interdisciplinary approach in providing comprehensive care in coordination with other medical professionals at Mealtime Connections and within the Tucson community. Erin continues to focus her interest in pursuing continuing education in pediatric dysphagia for medically complex children, infant speech and language development, oral motor and swallowing function, and Perception-Action Approach for movement and function. Erin has also been a teacher for a selection of different courses at Mealtime Connections addressing pediatric feeding challenges. Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She enjoys traveling, running, baking, and crafting.

Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor

Lacey Miller, M.S. CCC-SLP, CLC

Lacey is a speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor who grew up in northeast Missouri, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Truman State University in 2004. After moving to Tucson in 2005, she began serving infants and toddlers with developmental delays contracting with the Division of Developmental Disabilities and directing the Arizona Early Intervention Program. She also participated in the Smooth Way Home task force supporting fragile infants in the NICU transition home with developmental support services. After 10 years of in-home support services, she returned to school and received her Master's of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona to support her favorite population through a new scope of practice. She joined Mealtime Connections in 2017 and now specializes in pediatric feeding disorders, breastfeeding challenges, and speech and language disorders. Outside of work, Lacey is a busy wife, mother to three children, and is active in her church.

Speech Language Pathologist

Lydia Dinkel, M.S., CCC-SLP

Lydia is a speech and feeding therapist, and an Arizona native. Lydia received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a double minor in Music and Religious Studies from the University of Arizona. She then received her Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Arizona. Along with her MS degree, she received a Multicultural and Bilingual certificate, demonstrating additional training in assessing and treating bilingual individuals and individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Lydia had the opportunity to be mentored by the Mealtime Connections team as a graduate student, gaining practical experience in oral motor and sensory function as it relates to pediatric feeding and swallowing, speech and language production, as well as child development. She joined the Mealtime Connections team in July 2022. Lydia’s training in music also influences her practice, as she integrates music into speech and language treatment to improve therapy engagement and goal outcomes. Outside of work, Lydia enjoys making music with family and friends, baking, crocheting, and she is active in her church.

Speech Language Pathologist

Sabrina Marcor, M.S. CCC-SLP

Sabrina Sieg earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Wartburg College. Prior to becoming a speech-language pathologist, Sabrina worked at a homeless services center and as a preschool teacher. To further support her interest in early intervention and pediatric development, she earned her Master of Science degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona. Additionally, Sabrina earned a Multicultural Certificate, demonstrating additional training in assessing and treating bilingual individuals and individuals from different cultural backgrounds. She joined the Mealtime Connections team in 2022, where she continues to pursue her special interests in responsive feeding, gestalt language development, bilingual language development, and development of pediatric speech, language, and feeding skills. Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys traveling, crafting, exercising, exploring local businesses, and spending time with her dog.

Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Kimberly Kenny, C-SLPA

Kimberly graduated from the University of Utah in 2020 with a B.S. in Hearing and Speech Sciences and a Minor in Psychology. Following graduation, Kimberly moved to Tucson and was eager to go back to school to become Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA). In 2023, Kimberly received her certification from The University of Montana and completed her required clinical hours at Mealtime Connections. After completion of her hours, Kimberly has stayed on as a member of the team! In her free time outside of the clinic, you can find Kimberly reading, hanging out with family and friends or out on a golf course!

Physical Therapist

Allison Whiteside, PT

Allison has practiced pediatric physical therapy since 1980. She received her Basic Pediatric NDT training in 1982. She completed advanced studies in NDT in Baby Courses with Joan Mohr and Mary Quinton, Lower Extremity and Gait course with Lois Bly, and the Refresher course. She is an inactive NDTA Coordinator Instructor having assisted in eleven Pediatric NDTA courses and she has instructed numerous introductory NDT courses. Currently, Allison has provided in-home physical therapy services for infants and toddlers through her private practice, Building Blocks. She has also worked for the Newborn Follow Program (NICP), Easter Seals/Blake Foundation, and Children’s Clinics for Rehabilitative Services. Allison co-authored, Facilitation Techniques Based on NDT Principles, with Lois Bly in 1997 and Positioning for Play – Interactive Activities to Enhance Movement & Sensory Exploration with Rachel Diamant in 2005. She has also written articles for Parent Articles, “NDTA Network”, and Parent Articles About NDT.

Physical Therapist

Caryn Barman, PT, DPT, PCS

Caryn is a Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist with over 20 years of experience. She earned her Bachelors in Anthropology from the University of Georgia and her Masters and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University. Caryn has dedicated her career to serving children and their families in a variety of settings. She has worked with grant funded programs on the Navajo, Hopi, and Havasupai Reservations where she developed interdisciplinary clinics in conjunction with Indian Health Services, developed pediatric training modules, and provided technical support for the Navajo Nation’s Growing in Beauty Program. Caryn has also served in more traditional clinic/hospital-based settings with a focus on medically complex children. Caryn was a co-investigator of the NIH funded study “Intense physiotherapies to improve function in young children with cerebral palsy”. Caryn does not like to sit still and in her free time can be found pursuing a variety of activities including tennis, hiking, kayaking, knitting, reading, and playing her saxophone.

Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Occupational Therapist

BreAnne Robison, M.S., OTR/L

Bre received her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Arizona and her Masters in Occupational Therapy at A.T. Still University. She joined the Mealtime Connections team in February 2015 as a feeding fellow with the Marsha Dunn Klein Feeding Fellowship Program. In addition to treating infants and children with feeding and developmental concerns, Bre is a Get Permission Master Educator, assists with teaching Get Permission conferences and has aided in the developmental and presentation of the updated Anxious Eaters Anxious Mealtime parent class. Bre also provides supervision, training and mentorship to students and fellows here at Mealtime Connections. When she’s not working, she spends time with her family and enjoys reading, cooking, eating, and using her creativity on Pinterest.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Danielle Olsson, COTA/L

Danielle has always had a passion for occupational therapy as she grew up in the field and helping her parents with their program for disabled adults. She graduated from Pima Medical Institute in 2022 and has been with Mealtime Connections since 2023. Danielle enjoys creating sensory based programs for children and adults. If she is not in the clinic, she is most often volunteering for animal assisted therapy, working on her farm, or hiking.

Occupational Therapist

Arantxa Amaya, OTD, OTR/L

Arantxa grew up in Yuma, AZ. She graduated with her Bachelors degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona in 2017. She worked for early intervention where she discovered her new passion of Occupational Therapy. This led her to receive her Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University in 2024. After graduating, Arantxa joined our team at Mealtime Connections and is completing our Feeding Fellowship. Arantxa is passionate about serving bilingual families. In her free time Arantxa enjoys being with her family, hiking Tumamoc, and trying new food places throughout Tucson.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Kameha Mckinley, COTA/L

Kameha is an OT provider and feeding therapist. She graduated from Pima Medical Institute in December of 2018 and has worked with the pediatric population for 6 amazing years. Her favorite therapy activities are making obstacle courses to improve motor coordination, arts and crafts to promote creative expression and meal prep tasks to make and explore new foods together. Kameha always wants her clients to feel safe and confident while they work on daily living and self care skills, here at Mealtime Connections. When she is not at the clinic, she enjoys playing board games with her family, building legos with her husband and taking naps with her cuddly kitties.

Front Desk Coordinator

Jon Gagnionni

Jon joined the Mealtime Connections team in 2022 and manages the very active front desk. He is originally from Pennsylvania, and moved to Tucson in 2021. He is planning to study Archaeology at the University of Arizona. While not at work, Jon is active at his church, and enjoys cooking, watching movies, playing board games, and spending time with his friends!

Referral Coordinator

November Johnson

November joined our Mealtime Connections team in 2022. She received her bachelor’s degree in Music Ministry from Bushnell University with a minor in Business Administration. With her passion for helping people, she pursued a career in the healthcare industry by earning her phlebotomy certification in 2010. November maintains an active role in her church while working and caring for her family. As well as enjoying her pursuit of music, she also loves creative hobbies such as sewing, jewelry making, and home décor crafts. November brings her highly developed organizational skills to the Mealtime Connections team as she manages our new client referrals.

Front Desk Receptionist

Esmeralda Vejar Moreno

Esmeralda joined our Mealtime Connections team in 2025 to assist with our active front desk. She is originally from Mexico, but grew up in Tucson. Esmeralda chose to join our team to help support other families with their children. In her free time, she is reading, crocheting, building puzzles with her husband or building legos with her son.