IntroducingAbout Me Vanessa Slivken, MA, LMFT Vanessa oversees all programs at our Minnetonka site, including Family Place Preschool Mental Health Day Treatment, Preschool Autism Day Treatment, co-located Preschool Autism Day Treatment at Harley Hopkins Family Center, and School Age Autism Day Treatment, as well as our Family Floortime Clinic and our inclusive Early Childhood Education program. She has been working in the mental/behavioral health field for 20 years at autism therapy centers, a dual diagnosis adolescent residential treatment center, and an in-home CTSS agency focused on high-risk youth and their families. Vanessa also co-founded an autism therapy center and has provided consultation for local autism therapy centers. Vanessa received her bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and Youth Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University-Twin Cities. Vanessa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor. She resides in Minnetonka with her husband, two young sons, and Bernedoodle. Whitney Frisch, ECE Director I am the Early Childhood Education Program Director. I completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education at UW-Eau Claire and my Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Minnesota State University, Mankato. My entire career of 25 plus years, has been devoted to supporting children, teachers, and families in a variety of roles and settings. My experiences include working with infants through elementary aged children as a classroom teacher, school admissions & marketing, curriculum writer, and as a school/center program leader. I was drawn to St. David's Center because of the strong commitment to the mission and philosophy which aligns with my shared belief in the importance of inclusive, early childhood education. I am honored to be part of this organization and leading such an amazing team of educators. When I'm not at St. David's Center, I love to walk and bike the trails nearby, and check out places around town with my husband and my little dog Sophie. I look forward to seeing you all here and out and about in the community! Kelsey Bakken, ECE Enrollment and Program Coordinator I have been with St. David’s Center working in Early Childhood since 2019. I received my bachelor’s from Marquette University in Psychology and Family Studies and my master’s from Marquette in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to working at St. David’s Center, I was a licensed therapist doing in-home and outpatient therapy with children, families, and adults in the Milwaukee area. I love working with families and getting to know each of you and your children! I currently live in Edina with my husband, our 1-year-old son, and our dog Kona. Gena Will, ECE Supervisor Serving children and families has been the focus of my career, whether it be in early childhood, social work, or elementary education. I consider early childhood education as one of the most vital roles we have in society, and it is an honor to be a part of a child’s growth and development. My bachelor’s degree is in Psychology and I attended Augsburg University for my master’s in education. Outside of work, I am probably goofing around with my daughter. On the weekends, we can be found visiting llama farms, getting lost in corn mazes, discovering new adventure parks, or experimenting with new baking recipes. I also love reading, crossword puzzles, and painting. I am so proud to be part of the St. David’s Team! Kimberly McMahon, ECE Supervisor Hello, my name is Kimberly McMahon and I am the new ECE Supervisor after being a head teacher at St. David’s Center since 2017. Although it is hard to say goodbye to the classroom, I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with all students and their families and be able to support teachers. I love St. David’s and I am so excited for this new opportunity. A little about me-I live in Victoria with my husband Mike, our (almost) 5 year old daughter Nora, and our 2 year old son Sawyer. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, and going on adventures with my family. It’s going to be a great school year! Amanda Thomson, ECE Specialist I have been at St. David’s Center since 2017 and have had the pleasure of working in many different roles, but my current role is my favorite! I have a master’s degree from New York University in Early Childhood and Special Education, and I love St. David’s commitment to supporting children, families, and the community through positive and supportive relationships. When I am not at St. David’s, I am keeping up with my two kids, Scarlett (6) and Wyatt (2.5) and spending time with my husband. I love playing tennis, spending time outdoors, and travelling. I am so looking forward to getting to know you and your children! Jodi Rubin, ECE Specialist I am a mom of 4 kids, two of whom are in college! It feels like yesterday when I was dropping them off at pre-school. In addition to our four kids, our family also includes my husband and our very cute dog, who follows me everywhere I go. I am a Connecticut native but have been in MN for the last 20 years. In my free time I enjoy taking walks with friends, trying new restaurants, and being an Uber for our kid’s activities. Kari White, ECE Specialist I have been with St. David’s Center for 8 years and have been in the Early Childhood field for over 15 years. I received a Bachelor’s in Social Welfare before completing my Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education. Prior to St. David’s Center, I worked as a social worker serving children and families with significant mental health challenges in a small rural community in Kansas and as a toddler and preschool teacher at several inclusive preschools including a therapeutic school in Denver, CO. This past year, I helped lead a county and state funded pilot project providing consultation for two childcare centers in Minneapolis, helping to create infrastructure, supports, and access for children with special needs. I love in Minneapolis with my husband and daughter Lucy.
