46200 Port Street Plymouth, Michigan 48170
Phone: 734.454.0866 Fax: 734.454.1744
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COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
The Building Bridges Team
Success at Building Bridges requires hard work and a commitment to excellence and collaboration. As a result, we get to live the rewarding experience of making the biggest difference possible for children and their families.
The favorite words of our Clinical Director:
Collaborative Excellence!
"Our team works together to focus on what is best for each individual child. We appreciate the expertise of each discipline, perspective and specific training, to create a comprehensive treatment approach. Collaboration is the key to success for our clients and their families."
-Janice Pagano M.A., CCC-SLP
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Erika Smith - Front Office - Administration
MEET ERIKA SMITH!
Erika is the first face you see at Building Bridges! She has been in Healthcare Administration for 20+ years, and an integral part of the Building Bridges team since April 2015.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love the family atmosphere here at BBTC! Seeing the progression of the kiddos makes me proud to be a part of something so impactful. There's nothing more heartwarming than when they come to the window say hi to me! 🥰
IF YOU WERE NOT THE FACE OF THE BUILDING BRIDGES FRONT OFFICE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I wanted to be a nurse like my mom, but I soon discovered I am scared of needles and blood! I considered becoming a flight attendant as well, but am so glad I landed at Building Bridges.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
Travel ( mostly cruises 🚢 ☀️) family fun night either bowling or karaoke, cooking and baking.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAM?
I love the Pittsburgh Steelers, NOLA Saints ( in honor of my father and my NOLA heritage ) and of course the home team, our Detroit Lions!
IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE YOU IT BE AND WHY?
Italy, for the culture, history and the food.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love all things history and science, and used to race cars with my brother when I was younger.
I'm also the mother of 4 adult children and a grandma of 5!!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Kris Kilgallon - Speech Therapist
MEET KRIS KILGALLON!
Kris has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 2 years, and joined Building Bridges in September 2024.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A SPEECH THERAPIST?
Speech therapy is first and foremost a caring/helping profession. I believe that having shared communication, a role in the community, and enjoyment in daily life are what make the world go around. Communication is the main ingredient needed to achieve those positive outcomes for improved quality of life and increased independence. Learning to become a speech therapist did always come easy to me, but it does feel like destiny.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love seeing children gain the skills and confidence to express their wants, needs, thoughts, feelings, and ideas as well as interact with others in new and spontaneous ways. The work can be very challenging, and then there is always a magical moment when they start using the skills on their own and spontaneously building on them. The process and outcomes are always so unique to each child's personality and strengths-- you just sit there full of pride and wonder, knowing they are taking another step further in growing up and reaching their highest potential.
IF YOU WERE NOT AN SLP WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Before becoming an SLP, I mostly wanted to be a musician. There are some similarities in both professions, as music is language and, therefore, involves communication.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
I like to play music, cook, bake, and spend time with family and friends.
IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE YOU IT BE AND WHY?
There is something about the culture, Irish language, history, and natural beauty of Ireland that really makes it a place where I could see myself living.
WHICH DESCRIBES YOU BEST?
- Apple Pie
- Red Velvet Cake
- Banana Split
Apple Pie, as it seems so simple, yet lots of care goes into making it. It reminds me most of my childhood. Apple pie is pure nostalgia for me.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I have an identical twin brother!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Lawrence Parsons, Direct Line Therapist
MEET LAWRENCE PARSONS!
Lawrence has been a Building Bridges DLT for over 4 years.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DIRECT LINE THERAPIST?
I became a DLT because I wanted to grow my heart for kids with disabilities. I learn so much every day from these incredibly special kids!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Seeing the smiles and that feeling that I get when I know I’ve made a difference in a kid’s life.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DLT, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I am currently at EMU in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, so I will eventually be a counselor. I've learned so much from my experience at Building Bridges that will make me more effective in that role! The ability to understand and appreciate my clients for who they are and how they see the world, helps me develop a good relationship with them and enables me to help them more effectively.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
I like to play pretty much any sport, play music, and play video games when I get the chance. All of this playing is probably why I enjoy working with kids so much lol.
IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE YOU IT BE AND WHY?
It would be amazing if I could live in Costa Rica! I spent a week there before and it was easily the most beautiful place I’ve been to. Ziplining in the rainforest was unbelievable!
WHICH DESCRIBES YOU BEST?
- Apple Pie
- Red Velvet Cake
- Banana Split
Banana Split because my tall lankiness resembles a banana.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I can do the belly wave with my stomach 😂
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Kelsey Michals, Physical Therapist
MEET KELSEY MICHALS!
Kelsey has been a PT for just over 8 years, and joined the Building Bridges team in spring 2023.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
I realized I wanted to become a PT after a major knee injury in high school and enduring my own treatment and surgeries. I also confirmed my interest in the field when my father was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and I was able to witness the positive impact that PT had on his function, his ability to return to work for a while, and also ability to enjoy one of his life passions, golf. Physical therapy was a tremendous gift to not only my dad but for me and the rest of our family. I knew I wanted to be a part of improving people’s function and quality of life in that way one day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A PT?
I truly love what I do! I love educating clients and their families about things they can do at home in addition to what goes on during treatment sessions. It’s great to equip clients with tools that can carry over to the home and community settings to help maximize safety and function.
IF YOU WERE NOT A PT...WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would want to be an elementary school teacher!
WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU: BROWNIE, BANANA SPLIT, OR APPLE PIE?
Apple Pie! The perfect mix of sweet and savory. 🥧
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I used to work as a “Disney Princess” for a company that threw birthday parties for little kids. It was a really fun side job where I got to sing and entertain at little birthday celebrations!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Sierra Cano-Gillis Psy.D., LLP, Clinical Psychologist
MEET DR. SIERRA!
Dr. Sierra joined Building Bridges as a practicum student from 2018-2019, then returned after she graduated with her doctorate degree! She now works a hybrid position where she does psych testing and psychotherapy! We are so glad to have her "back home" to launch her career as a Psy.D!
If you were not a Psychologist...what would you want to be?
I would want to be a coffee shop owner and barista! I love "chill vibes", board games, and friendly convos. :)
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to hang out with my son and be with my family. We all enjoy reading books together, going for walks, and traveling together! When I have “me time”, I love to listen to podcasts/audiobooks, craft with my Circuit, move my body, and binge a television show.
Who is your favorite Team?
Gotta represent my alma matter - I'm a Wolverine at heart! Go Blue!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
South Carolina! The weather always seems to be consistently warm, and I would love to be close to a beach.
What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?
I am completely deaf in my right ear. I do not wear a hearing aid, so I depend on lip reading and hearing from my left ear. Growing up with this disability has made me appreciate what other amazing things my body and mind are capable of. As a professional with a personal disability experience, I strive for inclusivity within all environments!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Holly Hamel, CCC-SLP Speech Therapy
MEET HOLLY!
Holly started working with Building Bridges back in 2012 as a preschool aide for 3 years, and returned in 2019 after becoming a Speech Therapist. She works a hybrid position that includes time in both schools and the center.
What is the best thing about being a Speech Therapist?
The relationship and trust that I have with my kids and their families is by far the best part. Building those bonds are the first step into any great therapy dynamic because it breeds trust, which has been an intricate part in a lot of the therapeutic successes I have been a part of! They truly are all so special to me!
If you were not an SLP, what would you want to be?
Something in the area of cosmetology or esthetics.
What is something that people may not know about you?
That I've run a marathon and also won a three week long radio contest testing my knowledge on pop culture.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to run, travel, be with my dog (Hank), and spend time with friends and family. GO GREEN!
Amanda Dresser, BCBA-L Behavior Analyst
MEET AMANDA!
Amanda has been with Building Bridges for 6.5 years being a DLT, ABC and now a BCBA .
What is the best thing about being a BCBA?
Nothing is better than a client expressing themselves in a way that shows they are proud of what they learned and accomplished. When they find an activity or hobby they enjoy, sharing the excitement with them and their family is the best. I love to celebrate every moment with each of the families I work with, seeing them thrive means so much!
If you were not a BCBA, what would you want to be?
Marine life has such a special place in my heart and ever since I can remember I told my parents I wanted to be a marine biologist. If I wasn’t living in Michigan, I would definitely be living by the ocean.
What is something that people may not know about you?
I have a blackbelt in Taekwondo, I grew up competing nationally in poomsae and sparring till I was a freshman in college.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy DIY home projects ranging from a full remodel, making furniture, or just a fresh coat of paint. My house always has a project going on!
Kelly Cebula-Gale Occupational Therapist
MEET KELLY!
Kelly has been a licensed OT for 7 years and part of the Building Bridges team for 4 ½ years.
Why did you become a therapist?
My first time observing at a pediatric clinic, I got to witness a kiddo accomplish a new skill for the first time. Seeing the pure joy and excitement in his eyes was so heartwarming. I knew then that helping kids experience that feeling would be the most rewarding job I could ask for.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love my downtime with my husband and pup, watching kid’s movies, and going to concerts, comedy shows, and MSU football games.
Over the summer, you can usually find me at my parents' cottage on the boat, playing cards, or outside with my nieces and nephews.
If you could live anywhere in the world...
where would it be? And why?
Ireland – I’ve had the opportunity to visit extended family in some small towns there. I loved their laid-back approach to life, and their sarcastic sense of humor aligns with mine.
Which best describes you?
- Apple Pie
- Red Velvet Cake
- Banana Split – I know when it’s time to play and have fun, and when it’s time to buckle down and get to work.
What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?
I have vitiligo
(the skin condition Michael Jackson had).
Catherine Paree: Group Services Instructor & Lead Direct Line Therapist
MEET CATHERINE!
Catherine is newly married and has been a part of the Building Bridges team for 5 ½ years.
What brought you to your current position ?
I have a passion for helping others, specifically children. I went to school to be a teacher and a friend led me to ABA.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Hm.. tough one. I would say being able to give children a voice to advocate for what they need and want.
Who is your favorite team?
That would be the Detroit Lions! #onepride
If you could live anywhere in the world...
where would it be? And why?
Spain! I went there years ago and loved it. I love the language and culture.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy spending time outside on the water, playing with my dogs (Chloe & Bella), date nights with my husband Eric and playing video games.
Michele Wilson, MS, LLP Psychology
MEET MICHELE!
Michele has been a psychologist for 8 years, and here at Building Bridges, providing counseling services for kids and families for 3 years.
Why did you become a psychologist?
I became interested in psychology because I have an autistic uncle who was raised in a time when it was not well understood. I also struggled with anxiety when I was younger and the supports I received made me want to help others reach their potential and live happier lives.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Seeing clients make progress and reach the point that they no longer need support.
Who is your favorite Team?
Purdue University...BOILER UP!
Which best describes you?
- Apple Pie! 🥧
- Red Velvet Cake
- Banana Split
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
A tropical island because the ocean brings me peace. 🏝️
☀️ Summer Counts! 2025 ☀️
We're having a blast!
For group-specific questions,
please contact the lead therapist via email.