Meet The Team
We are a small (but mighty) team - passionate about serving our community in big ways!
Erica Zimmerman
Founder & Occupational Therapist
Hi, I’m Erica! An occupational therapist, mom, and the brains (and heart!) behind DOT Playspace! With over seven years of experience helping kids build confidence in their motor skills, sensory processing, and daily routines, I created DOT Playspace as a fun, inclusive space where all children can learn, grow, and play together. When I’m not busy designing the ultimate play experiences, you can find me chasing after my energetic toddler, sipping on a cup of coffee, or singing my heart out to my current musical obsession. I believe every child deserves a space where they feel empowered, included, and encouraged to "defy gravity" (yes, I’m a Wicked fan!). Whether you're here for therapy, open play, or just a friendly chat, I can't wait to welcome you to DOT Playspace!
Aubrey Nemire
General Manager and Occupational Therapy Student
Aubrey is DOT Playspace’s General Manager and a key part of what keeps our space running smoothly. She’s warm, creative, and always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed.
She’s currently working toward her graduate degree in Occupational Therapy and holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. With years of experience working with children, Aubrey brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to play and programming at DOT.
Behind the scenes, Aubrey leads much of our social media planning and design, handling the scheduling and creation of most of our content. She’s our go-to Canva expert and always finding ways to make things look just right.
Outside of DOT, Aubrey enjoys baking, coaching volleyball, crafting, and staying busy with whatever project or idea comes next. When she’s not on the go, she loves spending time with her dog, Franklin, and planning her upcoming wedding.
From daily operations to special events, Aubrey brings consistency, care, and a lot of heart to everything she does, and we’re grateful to have her leading the team.
Melinda Mortensen
Occupational Therapist & Play Ambassador
Meet Melinda! She’s originally from Washington state and has always been happiest outside, whether she’s hiking, biking, swimming, camping, or chasing after her two little ones. She’s creative at heart and loves everything from painting flowers to building shelves in the garage, yes really. These days, most of her art projects are shared with her craft-loving daughter.
She became an occupational therapist because it lets her combine two of her favorite things, helping people and getting creative. At DOT, she brings her whole heart and probably a snack, because food is her love language.
When she’s not at the Playspace, she’s likely reading, thrifting at TJ Maxx, rewatching The Office, or watching nature shows with her mini-me. She’s fueled by peppermint tea lattes, Coke Zero, horchata, and sour watermelon candy.
She lives with her husband, who makes the best bread, her two awesome kiddos, and a very furry dog who thinks he runs the house. She’s so excited to be part of the DOT family and can’t wait to meet yours
Alivia McGannon
Play Ambassador & Occupational Therapy Student
Liv is the ultimate "yes girl". She is currently an Occupational Therapy graduate student with a degree in Exercise Science, and somehow she manages multiple jobs, a full course load, and still brings a big smile to DOT every day.
She is crafty, creative, and our go-to for all things Cricut. Most of the signage you see around the playspace? That’s Liv’s work. Whether she is setting up sensory bins, leading a game, or helping behind the scenes, she brings energy, enthusiasm, and a “let’s do this” attitude.
When she is not at DOT, you can find her golfing, taking walks, or hanging out with her two Australian shepherds, Hank and Hazel. They are always ready for a pup cup and a neighborhood adventure.
We are so glad Liv is part of the team, and we think you will love her too!
Theresa Koelsch
Speech and Language Pathologist
Theresa is a Toledo native and a speech-language pathologist with nine years of experience helping kids find their voices in fun and engaging ways. She has worked across the country, but there is no place like home.
As a parent, she knows how important it is to feel included in her child’s therapy, so she loves collaborating with families and celebrating every success together.
When she is not in therapy sessions, you will find her and her son exploring the library or metroparks, sneaking in a yoga class, or making a “quick” HomeGoods run. She also enjoys mentoring future speech pathologists and loves how much we learn from each other.
She can’t wait to meet your family and have some fun!
McKenna Walker
Play Ambassador, Volunteer & Undergraduate Student
McKenna wears two hats at DOT Playspace. She is both a Play Ambassador and a volunteer intern completing her hours through Defiance College. She is working toward a career in occupational therapy and brings a calm, kind presence to every session and play shift.
When she is not supporting our little learners, you will likely find her on a nature walk, listening to country music, or talking about her favorite animal, turtles. She is a twin, loves the color light blue, and is always up for an outdoor adventure.
We are glad to have McKenna on the team!
Taylor Welty
Play Ambassador
Meet Taylor! She loves building epic LEGO creations and rolling for initiative in Dungeons and Dragons with her husband, Jaron. When she is not doing that, you will probably find her crafting, reading, or exploring Ohio with her little family, including Finn. She loves taking him to the zoo and finding new places to visit together.
She is a proud pet parent to Mae, her sweet, freckled, soul-saving bully mix, and two cats they got lucky with. She does not drink coffee, but she does have a thing for Dr Pepper, salt and vinegar chips, and pull-n-peel Twizzlers. Purple is her go-to color, Panera mac and cheese is her comfort food, and Christmas has her whole heart all year long.
She believes in thoughtful gestures, surprise treats, and celebrating the little things, and she is excited to be part of the DOT Playspace crew.
Meet Lindsey!
Lindsey is a pre-OT student at the University of Toledo balancing school life with her job as a barista. She loves staying active, spending time with friends, and showing up for Bible study. When she’s winding down, you can usually find her reading, watching Gilmore Girls, or enjoying all things fall. She’s also a proud pet mom to a cat, two goldfish, and a crested gecko and will never say no to pickles.
Isabella (Izzy) Acevedo
Volunteer
Lindsey Cashen
Play Ambassador
Say hello to Izzy, one of the bright stars on our volunteer team! Whether she's skateboarding along the water or journaling under a shady tree at the park, Izzy brings creativity and calm wherever she goes. She's active in her school’s theater program, serves in student senate, and leads with heart in the women’s empowerment club. And did we mention she’s got big OT dreams? (We might be a little biased, but we think that’s amazing!)
Outside of DOT, you’ll find her volunteering in her community, working as a caddy with Caddies Against Cancer, or cuddling up with her sweet chihuahua, Poppy. She’s a go-getter with a big heartand we’re so lucky she’s part of our world!