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!
Theresa Koelsch
Speech & Language Pathologist
Hi, I’m Theresa!
I’m a Toledo native and a speech-language pathologist with 9 years of experience helping kids find their voices in fun and engaging ways. I’ve worked across the country, but there’s no place like home!
As a parent, I know how important it is to feel included in your child’s therapy, so I love collaborating with families and celebrating every success together.
When I’m not in therapy sessions, you’ll find my son and I exploring the library or metroparks, sneaking in a yoga class, or making a “quick” HomeGoods run. I also enjoy mentoring future speech pathologists—it’s amazing what we learn from each other!
I can’t wait to meet your family and have some fun!
Melinda Mortensen
Occupational Therapist & Play Ambassador
Hi, I’m Melinda!
I’m originally from Washington state and have always been happiest outside—whether I’m hiking, biking, swimming, camping, or chasing after my two little ones. I’m a creative at heart and love everything from painting flowers to building shelves in the garage (yes, really!). These days, most of my art projects are shared with my craft-loving daughter.
I became an occupational therapist because it lets me combine two of my favorite things: helping people and getting creative. At DOT, I bring my whole heart—and probably a snack. (Food is my love language, after all.)
When I’m not at the Playspace, you’ll likely find me reading, thrifting at TJ Maxx, rewatching The Office, or watching nature shows with my mini-me. I’m fueled by peppermint tea lattes, Coke Zero, horchata, and sour watermelon candy.
I live with my husband (who makes the best bread), our two awesome kiddos, and a very furry dog who thinks he runs the house. I’m 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—no matter what we ask, her answer is always yes! and she finds a way to make it happen. A current Occupational Therapy graduate student with a degree in Exercise Science, Liv juggles multiple jobs, a full grad school schedule, and still shows up to DOT with a huge smile and unstoppable energy.
She’s crafty, creative, and our in-house Cricut wizard—responsible for designing most of the amazing signage you see around the playspace. Whether she’s diving into sensory bins, leading a silly game, or helping behind the scenes, Liv brings her signature positivity and go-getter attitude to everything she does.
When she’s not at DOT, you can find her golfing, going for walks, or hanging out with her two wild (and adorable) mini Australian shepherds, Hank and Hazel—big fans of pup cups and neighborhood adventures.
We absolutely love Liv, and we know you will too!
Aubrey Nemire
Play Ambassador & Occupational Therapy Student
Aubrey is a DOT Playspace superstar—warm, creative, and always ready to jump in with a smile! She’s currently working toward her graduate degree in Occupational Therapy and holds a bachelor’s in Exercise Science. She brings years of experience working with kids and a passion for creating playful, inclusive experiences for all.
Around here, we call her the Canva Queen—Aubrey is a social media powerhouse and plays a major role in designing and scheduling most of our posts (and making them look amazing while she’s at it!). She also runs her own in-home baking business, whipping up beautiful sweet treats that taste just as good as they look.
When she’s not at DOT or working on her next batch of goodies, Aubrey loves spending time with her adorable pup Franklin and planning her upcoming wedding!
From hands-on crafts to high-energy games, Aubrey brings heart and fun into everything she does—and we’re lucky to have her on the team.
McKenna Walker
Play Ambassador, Volunteer & Undergraduate Student
Volunteer Intern ✨ Play Ambassador 💙 Future OT 🐢
McKenna wears two hats at DOT Playspace—she’s both a Play Ambassador and a volunteer intern completing her hours through Defiance College. She’s working toward a career in occupational therapy (are you spotting a trend here? We sure love our future OTs!) and brings such a calm, kind presence to every session and play shift.
When she’s not busy supporting our little learners, you’ll likely find her out on a nature walk, vibing to country music (Riley Green is her #1), or talking about her favorite animal—turtles! She’s a twin, loves the color light blue, and is always up for an outdoor adventure.
We’re so lucky to have McKenna on the team!
Taylor Welty
Play Ambassador
Hi, I’m Taylor!
When I’m not building epic LEGO creations or rolling for initiative in Dungeons & Dragons with my husband Jaron, you’ll probably find me crafting, reading, or adventuring around Ohio with our little family—Finn included! I love taking him to the zoo and exploring new places together.
I’m a proud pet parent to Mae (my sweet, freckled, soul-saving bully mix) and two cats we happened to get lucky with. I don’t drink coffee (gasp!) but I do have a thing for Dr Pepper, salt & vinegar chips, and pull-n-peel Twizzlers. Purple is my go-to color, Panera mac & cheese is my comfort food, and Christmas has my whole heart all year long.
I believe in thoughtful gestures, surprise treats, and celebrating the little things—and I’m so excited to be part of the DOT Playspace crew!
Isabella (Izzy) Acevedo
Play Ambassador & Volunteer
Say hello to Izzy, one of the bright stars on our Play Ambassador and 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 heart—and we’re so lucky she’s part of our world!
