Birth to 3 Team

Kelly Von Oepen, BS, CSW

Program Manager/Developmental Disabilities Administrator

Kelly began her career at the Human Service Center with developmentally disabled adults and youth in transition.  In 2010 she was promoted to the position of Developmental Disabilities Administrator with oversight of the Children’s Long-Term Support Program.  Kelly’s administrative role offers her the opportunity to lead and assist the agency’s Birth to 3 team in advocating and empowering families in Forest, Oneida, and Vilas Counties.  Kelly is a Wisconsin Licensed Certified Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families that are challenged with a disability. 

Julie Bachmann, OTR

Occupational Therapist

Julie has 22 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, working with the pediatric population since 2007.  Julie has worked with children through the Birth to 3 Program in addition to working with school-aged children in the school setting.  Julie received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Leahan Drone, CSW

Service Coordinator

Leahan has over twelve years’ experience working with children and families.  She really enjoys helping children reach their fullest potential and providing families with resources, information, and support. Leahan is a Certified Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin and received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Winona State University in 2000. 

Angie Higgins, MS CCC-SLP

Speech and Language Pathologist 

Angie has over 20 years of experience as a Speech and Language Pathologist.  She has 10 years working with children and is a mom of four boys.  Angie graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Communicative Disorders.  Angie has specific training in helping families with Autism Spectrum Disorder and pediatric feeding/swallowing needs.

Melissa Koporetz, MA

Birth to 3 Service Coordinator, Special Educator

Melissa has over a decade of experience working with young children and their families, first with Head Start program and now as a service coordinator for the Birth to 3 program. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Education specializing in Early Childhood Education and Child Development.

Kerri Nordby, BS, CCLS

Service Coordinator

Kerri has a diverse background working with children and families within the home, school, and hospital setting.  In 2014 she completed her Child Life Specialist Certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Child Development. 

Annette Numrich, OTR

Occupational Therapist

Annette is an Occupational Therapist with 30 years of experience working in pediatrics.  She joined the Birth to 3 team in 2016.  Annette has extensive training in Autism and Assistive Technology.  Annette received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Betsy Salquist, MS CCC-SLP

Speech and Language Pathologist

Betsy has been serving the Birth to 3 population since she began her career in 1998.  She has also served in a variety of other settings including outpatient, inpatient, and homecare.  Betsy holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. She has a range of experience in helping treat children with feeding concerns, cleft palate, hearing concerns, and speech and language delays.  She has a passion for making a difference in the lives of the children and families she works with.