Carrie Odrobina

Center Director/Owner

Carrie has been delighted to serve as Executive Director at Brain Balance of Oakland County since 2015! As a mom, it’s hard to watch your child struggle, whether it’s academically, behaviorally, or socially. Life is challenging enough, and when there are brain-based barriers that are getting in the way of your child being the best version of themselves, a diagnosis, or medications, or accommodations just aren’t enough. Parents want to understand the root cause of the challenge and help their child OVERCOME the barriers.

Carrie is an executive with 25+ years of experience as an entrepreneur, business consultant, executive coach, strategist, educator, and process improvement facilitator in automotive and health care industries, ensuring teams and individuals reach their fullest potential. As a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, with degrees in Human Resources Training/Development, Carrie now uses this background to help students and families to create lasting change as they progress through the Brain Balance program, and there is nothing she would rather do. “There is no greater gift than seeing a child accomplish what others said they could not.”

Sydney Hazard

Assistant Director

Sydney is the Assistant Director at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oakland University and is currently preparing to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With years of experience in early education, Sydney brings both knowledge and heart to her work. She also volunteers with OUCARES, Oakland University’s autism outreach program, further deepening her commitment to supporting children and families in meaningful ways. At Brain Balance, Sydney is passionate about building trusting relationships with her students. She finds it incredibly rewarding to be someone they trust, laugh with, and look forward to seeing each day. For her, every day at Brain Balance is an opportunity to be creative, imaginative, and make learning engaging and fun. Sydney’s greatest strengths include her vibrant personality, strong work ethic, and caring, sweet energy that naturally puts others at ease.Outside of work, she enjoys working at her local flower shop, reading, attending yoga and Pilates classes, and spending quality time with family and friends. One of Sydney’s favorite quotes is: “You create your thoughts. Your thoughts create your intentions. Your intentions create your reality.” — Wayne Dyer

Alexa

Lead Assessor and Coach

Alexa is Lead Assessor and Sensory Motor/Academic coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She is an alumna of Rochester University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. With over ten years of background in early childhood education, Alexa brings an extensive level of experience and value to Brain Balance. Known for her bright smile and kind energy, she is always spreading joy and positivity in the center. Some of her strengths include empathy, patience, and creativity. In her free time, she is passionate about music, writing short stories, baking, and travel. At Brain Balance, Alexa enjoys the positive environment and getting to see each student progress over time. She aspires to develop creative expression therapy workshops to help children grow and thrive. Her favorite quote is, "You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

Alec

Sensory Motor and Academic Coach

Alec is a Sensory Motor and Academic Coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. He is an Eagle Scout and has 8 years of experience working with people of all ages and abilities, helping them to live with hope and a sense of adventure. He has served as a counselor at St. Francis on the Lake (Special Needs Camp), as a travel guide for disabled adults with Guided Tours, Inc, and as a Senior Care Manager and Activities Coordinator. Alec has a heart for helping others overcome barriers and challenges that have previously limited them from having a full and optimized life. After attending Northern Michigan University, Alec completed a 9 month Missionary Training program in Rome, Italy. Alec's favorite thing about working at Brain Balance is witnessing the incredible breakthroughs that children and adults experience on behalf of the program. When Alec is not at Brain Balance, he enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming, and reading a good book. One of Alec's favorite quotes is: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi.

Zoe

Sensory Motor and Academic Coach

Zoe is a Sensory Motor and Academic coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. Zoe is attending Wayne State University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Fine Arts and is preparing for a master's degree in speech-language pathology. She was previously a Montessori assistant teacher at Gateway Montessori. She also worked with the organization “Color Of Autism,” where she helped curate and provide culturally competent resources and information for families and educators of autistic individuals. Some of Zoe’s greatest strengths include her creativity, compassion, and passion for learning. In Zoe’s free time, she loves to paint, spend time outdoors, read, and lift weights. Zoe loves that Brain Balance takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to improving people’s lives. She appreciates that she is constantly learning new things on the job. Additionally, she enjoys working with students and seeing the program's positive impacts firsthand. Her favorite quote is, “When one door closes, another opens”- Alexander Graham Bell

Taylor

Sensory Motor and Academic Coach

Taylor is a Sensory Motor and Academic coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She is currently pursuing her Associates degree in Social and Behavioral Science at Oakland Community College with the goal of obtaining a Bachelors in Child Psychology. She previously worked as a Behavioral Technician and Daycare teacher helping children progress and thrive. Some of Taylor's greatest strengths are her compassion, creativity, patience, and passion for learning. In her free time, she enjoys listening to and playing music, singing, reading, and spending time in nature. At Brain Balance, she enjoys being a part of participants' growth journey and celebrating their many accomplishments. Her favorite quote is, "Self-confidence is a superpower. Once you start to believe in yourself, the magic starts happening." - Oscar Auliq-Ice

Shannon Berger

Family and Office Coordinator

Shannon is one of the Family & Office Coordinators at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She is an alumna of Wheaton College in Sport & Wellness Management and has a Masters in Social Work from Wayne State University. Her favorite claim to fame is her 6 children, that she has had the privilege of spending the last 20 years with. She is a Brain Balance mom and has seen first hand the benefits of the Brain Balance Program. I love that no matter the challenge, no child is turned away from Brain Balance. There is hope here! Some of her greatest strengths are making people feel comfortable and welcome. Outside of work she enjoys knitting, Bible study, gardening and creating a healthy environment in her home. Her favorite quote is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” ~ King Solomon (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Cathy Xenakis

Sensory Motor and Academic Coach

Cathy is a Sensory Motor and Academic Coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Special Education with a minor in Family and Consumer Science, as well as a Master’s in the Art of Education.With 32 years of experience in public education, including 26 years as a special education teacher, Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and compassion to our program. She is deeply passionate about child advocacy and early intervention, and has dedicated her time to volunteering in literacy programs and serving as a job coach for teens with special needs. Cathy’s extensive background and commitment to supporting children and families make her a valued member of the Brain Balance team. At Brain Balance, Cathy loves the welcoming atmosphere where all are recognized, encouraged and celebrated. Cathy’s greatest strengths include her patience, empathy and adaptability. Outside of work she enjoys time with family, nature walks, gardening, golf and reading. One of Cathy’s favorite quotes is: “If you can dream it, you can do it” -Walt Disney

Amy

Family and Office Coordinator

Amy is one of the Family and Office Coordinators at Brain Balance of Oakland County. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications from Columbia College and a Juris Doctorate from UIC Law. Amy brings over five years of experience in preschool director roles, along with a strong background in marketing, branding consultation, and social media marketing. At Brain Balance, Amy values the people—our students, families, and team—and appreciates the encouraging, kind, and supportive environment. Her greatest strengths include exceptional multitasking abilities, remaining calm and composed in high-pressure situations, and her ever-present big smile. Outside of work, Amy enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her three unique and fun kids. Her favorite quote is: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” — Eleanor Roosevelt