Our Team

Carrie Odrobina

Center Director/Owner

Carrie is delighted to serve as Executive Director at Brain Balance of Oakland County, and has been in this position for 8 years, since experiencing first-hand the impact that this holistic, developmental program had on her own teenage children, and their friends. 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.”

Kelly

Program Director

Kelly is the Program Director at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from Wayne State University. She has worked with children in both classroom and therapeutic settings for 20+ years, worked with adults in an in-patient psychological setting, as well as in community based and group home settings. Kelly is a friendly and patient person who is easy to approach. Outside of Brain Balance, Kelly enjoys practicing vipassana meditation, creating and collecting art, listening to music, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games and watching historical documentaries. Kelly’s favorite things about working at Brain Balance include learning about the Brain Balance Program’s positive neurological impacts as well as working alongside the other friendly and welcoming staff. Her favorite quote is “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can." -Frida Kahlo

Caelan

Assistant Director

Caelan is Assistant Director at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Behavior and Social Services from Michigan State University. Caelan brings years of experience volunteering for 4-H programs that assist underprivileged students by teaching them coping mechanisms and positive outlets. At Brain Balance, Caelan loves the holistic approach, as it truly aligns with her values and views. She likes that she gets to work with people and add some positivity into their day! When Caelan is not at Brain Balance, she likes playing with her cats Violet and Prince and walking her dog, Martini. She also likes being outside, spending time up north, reading, and weightlifting. One of her favorite quotes is “There are no mistakes, only opportunities.” -Tina Fey

Nancy

Assistant Program Director

Nancy is the Assistant Program Director at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She received a Bachelor’s of Arts in French Language and Literature. She has worked with kids her whole life - as a dance teacher, a music teacher, a special education para, a tutor, and an ESL teacher. Since 2008, she has worked for Kaleo Arts, a youth performing arts organization as a teacher, director, and curriculum/creative writer. Some of her greatest strengths are collaborating and working on a team that has a shared goal, learning new things, and being adaptable. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family - playing board games, being outside, cooking, reading books, gardening or having dance parties. In her “me time”, she enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, and writing. Her favorite thing about working at Brain Balance is that there is always something new to learn here. She would like families to know that she has 3 boys and a foster baby girl right now. She relates so deeply and personally to so many of our families here. Her favorite quote is: “One of the greatest gifts you can give anybody is the gift of your honest self. I believe that kids can spot a phony a mile away.” -Fred Rogers

Renée

Assistant Program Director

Renée is the Assistant Program Director at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Wayne State University. She also works with Love for A Child as a camp counselor and mentor for children in the foster care system who have been abused or neglected. Renée is very passionate about helping others and loves that Brain Balance gives her a chance to develop a relationship with students and support them as they grow. In her free time, she enjoys her family cottage, going on hikes, being in nature, and cleaning! One of her favorite quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt says, “The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.”

Jill

Lead Sensory Motor Coach and Assessor

Jill is the Lead Sensory Motor Coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Dance and is also a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist. Jill brings many years of experience teaching Physical Education and coaching gymnastics, cross country, volleyball, and track. She is organized, honest, patient, and caring, and loves that she gets to work with the wonderful staff at Brain Balance to help kids reach their goals and succeed in life. She loves that she gets to help kids change their mindset and turn their challenges into achievements. When she is not at Brain Balance, Jill likes to be active outdoors, and spend time with her husband and two children. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!” Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

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.

Cris

Sensory Motor and Academic Coach

Cris is a Sensory Motor and Academic coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. She received a Masters in Education, Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Marketing. She was a classroom teacher for 4 years prior to working with us. Being a problem solver is one of Cris’ greatest strengths, along with being empathetic, organized, creative and responsible. Cris is passionate about learning, writing and dog training. Any free time is spent working out, doing yoga, playing music and enjoying nature. Her favorite thing about working at Brain Balance is seeing how the students change and progress. Her favorite quote is “Not every question needs an answer”.

Trisha

Sensory Motor and Academic Coach

Trisha is a Sensory Motor and Academic Coach at Brain Balance of Oakland County. Trisha has experience working in ABA therapy and as a mental health technician for several years. Some of Trisha’s greatest strengths include being self-motivated, strong attention to detail, and creativity. Trisha is passionate about pursuing her nursing degree. She also loves being outside, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her three-year-old niece and her 2-year-old Pomeranian, Milo. Her favorite things about working at Brain Balance are the environment, learning new things, and spending time with the kiddos. She would like families to know that whatever she puts her mind to, she works her hardest to accomplish, and that includes working with each child making sure their goals are met. Her favorite quote is “Everything happens for a reason, even if you don't see it right away”.