Avanti Therapeutic Projects
Our Beginning
Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, FAOTA
Julia Wilbarger, Ph.D., OTR
Patricia & Julia Wilbarger developed the concept of Camp Avanti in the early 80's. The first camp was held in 1983 at Camp Cachuma set in the mountains of Santa Barbara, CA. Camp Avanti was designed as a catalyst to bring together complicated theories and diverse individual needs into planned environments that could provide just the right challenges for its participants. The target population included children with sensory integrative disorders, learning disabilities, and/or sensory affective disorders.
The vision for Avanti included 3 pillars: 1) provide an intensive treatment program and safe environment for the participants and assist their parents in better understanding their child's behavior, 2) provide a practical treatment course for experienced therapists coming as students as well as making advanced learning available for therapists on staff, and 3) development of an environment where new aspects of neurobehavioral theory can be explored and debated.
The philosophy of Avanti is based on the belief, inherent in occupational therapy, that all people seek to interact with their environment in a meaningful and purposeful way. Through activity individuals develop the ability to respond productively to challenge and change: to grow. Health, therefore is the result of a person's ability to participate successfully in tasks that are meaningful and relevant to an individual's age, interests, and roles in life.
Camp Avanti provides a safe environment in which campers can develop positive interpersonal relationships and improve sensorimotor skills through appropriate and motivating leisure activities. With these skills comes a greater sense of self-control, competence and self-esteem.
1983 - 1987 Camp Cachuma, Santa Barbara, CA
1986 - 2010 YMCA Camp St. Croix, Hudson, WI
2012- 2022 YMCA Camp Icaghowan, Amery, WI
2024- Current True Friends Camp Courage, Maple Lake, MN
The name Minnesota comes from the Dakota name for this region – “the land where the waters reflect the clouds”. The Dakota and numerous other Indigenous peoples, whose cultural, spiritual, and economic practices are intrinsically woven to this landscape, hold this land sacred. We, Avanti, recognize them as original stewards of this land and we pay our respect to their elders past and present.
Our Board of Directors
Kristina Keenan
Board President
More info coming soon
More info coming soon
More info coming soon
Katie Saint, MS, OTR/L
Board Secretary
I work as an OT at Children's Hospital Colorado.
I live in Denver, CO.
I was initially introduced to Camp Avanti as a new grad OT and was intrigued by the concept of an immersive learning experience, hopeful that it would help me grow my sensory integration knowledge and treatment skills. After attending camp the first year I learned it was so much more! Avanti is an amazing network of brilliant therapists working together to provide life changing camp experiences each year, while trying to grow the profession. Getting to be a part of that group and on the board supporting that mission is such a rewarding experience and one of my favorite things I get to do as an OT!
Lise Gerard Faulise, MS, OTR/L, BCP
Board Treasurer
I work as an OT & am the Founder/President at KidPower Therapies in Rumford, Rhode Island.
I live in Wickford, RI.
Avanti Therapeutic Projects is near and dear to me because of my close relationship with Pat Wilbarger initially, and quickly thereafter becoming involved in Camp Avanti, I realized how powerful the construct of the model was and have been a supporter ever since!
Catie Sondrol, MOTR/L
I work as an OT & am co-owner of Milemarkers Therapy.
I live in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Camp Avanti where creativity, intuition, connection, and clinical reasoning come together to support campers! I come back every year for inspiration, innovative ideas, and fulfilling my OT soul. I became a board member because it is important that we continue the ever onward motion of continued learning and growth for the individuals we serve and for the filed of occupational therapy!
Kristina Keenan
Board President
More info coming soon
More info coming soon
More info coming soon
Katie Saint, MS, OTR/L
Board Secretary
I live in Denver, CO.
I was initially introduced to Camp Avanti as a new grad OT and was intrigued by the concept of an immersive learning experience, hopeful that it would help me grow my sensory integration knowledge and treatment skills. After attending camp the first year I learned it was so much more! Avanti is an amazing network of brilliant therapists working together to provide life changing camp experiences each year, while trying to grow the profession. Getting to be a part of that group and on the board supporting that mission is such a rewarding experience and one of my favorite things I get to do as an OT!
I work as an OT at Children's Hospital Colorado.
Lise Gerard Faulise, MS, OTR/L, BCP
Board Treasurer
I live in Wickford, RI.
Avanti Therapeutic Projects is near and dear to me because of my close relationship with Pat Wilbarger initially, and quickly thereafter becoming involved in Camp Avanti, I realized how powerful the construct of the model was and have been a supporter ever since!
I work as an OT & am the Founder/President at KidPower Therapies in Rumford, Rhode Island.
Catie Sondrol, MOTR/L
I live in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Camp Avanti where creativity, intuition, connection, and clinical reasoning come together to support campers! I come back every year for inspiration, innovative ideas, and fulfilling my OT soul. I became a board member because it is important that we continue the ever onward motion of continued learning and growth for the individuals we serve and for the filed of occupational therapy!
I work as an OT & am co-owner of Milemarkers Therapy.
Angie Schoeppach, OTR/L
Executive Director, Avanti Therapeutic Projects
I live in Ashland, WI.
I am honored to be following in the footsteps of Patricia Wilbarger, Julia Wilbarger, Nancy Lawton-Shirley, Eileen Richter, and Kris Worrell as the next Director for Avanti.
I received my Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth MN during which I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Avanti community. As a graduate student, I completed a Level I Fieldwork placement at Camp Avanti and was hooked from that moment on. I completed the practicum program as soon as I was a full fledged OT and have participated in camp every year since, in roles as a cabin therapist, wonderlab therapist, and wonderlab leader. Over the years, I have also filled many positions on the board of directors including President and Treasurer.
If you know me personally, then you definitely have heard me talk about Camp Avanti! The personal connections made each year, the healing nature of the Avanti community, and the honor of being able to walk alongside campers as they grow are some of the pieces that bring me back to Camp Avanti year after year. In addition, I credit the Avanti Model for guiding my professional journey and assisting me in becoming the OT I am today.
Kelly Deasy, COTA/L
I am currently on professional sabbatical after 12 years in outpatient pediatrics.
I live in Minneapolis, MN.
Supporting Camp Avanti's success and ability to flourish into the future is a core reason I serve on the board of directors. I am grateful for the passionate and knowledgeable minds of my cohorts and friends from around the country (and world) who come together to support the campers, and for the opportunities we have to gather to learn and grow together professionally.
Jaymie Stavdal, MS, OTR/L
I work as an OT at Center for Family Connection as well as provide school and home-based services in MA.
I live in Newton, MA.
I attended Camp Avanti a month after I graduated OT school and have been hooked ever since! My experiences at Avanti propelled me on a trajectory of becoming an OT who values curiosity, deep holistic clinical reasoning, and the power of intention, compassion, connection, and JOY. I have served as the Secretary and President of the Board in the past and hope to continue to promote the Avanti mission of supporting children to be their true selves for many years to come.
Julie Bergan, MS, OTR/L
I work at Therapeutic Links in Grayslake, IL.
I live in Twin Lakes, WI.
I was the Challenge Therapist for Camp Avanti for 10 or more years. I serve on the board because I want to make sure every child can experience camp. I love Avanti; everyone can be themselves.
Bobbi Hanna, COTA/L
I am retired.
I live in San Diego, CA.
The reason I am a board member for Avanti Therapeutic Projects is because I value what it represents for the community, the enriched opportunities it provides children, and lastly for the continual professional growth and life long friendships that blossom and grow each year at camp. It is a pleasure to give back to the community and keep the Avanti spirit moving forward.
Jen Kiellach, MHS, OT/L
I work as an OT & am the owner/director of Sensory Solutions LLC.
I live in Branenton, FL.
Avanti is the epitome of the phrase "It takes a village." I have loved being a part of a community that stops at nothing to create a safe space for kids and adults to connect, grow, and learn. Avanti is the reason I opened my private practice as I can bring the Avanti spirit to Florida. It has been a privilege to serve and support Avanti since 2007.
Stephanie Tur, MS, OTR/L
I work as an OT at Cardinal Kids Therapy.
I live in Medford, NJ.
I was lucky enough to find Camp Avanti early on in my career, and it is the reason that I am the therapist that I am today. Seeing the growth that the campers accomplish in less than a week is a testament to the power of the Avanti model, and it keeps me coming back year after year. I am forever grateful for the network of incredible therapists and the space that we get to create for children to come and be seen and celebrated for exactly who they are. It is an honor to serve on the board and be a part of continuing to drive Avanti's mission forward.
Bob Gagner
I am retired.
I live in Coon Rapids, MN.
I first became associated with Camp Avanti when I was the Camp Director of YMCA Camp Icaghowan when it was Avanti's host site. I was privileged and honored to be able to support their work. I was continually impressed with the dedication and commitment of the volunteer therapists. Their tireless efforts to help these children was inspiring. I retired in 2015, after 42 years of working in nonprofit youth organizations and 37 years as a Camp Director. I continued helping Camp Avanti as a volunteer. When I was asked to join the Avanti Board I enthusiastically said yes, hoping that my years of camp experience could provide some insight into the camp operations. I currently serve as the Fundraising Chair.
