Rochester Community

Hi, I’m Christie Minnick, MOT, OTR/L, ASDCS. I am a board member and event organizer for MNeurodivergent for the Rochester area. I’m an Occupational Therapist with 16+ years of experience and 30+ years of experience working with neurodivergent individuals. I am also a certified autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist and owner of a private practice. I’m passionate about building an inclusive nonjudgmental community for neurodivergent people to build connections with others in the Rochester area because I have seen the need, and I want to help. I’m proud to say I started leading weekly events in December 2023, and we have seen steady growth and made great connections.

Gretchen Maculo is a former senior software engineer with a deep passion for technology and accessibility. With decades of experience in Linux and software development, she now focuses on applying her expertise to help others through her diverse experience. A proud Rochester, MN, resident, Gretchen is a futurist and advocate for inclusivity, driven by her unique perspective as a neurodivergent, transgender woman living with Multiple Sclerosis. When she’s not exploring cutting-edge tech, Gretchen enjoys time with her dog, Freckles, and engaging with her vibrant community.

Annie Jurrens is the co-owner of Refill Goods in Plainview, MN. Her shop is focused on community connection and improvement as well as selling eco-friendly products and work from local artists and makers. Before starting this business, she was a foster parent, a Program Director for a group home company with Adults with Disabilities, and received her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Minnesota. She has two young daughters, an Autistic son, is married to a neurodivergent husband, and is hyperaware of her own (undiagnosed) neurodivergent tendencies. She is a lifelong learner, an aspiring artist, and loves having a space where people can gather.

Hi, my name is Molly. My Myers-Briggs is a strong ENFP 🙂 as I possess decades of expert lived experience in ADHD and autism, my official “posterchild” diagnosis 9 years ago. I intimately understand the beautiful qualities of being neurodivergent as well as the intrinsic and sometimes harsh struggles. It can be challenging to function and connect in a world not designed for how neurodivergent people process. Originally from the Dakotas, the sacred Black Hills area, I now call Rochester home since 2007. I have three fun neurodivergent kids, masters in Legos, Minecraft, STEM, art, anime, and nearly all music genres. In addition to being engulfed in those, I also love hiking, movies, game nights, food trucks, and a good cup of coffee. 🙂