About Us

Sheryl Pleiss, Ph.D., L.P.

Owner & Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Dr. Pleiss is a Clinical Psychologist and Pediatric Neuropsychologist. She provides neuropsychological evaluations, autism evaluations, and fetal alcohol evaluations for children and adolescents. Dr. Pleiss has experience evaluating children with cognitive difficulties secondary to a variety of medical conditions including prenatal exposure to substances, premature birth, birth complications, genetic/chromosomal differences, seizure disorders, and cancer/cancer treatment. She is also a trusted assessment specialist for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, ADHD, trauma histories, and complex psychiatric conditions. Dr. Pleiss has conducted research in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), working primarily with adolescents with ASD. She has received specialized training allowing her to conduct ‘gold standard’ autism evaluations. She has also developed an area of expertise evaluating children for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Dr. Pleiss relies on scientific research to guide her approach to test selection, diagnosis, and treatment planning. She offers a personable, empathetic approach and is dedicated to helping every child to the best of her ability.  

Education:

• 2007- Bowdoin College- Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, Neuroscience
• 2011- Marquette University- Master of Science, Clinical Psychology
• 2015- Marquette University- Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology

Training:

• Internship: University of Minnesota Pediatric Neuropsychology/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• Fellowship: University of Minnesota Pediatric Neuropsychology

Richard Ziegler, Ph.D., L.P.

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Dr. Ziegler is a Clinical Psychologist and Pediatric Neuropsychologist. He provides neuropsychological evaluations, Independent Educational Evaluations, and Independent Medical Evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Ziegler comes to us after retiring from the University of Minnesota, where he served as an Associate Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Training Director of the Pediatric Neuropsychology Fellowship training program, Section Head for Pediatric Neuropsychology and Director of the Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience. He has over 27 years of experience working with children and families. Dr. Ziegler has accumulated vast experience with a host of medical conditions including prenatal exposure to substances, premature birth, birth complications, seizure disorders, cancer/cancer treatment, and metabolic disorders/bone marrow transplantation. He is also well versed in the assessment of children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, ADHD, trauma histories, and complex psychiatric conditions. Dr. Ziegler possesses specialty skills in the evaluation of children with central nervous system dysfunction secondary to rare genetic diseases and neuromuscular disorders. He is also a highly regarded forensic pediatric neuropsychologist with experience completing Independent Education and Medical Evaluations for children throughout the state of Minnesota. Dr. Ziegler takes an evidence-based approach to assessment and treatment planning. He has dedicated his professional career to supporting children in living their fullest lives.

Education:

• 1987- Marywood University – Bachelors of Arts
• 1989 – California School of Professional Psychology- Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
• 1995 – California School of Professional Psychology- Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology – Neuropsychology Emphasis

Training:

• Internship: Cornell University Medical College, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry
• Fellowship: University of Minnesota Medical School, Pediatric Neuropsychology

Trevor Thompson

Psychometrist

Mr. Thompson is a Psychometrist providing assistance to Dr. Pleiss. Mr. Thompson is trained to administer and score assessment measures. He also provides an extra set of eyes and ears for clinical observations and holds space for children experiencing anxiety or restlessness during testing. Trevor obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, double majoring in Psychology & Journalism (Strategic Communication). He is currently completing a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler Graduate School with a planned completion date of 2024. Trevor has previously worked as a youth counselor in a residential treatment facility and an employment specialist supporting adults in locating and maintaining gainful employment. Trevor is currently interning with another local practice, where he is developing familiarity with insurance billing practices. Trevor enjoys working with clients at all stages of development from infants to adolescents, and from young adults to seniors. Trevor looks forward to creating a comfortable space that will allow your child to share their skills and abilities with us.

Cole Danculovich

Clinic Manager & Administrative Assistant

Mr. Danculovich is a Clinic Manager and Administrative Assistant. His healthcare administration journey began with a passion for patient care and improving patient experiences. Mr. Danculovich obtained his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota, Duluth which provided him with a strong foundation in healthcare administration principles. He has worked in various healthcare settings including Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Oncology and gathered valuable experience in care coordination, medical records, and clinic management. These experiences have allowed Mr. Danculovich to develop a deeper understanding of healthcare operations and to solidify his passion for patient care. Whether creating a welcoming environment, streamlining processes for your family’s convenience, or coordinating care with our fantastic staff, Mr. Danculovich’s focus will be squarely on contributing positively to the wellbeing of each child and family he encounters.