MEET THE FOUNDERS
ALEXI CHRISTENSEN, MA, OTR/L
Alexi grew up in Minnesota, and always had a passion for volunteering and working with children. Alexi graduated with a major in Psychology, a minor in Developmental Adapted Physical Education, a concentration in pre-occupational therapy, and three years of American Sign Language. Shortly thereafter, Alexi began working as a Mental Health Practitioner for a local autism center. After graduate school, Alexi entered her career as an occupational therapist in a pediatric outpatient clinic, where she has expanded her skills in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and whole-family care. Alexi is also a member of the National Board of Certified Occupational Therapists, Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, American Occupational Therapy Association. She is a licensed provider in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Alexi and her husband love to visit their family cabin in the Brainerd area, travel, participate in outdoor activities, read, take their two English setters for walks and hikes, as well as explore local attractions and restaurants. Alexi’s passion for helping others comes through in her work with each of the families she serves!
MARLEE OLSON,
MA, OTR/L
Marlee is originally from Minnesota in which she grew up enjoying the beauty and nature the north has to offer as well as working at her family-owned business. Marlee progressed her education at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Marlee studied Biology with a leadership minor. The University of Minnesota not only was a place of education for Marlee it is also where she met her husband. Following graduation, Marlee worked for the Ronald McDonald House - Upper Midwest for 2 years as the Volunteer Coordinator prior to continuing her education. After the completion of her Master’s program, Marlee began her career in pediatrics in which she continues to do within the Twin Cities area. Marlee is also a member of the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association and American Occupational Therapy Association.
Marlee and her family love to travel and be outdoors. The simplicity of life including reading a book, enjoying a bonfire, working out, completing puzzles or relaxing on the lake are what fill Marlee’s soul. From the moment you meet her you will notice the spunk, passion, and friendly demeanor that makes Marlee so special!
ABOUT US
The co-founders of SENSE-ational Spaces, Alexi and Marlee, are certified and licensed pediatric occupational therapists who have merged their desires for helping people in the community, sensory processing, and environmental modifications into a business in their home state of Minnesota. The duo met in graduate school at St. Catherine University while pursuing their Masters in Occupational Therapy and very early on clicked. From the beginning it was evident that Alexi and Marlee saw things in a similar light and displayed a similar passion for working not only with children but from a family centered approach. Alexi and Marlee both have experiences that transcend ages and environments including schools, mental health facilities, autism clinics, outpatient services, inpatient hospital, and acute care settings. Throughout graduate schooling and into their professional careers, Alexi and Marlee have supported each other on numerous projects such as home modification proposals, educational flyers, community relations and marketing projects, and creation of sensory spaces within a variety of settings both indoor and out. Both professionally and personally, they have always come together as a team to uplift one another it a way that makes them a great team but better friends. Together, they enjoy hiking, walking their dogs, going to garage sales, attending their monthly book club, and continuing to expand their knowledge in occupational therapy and sensory processing.
Their passion for creating sensory friendly spaces was brought to light during the Minnesota stay at home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which they saw greatly impacting academic participation, family routines, activity participation, social interaction and peer play, and physical exercise in addition to contributing to the rise of teletherapy services provided. Together, Alexi and Marlee are highly motivated, creative, and strong proponents of FUN! They look forward to meeting and collaborating with you and your family to create a SENSE-ational space where you can continue to build memories with your children for years to come!
Our Why, Mission, Vision, and More!
Using our occupational therapy lens, we support parents in the fostering of their child’s development through education and creation of sensory-friendly spaces.