Pediatric neuropsychology private practice team specializing in neuropsychological evaluations and child development psychology services.

About Developmental Discoveries

Understanding children more fully

Developmental Discoveries is a specialized pediatric neuropsychology practice in Plymouth, Minnesota, founded by Dr. Megan Helmen. We help families, schools, and providers make sense of children whose profiles are complex, nuanced, subtle, significant, or difficult to understand.

You know your child. We know the science. Together, we will make sense of what you are noticing.

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Meet the Team

Our comprehensive evaluations do more than answer diagnostic questions.

We help you understand how your child thinks, learns, connects, regulates, and experiences the world so the next steps are clear, compassionate, and useful in real life.

Our Approach

A diagnosis can help. It’s not the whole story.

Diagnoses can be important. They can help describe patterns, open doors to support, guide treatment, and give families language for what they have been noticing.

At the same time, children do not fit neatly into diagnostic boxes. At Developmental Discoveries, a diagnosis is one part of a broad developmental story.

We look at how learning, attention, executive functioning, sensory experience, emotional regulation, communication, social connection, developmental history, context, and strengths work together. The goal is not simply to name what is difficult. The goal is to understand your child and what will help.

Discovering Your Child’s Unique Developmental Profile

Many families come to us after months, or even years, of trying to understand what is really going on. You may be weary or worried, but you want the best for your child.

Our collaborative team meets you where you are.

Our Team

A small team with a shared commitment to thoughtful care.

Developmental Discoveries is a small, specialized, locally-owned practice staffed with professionals whose lives are impacted by neurodivergence of all kinds. Our clinicians and team members bring personal and professional experience across neuropsychology, psychology, early childhood development, therapy, education, family support, and practice coordination.

Each person plays an important role in helping the evaluation process feel thoughtful, organized, and supportive for families. We know families often arrive carrying worry, confusion, hope, and exhaustion. Our goal is to meet that moment with care.

Dr. Megan Helmen

Pediatric neuropsychologist | Founder

I’ve enjoyed working with kids and families since high school in all kinds of environments from camps, to homes, to residential facilities. Before founding Developmental Discoveries in 2022, I spent years working within medical and clinical systems. I saw how confusing and emotional the diagnostic process could be for families. I knew this work could be done more optimally. My work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to be seen as a whole person, not a collection of symptoms, behaviors, or test scores. I love getting to kids and their parents. I try to make every child laugh (and am usually successful!). Building a strong rapport allows kids to be invested in what we are learning together and the next steps we discuss. Outside of work, I spend time with my family, do crossword puzzles, and travel whenever possible.

Dr. Sara Holtman

Clinical Supervisor | Pediatric NeuroPsychologist

Every brain is unique and inherently valuable. My clinical approach is rooted in the conviction that when children and teens gain a deeper understanding of their own cognitive profiles, they are empowered to build the insight, confidence, and self-advocacy skills that serve them long after our time together.
I recognize that by the time families reach my office, they have often tried countless strategies and interventions. I know that your child (no matter their age) is your baby, and I hold the trust you place in me with the utmost care. It is deeply humbling to be invited into your family's story. Parenting a child with a unique nervous system is inherently challenging. I want you to know that my office is a space of curiosity and collaboration, with zero judgment. My goal is to meet you where you are, acknowledge the weight of your experience, and partner with you to identify a path forward that makes life feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Together, we will move toward a clearer understanding of your child’s needs, ensuring that the recommendations we create are as practical and meaningful as they are scientifically grounded.
Beyond the Office:
When I am not in the clinic, you will likely find me embracing my love for the outdoors. I am an avid traveler and nature enthusiast, often with my husband, our daughter, and dog. Whether we are exploring a new trail or seeking out the next great culinary experience, I am always looking for a new adventure. When I need to recharge, I enjoy getting lost in a good book or spending time drawing and creating.
Education & Training:
- Doctor of Counseling Psychology, Northwest University, Kirkland, WA (APA-approved program)
- Two-year Neuropsychology Fellowship, Fraser Child & Family, Bloomington, MN
- APA-approved Internship, Fraser Child & Family, Bloomington, MN
- Master of Science, Art Therapy and Counseling, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
- Bachelor of Science, Art Education; Bachelor of Fine Arts, Printmaking, Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Clinical and art therapy experience since 2012
- Specialized neuropsychological evaluation experience since 2021
Areas of Interest:
Autism (with a focus on nuanced and female presentations), PDA, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, OCD, AD/HD, learning disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, LGBTQ+ youth, and the intersection of diversity and neurodivergence.

Dr. Jessica Lloyd

Licensed Psychologist

I enjoy exploring how each child’s mind works and discovering how their strengths and challenges fit together. I value helping caregivers better understand what makes their child unique and what kinds of support may help them feel more understood and successful.
My perspective is shaped by varied experiences working in homes, therapy offices, and evaluations, as well as by my experience as a parent. I am especially interested in how a child’s learning style, nervous system functioning, struggles, strengths, and environment all interact. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and two young daughters. I also enjoy traveling, creating art, minimizing my life, and learning new things.
Education & Training:
• Bachelor of Science, Psychology; minor in Law Enforcement, Minnesota State University Mankato
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Concentration in Trauma
• Providing psychological and neuropsychological evaluations since 2016
• 10+ years of clinical therapy experience, with a focus in somatics
Areas of Interest:
Autism, ADHD, learning disorders, trauma symptomatology, nervous system dysregulation, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, and anxiety and perfectionism in females.

Dr. Katie Reger

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

I love the detective-like work involved in assessing a child to better understand why they may be struggling, what makes them tick, and how to help them thrive. Each child is unique and it is always a delight to get to know them as individuals. It is incredibly fulfilling to work with parents and offer more clarity about their child and guidance about how best to support them. Our brains are fascinating and it is exciting to see how resilient they can be!
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors with my husband, my daughter, and my dog. We can be found camping on the North Shore, boating on a nearby lake or at the cabin, biking around town, or identifying fun and interesting birds in the neighborhood.
Education and Training:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Spanish at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
- Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
- APA-approved internship at Children’s Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
- Two-year neuropsychology fellowship at Minnesota Epilepsy Group, St. Paul, MN
- Providing pediatric neuropsychology evaluations since 2014
Areas of Interest:
ADHD, executive dysfunction, behavior dysregulation, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, learning disorders, neurologic conditions including epilepsy, TBI/concussion, stroke, and brain tumor

Rachel Boettcher

Licensed Early Childhood Special Educator

I support evaluations for young children, bringing specialized experience in early childhood development, early learning, behavior, and support needs for children ages five and under. I work alongside Dr. Megan Helmen to help families better understand their young child’s developmental profile and identify next steps that support growth at home, at school, and in everyday routines.
My early childhood lens helps the team consider how young children communicate, learn, play, relate, and manage demands in developmentally meaningful ways.
Areas of Interest:
Early childhood development, early learning, developmental profiles in children ages five and under, and family-centered support planning.

Savannah Stevens

Postdoctoral Fellow

Every child and family brings a unique story, and each evaluation is an opportunity to better understand that story together. While evaluations help answer important diagnostic questions, I also see them as a meaningful experience wherein children can deepen their understanding of themselves, make sense of their strengths and challenges, and develop a clearer sense of who they are. Every child deserves to leave an evaluation understanding themselves a little better, feeling a little prouder of who they are, and more confident in using their strengths to navigate challenges.
I also believe parents deserve a similar experience, gaining a deeper understanding of their child and greater confidence in how to support and connect with them. My goal is to help families further develop a shared understanding of their child’s strengths, needs, and experiences, along with greater clarity, connection, and confidence as they move forward together.
I value a collaborative approach to care and enjoy partnering with children, families, educators, and other professionals to develop meaningful, individualized recommendations. It’s a privilege to support our neurodivergent community, and I hope each child leaves the evaluation feeling seen, understood, and empowered. As Mr. Rogers once said, “The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self,” and I strive to create an evaluation experience where children and families feel safe to understand, express, and appreciate who they truly are.
As a postdoctoral fellow under the supervision of Dr. Megan Helmen and Dr. Sara Holtman, I have the opportunity to integrate multiple clinical perspectives into each evaluation, helping ensure families receive thoughtful, comprehensive care.
Outside of my time with DDN, I enjoy treasure hunting in many forms, whether that means exploring garage sales, thrift shops, and estate sales, following old railroad tracks and finding traces of the past, discovering new river swim spots by canoe with my partner, or seeking out new birdwatching spots on walks, sometimes with the company of my three black cats (yes, they treasure hunt with me too!). I deeply value art and expression and I enjoy crafting, creating at home, and challenging my interior design skills. One of my favorite parts of life is sharing interests and enthusiasms with my partner and taking time to listen, learn, and discover new things together.

Caitlin Reed

Office Manager

I started working at Developmental Discoveries in the summer of 2023. I find such joy in partnering with and supporting families who entrust our team on their journey to learn about and support their child. I believe it is my role to build a foundation of trust from the first point of contact and I take a great amount of pride in having that responsibility.
Before joining Developmental Discoveries, I worked primarily in childcare with a brief time in Human Resources. I was lucky to spend each day with my own children as I took on the huge responsibility of nurturing others’ children and supporting their families in a daycare setting. I ended my time in daycares as a Center Director and I am grateful to now continue working with children and families in my role as office manager.
Outside of work, I find more joy (and exhaustion) than I knew was possible in spending time with my two children and two cats. My kids and I spend our time doing many different things, but the one thing we can always agree on and are always happy to do together, is eating pancakes!

Anna Thompson

Administrative Staff

I started at Developmental Discoveries in April 2026. I love supporting families on their journey to better understanding their child(ren). I previously worked in both elementary and middle school settings as a certified PARA educator as well as in a supporting role in a special education classroom. I have a passion for helping children with unique needs. Outside of work, I spend time with my husband, son, and two cats. I enjoy writing, making art, and watching shows with my family.

What Families Can Expect

Clarity, compassion, and practical direction.

A neuropsychological evaluation can sound intimidating, but at its heart, it is a process of understanding your child more fully.

Families can expect careful listening, meaningful information gathering, appropriate direct testing, thoughtful interpretation, and recommendations that make sense in real life.

We want parents to leave with clarity and a report that describes their child, our findings, and next steps (our referral sources love reading our reports!).We want children to feel seen. We want schools and providers to better understand the child in front of them. We want you to have recommendations that are individualized, practical, and meaningful to your family.

Start with what you are noticing

You do not need to know exactly what kind of evaluation your child needs. You do not need to know which diagnosis to ask about.

Bring your everyday observations, your concerns, your questions, and your hope for better understanding. We will bring the clinical science and help guide the next step.