Vision Therapy Team

Associate Director of Vision Therapy

Sylena Martinez, COVT

Sylena graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood Development. She has tutored in diverse elementary schools and assisted with research at the University of Texas. Sylena is dedicated to make an everlasting impact on her patient’s lives and thoroughly enjoys working with them to achieve their greatest potential. Her goal to make a difference and develop tender relationships with others is what led her to OCVT. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Sylena as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).

Director of Human Resources

Theresa Yee – COVT, SHRM-CP

Theresa graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Nutrition Dietetics. She gained experience working with children through nutrition education outreach and tutoring in elementary schools. “I love to interact and help people achieve their goals and strengths. It’s an honor to be part of this team that makes a difference and impact in others’ lives.” The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Theresa as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).

Executive Director of Operations

Ashley Alavi, COVT

Ashley completed her degree in Psychology from the University of Texas.
With an extensive background working with children, she consistently strives to help unlock a child’s true potential. Ashley worked as a tutor and mentor for several Austin and Dallas families and has assisted in conducting research at the University of Texas Children’s Research Lab. Connecting with people is one of her key attributes. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board-certified Ashley as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).

Executive Director of Vision Therapy and Outreach

Ashley Coley, COVT

Being a people-type person and having the personality to match it, Ashley has worked exclusively in customer-centric positions. Ashley’s passion for making a meaningful impact in children’s lives inspired her to pursue a degree in Education. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Texas State University at San Marcos and holds certification to teach grades 4–8 in all core subjects. Ashley graduated Magna Cum Laude and was invited to join Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, recognizing her achievement as one of the top 10% of her graduating class. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board-certified Ashley as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT). In 2020, The Texas Optometric Association named Ashley the Optometric Staff member of the year.

Senior Vision Therapist

Nataline Tran, COVT

Nataline graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and Psychology. She has a background in mentoring and tutoring children in diverse schools and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about education, loves working with children and hopes to become an educator for a non-profit one day. The best part about working for OCVT is making a lasting difference in patients’ lives.

Senior Vision Therapist

Avery Bradfield, COVT

Avery graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from The University of Texas at San Antonio, earning a B.A. in Medical Humanities. Through her work at OCVT, she has developed a strong passion for helping others and is dedicated to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and individualized therapy environment that prioritizes the goals of patients across all age groups. She takes pride in tailoring therapy approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every person feels supported and empowered throughout their journey. Outside of her professional endeavors, Avery enjoys reading, listening to music, attending concerts, and spending quality time with family and friends.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Avery as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).

Senior Vision Therapist

Destiny Salazar, COVT

Destiny graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S.A degree in Human Development & Family Sciences, a certificate in the Children & Society with a focus on Children & Health, a certificate in Pre-Health Professions, and a minor Health Education. She has worked on campus as a research assistant and peer educator to develop health initiatives to implement on campus. Through work with various organizations, faculty, staff, and students she has found her passion in health education, working closely with her community, and making meaningful connections. Her favorite part about working at OCVT is watching her patients get excited about their own progress and all the smiles shared session after session.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Destiny as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).

Lead Therapist

Andrea Montenegro Polanco

Andrea is an undergrad at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.S.A degree in Biology, B.S degree in Health and Society, and a Spanish for Health Professions certificate. Drawn to vision therapy by an interest in the medical field and love for working with others, Andrea’s mission as a vision therapist is to provide her patient’s with the highest quality of care. She hopes to attend medical school in the future.

Lead Therapist

Yinka Olabode

Yinka Olabode is a recent graduate from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities on the Pre-Provider track with minors in Biology and Marketing. With years of experience in photography, Yinka values creativity, which she integrates into her work as a Vision Therapist. Through her role at OCVT, she discovered a passion for the therapeutic aspects of healthcare, inspiring her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. She is currently applying to OT programs, eager to continue her journey in helping others regain independence and improve their quality of life. Yinka’s favorite part of being a Vision Therapist is witnessing her patients’ progress, especially through their smiles and laughter during sessions. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with friends.

Vision Therapist

Amritha Pandian

Amritha is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin studying Biochemistry with a minor in Health Communications. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. She is passionate about building meaningful connections through healthcare and hopes to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Outside of academics, Amritha enjoys singing, practicing yoga, and playing the violin—something she also shares by teaching young students in her community.

Vision Therapist

Candace Li

Candace is currently an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.S.A degree in Biology and minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she plans on attending Physicians Assistant School where she will continue to pursue her passion in maternal-fetal medicine and while staying committed to forming meaningful bonds with patients. She is excited to support and guide patients in their vision therapy journey here at OCVT. Outside of healthcare, she enjoys participating in research, dancing, tutoring, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Vision Therapist

Gabriella Romero

Gabriella is currently an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a B.S.A degree in Biology with a minor in Educational Psychology and a Pre-Health Professions certificate. She has come to love serving others through volunteering at nursing homes, food pantries, delivering meals to homebound individuals, and leading Bible studies for middle school girls in Westlake and classes of elementary school students at her church. What she loves most about Vision Therapy is being able to serve people of all ages and being able to create meaningful connections. She hopes to continue this passion for service by becoming a Physician Assistant in the future.

Vision Therapist

Jeffrey Guo

Jeffrey is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.S in Biomedical Engineering. While academically driven and heavily involved in research, Jeffrey enjoys interacting with people and patients the most. He has experience working with foster care children and individuals with disabilities, providing a comforting and safe environment in which they can thrive. At OCVT, Jeffrey’s goal is to translate his abilities to improve patient outcomes. In the future, Jeffrey wishes to attend medical school to continue his passion with working with others. His favorite hobbies are playing chess, weightlifting, and exploring various foods and restaurants.

Vision Therapist

Jenna Prince

Jenna is currently an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.S in Public Health. She has an extensive background working with kids as an elementary school tutor and summer camp leader. Jenna is super energetic and outgoing and can talk to anyone about anything! In her free time she loves to craft, watch movies, and enjoy time with friends. She plans to continue her education after undergrad and pursue her doctorate of occupational therapy degree.

Vision Therapist

Karla De La Rosa

Karla graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Disease Control and a minor in Sociology. She has gained various experiences working with fellow peers and students as a college algebra tutor as well as working closely with student organizations including the UTSA Ambassador program. Karla enjoys cooking, running, playing tennis, and watching shows and movies. Currently, she is applying to medical school in hopes of continuing her education and becoming a physician.

Vision Therapist

Lujein Abdelwahed

Lujein is an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin as an honors student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health with a minor in Arabic and certificates of Evidence & Inquiry and the Pre-Health Professions. Also gaining experience as a college mentor and an accessible diagnostics researcher, her passion in serving others consistently grows. Her goal is to serve and connect with each patient and support them through reaching their goals. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine where she can apply this passion and positively impact the everyday lives of every patient.

Vision Therapist

Sai Yalamanchili

Sai is currently an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin and is pursuing a B.S.A degree in Neuroscience. He has experience working with both kids and adults in many clinical settings, including hospitals and private clinics. With an interest in neuro-ophthalmology, Sai’s goal is to provide the best possible vision therapy for his patients and improve their quality of life. During his free time, Sai can be found playing basketball, training mixed martial arts, and listening to music.

Vision Therapist

Sidnee Bell

Sidnee is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a BSA degree in Biology and a BS degree in Public Health, with a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school and hopes to go into pediatrics. She was drawn to vision therapy due to her desire to provide direct patient care and work with patients over time to create sustainable and meaningful impacts in their lives. Outside of healthcare, she is truly passionate about literacy and improving educational experiences through positive literacy exposure. In her free time, she likes playing guitar, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Vision Therapist

Sydney Jang

Sydney is currently studying at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school and become a Physician Assistant. Passionate about holistic care and advocating for communication, Sydney is committed to building meaningful connections to provide patient-centered care at OCVT. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new music.

Vision Therapist

Lauren Saenz

Lauren is a Junior at the University of Texas San Antonio majoring in biology. She plans on applying to Optometry School once she has graduated to be like the doctors here at OCVT. In her free time, she likes to play video games, crochet, and run.

Vision Therapist

Marisa Kipp

Marisa is currently an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.S. in Human Biology with a Pre-Health Professions Certificate. She has gained experience through research, volunteering in the community and hospitals, serving on charity committees, and working as a learning assistant, all of which have strengthened her passion for healthcare and service. As a vision therapist, Marisa’s goal is to connect with each patient and understand their unique needs. She plans to attend medical school after graduation to continue helping others as a physician. In her free time, Marisa enjoys baking, rock climbing, and listening to music.

Vision Therapist

Jay Dominguez

Jay is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Pre-Health Professions certificate. He has experience working with kids and adults of all ages through his work as a tennis instructor, his volunteer service engaging with and supporting geriatric residents, and his hands-on experience providing care in clinical settings. Jay is passionate about working with people across all stages of life and loves seeing growth in his patients as a Vision Therapist. His favorite part of the role is watching their confidence and abilities grow over time. In the future, Jay plans to become a Physician Assistant, where he hopes to continue building strong connections with patients and helping them achieve their goals. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, exploring new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

Vision Therapist

Varshitha Vegi

Varshitha Vegi is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a B.S. in Computational Biology with a certificate in Elements of Computing. She is currently involved in epigenetics research and volunteers in a speech therapy setting, where she developed a strong appreciation for the role of communication in healthcare. Varshitha plans to attend medical school after graduation and is passionate about forming meaningful connections with her future patients. She believes that empathetic communication plays an essential role in providing patient-centered care. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops and has recently started learning to play the guitar.

Vision Therapist

Nevaeh Tullis

Nevaeh is currently studying at the University of Texas at San Antonio on a pre-dental track. Through work experience in public schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, she has grown to love patient care and building rapport. She hopes to foster an environment where all patients feel heard, included, and safe. Outside of work and school, Nevaeh likes paddleboarding, playing video games, and trying new coffee recipes.