Qualified and well trained therapists with the skills and knowledge to apply appropriate Vision Therapy programs to meet the individual needs of each patient. Highly credentialed therapists with competencies in OCVT best practice vision therapy methodologies.
Ashley Coley, COVT
Executive Director of Vision Therapy and Outreach
Being a people-type person and having the personality to match it, Ashley has worked exclusively in customer-centric positions. Ashley’s desire to have a major impact in children’s lives led to her studies in Education. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas State University at San Marcos. Ashley graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board-certified Ashley as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Ashley Alavi, COVT
Executive Director of Operations
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).
Theresa Yee – COVT, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
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).
Sylena Martinez, COVT
Senior Head of Vision Therapy
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).
Rowan Mitschke, COVT
Head of Vision Therapy
Rowan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S.A degree in Neuroscience, a certificate in the Spanish language for Health Professions, and a minor in Philosophy. She is currently working towards attending medical school within the next few years. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at a local hospital and spending time with her family and pets. Her passion for neuroscience, medicine, and helping others led her to OCVT and is what continues to drive her care for her patients. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Rowan as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Josh Nottingham, COVT
Head of Vision Therapy
Josh is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Government. He is currently continuing his education to become a teacher. With his experience working from children through tutoring, mentoring, substitute teaching, and swimming lessons, he can connect with patients of all ages and get them excited about Vision Therapy. His favorite part about being a Vision Therapist is being able to watch his patients gain their strength and confidence back while building important relationships along the way. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Josh as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Nataline Tran
Lead Vision Therapist
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.
Daniela Torres
Vision Therapist
Daniela Torres graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Health: Epidemiology and Disease Control and a minor in Biology. She has always sought ways to improve her community through volunteer service. Throughout college, she regularly served at the San Antonio State Hospital, Corazón Clinic, and as a Peer Mentor. Daniela previously worked as an Ophthalmic Technician for one year, she has a deep passion for Optometry and hopes to ultimately attend Optometry School. There is nothing she has found more fulfilling than helping patients achieve their highest quality of vision and is excited to help you get there.
Michelle Jiang
Vision Therapist
Michelle is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin where she is completing a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biochemistry. After graduation, Michelle hopes to attend medical school and to continue to work with patients in healthcare. She has prior experience working with kids as a math and science tutor, becoming a research assistant in a study to determine the effects of language brokering, and working with cystic fibrosis patients at the Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin. During her free time, Michelle loves to dance, listen to music, and explore new places.
Jennifer Saeling
Vision Therapist
Jen is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience with a minor in Sociology. Jen’s experience as a tutor for a disenfranchised elementary school and a former medical assistant has shaped her love for helping people – especially children – realize their full potential. After graduating, Jen aspires to work in healthcare policy where she can help make healthcare more accessible for the American public. Her positivity, eagerness to learn, and ability to empathize with others makes her a perfect fit at OCVT.
Nancy Hernandez
Vision Therapist
Nancy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism and a Business Foundation Certificate. Her time as a healthcare and business reporter and deep passion for optometry led her to become a paraoptometric technician while living in Utah. Upon returning to Austin, Nancy’s keen interest in neuro-optometry and helping others led her to OCVT. She hopes to pursue a career as an optometrist and make high-quality eyecare more accessible to typically underserved communities. In her free time, Nancy enjoys snowboarding, camping, and adventuring with her husband and pup.
Kiara Crean
Vision Therapist
Kiara is currently an undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin completing her B.S. degree in Biology with a certificate in Forensic Science and Pre-Health Professions. She aspires to become a Physician Assistant with a focus in emergency medicine. Kiara has gained experience working with children as a PAL mentoring at risk children and working at a daycare center. Her passion for helping children and experience with vision issues makes her a perfect fit at OCVT. During her free time, Kiara loves to read, dance, listen to music, and talk about anything Marvel related.
Abigail Yun
Vision Therapist
Abby is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. After graduation, she plans to attend Optometry School and continue to deliver high-quality patient care for vision health. She has experience working with children as a summer camp counselor and a music ambassador for local Austin daycares. Abby’s passion for helping and empowering others to fulfill their goals is what led her to OCVT.
Clarisa Saldana
Vision Therapist
Clarisa is currently an undergrad at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she is pursuing her pre-requisites in Nursing. After completing her courses Clarisa hopes to attend UT health nursing school in San Antonio, Texas to obtain her BSN and RN license. Her drive to help others and mission as vision therapist is to make vision therapy fun for all ages! In her free time Clarisa enjoys baking, hiking, traveling and painting.
Diana O’Quinn
Vision Therapist
Diana graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech Language Pathology. She has assisted in research focused on providing support to families with children diagnosed with ASD at Baylor University. She later gained experience working with a diverse population of special needs children as an elementary school special education paraprofessional. It is her passion for pediatric therapy that led her to OCVT. She intends to pursue a career as a pediatric optometrist focused on integrative therapy and making early intervention accessible and affordable to underserved communities.
Nenye Nwaeri
Vision Therapist
Nenye graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Nutrition with a minor in sociology and a health profession’s certificate. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from UT Austin and hopes to attend medical school in the near future, using her background in nutrition as a tool for preventative care. Nenye has gained experience working with children through tutoring sessions, after school programs and other volunteer work; she was led to OCVT by a desire to diversify her experiences to keep helping others in new ways.
Trisha Nguyen
Vision Therapist
Trisha is currently an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin completing her Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience and minoring in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Computer Science. She plans to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine with a focus on neurology. Trisha has gained experience working with children on the autism spectrum and related disorders working as a behavior technician and volunteering to teach music and school subjects in student organizations. In her free time, Trisha enjoys listening to live music, drawing, knitting, and spending time with her cat.
Amelia Tapia
Vision Therapist
Amelia is a current neuroscience student at The University of Texas at Austin. After graduating, she plans on attending medical school and hopes to work in pediatric oncology. She spent most of her life babysitting, volunteering at various kid camp’s and tutoring. In her free time, she enjoys photography, learning new instruments and going on hikes. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of other and helping others reach their goals.
Arshia Riaz
Vision Therapist
Arshia is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. She wishes to pursue research in the fields of cognitive neuroscience as well as neuromotor behavior and performance, especially during childhood and development. In her free time, Arshia enjoys oil painting, playing badminton and squash, playing the piano and violin, and spending time with family and friends.
Emily Nguyen
Vision Therapist
Emily is currently a undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Health & Society, a certificate in Pre-Health Professions and a minor in Disabilities Studies, aspiring to become a Physician Assistant. Emily has gained experience working with children by coaching her summer league and teaching kids Vietnamese, math, and reading. Emily is passionate about empowering others to be the best to their potential.
Meiya Cho
Vision Therapist
Meiya graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.S.A. in Chemistry. She has experience working with people of all ages through volunteering at Dell Seton Medical Center and The Contemporary Austin Art School. Meiya looks forward to connecting with every patient and ensuring they get the most enjoyment out of each session while improving their visual skills. Her interest in the optometry field and passion to provide quality care are what led her to OCVT. For leisure, Meiya likes to draw, play video games, and watch various shows.
Avery Bradfield
Vision Therapist
Avery is currently completing an undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at San Antonio as an honors student with a B.A. in Medical Humanities, Pre-Provider track and a minor in Art History and Criticism. She has always hoped to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy, and her time at OCVT has made her consider a career in Optometry as well. Before joining the team at OCVT, she had previous experience in the healthcare field in an urgent care setting during the peak of the pandemic, which ultimately steered her further into a career in healthcare. During her free time Avery loves to read, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends.
Karla De La Rosa
Vision Therapist
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 senior university tutor as well as working closely with student organizations including the UTSA Ambassador program. Karla has also worked closely with the campus as a member of the UTSA COVID-19 Emergency Response Team. She loves working with various members of the community and trying to make a difference in the lives of others. She values health and education and continues to strive toward her goal of becoming a physician.