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 – Director of Vision Therapy and OutreachBeing 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 – Director of Programs and Patient RelationsAshley 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, Human Resource ManagerTheresa 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.”
Jonathan Gaspar, COVT – Senior Vision TherapistJonathan is a graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During his time there he helped create a student led group to help raise money and awareness for mental health. He has a background of volunteering with the San Antonio State Hospital and with special needs children. His intrinsic motivation for helping others has made him feel right at home at OCVT. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Jonathan as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Sylena Martinez, COVT – Head of Vision Therapy, Pecan ParkSylena 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).
TAYLOR WARSHAUER – Vision TherapistTaylor graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of science in kinesiology and health exercise science. She loves connecting with all of her patients, and she values the opportunity working at OCTV has given her to help them achieve their goals. Taylor passionate about working with children in particular, and prior to joining our vision therapy team, she gained extensive experience helping kids as a volunteer at a child-focused physical therapy clinic, an after-school sports program, and as a summer camp counselor. In her free time, Taylor enjoys running and exploring Austin.
Nataline Tran – Lead Vision TherapistNataline 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.
Marina Guindy – Vision TherapistMarina graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S in Communication with a minor in Interpersonal Health communication and Pre-Health sciences. Through her research studies at UT, Marina learned about the importance of communication in the health care field and strives to provide all her patients with the positive reinforcement and support they desire. Her love for working with children as well as her curiosity about vision therapy is what makes her a perfect fit at OCVT.
Jessica Dziuba – Lead Vision TherapistJessica is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Nutrition and a minor in Classical Studies. She is also a member of the Health Science Scholars Honors program at UT and is writing a thesis on PTSD among combat veterans. After graduating, she hopes to attend medical school and ultimately become a pediatrician. Her love for helping children and unlocking a child’s full potential is what led her to OCVT.
Anissa Avalos – Vision Therapist Anissa is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she is pursing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She loves building strong connections with all of her patients to ensure they reach their fullest potential during their program. She has a background of volunteering with organizations that cater towards individuals with disabilities and special needs. After graduation, she wants to continue her education and pursue a degree in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
Daniella Perez – Vision TherapistDaniella graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biochemistry with a Pre-Health Professions certificate. She has worked with many people, especially children through volunteering at locations such as Dell Children’s Medical Center and retreat centers. Her desire to expand her experience in helping people has led her to OCVT. She has goals to help people as a health care professional by enrolling in a Physician Assistant program.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Josh Nottingham – Vision TherapistJosh is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. After graduation, Josh hopes to enter graduate school focusing on conflict resolution. Before joining our team, Josh worked with children in a variety of environments including tutoring, substitute teaching, swim lessons, and mentoring. His love for helping children reach their potential makes him a perfect fit at OCVT.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Haley Shaffer – Vision TherapistHaley graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biology and a minor in psychology. Her passion for vision therapy developed as a result of undergoing vision therapy herself as a child. She has seen the impact vision therapy has made in her own life and hopes to facility that impact for others.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Natalie Franco – Vision TherapistNatalie is currently an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She is focused on breaking communication barriers by becoming fluent in 3 languages (English, Spanish and American Sign Language.) Her aspiration is to become a Physicians Assistant, which is what drew her to OCVT. A strong passion for patient care keeps her motivated daily in helping individualize OCVT for every person.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Shanté Atillo – Vision TherapistShanté is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, having earned a B.S. in Kinesiology, with a specialization in medical rehabilitation. She is working towards her ultimate goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant with a focus in pediatrics. Shanté’s desire to provide care for patients led her to OCVT as she witnessed how vision therapy changed and increased the quality of life for all her patients.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Riya Ohri – Vision TherapistRiya is currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in the Spanish language. She has worked with kids in a variety of settings, including tutoring, coaching, and mentoring. Her passion for helping others and desire to make an impact in other’s lives led her to OCVT. After graduating she hopes to attend medical school and continue making a difference as a health care professional.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CJ Tapia – Vision TherapistCJ Tapia is a graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Humanities. He has several years of experience in working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds through volunteering, tutoring, and working as a personal care assistant. CJ’s desire to help others and build relationships with people is what drew him to OCVT. “It’s truly an amazing experience to help others achieve their goals and be a part of their journey.”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Matthew Parel – Vision TherapistMatt graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Exercise Science. He has extensive experience with patients of all ages through coaching a swim team, volunteering as a camp counselor, working at a physical therapy clinic, and teaching group fitness classes. His passion about the overall health of an individual and desire to help others reach their maximum potential is what led him to OCVT. In his free time, you can find Matt cooking in the kitchen and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Joy Edla – Vision TherapistJoy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with major focus of Childhood Development. She has gained experience working with children through her internships in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy clinics. Joy is passionate about working with patients and hopes to someday be a physician assistant in pediatrics. “The best part of working for OCVT is meeting unique individuals, hearing their stories, and being inspired.”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Rowan Mitschke – Vision TherapistRowan is currently an undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin completing her B.S.A degree in Neuroscience as well as a certificate in the Spanish language for Health Professions. She plans to initially pursue her PhD in Neuroscience and then attend medical school, ultimately planning to work in the field of Neurorehabilitation, helping individuals with neurological disabilities and trauma recover and live normal lives again. Her passion for neuroscience, medicine, and helping others led her to OCVT and is what continues to drive her care for her patients.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Pamela Jimenez – Vision TherapistPamela Jimenez is excited to be a part of the OCVT Team, and is highly driven by her endearment of learning and using her knowledge to help impact others. Her desire to build a rapport with younger individuals and express her efforts is what drew her path on becoming a Vision Therapist. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin. She continues to grow with a background of working with school aged children as a high-school mentor, child care-taker and an assistant teacher at a private pre-school. She aspires to purse her dream as a Nurse Practitioner in pediatrics.