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).
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.
Avery Bradfield
Vision Therapist
Avery is currently completing a B.A. in Medical Humanities at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Through her work at OCVT, Avery has found a love for helping others and is passionate about creating a fun, individualized therapy environment for all age groups. During her free time Avery loves to read, listen to music, attend concerts, 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 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.
Andrea Montenegro Polanco
Vision Therapist
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.
Brenda Tep
Vision Therapist
Brenda is currently an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin and will be graduating in May 2023. She is pursuing a BSA in Human Development and Family Sciences and a certificate in Forensic Science. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in the healthcare field as a Physician Assistant. Aside from her studies, she has gained various experiences working with young children and peers, and holds executive positions in each student organization she is a part of. Whenever she is not doing school work or working, she can be found reading, trail walking, and baking.
Destiny Salazar
Vision Therapist
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.
Ella Wisdom
Vision Therapist
Ella is currently attending the University of Texas at Austin and pursuing degrees in Plan II and English Honors. She has experience involving education in several different forms, including tutoring and teaching preschool. In the future, she hopes to continue working with children in the medical field. Her goal as a vision therapist is to make sure that all her patients feel comfortable with her and are able to achieve their fullest potential.
Maria Luevanos
Vision Therapist
Maria is currently studying at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing Psychology. After earning her degree she hopes to continue her education and earn a Masters in Mental Heath Counseling. Maria is passionate about helping children reach their goals and aspires to one day become a psychologist. In her free time she enjoys going to concerts, reading, and writing.
Mina Cowles
Vision Therapist
Mina Cowles Mina is currently an undergrad attending the University of Texas at Austin studying Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Health Communication. She is also a part of the Cognition and Communication Lab in the Psychology department. She is hoping to attend medical school after graduating. She has previous experience working as a Patient Care Technician in hospital settings and with children in teaching settings. She firmly believes that patient communication is a strong foundation for lasting impact and loves being able to work with patients to try and make a difference in their lives. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and being creative in any way possible.
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 mentoring at a local high school and adventuring with her family.
Nicole Onyemelukwe
Vision Therapist
Nicole is currently completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio as an honors student with a Bachelor's of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology on the Pre-Medical track. She has hopes to attend graduate school to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. Before joining the OCVT Team, she had experience working as a Physical Therapy Aide in an Outpatient clinic, where she helped patients who had been in serious car accidents regain their motor skills. Her passion to help others grow and accomplish their goals is what directed her to a path in Healthcare and Vision Therapy! In her free time, Nicole loves to go on road trips, try out new recipes, binge watch TV shows, go hiking and spend time with family.
Shahd Ahmed
Vision Therapist
Bio Coming Soon!
Yinka Olabode
Vision Therapist
Yinka is currently undergoing an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Humanities, Pre-Provider track at The University of Texas at San Antonio with minors in Biology and Marketing. Before joining the team, Yinka has had years of experience in photography which she believes helps stimulate her creativity as a Vision Therapist. Through OCVT, she has discovered her passion for the therapeutic aspects of healthcare and ultimately wants to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. Her favorite part about being a Vision Therapist is being able to see patients' beautiful smiles and laughter during each sessions. In her free time, Yinka loves to play volleyball, create new recipes, and go out with friends.