meet the team
Sabrina Sevilla, MA/OTR/L
Occupational Therapist; Executive Director & Founder
Hello! Working with new graduates and sharing my passion for the schools is one of my favorite things about this company. I genuinely enjoy getting to know each person we work with.
I started my path towards OT in college while volunteering and coaching athletes with Special Olympics. During these years, I learned the importance of occupations in defining identity. After finishing my Master’s in OT at the University of Southern California (USC), I worked with the 2nd largest school district in the country - Los Angeles Unified School District - where I had the privilege of learning from highly experienced and specialized OTs. I became a Seattleite in 2015 and fell in love with the PNW.
Background
Licensed Occupational Therapist with 10 years of experience, including 9 years in schools
Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy
University of Southern California (2011)Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, emphasis in Fitness Specialist
San Diego State University (2007)
Kayla Valentino
Licensed K-8 Teacher; Director of Operations
I am thrilled to be part of the team at Ampersand Therapy as our Director of Operations. As a former School Secretary, Elementary School Teacher, and Talent Acquisition Specialist, I know firsthand the significance of Specialists and the importance of their roles - The positive impact they have in schools and with students is unmeasured! I’m grateful for the opportunity to continually meet and partner with wonderful educators and districts, while also supporting the wants and needs of our incredible Specialists.
In my free time, I’m usually absorbed in a good book (or three!), hiking with my husband and two mini huskies on one of the many trails in the PNW, or practicing my sewing skills.
Background
B.A, Psychology (Western Washington University, 2014)
M.A. Teaching (City University of Seattle, 2017)
K-8 Teaching Credentials & Reading Endorsement
Erika Menninger, DOT
Occupational Therapist; Director of Talent Acquisition
I received my Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in 2017. I’m passionate about empowering children in the school setting and value the opportunity to support other therapists by placing them in positions to make a difference in their communities. Ampersand Therapy has been the ideal setting for me because it allows me to blend my passion for children, as well as collaborate with other like-minded therapists. When not working as an OT, I can be found on the softball field, leading fastpitch softball camps and pitching lessons. In my free time, I enjoy time with my son & baby daughter, wake surfing, skiing, and hiking with my husband.
Background
Licensed Occupational Therapist with 4 years of experience in the school setting.
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Creighton University (2017).
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Minor in Psychology, Western Washington University (2013).
Mackenzie Engel, M.S. CCC-SLP
SLP; Associate Director of Clinical Support and Talent Acquisition
I am so excited to be working with Ampersand Therapy to help service school districts in the PNW. I have worked as a school based Speech-Language Pathologist for the past seven years, and know how important it is to find a position that feels like a great fit! I have had the opportunity to serve caseloads of various sizes and age ranges and enjoyed every single setting! I love collaborating with Special Education teams to provide the best services possible to our students. When I'm not working, I love to spend time outside adventuring with my husband, Adam, and our daughter, Lena. You can find me on the ski slope, the river, or any great camping/hiking spot I can find!
Background
M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Virginia University (2016)
Licensed Speech Language Pathologist
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology
Charlotte Sherrer
SLP; Associate Director of Clinical Support and Talent Acquisition
Hello! I am so excited to be a part of the Ampersand Team as a Talent Acquisition Specialist! As an SLP myself, I understand how important it is to find a supportive and collaborative team so that you can best support the students you work with. I love working with like-minded specialists, pairing them with incredible school districts, and watching them flourish in their roles. Supporting students through partnering with therapists, special education personnel, and school districts is such a privilege!
In my free time, you can find me spending time with my husband and two cats, reading a thriller novel, catching up on the latest TV series, or being active outdoors!
Background:
4+ years as an SLP including high school, elementary school, telehealth, and clinic-based settings
MS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (University of Redlands, 2019)
BS in Business Administration (The University of Alabama, 2016)
Matthew Thompson
VP of Operations
Throughout the years, Sabrina and I have worked together on different community projects and volunteer organizations. I encouraged her to start Ampersand Therapy in 2016 because I knew we could make a great team and could be a great contract option for the Special Education team.
My role in the company is to enhance the user experience. Whether it’s submitting a timesheet or tracking your PTO, I want the experience to be efficient and intuitive. Outside of Ampersand Therapy, I work as a User Interface Software engineer. I’ve worked on teams from startups to tech giants. I love connecting with nature & biking both indoors and outdoors (but mostly indoors now, because you know, PNW weather).
I continue to be Sabrina’s #1 supporter, as well as yours in your worthwhile career endeavors.
Background
Senior Software UI Engineer with 20 years of full-stack experience, specializing in Front End UI
B.A., Computer Arts (ICAM), Cum Laude; (University of California, San Diego)
