meet the team

Emily Williams

Emily Williams, M.A. CCC-SLP (she/her)
Director of Operations, Speech-Language Pathologist

With a background in speech pathology and a love for data, I am driven by a passion for effecting change and improving lives through collaboration, accessibility, and growth. As Director of Operations, I strive to ensure Ampersand Therapy employees are well supported and have the necessary resources to thrive in their roles. I received my Master of Arts in Communication Science from Case Western Reserve University in 2017 and worked as an SLP both in-person and remotely through 2021. I then transitioned to people management, operations, and HR roles, further honing my professional skills. I currently reside in Ohio with my husband, daugher, and pets. When I am not working, I can be found at the lake, rock climbing, or playing games with friends!

Background

  • Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with 7+ years of experience practicing in schools in-person and remotely 

  • Three+ years experience with management and business operations

  • M.A. in Communication Science (Case Western Reserve University 2017)

Charlotte Sherrer (she/her)
Director of Talent Acquisition; Speech-Language Pathologist

Hello! I am so excited to be a part of the Ampersand Team as the Director of Talent Acquisiton! 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 daughter, 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

  • BS in Business Administration

Erika Menninger, OTD, OTR/L (she/her)
Talent Acquisition Lead; Occupational Therapist

I am passionate about empowering others in the school setting and value the opportunity to support specialists by placing them in positions to make a difference in their communities. Driven by a dedication to enhancing the lives of children in the education setting, I earned my Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University.  Ampersand Therapy has been the ideal position for me because it allows me to blend my passion for children, as well as collaborate with other like-minded specialists. I have been working in the school setting with Ampersand Therapy since I started my career in 2017.  I feel grateful to be able to use my experiences to mentor others and build impactful teams in the state of Colorado. 

 

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 young son & daughter, wake surfing, skiing, hiking, gardening and doing home DIY projects with my husband. 

Background

  • Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Creighton University (2017). 

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Minor in Psychology, Western Washington University (2013). 

Erika Menninger, OT

Colleen Eckl, M.Ed. (she/her)
Talent Acquisition Specialist

I am delighted to be a part of the Ampersand Therapy team as a Talent Acquisition Specialist! It is a dream come true to work with such an inclusive team to support specialists, school districts, and students across the country. I also love collaborating with recent graduates as they take the first step towards their career. Every new connection is so rewarding!

In my free time, you can find me enjoying a good book or going for long walks with my Australian Shepherd, Bailey. I live in New Hampshire and love hiking and skiing in the White Mountains or exploring other parts of New England with my fiancé.

Background

  • M.S. Elementary Education (University of Rochester, 2022)

  • B.S. Psychology (Rochester Institute of Technology, 2021)

Colleen Eckl
Harper Branch

Harper Branch, M. Ed. (she/her)
Talent Acquisition Specialist; Licensed Special Education Teacher

I am thrilled to be a part of this dynamic team, bringing a passion for educational equity to the table every day. 

My journey working in education officially began when I joined Teach For America, working in the Los Angeles Unified School District. This transformative experience gave me a firsthand look at the power of education in shaping young minds and breaking down systemic barriers. I had the opportunity to work with all educational grades and deepened my love for Special Education.  

After relocating to Chicago, I have continued to connect with amazing educators and gain a deeper understanding of Illinois schools. In my free time, you’ll find me exploring new restaurants, attending yoga classes, or enjoying game nights with friends.

Background

  • Special Education Teacher in High School, Middle School, and Elementary School

  • M.A. in Urban Education- Educational Policy and Administration (Loyola Marymount University)

  • California Teaching Credential- Multi-Subject (CTC)

  • Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)

  • English as a Second Language License (ESL)

Colleen Cappellini, MA CCC-SLP (she/her)
Talent Acquisition Specialist; Speech-Language Pathologist

I am so excited and proud to be a Talent Acquisition Specialist of the Ampersand Therapy team!

My journey in this field started with a Masters degree in Speech-language Pathology from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by 12 years of diverse clinical experience across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health, and schools.

In 2022, I joined Ampersand as a school speech-language pathologist and was immediately impressed by the supportive and responsive team. The position they found for me was such a great fit that I renewed my contract the following year without hesitation. Now, as part of the Talent Acquisition Team, I’m thrilled to help others find their ideal roles with a company that truly values social equity and sustainability.

Outside of work, I am an avid swing dancer and volunteer to support my local swing dance and live jazz music scenes. As a hiking enthusiast, you can also find me exploring the many amazing trails of Western North Carolina, painting, curled up with a good book, and spoiling my senior rescue pup, Pepper.

Background:

  • MS in Neuroscience from The University of Texas at Austin (2009)

  • MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2012)

  • Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

  • Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Colleen Cappellini headshot

Megan DeBuse, M.Ed. (she/her)
HR Generalist, Middle School English Teacher

I am ecstatic to be part of the HR team at Ampersand Therapy! I was previously a middle school teacher for 7 years, where I had the opportunity to work in both the Bay Area and rural Montana. I then transitioned to a non-profit that focused on poverty alleviation, and I was able to connect with donors from around the globe. Although I loved my nonprofit work, I am passionate about education, and I am so happy to be working with educators who make a difference in the lives of students everyday. I currently live in Montana with my husband, daughter, and 2 dogs. When I am not at work, I love going out to eat, reading a good book, and going for walks with my family (as long as there isn’t too much snow!)

Background

  • 7 years as a middle school teacher

  • 2+ years as donor support for a non-profit

  • MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Montana State University, 2017)

  • BA English and Communication (Wake Forest University, 2015)