meet the team
Sabrina Sevilla, MA/OTR/L (she/her)
Executive Director & Founder; Occupational Therapist
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)
Charlotte Sherrer (she/her)
Director of Talent Acquisition; SLP
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)
Mackenzie Engel, M.S. CCC-SLP (she/her)
Director of Operations; SLP
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
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).
Kayla Valentino, M.A. (she/her)
Talent Acquisition Specialist; Licensed K-8 Teacher
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
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 on a team of like-minded individuals who are passionate about supporting our specialists, school districts, and students. I care deeply about creating inclusive and culturally responsive classroom spaces - I am so grateful for this opportunity to connect with amazing specialists that promote equity and inclusion in our schools. I am also excited to collaborate with recent graduates as they take the first step towards their career. It is such an honor to work with compassionate professionals and help them find the perfect position!
In my free time, you can find me enjoying a good book, spending time outside, baking a tasty treat, 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.
Background
M.S. Elementary Education (University of Rochester, 2022)
B.S. Psychology (Rochester Institute of Technology, 2021)
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.
It’s truly an honor to work on a supportive and motivated team!
In my free time, you’ll find me exploring new restaurants, attending yoga classes, or enjoying game nights with friends.
Background
Special Education Teacher Experience 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 and Licensed 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
Emily Williams, M.A. CCC-SLP (she/her)
Director of Human Resources, 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 the HR Generalist, I strive to ensure Ampersand Therapy employees are well supported and prepared to serve their students. 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 and our family. When I am not working, I can be found walking my dog, rock climbing, or playing games with friends!
Background
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with 7+ years of experience practicing in schools in-person and remotely
Two+ years experience with management and business operations
M.A. in Communication Science (Case Western Reserve University 2017)
Matthew Thompson (he/him)
Solutions Consultant & Founder
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)
