MEET YOUR THERAPIST
Liliana Salinas, COTA
Liliana is a Occupational Therapy Assistant student at Lone Star College-Kingwood. She is a nature lover; she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, and listening to music. Liliana has always loved helping others and knew her heart belonged in the medical field. She completed her first level II fieldwork rotation with Dreamcatchers and has joined the Dream team! Liliana is optimistic about the future and has been rocking it as a COTA with Dreamcatchers.
Elisa Plascencia Avila, COTA
Elisa graduated from Lonestar Tomball in 2022. She was born in Mexico, moved to Texas when she was 7 years old. She did not know any English, but worked to learn the language. Through dedication and consistency, Elisa was able to learn English within 9 months of arriving to Texas. Elisa always knew her career path was to help others. Elisa has always loved children, being able to see their smiles as they accomplish goals makes her day. Elisa is adventurous, loves trying new foods, learning about new cultures and loves to take the opportunity to enjoy the little moments in life. Elisa enjoys volunteering and helping others beyond her career field. She thrives on the opportunities to spread love and joy. Elisa's long term goal is to return to school to obtain her Masters/Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Wendy Mai, COTA
My name is Wendy, and I am a COTA from Lafayette. I have been on the field for 8 years, working in various settings from skilled nursing to a trauma medical center. I am married with one, beautiful daughter and 3 fur babies. On my free time, I enjoy relaxing things with my family such as picnics, listening to music, simple outdoor activities like crabbing or fishing, napping with my kids, and playing cozy video games. What I love about being an COTA is helping families grow through life and it’s challenges.
TRACIE FRETTY, COTA
My name is Tracie Fretty. I taught preschool- 3rd grade 17 years and special education pull-out intervention for 2 years. My son was diagnosed with speech delay and ID/ Intellectual Disability which ignited the passion to pursue the field of Occupational Therapy to support and help him overcome the many obstacles he would face throughout his life. As a COTA I can support families and help children excel and reach their full potential in education and life skills. I’m excited to work with DreamCatchers to enhance the quality of life for each and every child.
Pooja Venkatadri, COTA
Pooja is a native of Portland, OR and grew up in the Bay Area of CA and in Baton Rouge, LA. She graduated with an Associates of Applied Sciences in 2020 from St. Catherine University. She chose occupational therapy as her profession because she loved that she could help someone from any age group accomplish goals and milestones through the use of everyday or meaningful activities, like play, which truly resonated with her. Her work and school experiences include engaging with populations in out and in-patient rehabilitation, pediatric/special needs, acute and long-term acute care, and mental health. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, cooking, crafting, and playing video games.
Pricilla Cabrera, COTA
Pricilla has been working in the field of Occupational Therapy for 15 years and specifically in pediatrics for the last 11 years. She initially transitioned to this field after watching a PBS special about children recovering in therapy at M.D. Anderson. I am 1 of 11 children in my family and children of all ages have a special place in my heart. I believe we all have challenges that we can overcome with help, positive motivation, support and consistency. Children are resilient and there are no limitations to their ability to overcome any challenges. At the end of each session my goal is to leave a positive and successful result in the child’s treatment that will continue to motivate them and their parents. “Every child deserves someone who will never give up on them and understands the influence of determination and perseverance to overcome any and all challenges.
Chiaedu Okwumabua, COTA
My name is Chinaedu Okwumabua, I have worked with the pediatric population for over a decade and my approach is simply that there isn't any challenge too big to address. I enjoy working on improving neuromuscular education of high sensory needs children and developing their overall development. I am a husband and a father to three wonderful children of whom are my world.
Urivi Perales, COTA
ROBIN GRESHAM, COTA
Robin is a native of Texas. She has been practicing Occupational Therapy for over 12 years. She is a devoted mother ad grandmother. She enjoys working with children and is truly compassionate about occupational therapy.
Amanda Hudson, COTA
My name is Amanda Hudson, I am a COTA from Lafayette, Louisiana. I have been working in the field of occupational therapy for 3 years now. I am married and have a dog name Sabine. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends and travel with them. What originally drew me to occupational therapy is that we could play all day and help others reach mile stones in their life. What I have learned and continues to drive me, is that we are helping others learn their basic life skills and provide ways to enhance their quality of life. I look forward to continue learning and growing as a COTA working with Dreamcatchers!