Our Team
Founded by a passionate team of therapists, Mockingbird Therapy is dedicated to nurturing every child's ability to communicate. Through personalized therapy sessions and a commitment to innovative practices, we empower not just developmental skills but also a future of confidence and success.
Kara Sanchez
Speech Pathologist & Owner
Kara Sanchez, founder of Mockingbird Therapy, is a licensed Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist with 20 years of experience in Central Texas public schools. Driven by a passion for early intervention, she established Mockingbird to offer personalized speech therapy focused on language and its critical role in reading and writing. A native Texan and resident of Austin, Kara holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas and Our Lady of the Lake University, respectively. Her work, particularly with neurogenic speech disorders and multilingual speakers, informs the unique, client-focused programs at Mockingbird, ensuring each client benefits from dedicated and effective therapy.
Amelia Penoli
Physical Therapist
Amelia, a proud Longhorn alum from Central Texas, lives in Austin with her family. She earned her Psychology/Liberal Arts Honors degree and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas Women’s University. With 15 years of experience focusing on infants to preschoolers in outpatient and home health settings, Amelia combines her professional expertise and personal experience as a mother to enhance children's physical development. She champions therapy through play, integrating games, obstacle courses, and fun activities into sessions, ensuring they are enjoyable and impactful for young children.
Katherine Johnson
Speech Language Pathologist
Katherine is a seasoned pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience across diverse settings. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. Her expertise is enriched by her role as a mother of three, deepening her understanding of child development and family dynamics. Her past work experience includes working in a model school for children with autism and providing in-home early intervention services in New York City, working across settings as a Highly Specialist Speech Therapist in London, and providing both home and clinic-based services in Austin. She loves supporting children of all ages through their communication journey and values collaboration with families in order to provide the best support for each child. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys camping, traveling with her family, cooking, and engaging in community service.
Alethia Ostfeld
Special Education & Section 504 Parent Advocate
Alethia's commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities and their families are valued and heard has driven her career. With over 16 years of experience in Special Education within the Austin Independent School District, Alethia has taught vulnerable children and aided families through the complexities of special education. As an administrative supervisor, she oversaw districtwide IEP audits, collaborated on compensatory service requests, and provided guidance on special education laws and policies.
Originally from the Ann Arbor-Detroit area of Michigan, Alethia's dedication to education deepened while working for the University of Michigan and completing her undergraduate degree at Eastern Michigan University. Moving to Austin, TX, in August 2018 to secure special education services for her daughter, she experienced firsthand the challenges families face, strengthening her resolve to advocate for better support systems.
Alethia is a mother to five children, ages 2 to 24, and cherishes teaching and watching them grow. Together with her supportive husband, she is dedicated to educating parents about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and advocating for the educational rights of students with disabilities.
Anne Alvarez
Speech Language Pathologist
Anne Alvarez, a lifelong Texan, earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. Over six years at Bilinguistics, she honed her skills in a range of settings including schools, clinics, and home visits, specializing in early childhood intervention. After leaving Bilinguistics to embrace motherhood, Anne moved to Mexico with her family, where she continued her practice by aiding children with speech and language challenges at a local school.
Anne is passionate about connecting with each child she works with, uncovering what motivates them, and witnessing the joy as they master new communication skills. She values collaboration with teachers and families, leveraging her own experiences as a mother to enhance her practice.
When not working, Anne enjoys walks around Lady Bird Lake, volunteering at her church and children's school, and participating in YMCA's body pump classes. She cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends.
