Staff Biographies

Tremia D. Polk, Program Director 
​Tremia Wattree Polk is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College-Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  After graduation, Tremia began her illustrious 30-year career in Early Childhood Intervention in rural East Texas. In 1994, Tremia and her family relocated to Houston, Texas, where she continued to provide her services as an Early Intervention Specialist. In 1998, Tremia accepted an opportunity to work with Katy ISD/ECI Project TYKE. During her tenure with Katy ISD, Tremia had the opportunity to serve as an Early Intervention Specialist, Transition Coordinator, Service Coordinator, Team Lead and her current role as t​he Director. Tremia is passionate about helping children and considers it an honor and privilege to work with ECI families serving the birth - three population. Tremia is full of optimism. Her motto is "Don't look back – always look forward".

Tremia and her husband have three children and one grandchild. When not working, Tremia loves to cook, shop, play Scrabble and enjoys time with her family.   

Teri Nghiem, Team Lead
Teri began her career in Early Childhood Intervention in December 2004 in Austin and joined ECI Project TYKE in September 2013. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Family and Child Development from Southwest Texas University, now Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Since 2004, Teri has served in several positions in Early Intervention, including, Early Intervention Specialist, Quality Assurance Coordinator, and various Leadership roles, and was named Program Team Leader in February 2021. Teri currently holds the Early Intervention Specialist certificate in Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends.

Stralecia Brewer Billing Specialist
Stralecia Brewer has built a diverse career path, starting with ECI Project TYKE in 2021. Before joining the organization, she worked in education with Dayton ISD as a paraprofessional. Stralecia leveraged her clerical and billing skills in her role as a Quality Assurance Clerk, and in 2023, she advanced to the position of Third Party Billing Specialist. Her progression within ECI highlights her dedication and growth in the professional field.

She enjoys writing, Spoken Word poetry, and spending time with family.  

Azyadeh Batista, Early Intervention Specialist
Azyadeh Batista has been with Katy ISD since 2014. Currently, Ms. Batista is an Early Intervention Specialist at ECI Project TYKE.  Ms. Batista holds a Bachelor's in Psychology, with a concentration in Counseling and a Minor in Sociology, from Our Lady of The Lake University. Ms. Batista has more than twenty years of experience in Early Childhood. Azyadeh enjoys working with children and their families and is very proud of the impact of our program in our community. 

Anna Gonzalez, Early Intervention Specialist
Anna Gonzalez received her Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy from Universidad del Valle de Mexico (Mexico City) and her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She has been working on ECI Project Tyke since 2017. She is a bilingual Early Intervention Specialist and an Enrollment coordinator. She loves working with little ones and their families.​

Christian "Brooke"  Ballard, Early Intervention Specialist

Christian Ballard, prefers to go by Brooke, graduated from Texas State University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in all-level Special Education. In 2019, she began her career in education working in the ECSE classroom for a variety of school districts, which led her to ECI Project-TYKE as an Early Childhood Specialist. Brooke is excited to be working for an incredible program and helping families and their children. 

 

 

Li​nda A Fulgham, Early Intervention Specialist
Linda earned a Bachelor's Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, and a Master's Degree from the University of Hou​​ston Graduate College of Social Work, with concentrations in Child and Family Dynamics, Attachment Theory, and Infant & Childhood Mental Health. Throughout her career, Linda has supported children and families utilizing a Home Visitation Model, coaching caregivers from a Strengths-Based Perspective.   She joined the staff of ECI Project TYKE in 2010, providing client support in several areas, including Dedicated Case Management, Enrollment and Testing, Family Education, Specialized Skills Training and Behavioral Intervention.   Linda currently holds certifications in Texas as an Early Intervention Specialist and Advanced Certified Autism Specialist.  

Linda spends her free time enjoying her children and grandchildren, attending sporting events and traveling.   

Amy Marsar, Physical Therapist
Amy received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Rhode Island.  She received her Master's of Science in Physical Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO.  She has almost 20 years' experience as a Physical Therapist, with 8 years experience in pediatrics.  She has been providing physical therapy services for the ECI Project TYKE program in Katy ISD since 2014.

Diana Nguyen, Physical Therapist

Diana was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Houston and her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at University of St. Augustine. 

Diana’s love for helping others led her to a career in physical therapy, where she’s passionate about helping people regain their mobility and independence. Becoming a mom sparked a special interest in working with children and families, which made joining Project TYKE in July 2024 a perfect fit. She’s proud to be part of a team that supports kids and their families as they grow and thrive.

When she’s not working, Diana loves spending time with her family. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have a fun-loving six-year-old son and two energetic puppies. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and hanging out with friends or playing pickleball.

​Jen​nifer Roose, Occupational Therapist
Jen has worked in the field of occupational therapy for 23 years.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Gannon University in Occupational Therapy. She has been with ECI Project TYKE for the last 7 years, since moving from Ohio to Katy, TX.  She has served in several Occupational Therapy positions over the years, including both private and school settings. She is a caring Occupational Therapist with strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in patient assessment and therapy program design and execution. 

Beth Lync​​h, Early Intervention Specialist
Beth is an Early Intervention Specialist and Service Coordinator for Project Tyke. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania in Elementary Education. Beth has worked for more than 22 years in Early intervention in Pennsylvania, California and Texas.

Angelica Rosas-Torres, Early Intervention Specialist
Angelica has worked at ECI as an Early Intervention Specialist (EIS) for 19 years.  She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Houston - Downtown in Social Sciences. She received her Master's Degree in Psychology from the University of Houston - Clear Lake.  She worked at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD - ECI program and currently works as an Early Intervention Specialist for Katy ISD ECI Project TYKE.

Shama Lawji, Occupational Therapist
Shama has worked as a pediatric Occupational Therapist for 10 years.  Prior to joining TYKE family, she served children in a private pediatric clinic, a home health agency and another Early Intervention program.  She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Baruch College in New York, and worked in the corporate world for 12 years before pursuing her Masters in Occupational Therapy from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX.​  

Shama loves working with kids and their families. She believes in empowering parents and encouraging the little ones to reach their highest potential through play and fun activities.   She enjoys reading about evidence-based practices, nature walks, traveling, beaches, and listening to music.  She is married, has ​two daughters, and two spoiled dogs. 

Karla Ojeda, Early Intervention Specialist
Karla was born and raised in Southern California. She relocated with her family to Houston, Texas, where she completed her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Houston. Her passion has always been working with children and their development.  Her passion grew when she lived in Cuenca, Ecuador for two years, working with children and families. She joined Early Childhood Intervention Project TYKE in 2007. She is a certified bilingual Early Intervention Specialist and Service Coordinator. She enjoys using all her passions and skills to contribute to the development of children birth to three. She is inspired daily by her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, photography and cooking. ​

Sheri Jackson, Early Intervention Specialist
Sheri Jackson received her Bachelor's Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA. She enjoys working with children and their families.  This is Sheri's first year working with ECI Project TYKE as an Early Intervention Specialist.

 

Yvonne Tiznado, Early Intervention Specialist
Yvonne Tiznado received her Bachelor's degree in Human Development from California State University, Long Beach and a Master's of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University, San Diego. She currently holds certification as a Licensed Behavior Analyst and has years of experience working with children with Autism. Currently, she is a bilingual Early Intervention Specialist and Service Coordinator for ECI Project Tyke. 

Franchesca Valenti,  Bilingual Clerk
Franchesca was born and raised in Argentina, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and later specialized in Cognitive Therapy. With 15 years of experience in mental health and clinical work, she has built a strong foundation in the field. She currently works as a bilingual clerk, managing the front desk, welcoming families, handling calls, and processing referrals. In her free time, Franchesca enjoys jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and outdoor adventures with her family.

Carla Anguiano, Billing Specialist
Carla has over 17 years of experience in Revenue Cycle Management in multiple specialties. Her expertise includes but not limited to: Increased coding accuracy, Reduced claim denials by improving billing procedures, to maximize revenue. She enjoys learning new specialties and uses her critical thinking, communication, research, and problem-solving skills to analyze information and make decisions that help the billing department. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and visiting new beaches and other historical places.

Kayla Gros, Speech Pathologist
Kayla joined the Project TYKE team in 2024 and enjoys her role as a member of the Early Childhood Intervention team. She is dedicated to helping children and their families facilitate functional communication and support children in becoming more independent.  Kayla has previously worked as a pediatric therapist in the outpatient setting, treating a wide variety of pediatric patients. She also has experience working with adults in acute care settings.

Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University.  Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is known for her love of coffee and her knack for organizing.

 

Shahnaaz Karmali, M.A., CCC-SLP
Originally from India, Shahnaaz completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology at California State University, Chico. She has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist for 30 years in various settings, including Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living facilities, Private Practice and Schools. Prior to joining ECI Project TYKE, Shahnaaz worked with KATY ISD for 14 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist on the Bilingual Assessment Team, helping to evaluate bilingual children and determine their speech therapy needs based on difference or disorder. Shahnaaz enjoys the opportunity to serve others using her skills and resources. Shahnaaz speaks English, Hindi and Urdu.

Shahnaaz is married and has a son who studies at Texas A&M University – Whoop! In her free time, Shahnaaz enjoys chilling with friends and family, traveling, trying new foods, and watching period dramas.

Christine Kuehl, Speech Language Pathologist
Christine has been working as a Speech Language Pathologist since 2011. She has worked in the medical setting at an acute rehabilitation center and in private clinics. Christine has worked for Katy ISD since 2013. She has experience working in both elementary and middle schools for different school districts. Christine has been on a speech-language assessment team within KISD evaluating children from 3 years of age to 18 years of age for speech-language disorders and Autism since 2015. Christine has experience with children with a variety of diagnoses, including down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, learning disability, and emotional disturbance. She joined ECI Project TYKE in July 2024.

Christine is married with two children, aged 8 and 2. 
 
 
Lourdes Pérez, Early Intervention Specialist
Lourdes has over 15 years of experience in the early childhood education field. She has worked with teachers, parents, and children in various roles, including teacher, coach/mentor, training facilitator, and family engagement specialist. Currently, Lourdes is a Bilingual Early Intervention Specialist and Service Coordinator for Project Tyke. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative.

Alysia Larin, Occupational Therapist

Alysia earned her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans in 2016 and has been dedicated to pediatric care ever since. She previously worked in a pediatric outpatient clinic, where she provided therapy to children ages 3 to 21. After welcoming her twin daughters - who benefitted from early intervention services - Alysia felt a deep calling to support other families navigating similar experiences. This personal journey inspired her to transition to early intervention, where she is passionate about empowering families to advocate for their children and play an active role in their development. 

Outside of work, Alysia enjoys making memories with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs. She loves reading, spending time outdoors, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.