I grew up in Fort Worth with my parents and younger brother. I attended Paschal HS and graduated in 1996, then entered college at Texas Wesleyan University. I attended TWU for 2 years before transferring to Tarleton State University where I graduated in 2001. I began my child welfare career at CPS around 2001 as an investigator at the Child Advocacy Center. I worked high profile cases dealing with severe physical and sexual abuse. In 2005, I promoted to Investigative Supervisor, where I supervised 6-8 investigators. In 2007, my father passed away and I resigned from DFPS for 3 years. In 2010, I returned as an Investigative Supervisor until my departure to CASA of Tarrant County in 2016. I have worked as the Program Director at CASA, supervising 5 supervisors, 20 specialists and 400+ volunteers. I truly feel that my life’s purpose is to ensure families receive the support and resources they need to best care for their family. I want to make the most out of my one sacred life, and feel that giving back to those with limited opportunities and resources is my way to do this.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Clint and we have 3 beautiful daughter’s, Emma, Audrey and Brooke. Clint is a Texas Game Warden and also grew up in Fort Worth. We love to spend time together- boating, camping, hunting, anything outdoors. I love reality TV shows like Survivor and The Bachelor for down time!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In my current position as Program Director, I love being able to coach and guide our supervisors in understanding the importance of family connections and how trauma affects the youth we serve. I enjoy seeing the little wins we get when an advocate has effectively advocated for the best interest of the family. I truly feel that CASA volunteers are some of the best humans in the world. Their hearts are so big and thoughtful.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Japanese Palace is my favorite restaurant! I also like Kincaid Burgers and Pappadeux.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
45 years
Q: What is the best advice you have received?
To not ever take life for granted!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
CASA of Tarrant County
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Dirk Nowitzki- Del Frisco’s
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, the Omni theatre, Water Gardens
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That my spirit animal is a red-tailed hawk, every time I see one flying it makes me happy.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dr. Pepper
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and girls
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safety, Security and Familiar
