Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and currently serves as the Senior Director of Mental Health Services at Communities In Schools Central Texas, she received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a strong focus on cultural competence and trauma-informed care. Over the past several years, she has held leadership and clinical roles serving children, adolescents, and families across Texas. She has extensive experience overseeing clinical programs, managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with state standards, and providing trauma-informed services to youth in foster care and residential treatment settings.

Shelly, LMSW, MA is the Sr. Director of Training and Education at Communities In School of Central Texas. She has over 25 years of experience in social work and training. With a rich educational background that includes master’s degrees in both Social Work and Theater, as well as her current doctoral studies in Social Work, she combines trauma-informed expertise with a deep understanding of human expression and connection. Whether facilitating Youth Mental Health First Aid, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Psychological First Aid, or Developmental Relationships, she thrives on sharing knowledge, fostering growth, creating psychologically safe environments, and inspiring positive change across diverse communities. 

Dr. Burke, a credentialed special education teacher and health and wellness coach, specializes in teaching emotional intelligence and perspective-taking through a unique coaching model. Her dissertation research highlights the transformative power of social learning tools in increasing student engagement and fostering a genuine sense of belonging. Through her C.U.B.E. Approach™, she partners with educators and families to help students identify their strengths, find their voice, and navigate their social world with confidence.

Dr. Ceasar is a nationally recognized social work leader, educator and strategist whose work advances mental health innovation, health equity and workforce transformation. In her role at Dell Med, Dr. Ceasar serves as executive leadership for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and strategic development for the Division of Social Work, guiding integrated behavioral health programs, and statewide clinical training initiatives.

An occupational therapist and a speech pathologist walk into a classroom....together...

Brooke (SLP with 10 years of school experience) and Bethany (OT with 13 years of school-based experience) have been walking into classrooms together for 3 years here in HaysCISD to support some of the districts' most complex students. Their approach is not unique, but it is proving effective. They want to work WITH teachers, not in their place or independent of them, to find systems and supports that provide meaningful academic progress for all students. Their collaboration is born of an understanding that teamwork really is the only way to make this dream work. So come join the team and learn how communication and connection can change the tone in your classroom!  

Cally is a native of Dripping Springs, Texas.  After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in English, Cally graduated from Texas A&M University School of Law.  She worked for Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas in Dallas as a staff attorney who represented victims of domestic violence.  After spending some time working in the private sector as a free-lance writer and an attorney, she is very excited to be back in the nonprofit world.  

Kasey, a Campus Support Specialist, partners with educators and campus leaders to improve teaching and learning through data-driven decision-making and targeted support. Her work focuses on building strong instructional practices, fostering collaboration, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. 

Drew is the President and CEO of Phoenix House Texas, a Professor of Addictions Counseling at TCU and the University of Mary, and the owner of Better Days Counseling in Fort Worth. With over 15 years of experience in addiction treatment and positive psychology, he is a nationally recognized trainer known for practical, evidence-based approaches. 

LaShun serves as the Director of Special Services for Hays CISD and has served as an educator for the past twenty-seven years!  She is a dedicated educator who leads and motivates district and campus professionals by providing support, coaching and mentoring for growth toward improved performance and ensuring professional development opportunities are accessible and differentiated to support employee goals and interest.  She is passionate about her role in empowering leaders and teachers and is humbled and honored to work alongside such an AMAZING Hays CISD team!

Marlen is an educator with experience teaching both middle and high school students. She specializes in creating engaging, real-world learning experiences that help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and career-ready skills. Marlen enjoys sharing practical strategies with fellow educators that increase student engagement and make learning meaningful across content areas. 

Emily, LCSW-S, is the Behavioral Health Partnership Program Liaison (BHPP) to Region 13, helping connect the ESC Region 13 school districts to mental health resources, supports, professional development, and the LMHAs. Prior to this role she briefly served as a triage and crisis assessment counselor at UT's Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC). From 2017-2023 Emily was a school-based therapist with Integral Care's Child & Family Services Division in Manor, Pflugerville, and Del Valle ISD schools, working with children ages 4-18. Emily's passion and experience lie in working with children and families who have experienced complex trauma, youth in foster care/adoption, and children struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, peer relationships, and family systems. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Emily started her professional journey working in communications and policy at a national nonprofit, the Children's Defense Fund, in Washington, DC, before moving to Texas in 2015 to obtain her MSW from the UT Steve Hicks School of Social Work, where she completed internships with AISD and LifeWorks.

Michelle is a special education teacher in the Foundational Learning program at Hays High School, where she supports students with autism, intellectual disabilities, and ADHD through structure, connection, and compassion. With over 15 years of experience, she focuses on creating calm, supportive classrooms where all students can feel safe, understood, and successful. 

Cara is a secondary educator with 16 years of experience creating engaging, high-energy classrooms where curiosity leads the way. She holds a master's degree in education from Texas State University and loves finding creative ways to connect students to learning science. When she’s not teaching, she’s usually brainstorming the next big idea to make the classroom more fun and meaningful for her students.

TyGara is a middle school behavior interventionist in the Focus program, who goes beyond managing behavior; she decodes it. She equips students with the personal management and social skills they need to succeed while digging into the root causes behind their choices. Known for her high-energy, no-nonsense approach, she turns challenges into growth and insight into action. 

Sara serves as the Success Manager and primary point of contact at SchooLinks for Hays CISD, supporting the district’s K–12 college and career platform and initiatives. She brings specialized expertise in process improvement, project management, and user support to large school districts nationwide, drawing from her background in teaching, college and career counseling, and district leadership. Originally from Texas, Sara earned her degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University with additional focuses on International Business and Cultural Studies. 

Jessica is a highly experienced facilitator of sound-based practices and self-awareness workshops, bringing her expertise to the field since 2007. 

In her sessions, Jessica combines the powerful modalities of Reiki, Sound Healing, and Guided Meditation, creating deeply transformative experiences for participants. Her ability to hold space allows individuals to explore their true selves in a new and profound way. 

Jessica's sessions provide a safe space where participants can find solace, rejuvenation, and inner peace. Her compassionate presence and intuitive understanding create an environment conducive to deep relaxation, self-reflection, and personal transformation.

Katelyn is a licensed clinical social worker in UT Health Austin Pediatric Psychiatry at Dell Children's, TCHATT. She specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, child development, neurodivergence, and supporting youth and families. Katelyn has experience working in trauma, the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), surgical units, and developmental behavioral pediatrics at Dell Children’s Medical Center. 

Amy is an LPC and Texas State University graduate with experience providing therapy in both in-person and virtual high-acuity settings. Amy has worked with both adolescents and adults, supporting clients through complex emotional and behavioral challenges with a compassionate, client-centered approach. Amy currently works as a Clinical Supervisor for an online IOP, overseeing a team of therapists and collaborating with other clinicians to create a safe, collaborative therapeutic space. 

Veronica is an experienced instructional leader with over a decade in K–12 education, currently serving as a Campus Support Specialist. Her expertise includes Gifted and Talented Education, with a focus on curriculum development, data-driven instruction, and designing impactful professional development that supports diverse learners. She has a proven track record of coaching educators, leading district initiatives, and advancing gifted and differentiated instruction to enhance student outcomes. 

Kaylynn is a mental health professional in Hays CISD, where she is passionate about supporting students’ emotional growth and sense of belonging. She also serves as the district’s Animal-Assisted Support Lead, using creative and relationship-centered approaches to promote connection, kindness, and student well-being.

Mandy is a Reading Academies Cohort Leader and Campus Support Specialist with 28 years of experience in elementary education. She specializes in advancing early literacy through evidence-based practices, including the Science of Teaching Reading. Mandy has a strong track record of designing and delivering professional learning, coaching educators, and supporting the implementation of research-based reading instruction across multiple campuses. 

Dr. Vigil serves as the Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Hays County Health Department, where she leads countywide initiatives to improve access to mental and behavioral health services through community partnerships and systems-level coordination. With a background in psychology, special education, and applied behavior analysis, her work focuses on addressing social determinants of health and advancing equitable, trauma-informed approaches to care. She holds a Ph.D. in Education and Community Leadership from Texas State University, with expertise in identity, belonging, and community-informed methodologies.