Board Members
Angela Bridgewater, DPS&C Office of Juvenile Justice
Angela Jacobs-Bridgewater is a licensed clinical social worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor currently serving as a Program Manager for the Office of Juvenile Justice. She has over 30 years of experience providing direct clinical services to youth and their families, and providing clinical supervision to social workers assigned to OJJ’s probation and parole offices. Since 2010, Mrs. Bridgewater has served as the Commissioner for Interstate Compact for Juveniles which oversees the department that manages the safe return of youth that cross state lines who have abscond, escape, runaway and/or accused delinquents. As the Program Manager for the Office of Juvenile Justice, Mrs. Bridgewater is responsible for the oversight and supervision of the treatment department, which oversee treatment services for youth in community based services.
Angela is a graduate of Southern University A&M College (1991); where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work and a Master of Science degree in Social Work for the Louisiana State University (1994). In her spare time, Angela enjoys fellowshipping with family and friends, shopping and traveling.
Amanda Brunson, DCFS / Child Welfare
Judge Ree Casey- Jones, Juvenile and Family Court Judge
Judge Ree Casey-Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 2000, thereafter obtained a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center, and was admitted to practice law in 2006. Judge Ree has completed judicial certifications from the University of Nevada at Reno and a judicial fellowship at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Judge Casey-Jones is the presiding judge over the Family Preservation Drug Courts, Child Support, Adoptions, Juvenile criminal matters, and the newly implemented STAR Court which is a court for girls who are victims of human trafficking. She is also a nationally certified TBRI Practitioner. She frequently travels throughout the country visiting other courts and spends several hours learning new and innovative ways to provide fair access to justice to citizens in Caddo Parish.
Brittney L. Cochran, Department of Education
Brittney Cochran has been working in education for 18 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Louisiana State University. After working 10 years in early childhood and elementary classrooms, Brittney had the opportunity to work with educators and with system leaders on early childhood literacy, educational leadership, and system-wide school improvement in many parishes in Louisiana through her professional development work. After traveling to and working with districts across the state, she took her career toward the path of curriculum writing and development for a national company. Now serving Louisiana as the Early Childhood Strategy Director of Academics for the Louisiana Department of Education, Brittney is passionate about leadership in family engagement, instructional practices, and her commitment to making sure all students and educators grow and thrive.
Franchesca L. Hamilton- Acker, LA Bar Association, BOARD CHAIR
Franchesca-Hamilton Acker, Esq., is the Unit Leader of the Child(ren) In Need of Care Unit (CINC) at Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) where she manages the children’s representation in Child in Need of Care Cases in North, South, Central, and Southwest, Louisiana. She has practiced public interest law for over 22 years. She received a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in English and Political Science from UL (formerly USL) in 1995 and a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center in 1998. Some of her involvements includes serving as the Chair of the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund Board, member of the ABA Section of Litigation Children’s Rights Committee and the ABA Commission on Youth at Risk.
Christie Hitchens, NASW-LA
Mrs. Christie Hitchens is a Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker, employed with East Baton Rouge Parish School System for the past 19 years. She currently serves as a Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance within the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and also holds the designations of Board Approved Clinical Supervisor and Certified School Social Work Specialist. Christie earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Southern University A & M College in 1997 and a Masters of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in 2000. She has practiced in the field of educational and clinical social work for over 23 years. Christie has also served as a Social Worker within the Exceptional Student Services Department of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.
In addition to her school experience, she has also worked in medical social work, the private sector, and with Juvenile Corrections in East Baton Rouge Parish. Christie is a member of various professional, civic, and social organizations that include the National Association of Social Workers (since 2007), a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (since 2018), and she currently serves as Secretary for the Louisiana Association of Child Welfare and Attendance Personnel, Inc.,
Mrs. Hitchens is married to Christopher Hitchens Sr. and they are the proud parents of 4 children and 1 granddaughter.
Alicia Kober, LA Medical Society
Dr. Alicia Castleberry Kober was born and raised in Sulphur, Louisiana, where she graduated from Sulphur High School. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, she earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical School in Shreveport. She completed her pediatric residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Dr. Kober joined Ochsner Health in 2010, and has been working in Baton Rouge since that time. Dr. Kober takes special interest in preventive pediatrics and routine newborn care. In her time away from work she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, and 6 'fur-babies.' She is a member of the Baton Rouge Ballet and Theater Guild Steering Committee and is an active equestrian.
Yolanda Motley, Early Childhood Education
An innovative thinker with a passion for youth and early childhood education, Yolanda T. Motley joined Clover, Inc., formerly Kingsley House of New Orleans, LA in March of 2006. During her 33 year career tenure, Yolanda has partnered with staff and community organizations to provide support for under-resourced children and families to ensure high quality education and the overall well-being of pregnant moms, infants, and children. Prior to Clover, she served as a member of the rleans Parish Public School System for 14 years working initially as First Grade Classroom Instructor, then matriculating to Title I Staff Development Coordinator, Literacy Facilitator, Reading Coach and Interim Principal. She also served as a Louisiana Mentor and Assessor to new teachers in the field.
Kimberly Sherman, LA Psychological Association
Dr. Kim Sherman, a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist, is a senior professor of practice at Tulane University. She teaches educational psychology and evidence-based intervention courses, supervises practicum students, and consults in schools and agencies serving youth.
Jolie Williamson, Children's Cabinet
Jolie V. Williamson is a seasoned educator with over 14 years of experience in public education. With a B.A. in Political Science and an M.S. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, Jolie brings a strong academic background to her roles. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her excellence, including winning the NSDA Louisiana District New Coach of the Year in 2023 and being nominated for LEF Teacher of the Year for seven consecutive years.
Jolie's passion for education extends beyond the classroom. She has a diverse range of experiences, from working closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the aftermath of Katrina as an Intern for Louisiana Senator Vitter, instructing martial arts students, earning a gold medal at the Bushi-Ban International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament in Houston, Texas in 2017, to volunteering in various capacities, including Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where she earned over 200 plus volunteer service hours at the age of 15, and emceeing for nonprofit events, just to name a few. Her commitment to civic engagement is evident through her participation in programs like the LA Center for Law & Civic Education and her role as a Social Studies presenter for district and state-level professional development.
As an educator and Head Speech/Debate Coach at Lafayette High School, Jolie has demonstrated her leadership abilities and dedication to student success. Her involvement in programs like the 'We the People' Council Project showcases her ability to engage students in critical thinking and civic responsibility.
Outside of education, Jolie is an active member of her community, volunteering, participating in martial arts, and exploring the rich history and culture of Louisiana. With her diverse skill set, passion for education, and commitment to community engagement, Jolie V. Williamson is passionate and ready to serve as the Director of Children's Programs and Executive Director of the Louisiana Children's Cabinet, guiding the state's efforts to support and uplift its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
Tamara Foster- Montgomery, Southern University
Ms. Tamara Foster-Montgomery representing the University Community. Tamara Foster-Montgomery is the Director of the Career Services Center at Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge where she is providing leadership focused on the university’s mission and purpose. She continues to build meaningful relationships creating opportunities for growth and incorporating new technology for the program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Nelson-Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Southern University and A & M College. Mrs. Foster-Montgomery is a member of several national and regional professional associations including the National Association of Colleges and Employers, Louisiana Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Louisiana Association of Colleges and Employers (LACE), and Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE). She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Foster-Montgomery is a mentor, motivational speaker, and a servant leader with a genuine heart to serve others. She is also an entrepreneur, project manager and business consultant with over 15 years of experience.