Jacara Smith, MSW
Jacara was raised in Chicago, IL, where a deep sense of community and resilience shaped her passion for helping others. She relocated to Houston, TX, to pursue a Bachelor in Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown. Driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact, she continued her education to earn a Master of […]
Vicki Hutchison, LMSW
Vicki has had a lifelong passion for serving children and families and has worked extensively with youth affected by trauma in multiple settings. Prior to joining Chosen, she worked for many years at the Council on At Risk Youth (CARY) in Austin, TX, where she provided case management and behavioral interventions in a school environment, to […]
Deni Avant
Deni Avant has spent over a decade working in the non-profit sector, specializing in communications, marketing, and storytelling. Her passion is helping organizations share their mission along with the significant impact they are making in people’s lives, aiming to inspire supporters and further the mission’s growth. She brings extensive experience in copywriting for various media […]
Tiffany Goddard
Tiffany is a dedicated and skilled professional with a strong background in administrative roles. She is passionate about organizing and managing operations to ensure efficiency and success. Known for her strong work ethic and dedication, Tiffany fosters positive relationships with colleagues and clients through her professional yet approachable demeanor. She is excited to contribute her […]
Rachelle Resendes, MEd
Rachelle has a passion for making a difference in the lives of families and children. She joined Chosen in May of 2022 as a Care Manager in Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood) from Wayland Baptist University. She also holds a master’s degree in Education from Liberty University. Rachelle […]
Meredith Hall
Meredith grew up in San Marcos, Texas where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Science and a minor in Social Work. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and will graduate in December. Meredith is […]
Jessica Bernier, MBA
Jessica Bernier has dedicated her professional life to nonprofit accounting in the pursuit of helping nonprofit organizations succeed in their goals of providing services to those who need them the most. Her role at Chosen allows her to carry out that mission as Accounting Manager. Jessica joined Chosen in 2022 after completing her education and […]
Elizabeth Aleman, LCSW-S
Elizabeth Aleman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor dedicated to providing services to adolescents, young adults and families; covering a multitude of issues including trauma-based behaviors, mental health struggles and challenges met while navigating the foster care system. As a clinician, Elizabeth has spent most of her career working with children, adolescents and […]
Cassandra Salazar
Cassandra Salazar believes that every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, and she is passionate about making this vision a reality. Her role at Chosen directly plays into that passion; as Mission Advancement Director, she fortifies the organization through fundraising and the cultivation of authentic relationships, so that vulnerable children touched […]
John Martinez, TBRI® Practitioner
John is a Care Manager for Chosen. He is trained in both Family Functional Therapy and Trauma Systems Therapy. John graduated Cum Laude from Queens College with a bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Sociology. He has spent his career serving children, families, and working with parents from a multitude of different backgrounds. John is […]
Blake Taylor, LMSW, TBRI® Practitioner
Blake is a Senior Program Manager at Chosen. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a master’s degree obtained from The University of Missouri Kansas City, where she was a National Child Welfare Workforce Initiative trainee/scholarship recipient. Her passion for helping children and families started when she was able to work with families throughout […]
Bethany Hall, MSN, FNP-C
Bethany Hall is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Complex Developmental Trauma (CDT). She is passionate about helping teens and older children heal from years of abuse and neglect as well as helping families navigate biological family relationships in the context of foster care and open adoption. In addition to working with children, Bethany […]
