Our Team

Leadership

Leonard Rodriguez

CEO

Christopher Lopez

Vice President of Operations

"For what it's worth... it's never too late to be whoever you want to be "- F. Scott Fitzgerald I’ve spent more than 15 years working alongside young people with a history of foster care, and I’m lucky to have built a career around something I truly care about by creating opportunities, building programs, and making sure young people have the support they need to succeed. I’m an award-winning advocate, proud Texas A&M University Corpus Christi alum, and nonprofit leader who believes in working hard, having a little fun along the way, and never forgetting the people behind the numbers.

Juan Reyna

Heart Gallery Director

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi Originally from Brownsville, Texas, I serve as Director of the Heart Gallery of South Central Texas, a program of THRU Project, and bring extensive experience working in the child welfare field. I am passionate about building strong community partnerships, advocating for children and youth in foster care, and creating opportunities for them to achieve permanency and find loving, supportive families.

Dana Holden

Finance and Compliance Specialist

Alexis Lara

Director of Development

Don't you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can't be exactly who you are. - Lady Gaga I am a nonprofit development professional with more than eight years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations through fundraising, donor relations, communications, and community engagement. A graduate of Texas A&M University, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Latino and Mexican American Studies. I am passionate about helping organizations build sustainable support for the people and communities at the heart of their mission.

Staff

Baylee Alford

Development Manager

Daniel Aragon

Community Relations Coordinator

Scott Croom

Marketing & Systems Coordinator

"“There's a door. Where does it go? It stays where it is, I think.” ― Terry Pratchett" With more than two decades of marketing experience spanning financial services, legal services, fundraising, and engineering and robotics education, I bring a diverse perspective to strategic communications and community engagement. As the parent of two adopted children, I am also a passionate advocate for adoption and for helping children find loving, permanent families.

Brandi Drennon

Intake Coordinator

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" - Eeyore, A.A Milne I have earned my LMSW degree from Chamberlain University after graduating from Texas A&M - San Antonio. I have a huge love for animals, playing video games, watching anime, and spending time with my small family! 🙂

Ally Gonzales

Development Coordinatory/Life Skills Trainer

I dwell in possibility -Emily Dickinson I'm always evolving, curious about what's next, and unafraid to take a path that feels true to me. I believe life is less about having everything figured out and more about staying open to who you might become.

Emily Hoopingarner

Special Projects

"Helping one person might not change the world, but it can change the world for one person." I combine experience in operations, marketing, strategy, communications, and fundraising with a passion for helping organizations and communities thrive. I bring a collaborative, results-driven approach to advancing mission-focused initiatives and creating meaningful impact.

Khristan Taylor

Housing Resource Coordinator

Camden Thompson

LPC-Associate

"Lead with curiosity." "I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate who uses a person-centered approach to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. I am trained in EMDR and provide compassionate, high-quality, trauma-informed care to support my clients in their healing and growth. "

Sarah Waltz

LCSW-S

“Owning our story can be hard, but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.” -Brené Brown I have been in the helping profession for over a decade, starting in 2014 working with children in residential treatment through the foster care system. Throughout my career, I have been an advocate, mentor, and clinician for children, teens, and young adults experiencing social and emotional turmoil.

Deanna Wilks

Community Relations Coordinator

"The answer is always no until you ask." I have been working with children for over 30 years. I began as a classroom teacher but quickly learned that kids needed so much more than what she could give in the classroom. My goals are to give as many opportunities as possible for life change, so children and young adults live their lives filled with hope for the future.

Jason Silvaggio

Community Relations Coordinator

"Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive." I worked for DFPS for over 10 years as a caseworker and then PAL (preparation for adult living) specialist. Before that I was born and raised in El Paso and went to New Mexico State University.