Kristy Montes was born and raised in California. She attended California State University, Northridge, majoring in Child and Adolescent Behavior. Kristy moved to Texas to be closer to her family. She is a mom of two energetic kids and has been married for 12 years to Franklin. Kristy has 12+ year serving families and…
Kathy Mendoza is currently serving in the position as Grant Coordinator for STEP UP Texas. She is a native Texan having been born and raised in Georgetown, TX. Many positions she has held throughout her career have been in service to her community. One of her most recent role was assisting in establishing…
Hello, my name is Clarence “Teddy” Jones and I am the Director of Restorative Practices Training for STEP-UP Texas. I graduated from Texas State University and received a B.A. in History with a minor in Sociology. As part of my 20-year professional journey, I have served as the Coordinator of Student Agency and Engagement…
Kaitlyn Bruch is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is the Trauma Informed Training and Technical Assistance Professional (TTAP) for STEP UP Texas in Williamson County. Additionally, Kaitlyn is the Trauma Informed Practices Administrator for Williamson County Juvenile Services in Georgetown, Texas. Kaitlyn received her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences from Concordia University Texas…
Dr. Lorna Hermosura is the Project Director of STEP UP Texas and is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin where she teaches “Restorative Practices” to future teachers. Lorna holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy, a master’s degree in counseling, and a bachelor’s…
Matt Smith is the Assistant Executive Director for the Williamson County Juvenile Services Department in Georgetown, Texas. Matt is a certified Juvenile Probation Officer and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English & Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996 and his master’s degree in Human Services with a focus in…
R. Renee Hernandez, PhD, LPC-S #73875, LMFT-S #202586, NCC, TBRI Educator, Executive Director of Programs and Services 512-246-4308 | renee.hernandez@starry.org R. Renee Hernandez is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (#73875) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor (#202586) who works as the Executive Director of Programs and Services at STARRY. Renee attended Texas State University…
Christine Simpson, MEd, Executive Director of Operations & Philanthropy 737-402-8154 | christine.simpson@starry.org Bio coming soon!
Martha Steele, BS, Senior Director of Business Administration 512-882-0075 | martha.steele@starry.org
Dawn Wood, MBA, Senior Director of Finance and Accounting 512-675-4144 | dawn.wood@starry.org I’m Dawn Wood, the Senior Director of Finance and Accounting. I was born and raised in Michigan and moved to Texas in 2019. I attended Hope College in Holland, MI and obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. I then received my Master’s Degree…