About Us

Ann Marie became the President & CEO of Child Advocates of Montgomery County in February 2021. She first joined Child Advocates as a volunteer Advocate in 2014. Ann Marie took on the role of Training Director in early 2018.

Ann Marie has spearheaded many Child Advocates initiatives, including expanding the organization’s advocacy efforts beyond the child welfare system to serve youth involved in the juvenile justice and truancy systems and launching its Community Education division. The Justice-Involved Youth and Truancy Prevention programs were the first of their kind in the state of Texas. As a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® Practitioner, she has grown Child Advocates’ partnership with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University and is a leader in the implementation of TBRI® within the child welfare, truancy, and juvenile justice systems. Under her guidance, the organization developed a Community Education division that provides TBRI® education for numerous organizations, including Child Protective Services, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, and school districts, as well as trafficking and exploitation prevention education for community groups.

Ann Marie is well known throughout Texas and beyond as an expert on the impact of childhood trauma, with a passion for the mission of Child Advocates to positively impact the lives of children and families who have experienced trauma. Ann Marie is the co-chair of the Trauma-Informed Montgomery County Task Force, which promotes a county where the community recognizes and understands how to best respond to children who have experienced trauma. Thanks to Ann Marie’s vision, Child Advocates became a TBRI® Ambassador organization in 2023 and leads the way in trauma education and innovation across the country.

She is a member of the Leadership Montgomery County class of 2022. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marquette University, Milwaukee; a master’s in nursing from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee; and a certificate of Non-Profit Leadership from the University of Texas. Ann Marie and her husband, Matt, live with their five children in Montgomery. She is a native Wisconsinite and a huge Green Bay Packer fan.

Camille joined the Child Advocates of Montgomery County team in 2024 as the Senior Director of Programs and Services. Camille brings more than 20 years of experience working with vulnerable children and youth who are involved in the child welfare system, as well as a personal connection to CASA. She has worked directly with foster and adoptive families, in addition to children living in residential care. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner and was previously licensed as a Child Care Administrator and Child Placing Agency Administrator.

Camille was drawn to Child Advocates of Montgomery County because she has personally seen the positive impact a volunteer Advocate can make in a child’s life. She believes in the mission and all the work being accomplished by Child Advocates of Montgomery County.

Camille holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. Originally from San Antonio, Camille and her family recently relocated to Houston from Maryland. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, vacationing at Port A, and spending time with friends and family.

Alli joined the Child Advocates team as Director of Communications & Engagement in 2013 and was promoted to Senior Director of Communications & Outreach in 2025. She brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, with a focus on volunteer recruitment, donor development, marketing, and public relations. Her first encounter with Child Advocates (CASA) was while working for another nonprofit in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she was deeply inspired by the compassion and commitment of CASA volunteers. She remembers thinking, “I want to know more about CASA and how I can help.”

Several years later, after relocating to Montgomery County, Alli was thrilled to join Child Advocates as the organization’s first dedicated marketing and communications staff member. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University, a Certificate in International Business from the Mays Graduate School of Business at Texas A&M, and proudly claims her status as an Aggie former student. She is a graduate of the Leadership Montgomery County class of 2019 and has volunteered and chaired committees for the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Optimists Club of Coos Bay, Oregon, Zonta International, and the Nueces County A&M Club.

Alli lives in Huntsville with her husband, Micah, and their two dogs, Sam and Tessa (who are convinced they run the household). They are proud parents to son Clayton (and his wife Emily), doting grandparents to Harper, and cheerleaders for daughter Claire, who attends Sam Houston State University. In her free time, Alli enjoys sourdough baking, traveling, gardening, and spending time with family. She’s also been known to talk to her plants, name her sourdough starter, and pack way too many snacks for road trips “just in case.”

Samantha joined the Child Advocates team as Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships in 2025. Samantha is a dedicated community leader and fifth-generation Texan with deep, longstanding roots in Montgomery County. Her early involvement in competitive sports instilled in her a strong work ethic, a passion for teamwork, and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Professionally, Samantha has spent the past 15 years championing the local business community and collaborating with fellow servant leaders. In her current role as Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships, she oversees fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, and community partnerships. Her leadership supports the organization’s mission to provide consistent advocacy for children experiencing adversity.

Samantha’s commitment to collaboration, growth, and service drives her work to eliminate childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect, helping build a connected community where children and families can truly thrive.

Married to her high school sweetheart and raising their three children, Samantha values tradition, family, and the generational strength that grounds the place they call home.

Francine joined Child Advocates in January 2022 as a Case Supervisor after volunteering as an Advocate since 2016. She was named TBRI® & Community Education Specialist in 2023 and became the Director in 2025.

Francine has had a wonderfully varied career, working in legal, educational, political, and social media fields. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner and is certified to teach Love146’s Not a Number curriculum. Francine was drawn to Child Advocates through the potential of making a positive impact in the lives of children and families in crisis in Montgomery County. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lamar University.

Francine is a native Texan and has one husband and two grown children. She is an avid reader and passionate coffee drinker who loves Saturday morning brunch and antique shopping. She loves learning about new things and traveling with her family. She enjoys needlepoint, fiber and paper crafting, and walking through the Piney Woods of East Texas.

Erica joined the Child Advocates team in December 2021 after volunteering as an Advocate. She moved into her position as Assistant Director of Communications in 2023. During her more than two years as a Case Supervisor, she worked with a team of Advocates to ensure that a child’s best interest was being met while in care.

She is a TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention®) Practitioner and is certified to teach Love146’s Not a Number curriculum. Erica has nearly 20 years of experience in communications, publishing, and public relations. Erica received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas A&M University.

She and her family live in Montgomery County. Erica enjoys reading, hiking, and cheering for the Houston Astros.

Sol joined Child Advocates of Montgomery County as an Advocacy Specialist in August 2022 and became the Lead Child Welfare Advocacy Specialist in October 2024. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner. She learned about Child Advocates’ mission and vision through a dear friend and immediately found herself deeply mobilized and driven to be a part of the organization. She started as an Advocate and soon realized the huge impact of being instrumental in ensuring the best interest and safety of children involved in the child welfare system.

Originally from Argentina, Sol and her family moved to Texas in 2011, establishing their permanent home in Montgomery County. She holds a PhD in Geology and a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems. She worked for more than 15 years as a geologist. Initially, she developed activities as a geoscientist researcher in academic institutions and labs in Argentina, Brazil, and Canada, and later, she worked in the oil and gas industry as a consultant in both Argentina and the United States. She also has experience in teaching and mentoring.

Sol is the mother of two wonderful girls, and her husband works for an oil and gas company. The family’s cat, Spooky, completes the picture. She loves to read, spend quality time with friends, and travel.

Mike Quinn’s journey with Child Advocates of Montgomery County began in 2018 as a dedicated volunteer Advocate. In 2020, he transitioned to the staff as an Advocacy Specialist, bringing with him a wealth of experience shaped by an extraordinary career in military service, government leadership, and business strategy.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Mike served as a pilot and politico/military strategy officer, directing counter-narcotic operations in South America. He later retired as a member of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, followed by a role as Special Assistant to the Chairman and Executive Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission. His expertise extended into business development, where he led major technology companies to secure over $900 million in global outsourcing contracts.

After a distinguished career spanning multiple industries, Mike retired a second time and discovered CASA advocacy—a pursuit he describes as the most rewarding experience of his life. His passion for helping children navigate complex systems stems from his belief that advocating for a child’s best interests also means supporting their parents.

Mike brings deep expertise in problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and working with incomplete or conflicting information—skills that serve him well in advocating for justice-involved youth.

A holder of an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, Mike has traveled extensively, spending nights in over 70 countries. A lifelong golf enthusiast, he humorously admits that after 40 years, he’ll never be called a golfer—but his dedication to Child Advocates proves he is certainly a champion for children.

Shellie joined the Child Advocates team in August 2017 as Recruiting Manager and now serves as the organization’s Lead Outreach Specialist. Shellie has a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. She has over 25 years of experience in public health research and education, all focusing on women and children’s health and empowerment.

Shellie became a volunteer Advocates for Child Advocates in 2016. After realizing the incredible difference Advocates make in the lives of Montgomery County children, she joined the staff as a recruiter. Shellie became a TBRI® Practitioner in 2023. She enjoys riding this incredible adventure of life with her husband and daughter.

Juliann joined Child Advocates of Montgomery County in January 2025 as a Training & TBRI®Community Education Specialist. Juliann worked in residential child care for 11 years. She started in direct care, working with children ages 5 to 18, for four-and-a-half years before moving into program management for nearly 7 years.

She is a TBRI® Practitioner. She is also a licensed Child Care Administrator and a facilitator of both Making Sense of Your Worth and Parenting for Positive Self Worth curriculums. Drawn to Child Advocates because of its impressive reputation, Juliann wants to spread TBRI® to her community, the state of Texas, and beyond.

Juliann earned a bachelor’s degree in Portland, Oregon. Originally from California, Juliann moved to Texas in 2010 and fell in love with the area . . . and her husband, whom she met and married here! They have a Siberian husky with a mind of her own that keeps them busy. In her free time, Juliann loves crafting, doodling, or exploring the great outdoors.

Julie joined Child Advocates of Montgomery County in early 2022 as the Advocacy Training Specialist. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner and is certified to teach Love146’s Not a Number curriculum.

Julie previously worked for twenty-five years in the benefits administration industry with Alight Solutions (formerly Aon Hewitt and Hewitt Associates). Her roles ranged from customer service associate and manager to operations analyst and health and welfare client manager.

Julie was exposed to Child Advocates of Montgomery County through a work-related event and became an Advocate in 2013. She was drawn to children in need of a voice and knowing her daughter would be graduating from high school, felt it was time to lend a hand.

Julie brings strong communication and project management skills to her role, along with a love of interacting with various people, learning new tools, and directly helping the community. Julie is originally from New York and attended Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). She is also on the path to completing a Child Yoga Teacher certification program.

Ashling joined the Child Advocates team in August 2024 after serving as a volunteer Advocate for several years. She became a TBRI® Practitioner in 2026.

Linda joined the Child Advocates team in August 2024 after serving as a volunteer Advocate. Linda is a retired Deputy Probation Officer—she worked for the County of San Diego for 24 years in the criminal justice system in both investigations and supervision of juveniles and adults. She was a subject matter expert in sex offenses and domestic violence. She also was a member of the Domestic Violence High Risk Lethality Team, which worked with victims and community partners to ensure reduced harm to victims.

Originally from San Diego, California, Linda moved to Texas in 2022. After working with teenagers and adults in her prior career, she was excited to work with a younger population as a volunteer Advocate in the hopes of helping the children and families in Montgomery County. Having experienced the warmth and care of the Child Advocates staff as a volunteer, she embraced the opportunity to become a full-time team member.

Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from San Diego State University. She is married with four children between the ages of 15 and 21. She and her husband live in The Woodlands with their two youngest children. As a puppy and kitten foster, she especially loves working with neonates who need to be bottle fed.

Taryn Gordon is a Community Educator who is certified to teach Love146’s Not a Number curriculum. She has served as an Advocate since 2018 and volunteered in several areas of the organization.

Rosa Hoadley is an Advocacy Specialist with over a decade of experience advocating for vulnerable populations. Her experience ranges from working with those who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness, and child abuse. In 2019, she began working for CASA of Walker County and joined Child Advocates of Montgomery County in 2024. Rosa became a TBRI® Practitioner in 2026.

Through her personal and professional experience, Rosa has developed a relentless passion to ensure that the voices of all are heard despite their status and circumstances.

Rosa earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University. She is also certified to teach Love146’s Not a Number curriculum. When she’s not working, Rosa enjoys being outdoors with her husband and three adorable children, working out, and volunteering her time in children’s ministry at her church.

Martha joined Child Advocates of Montgomery County in 2025.

Tracy joined Child Advocates in August 2025 as an Accounting & Operations Specialist. She brings more than 25 years of accounting expertise across multiple industries and a decade of human resources experience. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Sam Houston State University.

With her love for children, Tracy was excited to use her professional skills to support a mission that helps children and families in crisis.

Her family has deep roots in Montgomery and Grimes Counties, dating back to the 1880s. Married for 34 years, Tracy is a proud mom of two adult children and grandmother to two. Tracy enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and watching movies while snuggling with her dogs.

Stacey joined the Child Advocates team in 2021 as the Office Coordinator. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner. She’s had a lifelong passion for volunteer work, especially helping children, seniors, and animals.

Stacey grew up in Montgomery, Texas, and later attended the Art Institute of Houston. She has experience working as an elementary art teacher, designer, entrepreneur, and insurance agent. She and her husband have two grown children. In her spare time, Stacey loves spending time with her family, friends, and rescue dog Toby, and working on art projects, baking, and making pasta.

Marilyn first came to Child Advocates of Montgomery County as a volunteer Advocate in 2009 before joining the staff and serving in a multitude of roles including Case Supervisor and Program Director before retiring in April 2023. A TBRI® Practitioner, Marilyn continues to support Child Advocates as the Quality Assurance Specialist.

Before joining Child Advocates, Marilyn spent 30 years in early childhood education. For twenty of those years, she owned and directed a large private school and childcare center in Galveston County. After selling her school, her family moved to Montgomery County. Marilyn has always had a passion for making a difference in the lives of children. She is married with 5 children and 9 grandchildren. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Marilyn came to Texas in the 1970s and loved it here. (She admits that she does still have a steadfast loyalty to the Pittsburgh Steelers.)

Hiroko joined the Child Advocates team in November 2025 as an Advocacy Specialist after serving as a volunteer Advocate since 2022. Her passion for supporting children and families in her community inspired her to take on this role and continue making a difference.

Hiroko enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her family.

Vanessa joined the Child Advocates team in November 2025 as an Advocacy Specialist, bringing with her a deep commitment to ensuring every child’s voice is amplified. Prior to joining the staff, Vanessa served as a volunteer Advocate on several cases, where she discovered her calling: advocating for vulnerable children.

Originally from Argentina, Vanessa has lived in Michigan, Brazil, and Texas, where she has resided since 2016. Her dedication to service extends beyond Child Advocates, with past volunteer experiences including the Michigan Department of Human Services, Macomb County Senior Center, and Interfaith of The Woodlands, among other organizations.

Vanessa is a licensed attorney in Argentina and holds a law degree from Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA). She also earned an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology from Lone Star College-Montgomery County.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys walking, spending time with friends, and painting.

Karen became an Advocate in 2013 and joined the Child Advocates team as a Case Supervisor until 2015 when she took time off to care for her youngest daughter. She happily returned to the staff in April 2022 as an Advocacy Specialist. After becoming a TBRI® Practitioner in 2023, Karen transitioned into the role of TBRI® & Community Education Specialist for two years. She now serves as a TBRI® Coach.

Karen grew up in Venezuela and moved to Texas in 2005. She and her husband, Gus, have three beautiful girls and two dogs. Karen went to UT Dallas and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Child Learning and Development in 2012. She is passionate about advocating for families and unveiling their best version by providing education and support. Karen enjoys traveling and good food!

Katie Wamhoff joined the Child Advocates team as an Advocacy Specialist in August 2024.

Victoria joined the Child Advocates team in 2019 after two and half years as a conservatorship caseworker with Child Protective Services in Montgomery County. As the Courtesy CASA for Montgomery County, she oversees the local visits for cases housed outside of the county, region, or even state. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner.

She holds an Associate of Arts from Lone Star College, a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and a master’s in Social Work from the University of Houston. She also completed a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher Program with Soul Tribes Yoga + Meditation in Houston, training primarily in Vinyasa Yoga. In her free time, Victoria volunteers for organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ populations and survivors of human trafficking. Victoria especially enjoys spending time with her pups, Belle and Kimmie, and creating artwork.

Nicole Williams joined the Child Advocates team as an Advocacy Specialist in June 2025 after serving as a volunteer since 2024. Before joining Child Advocates of Montgomery County, she served as a CASA volunteer in Oklahoma City. At the time, she was seeking experience working with children in crisis while applying to graduate school. What began as a way to gain experience quickly evolved into a deep passion for advocacy.

Nicole earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 2012 and is now a licensed master social worker (LMSW). As a volunteer with Child Advocates, she found joy in walking alongside families, supporting them as they healed and worked to improve their circumstances. She deeply valued the guidance and encouragement she received from her Advocacy Specialists and now strives to offer that same unwavering support to the Advocates on her team, drawing on her own journey as an Advocate first.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending family time with her husband, their three boys, and their lively zoo of animals.