About Us

Catherine Miller joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in 2021. Catherine brings to the Board a comprehensive knowledge of nonprofit development best practices and leads the Board Development Committee.

Brian Albert joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2022. Brian is a partner in The Woodlands, Texas, office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2023 and practices in the business, corporate, and real estate groups. Prior to joining the firm, Brian was a partner in a private practice law firm in The Woodlands and also served as in-house counsel and law clerk to Fortune 500 companies across several industries. Brian is particularly active in the commercial real estate development and energy sectors.

On what drew him to Child Advocates, Brian explained, “As a product of the adoption and foster care system, the organization’s mission is personal to me. The more I learned about Child Advocates’ reach and impact in our community, the more I knew I wanted to be a resource for it in whatever way I could.”

Brian brings a unique combination of years of legal experience in both the private and public sectors, as well as prior participation in numerous youth education and outreach initiatives. Aside from work, Brian also volunteers his time and resources in serving on various boards and committees of local organizations, including past and present leadership positions with Leadership Montgomery County, Education for Tomorrow Alliance, The Woodlands Bar Association, and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

After graduating from American University in Washington, D.C., with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Finance, Brian went on to attend the University of Houston Law Center, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Houston Business & Tax Law Journal. Brian and his wife, Angelina, reside in The Woodlands and are parents to three wild and crazy kids.

Jason Howze joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2023. Jason is the Senior Vice President, Woodforest National Bank.

Mark Freeman joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in September 2021. Mark is an oil and gas industry executive with a diverse background that allows him to see challenges from a variety of perspectives thus finding optimal, novel, and creative solutions. Mark has led teams in sales, operations, marketing, engineering, and product development in two different industries. Throughout all of these opportunities, he has established a strong track record of performance. In addition, Mark has managed businesses ranging in size from $80 million in annual revenue to $360 million in annual revenue and has successfully improved market share and profitability.

Mark’s specialties include general business management, leadership, P&L optimization, business development and sales execution, product management and marketing, market analysis and segmentation, the development of go-to-market strategies, and business analytics.

Benny Austria joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2025. Benny is the General Manager of Jared Jewelers in The Woodlands. In this role, he leads one of the top-performing locations in the nation for Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest diamond jewelry retailer. Benny oversees all facets of high-end retail operations, from luxury client experience and team development to strategic sales growth and brand representation across The Woodlands and Greater Houston markets. Under his direction, the store has grown into a regional destination for luxury jewelry and watch enthusiasts, known for its exclusive events, personalized concierge services, and community partnerships. Benny integrates his business acumen with genuine care for people—mentoring his team, fostering client loyalty, and elevating Jared’s reputation as a trusted partner in life’s most memorable moments.

Benny is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Payed Processing, a payment-solutions firm dedicated to empowering local businesses. With more than 40 years of collective experience in merchant services and lending, the team provides customized payment systems that simplify operations, reduce costs, and fuel sustainable growth.

“My life’s work centers on empowerment, whether it’s mentoring youth through the South Union Community Development Corporation, creating community-focused housing through Austria Development, or helping small businesses thrive with Payed Processing,” Benny said. “Child Advocates’ mission aligns perfectly with my drive to lift others up and give them a chance at success. Where Child Advocates protects children in crisis, I’ve dedicated energy to building systems that protect families, tenants, and entrepreneurs from instability and inequity.”

Benny has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Benny is a family-driven visionary who builds everything around legacy, connection, and community. Benny and his wife, Leahann, have a son and a daughter. Benny and Leahann share a love of travel, culture, and culinary experiences, often exploring new destinations together and discovering great local restaurants. At home, the family is intentional about creating experiences that strengthen family bonds — cooking, hosting gatherings, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, or simply spending time outdoors. He often weaves his work and family life together through meaningful gestures, such as custom jewelry pieces that mark family milestones or projects that build lasting security for future generations.

“Family is central to my purpose, from my partnership with Leahann to raising our children in a loving, values-driven home,” he said. “Child Advocates exists to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the same sense of safety and belonging that I strive to give my own family. Supporting this organization allows me to extend that love outward, helping children who don’t yet have the security that I cherish most.”

Julie Barrett joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in May 2025. Julie is Director of Outpatient and Clinical Support Services at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. She has been with Texas Children’s since 2003 in various capacities.

Barrett has a Doctor of Audiology from Salus University, a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from the University of Texas at Tyler, a Master of Science from Washington University, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas, and a Healthcare Management Certificate from Rice University.

Brit Benko joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2022. Brit is Senior Vice President, EHS and Manufacturing Excellence at Huntsman Corporation. Prior to joining Huntsman Corporation in August 2020, she served as Vice President Health, Safety Environment, and Regulatory at Southwestern Energy Company. Previously, Brit served in a variety of EHS roles with increasing responsibilities at several companies including Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, and BP.

Philip “PJ” Block joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2025. As President of ALTIVIA, PJ leads the company’s operations and business strategies with a focus on growth, performance, and innovation. Since joining the company in 2019, he has worked to build a culture centered on integrity, collaboration, and operational excellence across all areas of the business.

With more than 35 years of experience in the chemical industry, PJ has held leadership roles in Finance, Supply Chain, M&A, and Commercial Operations. He spent nearly three decades with Univar Solutions and its predecessor, Nexeo Solutions, where he developed strong partnerships with customers and suppliers, negotiated major agreements, and guided acquisition and integration efforts. His broad experience has shaped his leadership style and commitment to creating value through teamwork and strategic growth.

PJ earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University.

He is passionate about giving back to the community and supporting organizations that improve the lives of children and families. He is honored to serve on the Child Advocates Board and looks forward to helping strengthen the organization’s impact and advance its mission in the community.

PJ and his wife, Angela, live in The Woodlands and have two grown children. They enjoy spending time together as a family.

Matt Calvert joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2025. The New Caney ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve the hiring of Matt Calvert as superintendent of schools on April 6, 2021. He has served New Caney ISD since 2015 in the roles of deputy superintendent and executive director of finance.

Matt began his career in 2004 as a science teacher and coach and later served as an elementary assistant principal, elementary lead principal, and assistant superintendent of business and financial services before coming to New Caney ISD.

Matt has played an integral role in managing New Caney ISD’s fast enrollment growth and leading the district’s long-term strategic planning and capital improvement processes. Under his leadership of the business office, the district adopted balanced budgets, improved the district’s credit rating, and completed multiple bond refunding processes. He has also provided guidance to executive directors in the areas of finance, human resources, student services, instruction, operations, athletics, and public relations.

“Serving children and supporting families have been a calling of mine both professionally and personally,” Matt said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved with Child Advocates in supporting their work in our community. I hope that during my time on the Board I can be a resource to Child Advocates while they help our children and families in need.”

Matt earned Bachelor of Business Administration from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has the following certifications: Texas School Superintendent Certification and Texas Association of School Business Officials Certified.

Matt volunteers as a second grade Sunday school teacher at Kingwood First Baptist Church and coach at Second Sports Soccer. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of East Montgomery County.

Matt and his wife, Molly, have two children. He enjoys being outdoors, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Travis Guinn joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2023. Travis is the Vice President, Development and Construction, at The Howard Hughes Corporation.

Marcella Herrera joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2022. Marcella serves as the Program Manager at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann, a center dedicated to providing the finest support, education, and integrative services to all impacted by cancer. A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Marcella spent more than ten years of her career serving children in foster care, most recently as a Program Director with Child Protective Services.

“Over a decade of my career was dedicated to serving children in foster care and working collaboratively with CASA,” Marcella shared. “I believe it takes a village to provide the best care, support, and normalcy to children in care in our community, which is why part of my leadership philosophy at Child Protective Services was to partner with organizations such as Child Advocates to build a safe, caring, and supportive network for the families we served.”

Marcella has a passion for serving the community, building programs, and creating diverse and inclusive environments. She also serves in a leadership role for the Junior League of the Woodlands, of which she has been a member since 2017. Through volunteer roles, she has led efforts in fundraising, marketing, volunteer coordination, community research, project development, event planning, mentorship, diversity, and inclusion.

Christina Meineke joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2022. Christina is the VP of Finance for Performance Home Medical.

Over the past 25 years, Christina has held a variety of managerial finance and accounting roles supporting operations, business development, and technology with a significant international focus. Prior to joining the company, she was the Chief Financial Officer for EnerCorp where she was responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of all finance and accounting-related activities. She served as Controller for the global energy service division of Tetra Technologies, focused on several product segments including Flowback and Well Testing, Water Management, and Completion Fluids, a position she held since 2012. She previously held various finance positions with Tetra, including USA Controller and Western Hemisphere Controller from 2008 to 2012. In addition, Christina has served in finance management roles for large Fortune 500 companies such as Halliburton and Kinder Morgan. Christina worked for Nabors Industries, Inc. from 1998 to 2005 and held various accounting positions up to International Regional Controller, where she focused on international business and accounting for the drilling division.

Christina received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas A&M University. She currently lives in Spring, Texas, with her husband and two daughters.

Victor Nivens joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2025. He is the Vice President of Human Resources at H-E-B Grocery Company. In this role, he oversees human resources for H-E-B Houston FD and Mi Tienda Divisions.

Victor earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Huston-Tillotson University. He also serves on the Montgomery County Food Bank’s Board of Directors and the UNCF Houston Leadership Council.

On what drew him to the Child Advocates mission, he said, “I had wonderful parents that provided a loving, consistent environment for me to thrive. I have done the same for my kids. To be part of an organization that aims to do the same for others is a gift.”

Victor and his lovely wife, Reem, have three sons.

Malinda Stewart joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in July 2025. Malinda is the Director of School Improvement and Leadership Transformation at Conroe Independent School District.

Malinda is a dedicated educational leader and advocate committed to empowering students, strengthening school communities, and championing equitable opportunities for all learners. Serving as the Director of School Improvement and Leadership Transformation, she leads with a relentless commitment to developing strong instructional systems, elevating leadership capacity, and driving impactful change across campuses.

As a passionate supporter of public education, Malinda leverages her experience as an advocate, instructional leader, and collaborator to ensure students—especially those with special needs and those facing systemic barriers—receive the support and resources they deserve.

Raised in a family of educators, Malinda discovered her calling early, spending her upbringing immersed in the school community and learning firsthand the value of service, learning, and leadership. Today, she brings that foundation to her work in school leadership and community advocacy, partnering with families, educators, and stakeholders to elevate student success and foster positive, student-centered school cultures.

Malinda is deeply engaged in statewide education efforts and community service. She is a Raise Your Hand Texas Alumni and Principal Advocacy Member, an alumna of the N2 Learning Principals’ Institute, and an active member of TEPSA and ASCD. In addition, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian ad Litem for Child Advocates of Montgomery County, advocating for the safety and well-being of children in foster care and in the juvenile justice system.

Malinda earned a Master of Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of English and Journalism from Sam Houston State University. She also participated in Leadership: An Evolving Vision at the Principals’ Center at Harvard University.

Malinda holds the following certifications: Principal Certification (EC-12), Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS), Instructional Leadership Training (ILT), SBEC Certifications: ELAR (4-8), ELAR/SS (4-8), ELAR (8-12), and Working Genius Certified Coach (2024).

Her career in education and advocacy has shown her the profound impact that caring adults can have on a child’s life. As the Director of School Improvement and Leadership Transformation and a Court-Appointed Special Advocate, she has witnessed firsthand how safety, stability, and strong support systems can shape a child’s opportunities and future. Her experiences have strengthened her commitment to ensuring that every child, especially those facing trauma or uncertainty, has an advocate who sees their potential and fights for their well-being.

Serving on the Board for Child Advocates allows Malinda to extend this commitment beyond the school system. She hopes to bring her expertise in leadership, systems improvement, and student advocacy to strengthen organizational impact, elevate awareness in the community, and ensure that every child in foster care and the juvenile justice system has a voice, a champion, and the support needed to thrive.

Grounded in faith and fueled by service, Malinda finds joy in uplifting others—whether leading on campus, supporting families, or serving through church and community organizations. A proud boy mom, she balances leadership, advocacy, and family life while modeling compassion, courage, and commitment to making a lasting impact on students, educators, and the broader community.

Zachary Williams joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in November 2023. Zach is the Vice President of Drill Bits, Oilfield Services, and Equipment for Baker Hughes. An executive in the energy industry, Zach has more than 20 years of experience leading high performing teams. In his current role, he leads 800-plus employees and is responsible for Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, Product Management, Engineering, and Technology. He is a strong leader, driving focus around execution of strategic goals and objectives that deliver industry-leading market share and operating margins.

“I wanted to participate in an organization where I could add value and ultimately give something back to the community in which I live,” Zach said. “I am passionate about children and ensuring they have the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe environment. I have enjoyed participating in Child Advocates’ events over the years and have family members who have been CASA Advocates.”

Zach has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles where he gained experience in commercial, technical, financial, and service delivery leadership positions. His leadership experience, business and financial acumen, operational execution, and results-oriented approach will add value to the Board and the organization. Zach is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps with extensive leadership experience across multiple industries, including aviation and energy. Zach is a proud parent of three children and enjoys supporting their education and sports activities including football, volleyball, and dance. In his spare time, Zach enjoys golf and spending time in the outdoors with family and friends.

Jim Wolf joined the Child Advocates Board of Directors in June 2025. He is the retired Managing Partner of Meridian Compensation Partners LLC, a national board governance and compensation consulting firm with an office in The Woodlands. Jim served in that capacity from the firm’s establishment in 2010 until his retirement in 2021.

Prior to Meridian, Jim worked 18 years for Hewitt Associates, an employee benefit and compensation consulting firm, serving in a variety of leadership positions.

Jim earned a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and German from Williams College.

He served as Board Chair at the Montgomery County Food Bank from 2023 to 2025 and held other roles on the Food Bank’s board from 2018 until completing his board service in 2025. He also serves as a Board Advisor at Project Beacon, a local nonprofit serving the needs of adults with autism.

Jim’s wife, Kelley, has served as an Advocate for Child Advocates for several years. Her experiences helping dozens of children through the child welfare system served as strong motivation for Jim to join the Child Advocates Board of Directors.