Who We Are
Relentlessly protecting childhood in Texas
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) and our network of children’s advocacy centers (CACs) have helped more than 1 million children and families impacted by crime achieve safety, justice, and healing in their time of need.We exist to protect childhood across Texas. That means helping children and families find safety, justice, and healing after crimes against children while strengthening the systems that protect and support them.
CACTX has always been courageous in stepping up and taking on daunting challenges when they believe it’s what is best for the children of Texas.
Leadership that protects childhood
For more than 30 years, CACTX has helped shape Texas’ response to crimes against children. Our leaders drive progress, strengthen partnerships, and advance solutions that help children and families find safety, justice, and healing.
Visionary Leadership
Joy Hughes Rauls
Chief Executive Officer
Catherine Bass
Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President
Chelsea Churchill Woodworth
Chief Program Officer
Christina Green
Chief Advancement and External Relations Officer
Justin Joyner
Chief Operations Officer
Natasha King
Chief Financial Officer
Ellen Morrissey
Chief Innovation Officer
Alli Scharf
Chief of Staff
Sally Allen
Vice President of Advancement
Kaley Friedenthal
Vice President of Contract Management
Kasey Jackson
Vice President of Programs
Catherine Henning
Director of External Relations
Sarah Johnson
Director of Advancement
Board Members
Our governing Board of Directors is composed of volunteers across Texas who pair their commitment to the mission of CACTX with a range of vital expertise.
Fiscal Year 2027 Board of Directors
Laura Squiers
Board President
Lufkin, Texas
Jenn Deering Davis
Board Vice President & President Elect
Austin, Texas
Michael Keener
Board Past President
Gulf Coast Stretch, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Gina DeBottis Metts
Board Secretary
Houston, Texas
E. James Cowen
Board Treasurer
Porter Hedges LLP
Houston, Texas
Dawna Ballard, Ph.D.
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
Derek Danner
Children's Advocacy Center of the South Plains
Lubbock, Texas
Emily Doran
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
Michael C. McMurray
Houston, Texas
Patricia Mejia
CAC of Rockwall County
Rockwall, Texas
David Nelson
Retired Technology CFO
Austin, Texas
Renzo Soto
Texas 2036
Austin, Texas
Russell Valdez
Moontower
Austin, Texas
Meagan Webb
Children's Advocacy Center Serving Bastrop, Lee, and Fayette Counties
Bastrop, Texas
Join Our Team
We are a non-profit organization driven by our mission to restore the lives of child victims of crime and prevent child sexual abuse. As a member of Team CACTX, you’ll find meaningful work where your efforts can positively impact the children of Texas.
Current Openings
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) is currently accepting applications for the following position.
Grants Administrator – All interested applicants can apply here. Posted 7.10.26
General Counsel – All interested applicants can apply here. Posted 9.8.26
For current employment opportunities at a local CAC near you, please visit that CAC’s website or contact that CAC directly.
Your Support is Paramount
We extend our gratitude to our private funding partners, whose generosity strengthens our efforts alongside vital public funding at the state and federal levels. Lasting change is only possible through collaboration, and across Texas, our partners share a common vision: together, we can make Texas the best place to be a child. Thank you for joining us.
