Who We Are
We are a transformative, evidence-based non-profit organization dedicated to protecting childhood in Texas.
A Positive Force for Texas
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) and our network of children’s advocacy centers (CACs) have helped more than a million children and families impacted by abuse achieve safety, justice, and healing in their time of need.To create a Texas in which all children can thrive, we pursue justice and healing for child victims, and are leading the charge to end child sexual abuse in Texas.
Our Expertise Makes a Difference, Statewide
Through our statewide advocacy, our network of children’s advocacy centers (CACs), and the multidisciplinary team model (MDT), we create positive and lasting change that benefits Texas children and families.Combining Expertise and Compassion
Much as a conductor brings together the many parts of an orchestra, CACTX has the child-centered expertise, organizational stability, and proven capability to coordinate a multidisciplinary response to crimes against children in Texas.
How We Create Lasting Change
Child sexual abuse is preventable, and we are the organization to lead this charge by raising awareness and finding effective strategies to prevent it.
Find a Local CAC
Find the local CAC serving children and families impacted by violence and abuse in your community.
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.
CAC Executive Director
Visionary Leadership
CACTX is at the forefront of protecting childhood in Texas through our unwavering dedication, unmatched vision, and unyielding drive. Our leaders set the standard that every member of CACTX and our network of CACs strive to meet every day, and in every way.
For the past 30 years, our leadership has consistently made unprecedented progress by pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Texas.
Executive Leadership
Joy Hughes Rauls
Chief Executive Officer
Catherine Bass
Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President
Chelsea Churchill
Chief Program Officer
Ellen Morrissey
Chief Prevention Officer
Christina Green
Chief Advancement and External Relations Officer
Natasha King
Chief Financial Officer
Justin Joyner
Chief Operations Officer
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 2025 Board of Directors
Michael Keener
Board President
Gulf Coast Stretch, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Tom Forbes
Board Vice President
Austin Trust Company
Austin, Texas
Carrie Maher
Board Secretary
AppliedXL
Austin, Texas
Timothy Wilschetz
Board Treasurer
Retired Partner, KPMG
Austin, Texas
Laura Squiers
Board President - Elect
T.L.L. Temple Foundation
Lufkin, Texas
Steven Almrud
Cambrian Analytica Funds
Houston, Texas
Laurie Arron
Connected Executive Coaching
Plano, Texas
Dawna Ballard
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
Reed Clay
Crestline Solutions
Austin, Texas
Derek Danner
Children's Advocacy Center of the South Plains
Lubbock, Texas
Jenn Deering Davis
Austin, Texas
Dr. Meredith Delk
Magellan Rx, a Prime Therapeutics company
Austin, Texas
Emily Doran
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
Patricia Mejia
CAC of Rockwall County
Rockwall, Texas
Gina DeBottis Metts
Houston, Texas
Renzo Soto
TechNet
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 with a vibrant community based on trust, respect, and collaboration. Our inclusive and diverse culture is driven by our mission to restore the lives of abused children and prevent child sexual abuse. We value diverse perspectives, foster open dialogue, and celebrate individuality. As a member of Team CACTX, you’ll find meaningful work in an environment where you can be your authentic self and where your ideas can significantly impact the children of Texas.
Current Openings
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) is currently accepting applications for the following:
Prevention Principal – All applicants should submit an application, resume, and cover letter here. Posted 11.19.24
Grant Administration Manager – All applicants should submit an application, resume, and cover letter here. Posted 10.21.24
For current employment opportunities at a local CAC near you, please visit that CAC’s website or contact that CAC directly.
Consultant Services
CACTX is seeking consultant support services for distinct programmatic needs.
Special Projects Consultant: Support current fiscal year projects, which advance CACTX’s organizational goals as part of its FY25-26 statewide strategic plan.
Download the Special Projects request to learn more.
Trauma Screening Consultant: Evaluate tools for trauma symptom screening, risk assessment, and youth safety planning.
Download the Trauma Screening request to learn more.
For additional information, please submit your requests by Wednesday, December 11th, to Kasey Jackson, Vice President of Programs, at kjackson@cactx.org.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team.
Do not use this form to report suspected abuse.
Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
1501 W. Anderson Lane, Building B-1
Austin, Texas 78757
Main Number: 512-258-9920
Suspected Abuse: Any suspected abuse should be reported to the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or local law enforcement.
Ongoing Investigations: For questions specific to an ongoing investigation or case, please contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) at 1-800-720-7777 or local law enforcement.
Legal Assistance: If you require legal assistance, please contact an attorney. For free legal assistance, visit the Texas State Law Library website to find your local legal aid organization.
Your Support is Paramount
Our success in creating lasting change is only possible with the collaboration and support of partners across the state who share our belief that we can make Texas the best place to be a child. Our supporters are a critical aspect of our effort to protect Texas children in every community.
