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 a million children and families impacted by crime achieve safety, justice, and healing in their time of need.We exist to make sure every child in Texas can thrive. That means pursuing justice and healing for survivors, and leading the charge to end child sexual abuse once and for all.
Statewide strength. Local impact.
CACTX coordinates people, partners, and systems so children don’t fall through the cracks. Through statewide advocacy, a strong network of local CACs, and a proven multidisciplinary team model (MDT), we deliver lasting change that protects kids and helps families heal.Combining expertise with purpose
CACTX brings people and systems together with one goal: protecting childhood. With proven stability, trusted expertise, and a relentless commitment to kids, we coordinate a statewide response to crimes against children that delivers justice, healing, and hope.
Prevention is possible
Childhood should be defined by safety, laughter, and possibility. CACTX leads the charge to end child sexual abuse by raising awareness, equipping Texans, and driving strategies that stop crime before it starts.
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
Leadership that protects childhood
For more than 30 years, CACTX has led the fight to protect childhood in Texas. Our leaders set the pace with urgency and resolve, and driving progress so kids across the state can be safe, heal, and thrive.
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 Prevention 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
External Relations Senior Manager
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 2026 Board of Directors
Laura Squiers
Board President
Lufkin, Texas
Jenn Deering Davis
Board Vice President
Austin, Texas
Michael Keener
Board Past President
Gulf Coast Stretch, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Carrie Maher
Board Secretary
AppliedXL
Austin, Texas
Timothy Wilschetz
Board Treasurer
Retired Partner, KPMG
Austin, Texas
Steven Almrud
Cambrian Analytica Funds
Houston, Texas
Dawna Ballard, Ph.D.
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
E. James Cowen
Porter Hedges LLP
Houston, 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
Gina DeBottis Metts
Houston, 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) has no job openings at this time.
For current employment opportunities at a local CAC near you, please visit that CAC’s website or contact that CAC directly.
Contact Us
Have a question or need information about CACTX? Our team is here to help.
Important: This form is not for reporting suspected child abuse. To make a report, dial 911 in an emergency or call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400.
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.
