About Us

With a B.S. in psychology and sociology and an M.A. in clinical psychology, Amanda worked in community mental health for six years in Georgia and two years in Houston. Her goal post-graduate school was to join a private clinical practice but discovered in completing her internship that counseling was not her passion. After graduate school, Amanda was given the opportunity to run a residential treatment center in Houston and obtained her LCCA. Amanda was privileged to develop and start the first two safe houses in Texas for commercial sexually exploited youth. Over the years Amanda has also consulted on projects in operational management and strategic planning.

With nearly 20 years working in various roles within the foster care system, Amanda is proud to be a part of the connectED team to help bring quality advocacy and workshops to those aging out of foster care. “Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”- Viktor Frankl

In Amanda’s free time she enjoys running, hiking with her dog Will, kayaking, finding new local spots to dine and shop, and taking road trips.

Ema graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Ema is currently an Advocate with ConnectEd. Ema is passionate about helping others and truly loves what she does. Ema has worked in various positions in direct care with children/youth who have experienced trauma in their life. Ema’s goal is to create meaningful, long-lasting relationships with youth to better assist them with whatever they may be needing. Ema wants you to know that you are not alone and that she will do her best to help you as best as she can; whether that be by providing you with a listening ear/shoulder to cry on or to provide you with resources or advocacy support.

Elizabeth graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a B.A.in psychology and a minor in sociology. After graduating, Elizabeth obtained four years of experience as an instructional facilitator. Elizabeth worked with young adolescents by providing simplified instruction but also focused on teaching her students the importance of self-reliance. Elizabeth also obtained two years of experience working with women who have undergone sexual assault, who obtained mental health disorders and who have experienced other types of trauma. Elizabeth has engaged in crisis interventions by teaching regulating techniques, problem-solving strategies and developing personalized safety plans. Elizabeth currently facilitates the Love Notes curriculum by following the TBRI principles of connecting, empowering and correcting. Elizabeth's goal is to teach individuals of all ages that their past does not define who they are, and that everyone deserves to show kindness to themselves at every stage of their life.

Perry was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa and received two bachelor's degrees in French and linguistics from Central College in Pella, Iowa. Perry also lived in Paris, France before receiving his master's degree in bilingual education/TESOL from The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. Shortly after, Perry moved to Texas where he started his journey working with and serving the needs of vulnerable and at-risk youth both in the classroom and in the real world. Perry’s goal is to use his own tribulations and negative experiences he faced to be a light of inspiration and change for others. Perry is dedicated to working with the youth he serves and is very proud to be a part of the connectEd Team. Perry wants you to know that you are not defined by your past and to follow your dreams!

Claudia Gonzalez, an esteemed Community Engagement Coordinator at BCFS Health and Human Services, embodies a wealth of expertise amassed over eight years of dedicated service in community care and volunteer coordination. Her career journey began in the Health and Human Services and Community Care Services Eligibility department, where she laid the foundation for her commitment to purpose-driven work and a goal-oriented approach.

In her role as a Community Care Worker, Claudia exemplified unwavering dedication to service excellence, extending compassionate support to clients while nurturing a culture of empathy and assistance. Transitioning to the esteemed San Antonio State Hospital, Claudia assumed the pivotal position of Volunteer Services Coordinator. Here, she forged impactful partnerships with universities and volunteer services councils, facilitating enriching volunteer experiences within the hospital.

Through her adept relationship-building skills and collaborative spirit, Claudia orchestrated meaningful engagements for both students and council members, underscoring her steadfast commitment to community welfare. Her professional ethos revolves around empowering individuals and fortifying communities, a guiding principle that propels her to pursue excellence in every endeavor she undertakes.

Claudia is fueled by a passion for helping others and bringing new ideas to life. With a heart for making a positive impact, she thrives on finding innovative solutions to challenges and inspiring those around them to think creatively. With a heart dedicated to creating positive change, she remains steadfast in her mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of others and the broader community.

Kristi graduated from Texas A&M University- Kingsville with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology. Kristi’s previously worked as a Juvenile Supervision Office for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department in Beaumont, TX. During that time, she worked with young adults who had already entered into the juvenile system. This experience empowered her to seek out more proactive roles within the community. Kristi stepped into an advocacy role in 2020 working with survivors of sex trafficking. Although this marked the beginning of her professional career being an advocate and supporter for youth in hard places, Kristi had been working with children her whole life through different volunteering opportunities. Being a strong Advocate for all youth is in Kristi's heart as she believes that children are the future. It's up to us in this present moment to protect and build that future.

Carolyn Thomas was born and raised in El Paso, Texas where she grew up hiking the Franklin Mountains, attending concerts and creating art. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with a B.A. in sociology and a B.S. in public health with a focus in epidemiology. After obtaining her bachelor’s she entered the social services community here in San Antonio, where for the past three years she has worked with youth and their families. She has completed multiple training courses on domestic violence, substance abuse/treatment and mental health. She hopes to continue to help youth advocate not only for themselves but for their own families.

Karli graduated from the UTSA with a B.S. in health and is happy to be a part of BCFS. Making people smile is a true joy in Karli's life and she loves being able to express that joy in different ways, including through connectED. One of her strongest values is providing a safe and welcoming space for all, and she looks forward to continuing her endeavors with connectED.

Marleen graduated from UTSA with a bachelor’s degree in communication. Previously, Marleen worked for different shelters under the administration of the Office of Refugees Resettlement. In Marleen’s various roles, she has had the privilege of assisting minors with everyday needs - from lending an ear, helping them find solutions to their concerns, to the most rewarding - reuniting them with their families. In Marleen’s free time, she enjoys volunteering as a children’s Sunday school teacher. Marleen’s passions include helping others and learning about people's diverse backgrounds and cultures.