CJA Task Force Members
THE HONORABLE LARRY THORNE, CJA TASK FORCE CHAIR
Judge, 317th Judicial District Court, 1149 Pearl Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701
Larry Thorne has been the Presiding Judge for the 317th District Court in Jefferson County since 1999. He is a graduate of the University of Texas where he earned his B.B.A. in 1970 and the University of Houston Bates College of Law where he earned his doctor of jurisprudence in 1973.
He worked for the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office from 1974 to 1979, was in private practice where he handled both family and criminal law cases from 1979 to 1998, and was the Court Master for Mental Health cases from 1994 to 1996.
Judge Thorne has served on the State Council of Child Welfare Boards; State Advisory Board for Child Welfare; Regional Child Welfare Board; Beaumont Advisory Commission for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (1999-2001); and East Texas Legal Services Board of Directors. He has also served as Chairman of the Jefferson County Child Welfare Board (1988-1998); and Chairman of the Jefferson County Juvenile Board. In addition, he served a term on the Board of Directors of Texas CASA.
Judge Thorne currently serves on the Juvenile Justice Committee for the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas; Jefferson County Court Improvement Project Task Force; and the Jefferson County CPS Mediation Project Task Force. He is currently Chairman on the Juvenile Board for Jefferson County; Member of the State Advisory Board for the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, and serves on the Pro Bono Board for the Jefferson County Bar Association.
VALERIE MILHOLLAND, CJA TASK FORCE VICE CHAIR
Assistant County Attorney, Division Chief, Children’s Protection Division, Harris County Attorney’s Office, Houston
Valerie Milholland has been the Division Chief of the Children’s Protection Division at the Harris County Attorney’s Office, representing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in child-protection cases since June 2006. Before taking her current position, she served as Division Chief of the Compliance and Guardianship Divisions for four years. After receiving her doctor of jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law, she spent a year as a briefing attorney for Judge Marvin Teague of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Houston Bar Association. Ms. Milholland is a graduate of Baylor University.
ROY BLOCK
Executive Director, Texas Foster Family Association, San Antonio
Roy Block is currently the Executive Director of Texas Foster Family Association (TFFA). He and his wife of 43 years, Judi, have fostered 48 children over 17 years. In addition to their two biological children, they have adopted three children and have three grandchildren. Mr. Block has previously served as president of the Bexar County Foster Parents Association, on the board of the National Foster Parents Association, as well as several board positions on Texas Foster Parents Association. In addition to his duties with TFFA, he is also employed with a private child-placing agency. Roy and Judi are both advocates for children and can frequently be seen in Austin and other places, at workshops or meeting with those who can make a difference to improve the lives of the children of Texas.
WILLIAM BRILEY
Parent Representative and Member of CPS Parent Collaboration Group, Lubbock
William Briley is a thirty year old father, raising two daughters. He has had personal experience navigating the child-protection system and now is an active participant on the CPS Parent Collaboration Group (PCG). The PCG provides a mechanism to include biological parents in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the CPS program. This initiative encourages collaboration with clients who are affected by the CPS service delivery system and provides a unique perspective on how to improve services to families and children. Mr. Briley hopes his presence on the Children’s Justice Act Task Force will help ensure all children receive the love they deserve from their parents.
KRISTE BURNETT
Assistant District Attorney, Palo Pinto County District Attorney’s Office, Palo Pinto
Kriste Burnett recently joined the Palo Pinto County District Attorney’s Office in August 2009 prosecuting primarily crimes against children, as well as other felony offenses. Prior to her move to Palo Pinto, Ms. Burnett served as Assistant District Attorney in Johnson and Somervell Counties, where she was assigned as court chief in the 18th District Court. Ms. Burnett has over 15 years of experience prosecuting both felony and misdemeanor cases, as well as all levels of juvenile offenses. She participated on Johnson County Child Fatality Review Team and is a member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. Ms. Burnett graduated from Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University School of Law.
LT. COZETTE BUSTAMANTE
Director, Crime Scene Unit, San Antonio Police Department, San Antonio
Cozette Bustamante has been with the San Antonio Police Department for more than 25 years. Before taking her current position as the Director of the Crime Scene Unit in March 2008, Lt. Bustamante served as the Director of the Sex Crimes Unit from August 1996 through March 2008. Prior to that, she investigated Sex Crimes cases for almost five years as a detective. She has also investigated Internal Affairs cases, including sexual harassment and discrimination cases from December 1990 through July 2006. Lt. Bustamante served on the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Rape Crisis Center and served in the capacity of Vice President for the Board for over 5 years. She has been a past recipient of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault Justice Award and the YWCA of San Antonio Mentors and Allies Award.
CATHY CRABTREE
Executive Director, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc., Austin
Cathy Crabtree is the Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc. (CACTX) – the statewide membership association representing the 63 local children’s advocacy centers (CACs) throughout Texas. She has been with CACTX since 1999 and prior to that she was the founding director of a local CAC in Graham, TX. Ms. Crabtree has trained throughout the state and the nation on issues related to the establishment and development of community-based CACs and CAC State Chapters and is a member of the National Children’s Alliance and the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. She is a graduate of West Virginia University.
AUDREY DECKINGA
Assistant Commissioner for Child Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Austin
Audrey Deckinga is DFPS Assistant Commissioner for Child Protective Services. Prior to this, she was senior policy analyst at the Health and Human Services Commission in the office of health services. She has worked in the human services field for over 30 years in three states. Deckinga was a therapeutic foster parent for children in Minnesota and has worked for Child Protective Services in Texas for over 18 years as a caseworker, supervisor, program director. At state office, she was as the division administrator for placement and services and director of policy and program. Ms. Deckinga has Bachelor’s in Psychology from Calvin College in Michigan and a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Texas at Austin.
DE SHAUN EALOMS
Parent Program Specialist, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Austin
De Shaun Ealoms is currently the Parent Program Specialist for Child Protective Services (CPS), Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Ms. Ealoms participates in program planning, development in implementation of parent support activities across the state. She facilitates the statewide Parent Collaboration Group and provides technical assistance to the CPS regions across Texas with their local parent information and support groups for parents involved with the CPS system. Ms. Ealoms gathers and provides vital information on parent involvement and helps identify ways to strengthen CPS policy and programs to improve services to parents and their children served through the CPS system. Prior to coming to CPS, Ms. Ealoms served as a Parent Liaison with The Children’s Partnership in Austin, Texas. Ms. Ealoms is also a parent who has utilized CPS services to access needed support and services for her son who has autism. Ms. Ealoms is a member of Autism Society of America, and has served on the Austin Independent School District Special Education Advisory Committee and Mental Health Mental Retardation Center Advisory Committee. Ms. Ealoms received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Huston-Tillotson College and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Texas State University.
JON EVANS
Attorney at Law, Lusk and Evans, Austin
Jon Evans is a criminal defense attorney practicing in Travis County, as well as the surrounding Central Texas counties. He has been representing both juveniles and adults facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in State and Federal Courts since 1993. Mr. Evans has extensive criminal trial experience in Austin, and in jurisdictions throughout Texas. Mr. Evans is board certified in criminal law. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and received his doctor of jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law, where he served on the Board of Barristers.
JOE GAGEN
Chief Executive Officer, Texas CASA, Inc., Austin
Joe Gagen is the Chief Executive Officer of Texas CASA, Inc. Before coming to Texas CASA, he was appointed chair of the Texas Industrial Accident Board by then Governor, Mark White, and was General Council and Staff Director for the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee. He is currently a member of the State Bar of Texas and has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Gagen is an honors graduate from the University of Texas School of Law, where he taught Quizmaster.
TOM GAYLOR
Deputy Executive Director, Texas Municipal Police Association, Austin
Tom Gaylor manages and directs the legislative effort and public affairs for the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA). Mr. Gaylor came to TMPA in April 2001 from the Plano Police Department, where he investigated child abuse cases. Prior to his employment with Plano P.D., Mr. Gaylor worked for the University of Texas at Arlington Police, where he also obtained his B.A. in Criminal Justice. He also holds a M.A. in Organizational Sociology from the University of North Texas. He served on the TMPA Board of Directors and as President of the Plano Police Association prior to his move to TMPA.
DR. ROLF HABERSANG
Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Amarillo
Rolf Habersang is a pediatrician in Amarillo with an extensive background handling child abuse and neglect cases. He serves on the local child fatality review team. His expertise in this area is nationally recognized.
DENISE HYDE
Attorney at Law, Law Office of Denise Hyde, Austin
Denise Hyde is a family law attorney at the Law Office of Denise Hyde. She is a member of the Family Law Sections of both the Austin Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas, and a founding member of the Austin Bar Foundation and the Court Appointed Family Attorneys of Travis County. She has presented numerous adoption trainings throughout the state and has received many awards for outstanding service to children and families, including the Travis County Women Lawyer’s Association’s Pro Bono Award and the Award of Appreciation in Recognition of Distinguished and Dedicated Service to Children and Families by the State Bar of Texas. She was recognized as a CASA Champion for Children in 2004. Ms. Hyde is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas School of Law.
JOYCE M. JAMES
Deputy Commissioner, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services,
Austin
Joyce James had served as Assistant Commissioner of Child Protective Services since 2004 before becoming Deputy Commissioner in January 2009. She is a member of the Texas Permanent Judicial Commission on Children, Youth, and Families. Ms. James began her professional career as a CPS caseworker in 1980 and has devoted the last 28 years to advocating for children and families. Under her leadership, more than 7,500 CPS staff across 254 Texas counties provides services to abused and neglected children and their families. Ms. James is considered a national expert on issues related to disproportionality of African American children and families in the CPS system. She has received numerous awards and honors for her professional achievements and community service.
RANDI KING
Assistant District Attorney, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Beaumont
Randi King currently serves as the Chief Prosecutor of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office Family Law Division. She has prosecuted Child Protective Services cases, juvenile crime, and domestic violence protective orders for over fourteen years. She assists in felony criminal prosecutions in cases in which Child Protective Services is involved. She serves on the Garth House Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors and Professional Standards Committee, Jefferson County Child Fatality Review Team, Foster Care Task Force, Adoption Day Committee, Sexual Assault Response Team, and Juvenile Board Citizens’ Advisory Council, and has been vice president of Beaumont Community Partners for Children. She organized the county’s Baby Moses law publicity program and regularly makes presentations to community groups and child abuse professionals. Ms. King received the 2001 Southeast Texas CASA Child Advocate of the Year Award and 2006 Texas CASA Lone Star Proud for Kids Award. Ms. King is a graduate of South Texas College of Law and Sam Houston State University.
MARGARET LALK
Attorney at Law, Austin
Margaret Lalk began her work at the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office in 1982 and took over the CPS caseload in 2000. During this time, she was an active participant on the local CAC’s multidisciplinary team and also served as a steering committee member for the center. She received numerous awards for her dedication to children and families, including the Bob Wiatt Lifetime Achievement Award and CASA’s Champion for Children award. Ms. Lalk is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and received her doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law. She currently resides in Austin.
DR. JAMES L. LUKEFAHR
Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
James Lukefahr joined the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s Child Abuse Division in June 2007. He is Medical Director of the Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Center for Miracles, which is a multidisciplinary facility for evaluating physically abused and neglected children. From 1996 until 2007, he was a professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Department of Pediatrics in Galveston and served as Medical Director of UTMB’s ABC Center for the Evaluation of Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect. Dr. Lukefahr has written numerous scholarly articles on child abuse and neglect and serves as the co-chair of the Texas Pediatric Society Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. He was appointed by Governor George W. Bush to serve on the Children’s Trust Fund of Texas Council from 1999 until 2001. Dr. Lukefahr was a founding board member of CAC of Galveston County, where he spent ten years working the medical aspect of child abuse cases with the multidisciplinary team.
Dr. Lukefahr formerly had a private pediatric practice in the Pasadena area before joining the faculty of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital pediatric residency program in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1993. While in Corpus Christi, he served as Medical Director to both the Children’s Hospital’s general outpatient clinic and of its Women, Infants, and Children program. Dr. Lukefahr was instrumental in establishing a Child Protection Program, Health Families Program and a large behavioral problems clinic. Dr. Lukefahr completed his residency in Pediatrics at UTMB in Galveston, Texas and became Board Certified in Pediatrics in 1984. He received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his M.D. from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.
HONORABLE CHRIS OLDNER
Judge, 416h Judicial District Court, McKinney
Chris Oldner has served as the presiding judge of the 416th Judicial District Court in Collin County since his appointment by Governor Rick Perry in October 2003. He also serves as the Local Administrative Judge for the eight District Courts in Collin County. Before his current position, he served three years as the presiding judge of County Court at Law 5 and 5 years as the Chief Felony Prosecutor of the Crimes Against Children Division in the Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Judge Oldner is currently a member of the CASA Advisory Board and the Judicial Advisory Board for the Texas Association for Court Administration. He is a graduate of Baylor University and received his doctor of jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law.
DANIELA ONTIVEROZ
Youth Specialist, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Austin
Daniela Ontiveroz has been a Youth Specialist advocating for youth in foster care since April of 2007. Ms. Ontiveroz leads the Youth Leadership Council in the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Region 9, which includes Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, as well as 60 surrounding counties. The council addresses issues and formulates recommendations for improving services to children and youth in foster care and reviews relevant policy as it is being developed. Ms. Ontiveroz was in the foster care system for four years before aging out at 18. She is newly married and has a three-year old daughter, Dayami. She attends Midland College pursuing degrees in Psychology and Social Work.
DAN POWERS
Senior Director of Clinical and Administrative Services, Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, Plano
Dan Powers currently serves as Senior Director of Clinical and Administrative Services for Collin County Children's Advocacy Center in Plano, Texas. He supervises a staff of 15 therapists and clinical interns providing no cost services to victims of abuse and family violence as well as their non-offending family members. As Senior Director he is responsible for clinical operations and program development as well as directing the Advocacy Center’s clinical internship and training program. Mr. Powers has over 20 years of experience working within the field of child maltreatment and family violence. In addition, he provides expert court testimony and consultation related to child maltreatment, sex offenders and family violence. In 2008 he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the Texas Council on Sex Offender Treatment. Mr. Powers has presented workshops locally as well as on a state and national level in the area of child abuse.
FAIRY DAVENPORT RUTLAND
Director, Appeals Division, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Austin
Fairy Davenport Rutland is the Vice Chair of the State Bar Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect and a member of the Permanent Judicial Commission on Children, Youth, and Families. She has spent her entire 30-plus-years legal career working for the cause of child protection and advocacy. The State Bar Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect in 2007 renamed its annual Outstanding Service to Children and Families Award in her honor. Ms. Rutland was also a longtime member of the Supreme Court Task Force on Foster care, formed in 1994.
GERRY WILLIAMS
General Counsel, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Austin
Gerry Williams has been an attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) since June of 1988. Before being appointed to General Counsel in 2004, he had been an attorney in all three program areas (Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and Child Care Licensing), in both the San Antonio and Dallas regions. Mr. Williams also supervised DFPS attorneys responsible for developing rules and policy for the three different program areas, and DFPS attorneys trying due process hearings when abuse and neglect was found. Prior to his time with the agency, Mr. Williams worked as Assistant Ellis County District Attorney in Waxahachie, Texas handling misdemeanor cases, juvenile cases, and child protective services cases. He is a graduate of Baylor University and received his doctor of jurisprudence from Baylor School of Law.