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Our Team
Compassionate People, One Mission
Our team is united by a shared commitment for supporting children, strengthening families and building a brighter future for communities across Texas.
Ron Brown
Executive Director
Ron is a licensed administrator with more than four decades of experience leading child-placing and human services organizations that strengthen families and build brighter futures for children across Texas.
LEADERSHIP
Founded 8 agencies in 6 states and led multimillion-dollar human services organizations.
ADVOCACY
A respected presenter and advocate who has served on numerous state-wide committees.
FAMILY
A devoted husband, father of three, and proud grandfather of seven.
Robert Leal
Treatment Director
Robert is a founding partner of Foster Texas. Robert is an LMSW Social Worker, as well as a Licensed Child Placing Agency Administrator.
LEADERSHIP
A seasoned leader with 30 years of child welfare practice.
ADVOCACY
Served for 10 years in Child Protective Services.
FAMILY
Outside of work, Robert enjoys time with family and friends.
Emily Zapata
Licensed Administrator & Program Director
Emily holds a BA in Psychology from the University of St. Mary’s University and has advocated for children and families for more than 16 years. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside the Department of Family and Protective Services and nonprofit agencies.
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LEADERSHIP
ADVOCACY
FAMILY
16 years collaborating with child welfare and nonprofit organizations throughout Texas.
Dedicated to supporting children and families through community partnerships and compassionate service.
A proud wife and mother who enjoys the outdoors and movie nights with her family.
Al Blankenship
Director of Adoptions
Al serves as the Director of Adoption at Foster Texas and is a licensed Child Placing Administrator. He began his career in adoption with Child Protective Services in 1994 and has served in senior adoption leadership roles since 2002. Throughout his career, Al has helped more than 1,000 children in Texas achieve permanency through adoption.
In 2022, Al began developing Foster Texas’ Kinship Adoption Program, focusing on helping children find permanency within their extended families — an area he is especially passionate about.
LEADERSHIP
Experienced in administration, operations, and creative design with a strong focus on organizational efficiency.
ADVOCACY
Committed to supporting Foster Texas through effective operations and team collaboration.
FAMILY
A role he proudly treasures is Grandpa.
Matt Pittman
Home Developer & Program Director
Matt serves as the Program Director for Foster Home Development with Foster Texas. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Lubbock Christian University and a Master’s Degree from Fuller Seminary. Since 2017, Matt has served in various roles within child placing agencies across Texas, bringing experience in foster care, ministry, and child welfare.
Prior to Foster Texas, Matt worked as an executive pastor and as an investigator with Child Protective Services.
LEADERSHIP
Experienced in foster home development, child welfare, and organizational leadership.
ADVOCACY
Passionate about supporting foster families and strengthening care for children across Texas.
FAMILY
Matt is married and the proud father of three daughters.
Wanda Williams
Fictive Kin Specialist
Wanda serves as a Case Manager with Foster Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management and is passionate about supporting families and ensuring the safety and well-being of children in care.
Her professional background includes experience as a Conservatorship Worker with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a Legal Assistant with several Texas state agencies, and work within the court system as a courtroom clerk.
LEADERSHIP
Experienced in child welfare, legal support services, and case management within Texas agencies and courts.
ADVOCACY
Dedicated to helping families and protecting the safety and stability of children in care.
FAMILY
Wanda enjoys time with her family outdoors and traveling.
Stephannie Phillips
CPMS/Adoption Case Manager
Stephanie serves as the Foster Texas CPMS/Adoption Case Manager. She has spent many years serving in the social service field equipt with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Organizations. Stephannie is deeply passionate about supporting children and families impacted by foster care.
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Stephannie is committed to helping children find hope, healing, and stability while encouraging them to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
LEADERSHIP
Experienced in social services, family support, and nonprofit leadership.
ADVOCACY
Passionate about helping children and families navigate challenges with compassion and encouragement.
FAMILY
Stephannie is a proud mother of three who is dedicated to strengthening and supporting families in her community.
Kenyetta Richard
Foster to Adopt Case Manager
Kenyetta serves as a Foster-to-Adopt Case Manager with Foster Texas, bringing more than 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and community-based programs including early childhood education, behavioral support, and community engagement. She is passionate about advocating for the safety, stability, and emotional well-being of children in foster care.
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Her background in child development, behavioral support, and family services allows her to serve families with compassion, professionalism, and strong advocacy.
LEADERSHIP
Kenyetta holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human and Family Relations from Northeastern State University and has extensive leadership experience .
ADVOCACY
Her professional background allows her to bring empathy, professionalism, and strong advocacy skills to every family she serves.
FAMILY
Outside of work, Kenyetta enjoys time with her family and friends.
Mildred Rodriquez
Fictive Kin Specialist
Mildred serves as a Fictive Kin Specialist with Foster Texas. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington and is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker. Since 2018, she has worked with children and families in both mental health and child welfare settings.
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Her experience includes working with military families at Fort Hood as well as serving in conservatorship with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
LEADERSHIP
Experienced in mental health services, child welfare, and supporting military-connected families.
ADVOCACY
Passionate about helping children and families find stability, support, and encouragement through difficult seasons.
FAMILY
Mildred enjoys exploring Texas with her husband and two daughters and spending time with friends and family.
Christie Wilke
Treatment Director
Christie, LPC, serves as a Treatment Director with Foster Texas. She brings over 25 years of experience as a school psychologist and 7 years as a therapist in private practice. She is passionate about working with children, teens, and families navigating Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, selective mutism, and the transition to adulthood.
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Christie has served as an Autism consultant in Hawaii, collaborating with some of the top innovators in the field.
She loves problem solving, building bridges between families, schools, and services, and supporting children and parents through life's unique challenges.
LEADERSHIP
25 years as a school psychologist and 7 years as a therapist in private practice.
Specialized in neurodiversity and transitions.
ADVOCACY
Passionate about building bridges between families, schools, and services to create
solutions that support long-term success.
FAMILY
Christie loves reading, roller skating, traveling, and visiting the hill country to spend time with her family and parents.