Texas FASD Network is led by a team of volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and unique expertise to affect systemic change and support individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure and the community.
Our board of directors includes self-advocates, caregivers, professionals, FASD researchers, and community members.
Rebecca Ciesielski
President, State Policy Advocacy Co-Chair
Rebecca is an advocate and consultant for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She has a background in research and statistics, primarily focused on substance use and related topics. Driven by her passion for making a tangible difference in her community, Rebecca became a certified facilitator of the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model, a comprehensive approach to understanding and supporting individuals with FASD and other brain-based conditions. In her role as facilitator, Rebecca provides training and consultation services, empowering professionals and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support individuals with brain-based conditions. Her dedication to raising awareness and fostering understanding of FASD underscores her commitment to improving the lives of those impacted by this condition in Texas and beyond.
Teisha Ray
Vice President, Strategic Development/Organizational Planning Committee Chair
Teisha, with a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Texas, specializes in toxicology and poison information. Additionally, she is an IASIS neurofeedback provider and a Certified Biblical Counselor. In the last few years, Teisha has dedicated her efforts to educating the community about FASD, establishing a local support group for caregivers, and stepping into the position of Vice President for the Texas FASD Board of Directors. Beyond her professional and advocacy roles, Teisha finds joy in traveling, enjoying pickleball date nights with her husband, and engaging in quality board game evenings with him and their three children.
Julia Rivera
Secretary, Founding Member
Julia is the adoptive mother of an adult with FASD. She is a retired colonel from US Air Force where she completed careers as an attorney both in and out of the military. She represented neglected children, young offenders, abusive parents, and Federal Agencies in litigation. Her decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and being named the Outstanding Reserve Judge Advocate. Prior to pursuing law, she was a social worker providing adoptive, foster and child protective services. She is a graduate of Washburn University School of Law and Kansas State University.
Amanda Mahnke
Treasurer
Amanda is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the Texas A&M University School of Medicine. Her work examines how prenatal exposures can affect health across the lifespan. She is particularly interested in alterations to stem cell behavior in early life and the long-lasting effects of this change in cell behavior. She is also interested in factors that contribute to risk or resilience following prenatal exposures, including biological sex and sources of stress. Amanda received her Ph.D. at Tulane University and postdoctoral training at Texas A&M University. Her research publications can be found at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1xQ7ivsOxtn5Z/bibliography/public/
Joan Roberts-Scott
Joan served on the Texas Office of Prevention of Developmental Disabilities Board for over 14 years, working to serve individuals with developmental disabilities including those with FASD. Her efforts have passed laws and support for agencies and organizations serving FASD. She was also instrumental in dissiminating information in physician offices and clinics, educating the importance of not drinking while pregnant. Joan has over 40 years experience working with children with disabilities and is passionate about supporting children with head injuries and promoting bike safety.
Katie King
Katie is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the founder of Evermore Clinic, in Waco, Texas. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Katie’s passion for FASD advocacy stems from her role as a mom of five children, three of whom joined her family through adoption from the foster system. She volunteers at the federal and state levels to promote FASD awareness and expand access to care for families navigating FASD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs, reading anything and everything, and visiting the beach as much as possible.
Tana Young
Tana is a seasoned educator holding a Masters in Educational Leadership. Alongside her extensive academic background, she’s embraced the role of adoptive parent to two young adults with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Tana has committed herself to aiding families navigate the intricate challenges of FASD. Her efforts extend beyond the confines of West Texas, as she actively engages with local support groups while leveraging both in-person and online platforms to educate a wider audience. Fueled by an unwavering passion, Tana tirelessly advocates for heightened awareness surrounding prenatal alcohol and substance exposure, passionately sharing her message with anyone who will listen. In addition to her advocacy work, Tana is channeling her creativity into crafting a children’s book highlighting the beauty to be found in neurodiversity. Away from her advocacy and writing pursuits, she finds solace in the simple pleasures of home, where she enjoys spending time with friends on her patio, crocheting, and unwinding with a good movie.
Amy Kreller-Kochis
Amy is a dedicated mom to four amazing children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). As a passionate advocate for her children and others with special needs, Amy graduated from the prestigious Texas Partners in Policy Making program. Her journey through this intensive training has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to champion the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve. Amy’s commitment to making a positive impact in her community is unwavering, and she continues to inspire others through her advocacy and dedication.
Christian Hancock
Training/Outreach Committee Chair
Christian is a speech-language pathologist and private practice owner, specializing in FASD, pediatric feeding disorders, bilingual language learning, and caregiver-child relationships. She is the creator of Communication with Connection, a philosophy and practice centering the neurobehavioral approach, responsive feeding and parenting practices, and sustainable support for families. Christian has experience as a community advocate for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and presents internationally on trauma-informed care, FASD, feeding disorders, and family-centered language learning.
Laura Bousquet
Laura is a dedicated advocate, whose journey through the intricacies of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has fueled her commitment to positive change.
As a devoted mother to a young adult son with FASD, Laura understands the unique challenges families like her face. Her passion for advocacy ignited when her son’s FASD diagnosis was delayed until his mid-teens, exposing systemic issues within the foster care systems, educational, and judicial systems.
Currently a valued Board Member of the FASD United Texas Affiliate, and a FASD United Family Navigator, Laura brings expertise and empathy to guide families through FASD complexities.
What sets Laura apart is her personal connection to FASD. After several years on this challenging journey, she discovered that she, too, carries an FASD diagnosis. This revelation has added another layer to her advocacy, allowing her to approach her work not only as a dedicated mom and family navigator but also as a self-advocate.
As Laura continues to navigate the intricate landscape of FASD advocacy, her story serves as an inspiration to others. Her multifaceted roles exemplify resilience, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals impacted by FASD. It is Laura’s hope to transform the challenges of the journey into opportunities for positive change and community empowerment.
Tamra Cajo
Katherine Kurima
Although a native Texan, Katherine Kurima and her family lived for a time in California before moving back to Texas. While living in California, she and her husband adopted their youngest child from Kazakhstan in 2009. He was diagnosed with FAS, an FASD, by a developmental pediatrician in Long Beach, CA. Even with the diagnosis, they were frustrated with the lack of resources and awareness to help their son. Katherine has been a volunteer and an advocate for neurodiverse individuals for many years. She strives to share ideas and spread awareness of FASD. Katherine has worked in higher education for over 10 years and is an Independent College Counselor.
Renee Rodrigues-D'Souza
Yolanda Ross
Dr. Yolanda Ross brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work in clinical and addiction counseling, with over a decade of experience in the field of addiction counseling and HIV advocacy. She is a woman in long-term recovery and is a mother to an adult daughter who is living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). She is also a woman who is thriving and living strong with HIV for over 19 years. Ms. Ross currently works at Santa Maria Hostel, which is a residential treatment facility that helps empower women and their families to lead healthy, successful, productive, and self-fulfilling lives. Ms. Ross is also a part-instructor at the University of Kentucky. She is very passionate about serving women and families who are in recovery from addiction and trauma and building a strong foundation for long-term success. She has dedicated her life to helping women achieve long-term sobriety and is empowered to be a champion for the cause of social justice and diversity. Ms. Ross holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Clear-Lake and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Houston. In addition, she holds a second Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the University of Houston-Clear. In May of 2024, Ms. Ross graduated from the University of Kentucky with her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women facing challenges related to substance use and living with HIV/AIDS.
Jennifer Poss Taylor
Jennifer Poss Taylor has more than 25 years of experience advocating for families raising children with developmental, medical, and behavioral differences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University and has worked as a liaison between families and medical professionals supporting children with chronic and lifelong conditions. As the adoptive mother of three adult children, two of whom have disabilities, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy. She is a passionate educator and speaker on infertility, adoption, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and autism, and has created numerous support groups, faith-based studies, and educational resources across Texas. Through public speaking, writing, and social media outreach, Jennifer is committed to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting families with the resources and community they need to thrive.
