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, MA
President, Advocacy Committee 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.
Julia Rivera, Esq.
Secretary, Founding Member, Governance and Strategic Planning Committee Chair
Julia Rivera (Col, Ret., USAFR) is the adoptive mother of a young adult with FASD. She is a founding member of the TX FASD Network. Col Rivera 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 Air Force’s 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 (cum laude).
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/
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.
Christian Hancock, M.S., CCC-SLP
Fundraising 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.
Katie King, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Support Committee Chair
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.
Amy Kreller-Kochis, M.Ed. LPC
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.
Katherine Kurima
Media and Marketing Committee Chair
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.
Teisha Ray
Training 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 and establishing a local support group for caregivers. 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.
Renee Rodrigues-D'Souza, MD, FAAP
Dr. Rodrigues-D’Souza is a Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician and founder of The Whole Child Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, PLLC in Houston, Texas. She is the former Medical Director of a multi-disciplinary ABA, speech/language therapy, and occupational therapy clinic. Prior to that, Dr. Rodrigues-D’Souza was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine for over 10 years and worked at The Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Autism at Texas Children’s Hospital during her tenure. Previous appointments include being a staff physician at the Child Study Center in Fort Worth, Texas and medical consultant to the adjoining Jane Justin School and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program. She was also Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where she completed her fellowship training in Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Rodrigues-D’Souza has played an active role in educating pediatric residents and Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics fellows, including developing curricula. Dr. Rodrigues-D’Souza served as Co-Chair of the Committee for Children with Special Health Care Needs of the Texas Pediatric Society for six years. She is also a Texas Ambassador for the AAP-sponsored FASD Virtual Learning Collaborative.
Tana Young, M.Ed.
Tana Young is an educator, advocate, children’s book author, and adoptive mom with a passion for helping families better understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and has spent years supporting children, families, educators, and professionals as they navigate the unique strengths and challenges that come with brain-based differences.
As the adoptive parent of two young adults with FASD, Tana’s work is rooted in both professional experience and lived reality. She is dedicated to helping families find hope, connection, and practical strategies while raising awareness about the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol and substance exposure.
Through speaking engagements, training, and support groups, Tana works to create more informed and compassionate communities for individuals and families affected by FASD. She is passionate about helping others move beyond misconceptions and toward a deeper understanding of the strengths and needs of individuals with FASD and other neurodevelopmental differences.
When she’s not writing, speaking, or advocating, Tana enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing with her dogs, and gathering with friends on her patio.