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.
Christian Hancock
President, 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.
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, Advocacy Committee Chair, 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 Provention 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.
Rajesh Miranda
Rajesh is the Shelton Professor of Neuroscience at the Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics. His research in human populations and animal models, focuses on the intersection between alcohol and substance use disorders, pregnancy and birth outcomes. He also studies cardiovascular and other health risks across a lifespan, associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Rajesh Miranda received his PhD from the University of Rochester, and postdoctoral training from Columbia University. He joined the faculty at TAMU in 1995. A list of his research publications can be found at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/rajesh.miranda.2/bibliography/40847504/public/?sort=date&direction=descending
Tana Young
Media Committee Chair
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.
Rebecca Ciesielski
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.
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.
Dori Wind
Dori Wind has served the people of Texas for more than 40 years as an Assistant Harris County Attorney. She has been the general counsel to the Harris County Hospital District Board; the Harris County Children’s Protective Services Board where she first learned about FASD; and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults Board; the committee that created the Harris County Guardianship Program, which provides services to an elderly population, including those with FASD; the committee that created Harris County Veterans’ Courts; the legal group that created the Texas Medicaid payment process for public guardians; and the committee that created the Harris County Senior Justice Assessment Center to assist senior victims of crimes. She worked on: the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco lawsuit, Crime Victims’ Compensation cases, TP-30 Medicaid, and other collections, bringing in billions in resources for Harris County residents. As Bureau Chief for Elder Law and Disability, the Hospital District and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults, she supervised numerous employees providing services to the vulnerable of Harris County. She has published articles about FASD in the Houston Chronicle and worked with the Houston Consortium on FASD, to provide conferences on the subject. She has also given presentations on the subject, passed out thousands of free parenting books from the Hendrickson Foundation, American Pediatric Association’s “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child,” and assisted in efforts to have Texas post signs about FASD birth defects.
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.
Heather Davis
As a loving mother of three, Heather navigates the complexities of parenting her adopted eldest, who has FASD.
Drawing from her background as a certified family partner for mental health, Heather advocates tirelessly for families facing similar challenges. With her spouse, a law enforcement officer and veteran, Heather remains steadfast in her pursuit of positive change. Her unwavering commitment has enabled her son to access superior diagnosis and treatment. Heather strives to ease the journey of fellow parents, reducing the trauma linked to FASD. Her passion for supporting families and making pragmatic choices is evident. Moreover, Heather collaborates with UTMB to drive groundbreaking FASD research.
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.
Madeline Rae
Madeline is a self-advocate and an FASD-affirming coach and consultant. Diagnosed with FASD as an adult after years of searching for answers, she has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of finding appropriate care and support. Attending the International FASD Research Conference in Seattle provided her with essential connections and tools to move forward. Knowing many don’t have the same opportunity—and recognizing that it shouldn’t be the only way to access support—Madeline has been dedicated to advancing FASD advocacy, including founding in-person and online support groups. As a LEND trainee, she combines her creative skills with a commitment to developing resources, fundraising, and collaborating on solutions that empower the FASD community.
