MEET OUR STAFF

Our dedicated team is committed to better outcomes for youth. To learn more about working with us, contact us.

TIFFANY ECHEVARRIA

Executive Director

Tiffany Echevarria supports the work of Collective Action for Youth by providing leadership and strategic direction. Tiffany’s background includes implementation, evaluation and continuous quality improvement for youth programming. She is an experienced facilitator who regularly brings people together to dialogue around race and diversity. In this role, she is eager to work shoulder to shoulder with youth to create better solutions for the community. Tiffany has a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Southern University and a Master's of Public Policy and Administration from University of St. Thomas. She is a proud Black and Puerto Rican woman. Tiffany believes All Black Lives Matter, Love is Love, and Women’s Rights are Human’s Rights. Tiffany leads with empathy, respect, humility, and considers herself a lifelong learner.

ASHLEY MCFARLAND, LCSW

Training Program Manager

Ashley McFarland is responsible for training the dual status youth model. Ashley is a Licensed Master of Social Work and a TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) trained practitioner with more than ten years of experience working with children, teens and their families. Ashley is passionate about providing care that is both trauma-informed and strengths-focused. Her professional background specializes in parent education, working with dynamic and complex teenagers, and using her pragmatism to support the stability of the entire family unit.

**MICHAEL GALLOWAY**
*Project Associate*
Michael is an advocate for the youth whom he serves. His purpose is to empower system impacted young adults to stand up for what they believe in, create hope and invoke change within their own communities to develop a community centered around equality and growth. Michael is also a current student at the University of Houston and is expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He is a small business owner and social media influencer. Michael was impacted by the criminal justice system at the age of 12, which is how he can relate to the youth he mentors. Michael has an extensive background in prison reform and reentry, as well as experience in servant-leadership, public speaking and entrepreneurship. He has an irrevocable passion to helping youth follow their dreams, believe in themselves and never enter the pipeline of prison.

**JONATHAN RODRIGUEZ**
*Credible Messenger*
Jonathan Rodriguez is a proud Houstonian born in Fifth Ward and raised in Cloverleaf. He is eager to serve and give back to his community. He is motivated to help youth live above the odds by using his lived experience to help advocate for change in our communities. Jonathan has had to overcome adversity, and his Christian faith and education have helped him see how to change and empower others. He is particularly passionate about giving youth second chances and promoting alternatives to incarceration. Jonathan encouraged his brother, now an employee at NASA, to find himself and push for more. He hope to do the same with the youth he serves. In his free time, he enjoys drawing portraits to uplift others. Jonathan lives by the motto, "Know yourself, and then you will be the best at what YOU can be!”.

**MARILYN ALLEN, MSW**
*Project Associate*
Marilyn Allen (she/her) is a recent graduate of the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston. Originally from North Carolina, she moved to West Texas to earn her Bachelor of Social Work at Abilene Christian University. Passionate about social justice, Marilyn has always sought out spaces dedicated to equity and inclusion. This commitment led her to pursue Macro Social Work, focusing on systemic change and anti-oppressive practices.
Marilyn has worked with at-risk youth in her social work practice and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of teens. She is passionate about education reform and youth advocacy, striving to create equitable opportunities for all students.
She is currently a fellow of the Ukombozi Fellowship with the Racial Equity Leadership and Research Collective, where she is deepening her understanding of liberation and anti-racist work at a systemic level.
Beyond her work in social justice, Marilyn spends her time working at The Swap HTX, a community initiative that promotes sustainable fashion, local collaboration, and creative self-expression.

**EDGAR A. SAZO**
*Credible Messenger*
Edgar A. Sazo is a proponent for criminal justice reform and youth intervention at a grassroots level to offset the disparities faced by low-income youth. He began doing social work as a mentor and instructor while still incarcerated. Upon release he began a position with the City of Houston Reentry Network Program in outreach. With over 5 years of experience in the field, with a focus on adults, he felt a need to help youth be proactive in their life outcomes. He is passionate about civil and human rights and correcting how they may not be equally applied to people of color or to those from other countries. A firm believer in the inherent rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence with a desire to make them recognized by all for all. He strives to educate others, especially youth, about these things by volunteering with community organizations and leans into his Catholic faith to bolster his convictions on humanity.

**JADA AUTMAN**
*Credible Messenger*
Jada Autman is a native Houstonian who has family and friends that have been impacted by the justice system, Jada knows first hand the importance of having a loving and caring adult in one’s life. She comes to CA4Y with over 5 years of professional and volunteer experience working with youth that share the same experiences. Early in her career, Jada worked as an after school teacher in Sheldon ISD and coached basketball in the Upward League at her church, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church (3-5 graders). Most recently, she worked for the People’s Legal Clinic as the GenX Coordinator, where she encouraged young people to participate in civic engagement activities. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with loved ones, and being active while eating good food. She is excited to play a huge role in making change within the community.

**AMANDA DOYLE-NICHOLLS**
*Administrative and Development Coordinator*
Amanda Doyle-Nicholls is responsible for creating best practices to improve coordination among systems as well as administrative and development support and direction. Prior to this role, Amanda worked as a Business Manager for Temenos CDC, where she was responsible for all business operations. She is excited to bring her more than six years of nonprofit business support and experience to this role to further advance Collective Action for Youth’s mission of helping dual status youth. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her 2 cats, Bunny and Biscuit, or going on outdoor adventures with her dog, Sam.

BRADI LEWIS

Community Collaboration Coordinator

Bradi Lewis is responsible for assisting with the development of programs and the coordination of events in order to bring awareness and a call of action to support youth who are involved in both the juvenile and child welfare system. She focuses on community issues and responding to requests from community residents so that she is able to accurately advocate for dual status youth on a larger scale. A major part of her responsibility is to also foster relationships and build long lasting partnerships with those who are willing to provide resources that will support dual status youth.

**EVELYN BARRON**
*Project Associate*
Evelyn is a communications intern for Collective Action for Youth. She is a recent high school graduate from Worthing High School. Evelyn was born and raised on the Southside of Houston. Being raised in a neighborhood like Sunnyside and seeing how the juvenile system affects the youth, she would love to be able to help make a change in an environment she understands so well. She would love to be a part of the change and by being the communications intern, she believes she can help give the resources that CA4Y offers to the community.

**MARKENLEY “KEN” CHERENFANT**
*Project Associate*
Markenley is an educator, legal advocate, and youth mentor dedicated to empowering young people and fostering community growth. For over seven years he served as a public school teacher in Houston, teaching hundreds of students and mentoring countless Brown and Black young men. Markenley holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate to teach AP U.S. History from Rice University. Currently, Markenley is interning at the office of prominent Houston attorney Jolanda Jones while pursuing a Juris Doctorate.
Alongside his legal studies, Markenley serves as a full-time mentor for Sons of Sophistication in the Credible Messenger role. As a former youth offender, Markenley is inspired by Bryan Stevenson’s “Just Mercy.” He is committed to the effort in reducing recidivism and helping young people avoid reentry into the Juvenile Justice System. Markenley is an active member of the Momentum Men's Ministry at The Church Without Walls, meeting with his council of brothers on Saturdays. He is working towards becoming a deacon in his church. Driven by faith, Markenley strives to treat everyone with love and respect, believing that every neighbor is worthy of compassion and understanding regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and other differences.

**DEVANTE POPE**
*Credible Messenger*
Devante Pope is a passionate advocate and credible messenger dedicated to uplifting the youth in his community. Born in Pensacola, Florida, he experienced the challenges of growing up in low-economic areas, where the impact of family incarceration was a constant struggle. These hardships shaped his perspective and fueled his determination to make a difference. Devante's love for the youth is evident in his tireless efforts to provide guidance, mentorship, and support to those facing similar challenges. He understands firsthand the obstacles they encounter and is committed to helping them navigate their paths toward success. His work reflects a deep-seated belief in the potential of every young person, regardless of their circumstances. Despite the adversities he faced, Devante's resilience shone through. He graduated from Alabama State University where he attended the Men’s Basketball Team, a significant milestone that underscored his commitment to education and self-improvement. After completing his studies, he took his mission to Atlanta, Georgia, where he engaged in community work, focusing on empowering youth through various initiatives. Devante Pope's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. His dedication to the youth serves as an inspiration, proving that with support, guidance, and determination, it is possible to rise above challenges and create a brighter future.

**JARROD FOSTER**
*Credible Messenger*
Jarrod Foster is a Houston native with a deep passion for coaching, leadership, and youth development. He specializes in guiding young people through challenges related to identity, purpose, and life transitions, with a strong focus on mental health. As a former athlete and North Shore High School alumnus, Jarrod has cultivated resilience and discipline—qualities that have shaped his approach to overcoming adversity and helping others do the same.
Currently dedicated to his life's work and research in mental and behavioral health, Jarrod aims to equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate personal and professional challenges. His ultimate goal is to become a licensed therapist and social worker, allowing him to provide a more holistic impact on the community. By bridging his experiences as an athlete, coach, and mentor, he seeks to empower individuals across all age groups, fostering confidence, self-awareness, and a clear vision for the future.

KIYA SLATER, PhD

Credible Messenger

Kiya Slater is an international psychologist who has served as a therapist trainee, community college professor, civic engagement coordinator, youth director for a nonprofit organization, and a diversity, equity, and inclusion trainer. She has more than 15 years of experience working with youth and adolescents. After earning her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, she wanted to focus on making mental health more accessible to diverse communities. Her passion propelled her to finish her doctoral degree in international psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is excited to provide resources and support to help Houston’s youth. As an international psychologist, her motto is that before we set out to heal the world, we must first heal our hometowns. It is one of the many reasons she is excited to work with Collective Action for Youth.

**MEGAN RATTO**
*Systems Integration Director*
Megan Ratto, formerly Davis, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of Harris County’s Dual Status Youth Practice Model in close coordination with the Department of Family and Protective Services and Harris County Juvenile Probation. She is also the lead trainer on the implementation of the Model and using a strengths-based framework for supporting dual-status youth and families. Megan uses tools of graphic facilitation and visual data sharing to support understanding of our work. Prior to CA4Y, Megan worked for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for 7 years in a variety of roles including Investigator, Child Fatality Worker, Supervisor, and Family Group Facilitator. Megan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University.

JADE MILLER

Senior Project Associate

Jade Miller serves as an intermediary for Houston’s ongoing projects. Her expertise is in non-profit work that is based around domestic abuse survivors/victims and the Juvenile Justice System. She has served as a mentor to 50+ young girls and women by teaching them that they are not and will never be their circumstances. Jade holds a BA in Political Science and Communications from Sam Houston State University and is an upcoming JD Candidate for Fall 2023 with hopes to impact the Juvenile Justice space by becoming a court judge to help uphold the shift into holistic restoration for juvenile youth. Amongst all other things Jade is a boy mom of 2 that definitely keeps her sharp and enjoys distressing and centering herself in the gym and with yoga.