Communities In Schools of Central Texas Leadership
Executive Leadership
Sharon Vigil
Chief Executive Officer
Sharon believes in the wisdom of young people and communities—the brilliance students carry and the loving support from adults who uplift them.Sharon joined Communities In Schools of Central Texas as its first Chief Operations Officer, and within three years was promoted due to her deep, community-rooted expansion of the agency. She led all aspects of programmatic strategy, the agency’s systems and infrastructure, and embedded community engagement into the fabric of the agency.
In September 2022, the board named Sharon CEO of the agency, which has expanded to serve nine school districts throughout Central Texas—Austin, Del Valle, Elgin, Hays, Lockhart, Manor, San Marcos, Taylor and Harmony Public Schools. Under her leadership, the agency has launched exciting new opportunities for students and school communities, including the post-secondary pathways partnership with Austin Community College.
Sharon brings communities together to ensure all students have the support they need throughout their educational journeys—from co-chairing the Austin 2030 network of education, non-profit, business and civic leaders to serving as president of CIS of Texas, representing 27 affiliates throughout the state. She also meets with city, county, state and federal leaders to provide information on the needs and achievements of the school communities CIS serves.
Prior to joining CIS, Sharon served community- and youth-serving agencies for 10 years. She focused on increasing communities’ access to services, including health and economic opportunity. The throughline in her career is her commitment to building authentic relationships and sustainable systems with community-based organizations.
As a former elementary school science teacher, Sharon remains deeply connected to education—understanding the needs of students and families, as well as teachers and principals, from the classroom to the community.
Sharon earned a master’s degree in executive leadership and a master’s degree in education with a focus on multicultural, bicultural education. As a lifelong learner, she continues to further her education through professional development programs at Georgetown University, Cornell University, Leadership Austin Essential, and the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program.
María Isabel Campos
Chief Advocacy Officer
María Isabel Campos, Chief Advocacy Officer, has more than 20 years of public service experience. Born and raised in East Austin, she’s driven by her family’s legacy in community leadership and education. Her family has a long history of community involvement, labor equality, and pioneering bilingual education locally and statewide.María is a community leader, committed to creating systems that work for all. As a first-generation college student, she has first-hand appreciation of the impact of Communities In Schools of Central Texas on children’s lives.
Throughout her career, she has been a catalyst for change, developing eight early childhood Head Start schools throughout the state and leading 2020 Decennial Census operations in Central Texas, which led to enhancing representation at the federal level. Her unique “Mi Hermana’s Keeper” project improved services for Latina youth nationwide because of its research-based approach.
María earned a Master’s in Public Policy and Non-Profit Management from the City University of New York and has been recognized for her advocacy for women’s birthing outcomes. She’s a New Leaders Council and University of Texas LBJ Women’s Campaign School alum and a dedicated youth mentor. She currently serving on the board of Austin Urban Technology Movement.
Christian Clarke Cásarez
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Christian believes in the transformative power of stories to build relationships and strengthen communities. Stories bring people together, open hearts and change the world.For more than two decades, Christian has advised leaders on strategic communications and community engagement—from spearheading international public affairs and expanding the “What Starts Here Changes the World” brand at the University of Texas at Austin to promoting the promise of public education for the Austin Independent School District.
Christian began her mission-minded service at the center of education, health and community empowerment, promoting school-based clinics in under-served, rural communities. As the spokesperson for the University of Texas at El Paso, a nationally recognized engine for economic mobility, she collaborated with educational, civic and industry leaders to pioneer pathways—from early childhood through college and career—to shape a brighter future for all students.
Christian’s service is guided by one belief: Every student has talent. It is our responsibility to create the opportunity.
Dian Shircliff
Chief Administrative Officer
Dian Shircliff has been All in for Kids for three decades—helping Communities of Schools of Central Texas grow from serving 36 schools in 1996 to more than 120 schools across nine districts today.Dian serves as the Chief Administrative Officer, working closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to advance the mission of CIS. She manages the agency’s administrative, facilities, technology and performance measures teams, as well as special projects and initiatives for the CEO and board of directors.
Dian began her career with CIS in 1996 as the agency’s first HR-focused team member and served as Chief Human Resources Officer until 2023, growing the department from one to five HR professionals as the agency’s programming expanded to serve larger numbers of young people and families throughout the region. She has more than 25 years of experience in human resources, including employee relations, policy development, compensation and benefits, performance management, recruiting, onboarding, coaching and training.
Dian earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Texas at Austin. She also received a Sr. Professional in Human Resources certification (SPHR).
With a family tree with multi-generational branches of teachers, social workers and Air Force officers, the value of service to others and the power of education are deeply rooted in Dian. After almost 30 years of service at CIS, she still finds both joy and challenge in her work and is proud to be a member of the All-in-for-Kids CIS network.
Jodee Webb
Chief Finance Officer
Jodee Webb is the Chief Financial Officer of CIS Central Texas. She joined the agency in 2024 and oversees finance and accounting. She has more than 25 years of experience, having worked internationally in both for-profit and non-profit companies.Jodee earned a BBA in accounting from Texas State University and obtained her CGA/CPA in Ontario, Canada. When not at work, Jodee enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling around the world, and completing home renovations with her husband.
Jodee’s favorite quote is by Mahatma Gandhi “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”.
Grace Holland
Chief Development Officer
Grace is a seasoned nonprofit leader with 20 years of experience in fund development, communications, and strategic planning in the Central Texas community. Committed to expanding access to education as a catalyst for social mobility and individual freedom, she has witnessed countless lives transformed through generosity and opportunity.Grace has held leadership roles at Breakthrough Central Texas, Hospice Austin, and UT Dell Medical School. A Leadership Austin alum, she has served on the boards of the Austin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Trinity Child Development Center, volunteered as a CASA advocate, and participated on the Austin Women’s Fund Grants Committee.
Her contributions have been recognized with honors including CASA’s Angel of the Year and the inaugural I Live Here I Give Here Big Give Award. Grace holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.
Senior Leadership
John Duck
Senior Director of Development Operations
John has 15 years of fundraising experience and a total of 17 years working in social service organizations. He built his development career on a foundation of social work education and direct client service and he also has extensive experience in program evaluation and strategic planning.John joined the development team at Communities In Schools of Central Texas in 2011 as Director of Community Partnerships and now serves as Sr. Director of Development. He maintains a portfolio of major donors and prospects and leads corporate sponsorship, special event, donor stewardship, and payroll giving fundraising efforts for the agency.
Prior to joining CIS, John was hired as the first Director of Development at Hope Alliance in Round Rock, Texas, a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center and shelter. He began his non-profit career at Helping Hand Home for Children in Austin, supporting children recovering from abuse and neglect in their residential treatment and foster/adoption programs. Prior to entering the non-profit sector, John had a brief and successful sales career.
John is passionate about connecting altruistic community members with the causes they care about. John earned a bachelor of social work degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Monique Jones
Sr. Director of Human Resources
Dr. Monique Jones has been named Senior Director of Human Resources for Communities in Schools Central Texas. Dr. Jones brings over 17 years of educational experiences to her new role. Dr. Jones has recently served as an Director of Human Resources and Operations in Denver, Colorado. International Principal and Recruiter in the United Arab Emirates across 7 continents. Dr. Jones has also served as a. 6-12 Charter School Principal, High School Associate/Assistant Principal, and Human Resources Supervisor in Colorado and Central Texas.
Prior to serving in K12 leadership roles Dr. Jones served as a Middle School Teacher and Athletics Coach. Recently, Dr. Jones founded MLJ Educational Consulting Group LLC. which provides Human Resources. Leadership Development, and Inclusivity Services to K12 schools.
Dr. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Prairie View A&M University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration w/a Principal Endorsement from Concordia University of Texas. Dr. Jones earned her Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Administration w/K12 Superintendent Endorsement from Concordia University of Texas. Dr. Jones is a dog mom to Princess Diamond Bailey and enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with family.
Elizabeth Aleman
Sr. Director of Mental Health Services
Rebecca Gamboa Gomez
Regional Director of Programs
Rebecca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who joined Communities In Schools in 2011 after earning a master of science in social work from the University of Texas at Austin.Rebecca has had the opportunity to work in various positions in the agency (caseworker, program manager, program director of campus- based programs, senior program director of campus-based services and, now, regional director of programs) where her strong passion for working with youth and families has been applied.
She is equally passionate about systems work and has participated in agency initiatives such as capacity and change teams and Leadership Academy to gain skills and provide input to drive the mission forward. She has earned the Employee Excellence award.
Rebecca enjoys starting the day off with a quiet early morning walk with her dog, and loves spending quality time with her family.
Kendra Berry
Sr. Program Director of College, Career, & Military Readiness
Kendra has spent nearly 15 years in higher education and K12, faith-based spaces, non profits, and community based organizations. She has held a variety of roles; at times building individual capabilities through mentoring and people development and at other times focusing on capacity building, systems creation, and convening partners for strategic impact. As the Sr. Program Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness, Kendra leads and supports the Male Student Achievement Program.
Kendra believes that when good systems meet great leadership we can achieve collective social impact and it’s the students who win. All young people deserve to fully known and deeply loved. She has a M.S. in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, a M.A. in Management from Wake Forest University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Furman University. In her free time Kendra enjoys reading, cooking and baking, hiking, and traveling. It’s a bonus when she can do this surrounded by friends and the nieces and nephews who fill her cup.
Erica Gallardo
Sr. Program Director of Campus Based Services
Erica Gallardo is the Communities In Schools Senior Program Director of Campus Based Services.She is a first-generation college graduate. Her parents were born in Piedras Negras Coahuila, Mexico and settled in Uvalde, Texas. She graduated from Bastrop High School and earned her bachelor of social work from Texas State University-San Marcos. She joined Communities In Schools in 2009 and has supported students and families in Hays CISD and Lockhart ISD for the past 15 years, before becoming a Program Director supporting San Marcos CISD in 2020.
Erica is a member of the Hays County Child Protective Board and helps provide resources for children and families across Hays and Caldwell Counties. Erica has earned multiple Employee Excellence Awards a Leadership Academy Cohort Award and a Leadership Excellence Award. She currently resides in Hays Co. with her husband Michael (LCSW, LCDC) of 16 years, with their sons Lyndon and Lincoln. During their free time, they love hosting friends and family for backyard BBQ’s.
Javier Sanchez
Sr. Program Director of Campus Based Services
As a first-generation Mexican American and the oldest of four, Javier Sanchez Jr. carries a deep personal connection to the mission of Communities In Schools of Central Texas. Having navigated many of the same barriers faced by students CIS serves has shaped his leadership with empathy, resilience, and a steadfast belief in the power of relationships to transform lives. He holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.
Javier’s journey with CIS began as an AmeriCorps intern and member, before joining the staff in 2017. He first served as a Smart Kids Coordinator, then a Program Manager, Program Director, and now Senior Program Director. Along the way, he has successfully led program launches, cultivated strong partnerships, and supported teams to operate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Passionate about holistic student supports, Javier is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life. His lived experience, combined with his academic and professional experience, equips him to bridge communities, foster trust with stakeholders, and design sustainable strategies that keep students and families at the center.
Cindy Aguas
Sr. Director of ACTS
Cindy is a fierce education advocate who has dedicated her career to supporting students and families in removing barriers toward post-secondary education and planning for life after high school.As a first-generation high school and college graduate, Cindy understands how transformational education can be. Having spent the last 14 years in K-12 and post-secondary spaces, she is uniquely aware of the systems one must navigate in their pursuit to higher education. She began her career as a College Advisor serving a rural high school in the Rio Grande Valley. It was this role and community that served as the catalyst for Cindy to continue on the path as a college access and college readiness practitioner. Since then, she has gone on to work with Del Valle High School students through Texas State University’s Upward Bound program, develop and lead programming for alumni support at KIPP Texas Public Schools- Austin, and support with reengagement and reenrollment efforts at Austin Community College.
A proud Rio Grande Valley native and Texas A&M University graduate, Cindy joins CIS as the Sr. Director of Access to College and Transition Support, where she will oversee post-secondary program implementation and lead the partnership with Austin Community College.
Jim Thompson
Sr. Director of Information Technology
Jim joined Communities In Schools in 2021 as Sr. Director of Information Technology. Previously, Jim held the position of Director of Information Technology for Fallbrook Technologies for 10 years. Jim partnered with his Executive peers to provide technology solutions in Fallbrook’s three business divisions: Manufacturing, Engineering Services, and Patients and licensing. On-premise and Cloud services supported offices in USA, Germany, Netherlands, and China. Prior to Fallbrook, Jim was the Director of Information Management and Technology for Tepa. Jim was part of the startup management team. In his 6-year tenure, the company grow to 150 million a year in revenue. Tepa is a tribally-owned company which provides most of its services to Federal and State Governments. These services are in six business divisions: Construction, Engineering, Environmental, Industrial, Staffing, and Technology. Jim holds two bachelor’s degrees from Texas State University: Health Information Systems and Healthcare Administration. Outside of work, he spends most of his time with friends and family. Hobbies include: River Fishing, Golfing, and technology tinkering.
Lauren Woods
Regional Director of Programs
Lauren Woods, regional director, is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a passion for promoting access and creating opportunities for students and families.For more than a decade, she has been deeply involved with the public school system, local universities, nonprofits, medical systems, and social service agencies to participate in building programs that help to support and facilitate growth.
She is a proud St. Edward’s University graduate where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and then continued her education at the University of Texas at San Antonio earning a master’s degree in social work. She remains engaged with the St. Edward’s community by serving as a member of the Social Work Program Advisory Council.
Lauren enjoys spending time with her amazing husband, beautiful son and loving German Shepard.
Dominique Graves
Sr. Program Director of Campus Based Services
Dominique Graves has served in the social service field over 15 years. While obtaining her bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, she became a Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CIS) AmeriCorps Member and served on campus during her final two years of undergrad. Her experience as an AmeriCorps Member and her deep-rooted family lineage of educators ignited her passion to cultivate supportive systems for academic success of all.In 2018, Dominique achieved her master’s in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio. She soon returned to CIS in April 2019 and began her career within the agency as a Program Manager. Since 2021, Dominique has expanded into CIS leadership roles and is currently serving as the Senior Program Director of Campus Based Services supporting the Austin ISD and Del Valle region. When Dominique is not working you can find her spending quality time with family, hiking, or reading on her comfy couch.
Lindsay Razzaz
Sr. Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
Lindsay Razzaz is CIS of Central Texas’ Senior Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships. She joined CIS in 2018 as their first partnerships-focused role to build partnership practices & infrastructure, grow collective impact & increase the availability and responsiveness of services throughout CISCTs urban & rural service area. Prior to CIS, she led interdisciplinary teams in the nonprofit, government and tech sectors, as well as served as a consultant to national nonprofit leadership. Lindsay holds a Masters of Public Affairs, and Bachelors in both Sustainable International Development and Communications. She believes deeply in the power of school communities, and in the joy & wisdom of all youth. In her free time, you’ll find her working on two books, sharing poetry, and hanging out with friends, her husband and wonderful daughter.
James Canup
Sr. Director of Major Gifts
James is a product of Dallas public schools and the University of Texas at Austin. For more than 25 years, he has helped build and sustain nonprofit organizations as a leader and fundraiser here in Central Texas.Originally from Rockwall County, with deep roots in Northeast Texas at Caddo Lake, James has been an Austinite since 1991. You can find him cooking, hiking and kayaking when the weather is nice and reading and playing word games when it is too hot. He’s always up for coffee, ice cream and/or tacos.
As Senior Director of Major Gifts at CIS-Central Texas, James collaborates with philanthropic families so that kids can thrive and so that our communities can grow even stronger.
Shelly Bosse
Sr. Director of Training and Education
Shelly Bosse, LMSW, MA brings over 25 years of experience in social work and training to her role. With a rich educational background that includes master’s degrees in both Social Work and Theater, as well as her current doctoral studies in Social Work, she combines trauma-informed expertise with a deep understanding of human expression and connection.Prior to starting her new role at Communities In Schools of Central Texas she served as the Training and Education Manager at Communities In Schools of San Antonio. In her 15 years at CIS-SA she served as a Program Manager and Program Director prior to starting the training department in 2018.
She is dedicated to creating engaging, inclusive training experiences that draw on evidence-based practices, lived experience, and the wisdom of others. Whether facilitating or coordinating Youth Mental Health First Aid, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Psychological First Aid, or Developmental Relationships, she thrives on sharing knowledge, fostering growth, creating psychologically safe environments, and inspiring positive change across diverse communities. Her passion for training and education lies at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, expressive arts, and transformative learning.
Beyond her professional life, she has been happily married for 18 years and is a proud mom to an amazing 12-year-old daughter. She also shares her home with two spirited Australian Shepard mixes who keep life playful and grounded.