VOTE411 Voter Guide

For the last decade I have served our community advocating for families involved in the child welfare system. I began my career as a volunteer law student with the Harris County STAR Drug Court. There, I represented the interest of children and parents as the families participated in services to strengthen the family unit. As an assistant attorney for the OAG, I established financial support and conservatorship orders for the families in Harris County. As an associate judge for the 312th District Family Court, I was able to use my knowledge of child support, addiction, trauma, neglect and abuse to make rulings to resolve cases. In 2025, I rejoined the Harris County Attorney’s Office an a senior attorney protecting children and families.

I believe justice should be timely. I want to tackle the docket, set clear expectations and make prompt rulings so that cases move forward without unnecessary delay. Additionally, I would like to apply a trauma-informed approach that upholds the law while treating everyone with dignity and respect, reducing harm and aiding long-term outcomes to stabilizes our families. By fostering an environment of dignity, the court can better support connections to community treatment, diversion programs, educational engagement and rehabilitation services. Juvenile courts work best when they are turning points. That requires addressing the underlying reasons youth enter the court system such as trauma, family instability and school disengagement.

I am seeking my third term as Judge of the 315th District Court. I began my service to Harris County when I started my legal career as an Assistant District Attorney, almost 20 years ago. There, I trained as a litigator and tried cases ranging from misdemeanors to co-chairing capital murders (non-death). After almost five years at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, I joined the Harris County Public Defender’s Office in 2011. I was a founding member and now preside over C.A.R.E. Court, which works with victims of sex exploitation and their families as they rebuild their relationships and lives. As presiding judge, I ended indiscriminate shackling for detained youth appearing in court and piloted the dual status docket.

1. This year a restructuring of our DFPS and foster care system, called Community Based Care, is rolling out in Harris County. It will give local organizations greater responsibility and support for children and families dealing with DFPS. I will continue to work with Depelchin Children's Center, the Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC), Texans Together, and other stakeholders for a smooth implementation while not compromising the opportunities for families. 2. Firearms are the leading cause of deaths among young people. The courts will work with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, law enforcement, school districts, and community stakeholders to educate and explore interventions to increase safety for our community.