Jocelyn Chamra-Barrera, LCSW is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker and expert on the areas of mental health, child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, and significant trauma. She currently serves as the executive and clinical director of The Christi Center, a nonprofit organization that offers hope after the death of a loved one by providing support networks, community education, and therapeutic activities that are free, peer-based, and ongoing. By combining her expertise in mental health with her passion for community, Jocelyn is dedicated to helping people connect with their emotions by actively listening to their stories. Jocelyn first started working at The Christi Center in 2017 as a bilingual services coordinator, since then she has held multiple roles including program manager and director of programs and clinical services. In 2024, she was promoted to executive and clinical director. In this role, Jocelyn ensures that the organization continues to serve the Austinites, as it did when it was first founded in 1987, while evolving with the needs of the community. She also oversees the operations side of the organization, ensuring that it honors its past while moving into
the future. Prior to working at The Christi Center, Jocelyn served as a bilingual therapist for Blue Note Psychotherapy, a high-quality, specialized therapy consultancy of engaged and compassionate
therapists. She was also a bilingual therapist for The Austin Center for Grief and Loss, an organization offering therapy resources and support for those grieving the death of a loved one from illness, accident, suicide, or violence; divorce or separation. In addition, she served as a clinical intake specialist for the Center of Child Protection, which aims to reduce trauma for children during the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children.
Jocelyn is deeply committed to advancing her industry. She volunteers as a therapist with the Therapy for Therapists Collective, a network that offers pro bono psychotherapy, peer supervision,
support groups, and other resources specifically for therapists. Additionally, she is a member of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), an organization that raises awareness about the needs of grieving children and teens and provides education and resources for their supporters. Jocelyn has also been a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the world’s largest
professional organization for social workers, which focuses on professional development, maintaining standards, and advocating for sound social policies. She is also connected with the
University of Texas at Austin’s Social Work Alumni Network. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts
from The University of Texas at Austin. In her spare time, she enjoys making and drinking lots of coffee and spending time with her husband, Bobby, son Noah, and their pets, Violet and Nacho.
Bio to come!
I was first introduced to the Christi Center in 1990 after the murder of my brother. I have had a lifetime relationship with this organization. Along with my 4 boys, my parents also became very involved with the center. We all took advantage of the various support groups that were offered. The organization literally saved our lives and Susan and Don become such wonderful friends.
I learned everything I could about the grief journey by mentoring under Susan and Don. I came in as a volunteer and eventually was fortunate to come aboard on the staff. That was over 12 years ago and I have such gratitude for walking through the door of the wonderful place.  Now I am able to give back to others what I received.
My interest in grief and loss began in 1997, when a tragic accident claimed the love of my life, and catapulted me into a humbling journey of healing. An intern counselor at the time,  I was astounded to realized our culture’s lack of understanding of grief, and as I committed myself to my own personal growth, my thirst for knowledge led me into professional realms as well. After graduating with my Master’s in Counseling from The University of Denver in 1999, I began a holistic private practice in Colorado devoted exclusively to grief, and from that foundation, have led support groups for children, for surviving family members at Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and have run several hospice bereavement programs.
After relocating back to my native Texas, I was lucky enough to find the Christi Center, and am excited to contribute my blend of personal and professional experience as I support the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of loss. Outside of work, I enjoy music, meditation, and spending time outside with my super-duper son, who reminds me daily to stay present to the magic and wonder of life.
My passion is working with children, adolescents and teens from the ages of 4-18. Although I work with many of the issues children and adolescents face, I have specialized in grief and loss since 2014. I use a variety of treatment modalities including: child-centered play therapy, sandtray, expressive arts, EMDR and yoga/mindfulness. Play helps kids make sense of their world so they can process their feelings in a non-verbal way so that they don’t have to carry them inside their bodies. Kids yoga has been shown to increase focus, self-esteem, and reduce anxiety in all aspects of their lives..
Your child’s well-being is my ultimate concern and am devoted to providing provided children in the Austin area and beyond a wide range of psychological and counseling services to suit them. My therapy sessions are designed to strengthen your child’s confidence and assist them in the healing process.
Howdy! I’m Heather Stan, an Austin native and passionate advocate in the realm of grief and loss. My journey in this field began through my own profound experience of losing my daughter to brain cancer at the age of 9. This personal journey ignited my commitment to supporting others navigating similar paths.
I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Psychology in 2015 and earned a Master’s in Social Work in 2022. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in General Psychology at Liberty University and am in the process of completing my clinical license to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My professional journey has led me to The Christi Center, where I serve as the Internship Manager. This role allows me to mentor and guide interns, helping them cultivate their skills to make a significant impact in the world.
In addition to my work at The Christi Center, I’ve had the privilege of serving various underserved populations, including inmates at the Travis County Correctional Complex. Here, I provided health, wellness, and vocational psychoeducation. I also conduct mental health assessments at the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. My extensive background includes grief and loss counseling for children, teens, and adults, as well as expertise in mental health and substance abuse.
Family is my cornerstone. I am blessed with a supportive husband and a daughter who bring immense joy to my life, alongside my three energetic poodles—Dexter, Eddie, and Georgie.
Our Board
Currently serves as the Christi Center Board President
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Currently serves as the Christi Center Immediate Past President
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Currently serves as the Christi Center Board Treasurer
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Howdy! My name is Heather Stan, an Austinite and recent graduate at The University of Texas at Austin. My passion for grief and loss started with my own experience, losing my daughter at 9 years old to brain cancer. I knew I wanted to step into a role where I could make a meaningful impact with this community. At The Christi Center, I look forward to meeting members where they are and walking alongside them in this grief journey and navigating the difficult path ahead.
I graduated in 2015 with my BA in Psychology and completed a Master’s in Social Work in 2022. Throughout my career, I have worked with various underserved populations such as inmates at the Travis County Correctional Complex where I provided health, wellness and vocational psychoeducation. I have a background in grief and loss work with children, teens and adults as well as mental health and substance abuse.
I cherish and value my family every day. I have a loving husband and daughter who bring light back into my life. They are my favorite people including my 3 yappy poodles Dexter, Eddie and Georgie.
Khila Coleman is an advocate and public administrator that brings a wealth of skill, compassion, and
professionalism to her roles at the Christi Center. Khila was first introduced to the Christi Center in 2021
when trying to find grief support and resources in the central Texas area. In 2023, Khila began
volunteering her time and talent with the Christi Center Governance Committee. She then accepted a
nomination to become a member of the Board of Directors in July of 2024. Khila has worked within the
justice system for over 15 years, and currently serves as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Hutto
Police Department. Khila holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in
Governance from the University of La Verne. She obtained a Bachelors in Science from California State
University, Dominguez Hills, in the areas of Public Administration and Criminal Justice, with a Minor in
Sociology. Khila enjoys animals, traveling, advocacy work, watching documentaries, and collecting
unique house plants. In her free time, Khila loves to bake fresh bread and sweet treats.
More to come!
George serves as a Board Member of the Christi Center.
He is the President of Efficient AC.
Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member
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Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member
More to come!
Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member
More to come!
Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member
More to come!
Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member
More to come!
Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member
More to come!
Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member
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