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Our Staff

Executive and Clinical Director

Jocelyn Chamra-Barrera, LCSW

Jocelyn Chamra-Barrera is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 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. She has been a practicing social worker in Austin since 2014.

Jocelyn has focused her work in the areas of mental health, child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, and significant trauma. She is trained in EMDR and is currently working on her play therapy licensure. She has previous experience working with children, adolescents, and families, having served as a social worker at a Family Resource Center and the Travis County Child Advocacy Center. Jocelyn has previously served as a children, family, and adult therapist at Austin Center for Grief and Loss. She has previously served Christi Center as the Bilingual Support Coordinator, Kids Who Care Coordinator, Program Manager and Program Director.

In her spare time, she enjoys making and drinking lots of coffee and spending time with husband, Bobby, son Noah, and pets Karma and Nacho (the cats) and Ezra (the Border Collie/Mix).

Finance and Operations Coordinator

Melissa Bjordal

Bio to come!

Crime Victim Advocate

Cathy Collins

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.

Peer Support Coordinator

Christi Neville, LPC

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.

Youth Bereavement Therapist and Coordinator

Rachel Saffer, LCSW-S

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.

Internship Manager

Heather Stan, LMSW

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.

Our Board

Board President

Julio Mendoza-Quiroz

Currently serves as the Christi Center Board President

More to come!

Immediate Past President

Theresa Golde

Currently serves as the Christi Center Immediate Past President

More to come!

Board Treasurer

Sheridan Steed

Currently serves as the Christi Center Board Treasurer

More to come!

Board Secretary

Charles Moore, MBA

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.

Board Member

Khila Coleman

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.

Board Member

Amy Cureton

More to come!

Board Member

George Drazic

George serves as a Board Member of the Christi Center.

He is the President of Efficient AC.

Board Member

David Flores

Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member

More to come!

Board Member

Rev. Roy Jones

Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member

More to come!

Board Member

Kyle McFather

Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member

More to come!

Board Member

Dr. Michael Mitchell, DO

Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member

More to come!

Board Member

Fred Patrizi, PhD

Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member

More to come!

Board Member

Maureen Patrizi

Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member

More to come!

Board Member

Natalie Tarnosky

Currently serves as a Christi Center Board Member

More to come!