Richard Singleton is a Licensed Professional Counselor — Supervisor and CEO of STARRY, Inc. Richard attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he graduated with a double major in History and Political Science. He then obtained a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling and began building a vision for community-based services.
Richard joined STARRY in 2006 as a Case Manager serving children and youth in the STARRY Emergency Shelter, followed by his roles as a STARRY Counselor, Program Supervisor, Director of Counseling Services, and later, Executive Director. Richard is now CEO of STARRY where he leads and serves an agency teeming with fantastically diverse, creative, innovative, and trauma-informed staff who provide stellar child and family services to thousands of families across Texas.
Since 2012 Richard has served as a Board Member for Texas Network of Youth Services, supporting TNOYS and its amazing staff to accomplish their mission for kids and families.
Richard lives in Leander, with his wife, son, and lightning fast Vizsla. His daughter, son-in-law, and grandson also live in Leander, providing many welcomed opportunities for the joy of grandparenting. Richard and his wife, a special education teacher, love the relaxing climate of the Rocky Mountains and spend many summers there engaged in vital, invigorating self-care.
Stefanie Linkenhoger serves as Chief of Staff at STARRY, bringing more than a decade of experience across multiple departments within the organization. Her broad perspective and collaborative leadership have allowed her to support STARRY’s growth while remaining deeply committed to operational excellence and advancing the organization’s mission.
Throughout her tenure, Stefanie has contributed to initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, foster collaboration, and support the teams that make STARRY’s work possible. She is passionate about helping the organization continue to grow and evolve in ways that expand its impact on the individuals, families, and communities it serves.
Outside of work, Stefanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children. Whether exploring nature or relaxing at the beach, she values opportunities to create lasting memories with her family.
Jennifer Williams, CFRE, serves as Senior Director of Philanthropy at STARRY, where she leads fundraising strategy, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts that advance the organization’s mission of nurturing children, strengthening families, and restoring hope.
With more than 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, Jennifer previously spent 17 years with Baylor Scott & White Health supporting McLane Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals before serving at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), she specializes in relationship based fundraising, strategic philanthropy, grant development, donor stewardship, and community partnerships.
When she is not working, Jennifer enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, exploring the Texas coast whenever she can, kayaking, and finding new ways to serve her community. She is proud to call Central Texas home and is honored to be part of STARRY’s mission.
Amber Rogers is the Business Operations Manager at STARRY, where she supports organizational excellence through business operations, strategic initiatives, and marketing and communications. She enjoys bringing order to complexity and finding practical solutions that help people and organizations thrive. Whether she’s improving a process, building systems that support staff, or strengthening STARRY’s communications, Amber is driven by the belief that the best work happens when people have the right tools, clear information, and a shared sense of purpose.
Naturally curious, Amber loves learning new things, exploring emerging technology, and discovering better ways to connect ideas and people. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three children, singing, and diving into whatever topic has captured her interest next. She values thoughtful conversations, continuous learning, and opportunities to build stronger connections with the people and communities STARRY serves.
Lydia Hernandez is the Business Administration Manager at STARRY, where she supports human resources, payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and business operations. She is passionate about creating efficient processes and providing the support employees need to thrive, believing that when staff are empowered and supported, they are better equipped to serve children, families, and communities.
With nine years of experience in human resources, operations, and management, Lydia enjoys streamlining processes, fostering collaboration, and building systems that help organizations operate effectively. She is committed to cultivating a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and aligned with STARRY’s mission.
Outside of work, Lydia enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children, two cats, and two dogs. Whether exploring the outdoors, hosting family game nights, or enjoying a movie marathon together, she values creating meaningful memories with the people she loves most.
Celeste Garcia serves as Chief Program Officer of STARRY. She is a seasoned human services professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families. Her career has spanned direct service, program development, national program leadership, and executive leadership, giving her a unique perspective on the communities organizations serve and the people entrusted to serve them.
Throughout her career, Celeste has led diverse teams and complex programs with responsibility for strategic planning, program operations, fiscal oversight, quality assurance, staff development, and organizational performance. Her experience includes strengthening service delivery systems, navigating organizational growth and change, and building teams focused on achieving meaningful outcomes.
Celeste is passionate about developing leaders and strengthening programs that create meaningful impact for children, families, and communities.
Outside of her professional work, Celeste values time with family and enjoys traveling, creating new experiences, and finding opportunities to recharge and stay connected to what matters most.
Clint Tomlinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor currently serving as the Regional Manager of FSS – North. Clint attended Tarleton State University for both his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and his Master of Science degree in Counseling/Psychology. Prior to working for STARRY, Clint worked at various funeral homes, the Stephenville’s regional Local Mental Health Authority, and STAR Council giving Clint a background in substance use counseling and domestic violence counseling. He worked at STARRY for just over 5 years serving as a counselor and Team Supervisor. After taking an 8-month sabbatical he has returned to the Team Supervisor position in the Stephenville office. Clint received his certification as a CBT provider and hopes to continue to serve this region for a long time. Clint lives in Stephenville and has spent most of his life in the Stephenville area. He is a proud supporter of Tarleton Athletics and is an avid Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers fan. He enjoys wood working and building projects, which tends to get him in trouble with his wife. He lives with his beautiful wife and daughters and two lab mixed pups. When he is not at work he and his family enjoy playing outside together, riding bikes, talking around a campfire, watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, going to Rangers games, and listening to Frank Sinatra and other jazz greats.
Deyanira (DeeDee) Duffy is a Director at STARRY. DeeDee attended the University of Texas Pan American, obtaining a Master of Arts Degree in Communication with a specialization in Organizational Communication. She obtained a Master of Social Work in 2023 from Walden University and became a licensed social worker as of December 2023. DeeDee’s experience with families and children includes six years with BCFS as a Case Manager and, ultimately Program Director for the Preparation for Adult Living Program and TWC Program. During her time with BCFS she assisted children and young adults in navigating the foster care system benefits as well as transitioning into independent living. DeeDee was transferred to the San Antonio office in 2017 to assist in restructuring the program there and expand her experience in networking, event coordination and youth engagement. DeeDee has 13+ plus years of experience serving families and children within the foster system, experiencing homelessness and children from hard places. DeeDee became employed by STARRY as a Family Support Specialist in the Killeen office in 2018 and was one of our bilingual providers. DeeDee married in 2019 and gained a bonus daughter, Adailyn. DeeDee gave birth to her second daughter, Arya in 2022.
Jarron Clark serves as Senior Director of Access and Performance at STARRY. He holds a Master’s degree in Family Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Business Management, combining family support insight with strategic program leadership. He brings more than a decade of experience in counseling and healthcare operations, including 10 years in program management and analytics. He is a licensed professional counselor in Texas.
In his current role, Jarron leads data strategy, performance metrics, compliance, and quality improvement efforts that help STARRY expand reach and strengthen results. He works closely with clinical and operational teams to improve access and ensure the organization stays responsive to the communities it serves.
Outside of work, Jarron enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing guitar, serving at his church, and watching the Astros.
Brandon Lofton, MSW is a Fatherhood Support Specialist with STARRY, where he works alongside fathers and father figures to strengthen families through mentorship, education, and community engagement. With nearly six years at STARRY, Brandon facilitates evidence-based fatherhood programs, connects families with vital resources, and helps men build healthy relationships, strengthen parenting skills, and create lasting positive change in their children’s lives.
Brandon earned a Master of Social Work from Tarleton State University, where his graduate research focused on fatherhood engagement. He also brings a diverse background in nursing, behavioral health, and human services, allowing him to approach family support with a trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective.
A husband, father of six, grandfather and passionate community advocate, Brandon is dedicated to empowering fathers to become active, engaged, and confident parents. He is committed to building stronger families by fostering resilience, promoting healthy relationships, and creating opportunities for fathers to thrive within their homes and communities.
Melinda Jenkins has dedicated more than 35 years to serving children, families, and communities through a wide range of human services roles. As Supervisor of STARRY’s Waco office, she is committed to supporting both families and staff while helping strengthen the communities they serve.
Melinda began her career providing a safe home for runaway teenagers, collaborating with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), law enforcement, schools, and families to connect youth with resources and improve communication. She later became a foster parent and expanded her work to support children with autism and other disabilities.
Throughout her career, Melinda has served as a CPS caseworker, ACT case manager, Head Start Education Coach, Prevention Education Liaison, and now Supervisor of STARRY’s Waco office. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Science and is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), crisis-trained professional, and has completed extensive trauma-informed care training. She is also a published author of two children’s books, reflecting her passion for supporting and inspiring young people beyond her professional work.
Outside of work, Melinda enjoys spending time with her two adult children and five grandchildren, riding her motorcycle, being outdoors, and spending time on the water. She is passionate about personal growth and strives to encourage and support those around her each day.
Diane Heffernan serves as Supervisor of STARRY’s Bell County offices, bringing extensive experience supporting children, families, and individuals through community-based mental health and human services.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with an emphasis on children and families and later completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout her career, Diane has worked in a domestic violence shelter, a homeless shelter with a veteran housing program, a local mental health authority, and a mobile crisis response team. She has also worked with parents impacted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), providing education and support to strengthen parenting skills.
Diane is passionate about helping people heal, grow, and recognize their own strengths and potential. She believes that everyone possesses the capacity for hope and resilience and is honored to walk alongside individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges.
Outside of work, Diane enjoys caring for her plants and garden, spending time outdoors, participating in water activities, traveling when she can, and making memories with her family.
Nita is the Director of the Carver Center for Families at STARRY. She is a Licensed Social Worker, Trust Based Relational Intervention Practitioner®, and N.E.A.R. Science Master Trainer who is committed to improving outcomes for families through supportive healing relationships. She began her social work career in Wichita Falls, Texas where she served as a Violent Crime Victim’s Advocate for 6 years. Upon relocating to Central Texas, she transitioned to the field of Foster Care and Adoption. Nita began working for STARRY Foster Care in 2012 as a Case Manager. She was then promoted to Foster Care Coordinator in 2014 and became the Director of Foster Care and Adoption in 2017, leading the program in becoming the first Child Placing Agency in the area to create a program focusing solely on supporting biological parents and reunification.
In 2022, STARRY elected to fully embrace their efforts in supporting biological families and shift their services upstream. Nita has helped lead this initiative to reduce childhood trauma through connecting with families prior to CPS involvement. This work is Nita’s focus through the new Georgetown Family Resource Center, of which she is the Director. The Family Resource Center is a partnership of the Georgetown Health Foundation and STARRY.
Chelsea Echols is a Licensed Professional Counselor who currently serves as the Wilco Team Supervisor at STARRY. Chelsea attended Tarleton State University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Chelsea began her career with STARRY in 2017, where she worked for six years, providing support to children and families. She later took a three-year sabbatical, during which time she gained additional experience working in a residential treatment facility for adolescents. Through her work, Chelsea has developed a strong background in trauma-informed care and grief counseling, and she is passionate about supporting youth and families navigating difficult life experiences.
Chelsea currently resides in Georgetown, Texas with her partner and their five rambunctious dogs, who keep life lively and full of energy. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, fishing, crafting, traveling to new places, and attending concerts whenever she can. A true music lover at heart, Chelsea appreciates all genres, with a special fondness for Avril Lavigne, and values the way music and shared experiences bring people together.
Buffy Messer is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor who currently works as the Team Supervisor at STARRY Wichita Falls. Buffy attended Texas Tech University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies – with an emphasis in Early Childhood and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Midwestern State University.
Buffy has over 25 years experience teaching young children and providing counseling and psychoeducation to children, adolescents and families as well as college students in schools, community outreach, and counseling agencies.
Buffy lives in Wichita Falls with her three dogs and, when they are home from college, her three adult children. When she is not working, you can find her volunteering in the Texoma community, coloring (especially mandalas!), playing with her dogs, and trying to keep her poor, struggling plants alive.
Tierra Nunn is STARRY’s McKinney Team Supervisor. Tierra is a Licensed Professional with a passion for supporting families as they navigate life’s challenges. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Georgia and completed both a Master of Education and an Education Specialist degree in Counselor Education from Clemson University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
With Spanish as her second language, Tierra brings a culturally responsive lens to her work. Her clinical approach centers on honoring each client’s autonomy and free will, creating a space where individuals feel empowered in their growth and healing. Much of her experience has focused on helping young people build resilience, explore their identities, and develop healthy coping skills.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling abroad, reading, diamond art, and spending time with friends. Her perfect day includes great food, better company, and making lasting memories.
Cathey Lowe, Chair | Austin, TX
Christine Gendron, Vice Chair | Austin, TX
Dan Neal, Secretary | Round Rock, TX
Coleen Brighton, Interim Treasurer | Leander, TX
Aaron Page | Round Rock, TX
Dr. Ebony Lang | Arlington, TX
Dr. Sherece Shavel | Greenville, TX
