Leadership & Board

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.

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.

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.

Michelle Villarreal, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and TBRI Practitioner, fulfills the role of Internship Support Professional at STARRY’s Temple and Waco offices. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University Central Texas.

Throughout her career, Michelle has dedicated herself to serving non-profit organizations in various capacities, as a counselor, program coordinator, in leadership, and more, and as a Temple native, she possesses an intimate understanding of the community and its resources. This familiarity enables her to effectively connect with both clients and staff and provide care in a holistic manner.

Michelle resides in Temple with her husband, three daughters, and two beloved dogs. Beyond her professional life, she finds joy in indulging in movies, crafting, and embarking on weekend adventures with her girls.

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.

Cari Latimer is STARRY’s Waco Team Supervisor. Cari received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas – Arlington, and has her LCSW. She also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M – Commerce.

Cari has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience serving children and families and providing case management, program management, and training to a variety of populations. Cari is a TBRI® Practitioner as well as a trainer for Bridges Out of Poverty, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the American Red Cross.

Cari started at STARRY in 2023 as an MSW Intern and Family Support Specialist at the Waco office before transitioning to her role as the Team Supervisor. Cari is passionate about helping others find healing and hope, while building skills that allow them to move forward and thrive.

Cari enjoys reading, painting, and baking in her free time and is convinced that coffee is essential to life. Cari volunteers as a mentor and resource navigator at Christian Women’s Job Corps in Waco where she lives with her husband and their little herd of dogs.

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.

Coming Soon…