Our Team
Our Leadership
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Dena Fisher
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Associate Judge | 315th District Court
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Susan Brown
Co-Founder
Presiding Judge | 11th Administrative Judicial Region
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Angela Graves-Harrington
Co-Founder
Presiding Judge | 246th Family District Court
Administrative Judge | Harris County District Family Courts
Our Staff
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Hailey Park, LMSW, MT-BC
Website Manager | Mentor Support Liaison
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Ashley Williams, LCSW
MSW Supervisor
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Konstantine Angelides
MSW Intern
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Chiffon Brown
MSW Intern
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Essie Richardson
MSW Intern
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Zaria Williams
MSW Intern
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Lilly Zaunbrecher
MSW Intern
Our Board
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Michaele Leathers
Board Chair
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Terrie Mason
Fundraising Chair
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Jacky Varela, JD
Board Member
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Jennifer Washington MBA, MHA, LCCA
Board Member
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Tyrone Obaseki M.Div., LPC-S, LCDC, LSOTP
Board Member
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Alina Jones
Board Member
…and of course, we would not exist without our amazing mentors and ambassadors!
Each and every one of them make this organization happen.
Team Biographies
Judge Dena Fisher
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Associate Judge | 315th District Court
Dena Fisher is the Associate Judge in the 315th District Court in Harris County, Texas, a juvenile court, presiding over delinquency and CPS dockets. Prior to being on the bench Judge Fisher was in private practice representing children for many years. She represented children charged with crimes, in delinquency cases, and children in abuse and neglect cases in CPS. She was also an attorney for children in the both the Human Trafficking court and the Gang Court, both juvenile specialty courts in Harris County. Prior to being in private practice, Judge Fisher was a Harris County Assistant District Attorney, and before that she was a Juvenile Probation Officer in Harris County for 13 years.
She now sits on the Texas Supreme Court Dual Status Task Force, helping to set statewide policy and guidelines for the treatment of children who are involved in both the CPS and delinquency systems. In addition, she presides over the Harris County Juvenile Mental Health Court, called Court 360, and she is one of the three founding judges of the Houston PEARLS and EAGLES Programs, a mentoring programs for youth in foster care. In her courtroom, she holds special dockets for dual status children as well as her regular dockets. Judge Fisher visits children in the delinquency and CPS placements in Harris and surrounding counties and also enjoys public speaking at various conferences and trainings. She regularly speaks to newly sworn CASA volunteers and caseworkers at CPS, as well as new probation officer classes in Harris County, welcoming the incoming classes and letting them know the potential impact that they could have on the lives of the children they interact with.
Judge Fisher teaches the Juvenile Representation clinic at the University of Houston Law Center, where her motivation is to expose law students to the role of representing children, with the hope that some of them will enter this important field of practice. Judge Fisher has spent most of her life advocating for children in one capacity or another, with a special interest and passion for advocating for dual status children and children in foster care.
Judge Susan Brown
Co-Founder
Presiding Judge | 11th Administrative Judicial Region
Judge Susan Brown was appointed by Governor Abbott as the Presiding Judge of the 11th Administrative Judicial Region of Texas in March of 2018. She served as the Judge of the 185th Criminal District Court in Harris County where she presided over felony criminal cases form 1999 until her retirement in 2018. Since her election in 1999 she has presided over hundreds of jury trials. In 2013 she was elected to serve as the Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division a position she held until 2017. During that time she worked closely with the McArthur and Arnold Foundations to obtain grant funding to better the criminal justice system in Harris County.
Judge Brown was also instrumental in creating the Re-integration Court for low level drug offenders and obtaining the Pre-trial risk assessment currently used by the criminal courts. Judge Brown is responsible for creating the Harris County Pearls Foundation a mentoring program for young women age fourteen to eighteen who are in permanent care of the Texas Department of Family Protective Services.
Judge Brown graduated from Texas A&M University in 1982 with a degree in Educational Curriculum and Instruction. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College Law in 1985. She serves on the Board of Angela House, a program for women recently released from incarceration; Casa de Esperanza, a nonprofit that provides foster care housing for children under 6; and the Houston PEARLS Foundation. She also serves as a member of the state’s Children’s Commission.
Judge Brown is married to Justice Marc Brown they have two adult daughters.
Judge Angela Graves-Harrington
Co-Founder
Administrative Judge | Harris County Board of Family District Judges
Presiding Judge | 246th Family District Court
Judge Angela Graves-Harrington serves as the first African-American Administrative Judge of the Harris County Board of Family District Judges. She also presides over the Harris County 246th Family District Court as the first woman and second African American person ever elected to that bench. Judge Graves-Harrington is Board Certified® in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a designation awarded to less than .1% of Texas attorneys.
Aligned with her mission of developing a pipeline of well-trained and compassionate child welfare attorneys, Judge Graves-Harrington created the Child Welfare Externship at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where students learn to advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare system through classroom instruction and courtroom training. The Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission also selected her to preside over a Trauma-Informed Pilot Court and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) to participate in the NCJFCJ Implementation Sites Project.
Judge Graves-Harrington consistently strives to transform the Harris County child welfare courts into trauma-informed courts by working closely with the families, ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met. She is committed to ensuring that every parent receives the support they need to navigate the child welfare system while remaining focused on the ultimate goal of positive permanency for every child in every case.
In honor of Angela’s dedication to protecting children and preserving families, US Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee declared November 19, 2021, “Judge Angela Graves-Harrington Day.” She also received the 2023 Texas CASA Judicial Innovation and Leadership Award for her contribution to the field of Child Welfare.
Judge Graves-Harrington is active in both her local and state bars through service on various committees. In 2020, the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission appointed Judge Graves-Harrington to serve on the Training Committee. She was also appointed co-chair of the Child Welfare and Juvenile Advisory Committee of the NCJFCJ. Additionally, Judge Graves-Harrington is a team leader for the Burta Rhoads Raborn Inn of Court, a member of the Houston Area Local Advisory Group for the Texas Permanency Outcomes Project (TXPOP), an advisory member of Safe Babies, a First 3 Years® initiative, and a faculty member for the Judicial Academy on Reasonable Efforts through the Capacity Building Center for Courts. Judge Graves-Harrington was appointed co-chair of the Houston Bar Association Family/Probate Bench Bar committee and received the HBA President’s Award for organizing the first family/probate bench bar conference in 19 years. Finally, when not in court or the classroom, Judge Graves-Harrington shares her knowledge with the legal and child welfare community through speaking engagements and seminars.
In addition to service in legal organizations, Judge Graves-Harrington serves her community as a twenty-two-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and as the Strategic Planning Committee Chair for Jack and Jill, Incorporated®, Greater Channel Chapter.
Judge Graves-Harrington is a native of Gulfport (Turkey Creek), Mississippi, and a proud alumna of Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She and her husband, Darryl, live in Houston with their two handsome sons, Daylen and Aiden, and their rambunctious Goldendoodle, Teddy.
Michaele Leathers
Board Chair
Michaele Leathers is the Board Chair of The Houston PEARLS Foundation.
She is also a foster parent, as well as the Ministry Director at West End Church, where she has served and advocated for the program since its inception.
Terrie Mason
Fundraising Chair
Terrie Mason is an Entrepreneur, Business Developer, Brand Curator, Author, Life Coach, and Visionary.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Juvenile Justice, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.
T. Mason has a passion for youth and community outreach, and she’s held positions with the Louisiana House of Representatives and Orleans Parish Juvenile Court where she was Executive Assistant to Orleans Parish Juvenile Clerk of Court. She is a strong advocate for community and is passionate about empowering those around her.
Jacky Varela, JD
Board Member
Jacky Varela graduated from South Texas College of Law Houston and practices in the areas of child welfare, juvenile delinquency, and criminal defense. She has a passion for working with youth that have been affected by the judicial system, whether it be through her guardian ad litem work or assisting youth with their delinquency charges.
She is a member of the Houston Young Lawyers Association, the Caucus, The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and on the endorsement committee of the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston.
She was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a multidisciplinary degree, with an emphasis in English, Sociology, and Political Science. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Houston with her wife and teenage son, attending social justice events, and the occasional Netflix binge.
Jennifer Washington MBA, MHA, LCCA
Board Member
Jennifer Washington is a native Houstonian with several years of experience in Public Services and Healthcare. The driving force behind her passion for mentoring and giving back to the community is her overcoming the many obstacles she had faced in her childhood.
Jennifer is the founder of SISTA non-profit and Licenses Child Care Administrator with over 5 years of experience in leading non-profit initiatives and cohorts to building the community.
Tyrone Obaseki M.Div., LPC-S, LCDC, LSOTP
Board Member
Tyrone Obaseki, is the Pastor of Global Freedom Ministries, and the CEO of Transformative Counseling & Wellness Solutions.
Hailing from Houston, Texas, he has worked extensively with substance use addictions, trauma survivors, and individuals who struggle with unwanted same sex attraction issues. Reverend Obaseki graduated from Texas AM University – Commerce in 2010 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Recognizing the need for more male mental health professionals, he obtained a Master of Arts in Counseling (2012), from Prairie View A&M University. Reverend Obaseki graduated from Liberty University’s Rawling’s School of Divinity and received a Master of Divinity in 2022.
Although abandoned as an infant and deemed mentally delayed in foster care, Reverend Obaseki’s prime objective and personal advocacy is to inspire, ignite and mentally equip people to defy every odd, overcome every stigma, transcend above every faulty assumption, lie, and preconceived notion that could impede their progress in understanding who they are in Christ.
Hailey Park, LMSW, MT-BC
Mentor Support Liaison | Website Manager
Hailey is a licensed master social worker and board-certified music therapist from North Carolina. She has lived in Houston for the past three years with her husband and their dog, Merlin.
Hailey completed her first-year MSW internship at the Houston PEARLS Foundation from 2022 to 2023, and helped to get the program rolling in its first year. After this, she completed her second internship at Texas Children’s Hospital, and was additionally a part of the nationally-recognized LEAH Fellowship through the Baylor College of Medicine. She has worked as a music therapist, piano teacher, and coffee shop barista, to name a few — the throughline through all of these being her passion for people.
Hailey now provides support and resources for HPF mentors, knowing that nobody can pour from an empty cup. She also manages the HPF website and assists with other media as needed.
Ashley Williams
MSW Intern Supervisor
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor with over 10 years of experience in the field. She is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where clients can fully engage in the therapeutic process. Ashley tailors her approach using a blend of therapy techniques to meet each client's unique needs, helping them achieve their personal goals. Her primary areas of focus include treating anxiety, trauma, self-esteem building, self-discovery, and developing effective coping skills.
Ashley believes that a judgment-free environment and an open mind are essential for fostering growth and success in therapy, especially during vulnerable moments. Her goal is to walk alongside her clients, providing support and understanding as they share their stories.
She strives to ensure that each session leaves clients feeling heard, respected, and valued, regardless of the challenges they may face together.
A bit about Ashley: She completed her undergraduate studies at Texas State University and earned her graduate degree from Baylor University. As the oldest of seven siblings and having grown up in a military family, Ashley understands the importance of resilience and adaptability. And yes, she has a sweet tooth!
Konstantine Angelides
MSW Intern
Konstantine Angelides (they/he) is a first-year MSW student at the University of Houston and a social work intern for the Houston PEARLS/EAGLES Foundation. They first discovered their passion for social work in their first job out of college working for a small non-profit organization that facilitated social-emotional learning programs to migrant and refugee children and youth.
Konstantine has a bachelors in political science from the University of Houston and currently works as a program manager for the scholarship office at the Bauer College of Business. Their goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and to continue working with young people and be an advocate for children’s emotional wellbeing.
Chiffon Brown
MSW Intern
Chiffon is a compassionate and nurturing individual with nearly 12 years of experience in social services, and is deeply committed to helping others, especially children who need support. Her true calling is to make a difference, particularly for children navigating the system, and she’s driven to start her own nonprofit focused on helping teenage girls in need.
She is currently a graduate student at the University of Houston, working towards her master’s in social work, with plans to graduate in spring of 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas. Achieving higher educational attainments is rewarding to her, but it’s her passion for children that truly fuels her drive to keep learning and growing.
At 36, she finds joy in life’s subtle pleasures. She’s a plant mom, thriving on nurturing her green companions — a reflection of how she approaches everything, with care and passion. When she’s not enjoying this quiet satisfaction, you’ll find her on roller skates, embracing freedom and feeling the world rush by. She also values serenity, whether by a tranquil lake, beneath the sun on a secluded beach, or simply lost in the stories hidden in the clouds. These moments of stillness recharge her, readying her to give her all to what truly matters.
Her life is filled with love and purpose as a mother of two incredible boys. Luke, her amazing 4th grader, is a goofball who loves video games and can play the piano by ear. Eli, her energetic and protective little man, is devoted to his mommy, loves cars and dinosaurs, and sits in chairs like an old man. They inspire Chiffon every day, driving her to create a brighter future for those she serves.
Essie Richardson
MSW Intern
Essie Richardson is from San Antonio Texas. In San Antonio, she received her liberal arts degree from St. Philip's College and her BA in Sociology from Texas A&M University - San Antonio. After graduating college, she worked as a City Year Americorp member, where she served middle school students from her community. She participated in their math class as a near-peer mentor and tutor. After completing two years in City Year, she is now pursuing her master's degree in Social Work at the University of Houston. Essie loves to travel, help others, and do arts and crafts.
Zaria Williams
MSW Intern
Zaria Williams is from Chicago and has a strong background in both military service and education. She served for six years in the U.S. Army, where she honed her skills in leadership and resilience. During her military service, Zaria pursued higher education and graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. For the past two years, she has been working with the Department of Homeland Security, applying her knowledge and experience to support national security efforts. Zaria is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work, reflecting her commitment to helping others and making a meaningful impact in her community.
Lilly Zaunbrecher
MSW Intern
Lilly Zaunbrecher is a first-year Master of Social Work Student at the University of Houston. She is originally from Louisiana; she received her undergraduate degree in Sociology with a concentration in Family Science from McNeese State University. Lilly has a passion for child advocacy and has experience working with children and teens within the areas of Applied Behavior Analysis and Juvenile Justice Services in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She is excited to be a part of the PEARLS Foundation and looks forward to engaging with teens within her new community! Lilly enjoys reading, painting, watching movies, and listening to music in her free time.