Meet the THN Team

Eric Samuels

President & CEO

A white male in his mid-forties with brownish red hair and beard in a dark blue suit with blue tie. He is smiling proudly in front of the Texas State Capitol. In front of the Capitol in the background is a Texas flag that has been propped up for an event.

Eric Samuels

President & CEO

Eric Samuels, CEO/ President. Mr. Samuels has twenty-six years of experience working with local, state, and national organizations on developing services and housing for persons experiencing homelessness. After college, he moved from Arkansas to Austin to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA member for two years, his second as VISTA Leader at Texas Homeless Network (THN) in 1998. After working for four years at the Enterprise Foundation, primarily on advocacy efforts for people with disabilities, Eric served as the AmeriCorps Coordinator for the program that became Keep Austin Housed at the then newly opened Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH).

nnIn 2004, Eric moved back to his home state to be near family and took a job as Executive Director for Seven Hills Homeless Center in Fayetteville, AR. Before his return to Austin in 2006, the agency was near completion of constructing a new PSH and TH program, and Eric had provided the framework for moving the day center to its current location.

nnFrom 2006 to 2015, Eric built the TX Balance of State CoC to its current level. In August 2015, Mr. Samuels was named President/CEO of Texas Homeless Network. Mr. Samuels holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from Texas State University and received his Bachelors from the University of Arkansas. Eric and his wife Leslie have two young children, Renn and Asa.

Andi Armstrong

HMIS Training Coordinator

Andi Armstrong

HMIS Training Coordinator

Andi Armstrong is the HMIS Training Coordinator at Texas Homeless Network, where she trains and supports both new and experienced HMIS users across the Lone Star State. Andi holds a Bacheloru2019s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Before joining THN, she completed two terms with AmeriCorps and interned at the Texas Advocacy Project, where she worked with survivors of intimate partner violence, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual assault. A native of West Texas and a graduate of Big Spring High School, Andi is passionate about advocating for rural, low-income communities and working toward a more equitable society for all.

Jen Beardsley

LHC Coordinator

Jen Beardsley

LHC Coordinator

Jen Beardsley is the Local Homeless Coalition (LHC) Coordinator at Texas Homeless Network, where she supports and helps build collaborative groups working to address homelessness in their communities across the state. She has a background in commercial real estate appraisal, marketing, and cooperative housing advocacy work. Jen is passionate about building more just systems through partnershipsu00a0and spending long, lazy days at the beach.

Alexandra Beckendorf

Chief Development Officer

Alexandra Beckendorf

Chief Development Officer

Alexandra Beckendorf is the Chief Development Officer at the Texas Homeless Network, where she leads fundraising efforts to support programs that strengthen communities across Texas. In this role, she oversees strategic development initiatives, cultivates major donor relationships, and drives innovative campaigns to ensure long-term organizational sustainability. With a background in political fundraising, she brings strategic insight and a passion for building meaningful connections to every campaign she leads. Outside of work, Alexandra can often be found exploring Austinu2019s outdoor trails, relaxing at Barton Springs, and always spending time with her miniature dachshund, Koda, who never misses a chance to steal the spotlight on any Zoom call.n

Kraig Blaize-Fiero

Operations Coordinator

Kraig Blaize-Fiero

Operations Coordinator

Kraig started his career with THN as a volunteer before being placed at THN as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in 2012. During his VISTA service, which ran from 2012-2014, he worked with various homeless coalitions around the Central Texas area helping to raise awareness within the communities and coordinate annual Point In Time surveys. Today he is the Operations programs assistant and helps coordinate daily activities for THN. Kraig is a Texas native and graduated high school in Johnson City, TX and is currently working on attaining his associate degree in Social Work from Austin Community College.

Crysanthemum Cohen

Systems Change Manager

Crysanthemum Cohen

Systems Change Manager

Chrysanthemum is the Systems Change Manager at THN, where she supports communities by facilitating the management and evaluation of Coordinated Entry in the TX BoS CoC. Chrysanthemum’s work in homeless services began during her third AmeriCorps service term in San Angelo, Texas, where she became an active community leader. She went on to lead the Victim Services department at the local rape crisis center, facilitate a survivor support group, and join the Board of the Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition. She was also a founding member of the Concho Valley Community Action Agency’s first Lived Experience Advisory Committee, where she used her lived experience to drive change and bring people together. Before entering human services, Chrysanthemum worked extensively in animal care and welfare – experience that informs her commitment to supporting households with pets and helping families stay together through crisis. She also serves on the Board of My Dog Is My Home, is Vice Chair of the San Angelo Animal Services Advisory Committee, and is Vice President of the Peace Ambassadors of West Texas. A writer and presenter, Chrysanthemum frequently speaks publicly about her lived experience, honoring the stories of her late sisters and the resilience that fuels her commitment to systems change.

Paula Dewey

Database Coordinator

Paula Dewey

Database Coordinator

Paula Dewey is the Database Coordinator at Texas Homeless Network. She has a background in the media industry where she focused on systems, reporting, and process improvement. She grew up in Virginia but has lived in Texas for most of her life. After working in the corporate world for many years, she realized that she wanted to focus her efforts on work that was more meaningful. She is passionate about working to help bring an end to homelessness.

Cosme Dominguez

Data and Policy Analyst

Cosme Dominguez

Data and Policy Analyst

Cosmeu2019s role as the Data and Policy Analyst at THN includes providing technical assistance to HMIS end-users and developing data visualizations and reports.u00a0

Sydney Huffman

Systems Change Data Coordinator

A young woman with straight, dark blonde hair and bangs wears glasses and a light blue collared blouse. She smiles warmly at the viewer against a plain gray background.

Sydney Huffman

Systems Change Data Coordinator

Sydney is the Systems Change Data Coordinator at THN, supporting staff, agencies, and communities across the Texas BoS CoC. She focuses on improving data quality, meeting HUD standards, and turning data into insights that strengthen the Coordinated Entry process. Sydney holds a bacheloru2019s degree in Public Health from the University of Arkansas and is pursuing a Master of Public Health at UTHealth Houston. Sheu2019s passionate about using data to advance equity and improve health outcomes. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors, climbing, and true crime documentaries with her dog

Gabrielle Llamas

HMIS Data Manager

A young female professional with shoulder length brown hair wears a white shirt. She smiles at the viewer in front of a brown background.

Gabrielle Llamas

HMIS Data Manager

Gabrielle is the HMIS Data Manager at THN. Her role is responsible for supporting the integrity of HMIS and building relationships with community members around the Balance of State CoC. Gabrielle is originally from San Antonio, Texas and holds a Bacheloru2019s degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Her previous experience includes teaching elementary school, coordinating an emergency domestic violence shelter, and organizing a youth program in Chicago.

Diego Garza

Housing Solutions Project Manager

Diego Garza

Housing Solutions Project Manager

Diego is the Housing Solutions Project Manager at THN where he manages the Day 1 Families Fund Grant.u00a0

nnHe is energized by THNu2019s commitment to ending homelessness and honored to be overseeing a fund with the focus to Family Homelessness.

nnOriginally from Edinburg, TX Diego earned a Degree in Business Management from Texas State University before moving to Austin and eventually joining the team at THN.

nnHe creates a meaningful life by communing with friends and sharing in meals, art, and conversation.u00a0

Michell Johnson, LMSW

Systems Change Engagement Coordinator

Michell Johnson, LMSW

Systems Change Engagement Coordinator

Michell Johnson joined Texas Homeless Network in 2025 as the Systems Change Engagement Coordinator. A Licensed Master Social Worker, Michell is committed to advancing the social work profession and building robust, data-informed systems that ensure homelessness in Texas is rare, brief, and non-recurring.nMichell earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University and her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Advanced Generalist Practice from the joint program at Texas Womanu2019s University and the University of North Texas. She brings more than twelve years of professional social work experience, spanning homelessness prevention, housing stability, and systems-level coordination.nBefore joining THN, Michell served on the Housing Initiatives Team at United Way of Denton County, where she began as an Eviction Prevention Specialist and later became the Coordinated Entry & Diversion Manager. In that role, she led countywide training and technical assistance, facilitated cross-sector case conferencing, mentored MSW interns, and strengthened partnerships to expand access to housing. She also played a key role in helping thousands of households remain stably housed during the COVID-19 pandemic.nMichell is passionate about Housing First, trauma-informed care, and creating systems that work for everyone. At THN, she supports communities across the Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care in strengthening Coordinated Entry systems and fostering collaboration that drives meaningful change. When Michell is not working to end homelessness, you can find her spending time with family, kayaking or riding her bike, Jerri.

Brian Goodner

Chief Financial Officer

Brian Goodner

Chief Financial Officer

Brian is THN's Chief Financial Officer and has been at THN since 2011. Prior to working at THN, Brian worked as Controller for multiple companies and has diverse experience in accounting, auditing, financial reporting and budgeting. During this time, Brian has worked with these companies establishing proper internal controls surrounding accounting and finance activities while working with management to improve any areas of deficiency. This has included doing field audits of service locations to ensure that company processes and procedures were being followed. Brian also worked with management on budgeting, forecasting, preparing financial statements and reviewing monthly and quarterly financial results. Brian has a BS in Accounting from The University of Arizona.

Lindsay LaGrange

Director of Data

Lindsay LaGrange

Director of Data

Lindsay is the Director of Data at Texas Homeless Network. She is charged with maintaining the integrityu00a0of our Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database for the Texasu00a0Balance of State CoC. She is passionate about helping people in her community and she is grateful for her role in working to end homelessness. Lindsay is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and holds a Bacheloru2019s degree in Anthropology from University of South Alabama.

Deanne Lock

Accounting and HR Coordinator

Deanne Lock

Accounting and HR Coordinator

Deanne is the Accounting and Human Resources Generalist and assists the President/CEO and the Director of Finance and HR with administrative, human resources, and financial operations. Deanne started as a volunteer with THN in 2012 before being hired as the Office Manager in 2013. Deanne holds an MS in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine which explains her calming effect on the office atmosphere. She was born in Corpus Christi, and spent 20 years of her life in the Middle East.

Katie Martinez

Director of Systems Change

Katie Martinez

Director of Systems Change

As the Systems Change Manager, Katie supports systems change efforts at THN by partnering with communities within the TX Balance of State CoC on their Coordinated Entry (CE) process efforts. Her main focuses are CE assessor training and CE implementation in new regions. Katie is originally from the Houston, TX area and received her bacheloru2019s degree in Community Health from Baylor University.u00a0 Her passion lies in food access and nutrition, womenu2019s health, and fair housing.

Haar Miller

System Change Sustainability Coordinator

A bearded, bespectacled, bejeweled Caucasian man smiles wide. Crow's feet gently embrace the corners of his bright, weary green eyes.

Haar Miller

System Change Sustainability Coordinator

As the System Change Sustainability Coordinator, Haar works directly with communities to implement and improve Coordinated Entry processes across the Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care.

nnOriginally from Southeast Michigan, Haar's formative experience of growing up during the Great Recession assured that housing and justice would never be far from his mind. His devotion to others and his hands-on nature led him to the helping profession. He has had the distinct privilege to serve people from all walks of life while working for an eclectic mix of non-profit and legal service providers across the country.

nn Haar earned his Bachelor's degree in History from Bemidji State University. His career interests include Rural Housing & Community Development , Native American Issues, and Social Security Policy and History. In his free time, Haar can be found exploring Texas, spinning a vinyl, or perfecting a baking recipe.

Yvie Peña

Programs and Partnerships Coordinator

Yvie Peña

Programs and Partnerships Coordinator

Yvie Peu00f1a is the AmeriCorps VISTA Project Coordinator at The Texas Homeless Network. In her role, she helps strengthen non-profits across Texas to better support vulnerable communities, working closely with VISTA members, site supervisors, and new recruits to build capacity in an effort to create tangible change. Outside of her professional work, Yvie is a ceramicist, an avid camper, and a hiker who loves a long trek to a swimming hole. She also runs a DIY Community Space on Austin's East Side.

Ava Paredes

Data & Engagement Coordinator

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Ava Paredes

Data & Engagement Coordinator

Ava is the Data and Engagement Coordinator for the Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care. She is in charge of the design, implementation, coordination and analysis of the annual Point in Time (PIT) count and Housing Inventory Count (HIC) across the Texas Balance of State CoC.

nnAva is from Austin Texas and has lived in the area for her entire life. She graduated from UT Austin with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and psychology. Ava is dedicated to using her knowledge to bring an end to homelessness in the state of Texas.u00a0

nnWhen Ava is not working to help communities end homelessness, she enjoys spending time with her family, and making music with her friends.u00a0

Marcel Rivers

Planning & Engagement Coordinator

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Marcel Rivers

Planning & Engagement Coordinator

Marcel serves as the Planning and Engagement Coordinator for the Texas Balance of State CoC. He holds a Bacheloru2019s degree in Social Work and a Masteru2019s in Public Administration. With a deep commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable change, Marcel leverages strategic vision, data-informed decision-making, and a compassionate leadership style to design impactful programs and drive lasting success.

Hope Rodgers, LMSW

Senior Director of CoC Programs

Hope Rodgers, LMSW

Senior Director of CoC Programs

In her role as Senior Director of CoC Programs, Hope leads the strategic direction, planning and operations of the Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care (TX BoS CoC).

nHope is based out of North Texas and brings over eight years of experience in homeless response systems. Since joining Texas Homeless Network in 2021, sheu2019s contributed to both the TX BoS CoCu2019s Planning Team and Systems Change Team, where she gained experience assisting communities with developing and implementing permanent housing programs, leading the Local CoC Program Competition, and providing oversight to the Coordinated Entry System.

nPrior to joining Texas Homeless Network, she lived and worked as a homeless service provider within the TX BoS CoC in roles that centered outreach, prevention, Coordinated Entry, and permanent housing interventions. Hope leverages her experience as a direct service provider and member of the TX BoS CoC to inform the development of processes, policy and strategy.
nShe is a Licensed Master Social Worker and earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas Womanu2019s University, and a Master of Social Work jointly awarded by Texas Womanu2019s University and The University of North Texas. Hope is driven by her passion for ending homelessness and advancing the helping profession.

Josefine Rodriguez

Housing Solutions Case Manager

Josefine Rodriguez

Housing Solutions Case Manager

My commitment is to help end homelessness through the development of personalized service plans tailored to each family's unique needs. My approach focuses on rehousing families and connecting them with the necessary resources to achieve and maintain long-term self-sufficiency. I have a great passion for traveling and engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I find great value in learning about different cultures. I have previously worked with Texas Health and Human Services as well as Laredo Public Housing.

Billy Streu, LMSW, CFSW

Director of Planning

Billy Streu, LMSW, CFSW

Director of Planning

Billy was born and raised in Lubbock, TX. Prior to THN, he has worked in non-profit and faith-based organizations, as well as financial services in sales and service roles. Billy earned a Bachelor's in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech and a Master's in Social Work from Texas State. He is now a Licensed Master Social Worker.u00a0

nnBilly is passionate about economic and housing justice, financial social work, policy and advocacy. In his free time, you can find him running, playing piano or guitar, or hanging out with the Streu-dles (his three wild and wonderful children).

Mary Stahlke, LMSW

Director of Engagement

A young Caucasian woman with short brown hair and purple glasses in a coral button-down shirt smiles at the viewer

Mary Stahlke, LMSW

Director of Engagement

Mary serves as the Director of Engagement for the Texas Balance of State CoC. She facilitates the involvement of CoC members, including CoC Board members, local homeless coalitions (LHCs), and mainstream partners, in CoC planning and operations. She also coordinates CoC efforts with other programs, funding streams, and community planning activities.

nnMary has expertise in HUDu2019s CoC Program, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program, and Consolidated Planning and in the education of homeless children and youth. She has facilitated processes on a CoC level and with LHCs and ESG recipients. Mary has 25 years of experience in homeless services, including direct practice, program administration, and performance evaluation in a school district, city and state governments, and faith-based and statewide non-profit organizations.

nnMary is a Licensed Master Social Worker who earned Bacheloru2019s and Masteru2019s degrees in social work from The University of Texas at Austin. Her passion is working to end homelessness because every person deserves an affordable place to live, feel safe, and thrive.

Anja Taylor

Director of Statewide Data Integration

Anja Taylor

Director of Statewide Data Integration

Anja serves as the Director of Statewide Data Integrationu00a0for Texas Homeless Network (THN), an Austin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities across Texas strategically plan to prevent and end homelessness. In this role, she oversees the Texas Homeless Data Sharing Network (THDSN)u2014a statewide Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database that unifies homelessness response data from across Texas into a comprehensive, collaborative information-sharing system.

nA passionate change-maker, Anja brings expertise in grants management, technical communication, restorative justice, and conflict resolution. Her work is guided by a deep commitment to promoting systemic change for underserved and underrepresented communities.

nAnja holds a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolutionu00a0from Southern Methodist Universityu00a0and a Bachelor of General Studiesu00a0with concentrations in English and Technical Communicationu00a0from Texas Tech University. She is currently a Doctoral Candidateu00a0in the Doctor of Liberal Studiesu00a0program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Ashley Thomas

HMIS Data Coordinator

Ashley Thomas

HMIS Data Coordinator

Ashley serves as the HMIS Data Coordinator at Texas Homeless Network. In this role, she supports users of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) within the Texas Balance of State CoC, offering technical assistance through the Help Desk ticketing system. Additionally, Ashley ensures the maintenance of HMIS data standards and upholds data quality standards. She is committed to using data to help address the homelessness crisis in her home state of Texas. Ashley, a native of Austin, Texas, holds a degree in Political Science. When sheu2019s not immersed in her work, she enjoys exploring outdoor spaces with her dog and watching movies at the Drafthouse.

Paulina Villalon

Policy and Planning Coordinator

Paulina Villalon

Policy and Planning Coordinator

Paulina is the Policy and Planning Coordinator at Texas Homeless Network. She aligns policy development and homeless advocacy across the Texas BoS CoC and provides strategic guidance, technical assistance, and performance monitoring for the CoC and ESG programs.

nPaulina is originally from Mexico but has been living in Texas more than half of her life. She holds a bacheloru2019s degree in International Relations & Global Studies from UT Austin.nPaulina is passionate about human rights, equal access to services, advocating for dignified treatment of all humans, and eradicating poverty. She leads a homeless street outreach and is a steering committee member at an immigrant rights and services coalition in Austin.

nAlt-tex: A smiling young woman with short, black curly hair posing in front of a dark gray background. She is wearing a green vest over a white button-up shirt and the viewer can see she wars three necklaces.

Dusty Wherrel

CoC Performance Manager

A Caucasian male with ear length, auburn hair, and hazel eyes in a grey polo , smiling at the camera.

Dusty Wherrel

CoC Performance Manager

As the Planning and Policy Coordinator at THN, Dusty aligns policy development and homeless advocacy across the Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC). He provides strategic guidance, technical assistance, and performance monitoring for federally funded Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs. Dusty has a Masteru2019s degree in Clinical Psychology and a Bacheloru2019s in Psychology. He has experience in direct service in mental health and homeless services. Dusty desires to ensure that homelessness is brief and nonrecurring.u00a0

Kristin Zakoor

Chief Operating Officer

Kristin Zakoor

Chief Operating Officer

Kristin is the Chief Operating Officer at THN. She oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of THN to ensure the company has effective operational and programmatic procedures in place. Kristin has worked for several years in the homeless service sector and is very passionate about data, homelessness advocacy, and public health rights. She utilizes her background in data to help analyze and strategize process improvements that will have a positive impact on THN, service providers, and unhoused neighbors. In her spare time, Kristin loves cooking, doing yoga, and going on walks with her wild child Luna.

Meet the THN Team

Eric Samuels

Andi Armstrong

Jen Beardsley

Alexandra Beckendorf

Kraig Blaize-Fiero

Crysanthemum Cohen

Paula Dewey

Cosme Dominguez

Sydney Huffman

Gabrielle Llamas

Diego Garza

Michell Johnson, LMSW

Brian Goodner

Lindsay LaGrange

Deanne Lock

Katie Martinez

Haar Miller

Yvie Peña

Ava Paredes

Marcel Rivers

Hope Rodgers, LMSW

Josefine Rodriguez

Billy Streu, LMSW, CFSW

Mary Stahlke, LMSW

Anja Taylor

Ashley Thomas

Paulina Villalon

Dusty Wherrel

Kristin Zakoor

We lead Texas communities to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in Texas.

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