Our Staff
Donna Norris Wood, MA, Executive Director
Donna has been working in the violence prevention field for the past ten years with a particular emphasis on child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence. She was formerly a Program Specialist for the Department of Family and Protective Services Division of Prevention and Early Intervention, where she oversaw child abuse prevention programs throughout the state of Texas. Donna has a BA degree in Psychology from St. Mary's University in San Antonio and a MA degree in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
Jill Chism, BS, Program Director
Donna has been working in the violence prevention field for the past ten years with a particular emphasis on child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence. She was formerly a Program Specialist for the Department of Family and Protective Services Division of Prevention and Early Intervention, where she oversaw child abuse prevention programs throughout the state of Texas. Donna has a BA degree in Psychology from St. Mary's University in San Antonio and a MA degree in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
Jill Chism, BS, Program Director
Jill holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University. She is certified to teach both general education and special education, from early childhood through fourth grade. A former second grade teacher, Jill recognized the need for increased support for parents in order for their children to thrive. As a result she began working toward a Master's degree in Family and Child Studies at Texas State University, with an emphasis on parent education. She expects to complete her Master's degree within the next year and is excited to be making a positive impact for children and their families by working with the Relief Nursery.
Graciela "Chela" Moller-Xavier, BA, Parent Child Education Specialist
Graciela has been teaching young children for over twenty years. She received her BA degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Guatalajara, Mexico. She has spent most of her career in Mexico providing education and social services as a teacher and homeopathic doctor. She moved to New York City in 2006 and recently relocated to Austin where she is our bilingual teacher interventionist.
Hilary Koenig, BS Family and Child Development, MS Family and Child Studies, Parent Child Education Specialist
Hilary received her BS in Family and Child Development and Recently received her MS in Family and Child Studies. While Completing her Master's Degree, Hilary worked as a Program Coordinator for various research projects geared towards educating parents and evaluating child development. For the past seven years, Hilary has studied and become knowledgeable of various aspects related to family and child development in order to successfully provide services to families and children in need.