Our Staff
Learn more about our staff and the work we do
Jennifer Martinez, Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Texas, Jennifer Martinez is committed to promoting the vision of The Arc of Texas through the creation of innovative policy recommendations and building on the strong partnerships that exist with self-advocates, as well as state and federal agencies.
With more than 20 years experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer brings a rich and vibrant vision to the organization. She began her career with The Arc of Texas more than a decade ago as Program Coordinator for the Texas Microboards Program; served as a board member for the organization beginning in 2017; and began her role as CEO in 2019.
Jennifer is inspired by the work The Arc of Texas does to promote the civil rights of everyone in our community, and the role we play as an advocate with and for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Prior to joining The Arc of Texas as CEO, Jennifer worked in a variety of roles, serving most recently as the Director of Operations and System Management in the Office of Mental Health Coordination. She earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics from St. Edward’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas A&M University.
A true Texan, Jennifer enjoys exploring the beauty that the Texas Hill Country has to offer: hiking, camping, swimming, and kayaking every chance she gets. As a fervent college football fan, she doesn’t miss an opportunity to cheer on her Aggies.
Ashley Ford, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
Ashley Ford, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for The Arc of Texas, is a passionate advocate for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With a personal connection to disability, Ashley has delivered major policy wins for The Arc on issues spanning from postsecondary education access to sexual assault response. In her role, she collaborates with self-advocates and people with IDD, families, allies, and organizations, leading important initiatives and creating meaningful, systemic change. Outside of her professional role, Ashley takes on the task of raising two tiny Texans and managing the home fires while her husband bravely battles the real ones at work, all with unwavering dedication and a sense of humor. TexMex cuisine, long open roads behind the wheel, and female country music are a few of her favorite things.
Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, Deputy Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
As the Deputy Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Sabrina brings her experience and drive to help achieve the priorities of The Arc of Texas.
Before joining The Arc, Sabrina was a public policy analyst at The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, monitoring disability issues in Texas and conducting activities that advanced public policy. She was also a public policy fellow at the Disability Justice Initiative of the Center for American Progress, and at the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in Washington, D.C. As a fellow, Sabrina worked on public policy issues at the intersection of disability and education.
“I am excited to be back in my home state and working on policy priorities that support The Arc of Texas’ mission of creating change so that all people with disabilities are fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives,” Sabrina said.
When not at work, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling, and watching movies. She graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Kathy Pham, Director of Finance & Operations
As the Director of Finance & Operations, Kathy Pham contributes to the vision and mission of The Arc of Texas by providing financial stewardship and oversight of business operations.
Kathy brought her skills in accounting and management to The Arc of Texas as a part-time accountant in 2015 and has been a part of the team in a full-time capacity since 2016. Kathy’s time at The Arc of Texas has been a rich learning experience, and she is passionate about the work she does to support the initiatives and priorities of this organization.
Prior to her work at The Arc of Texas, Kathy served in a variety of accounting and management positions for other Austin-based organizations, including business manager of an open-enrollment public charter school in East Austin; an accountant for the Texas Health & Human Services Commission; and Operations Manager for Austin Partners in Education. Kathy received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from St. Edward’s University.
When Kathy is not supporting The Arc of Texas, she loves spending time with her growing family of two fur babies and two furless babies.
Kyle Michaels, Manager of Finance & Operations
As Manager of Finance & Operations, Kyle Michaels provides administrative support to the Director of Finance & Operation on entry-level accounting functions and works to ensure that operations run efficiently.
Kyle has a background in management and operations and joined The Arc of Texas in 2019. She loves working for an organization whose mission she is passionate about and witnessing the advocacy work that The Arc of Texas provides and supports.
Prior to joining our team, Kyle worked in a variety of roles that refined her operations and administrative skills, including office manager of an office supply company and tour manager and promotions coordinator for several bands and indie labels. Kyle studied psychology at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
Kyle enjoys all the opportunities living in Austin provides, including live music and comedy. When she is not in the office, you will likely find her attending a live show or baking something delicious.
Haley Greer, JD, Master Pooled Trust Director
As the Director of The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust, a supplemental needs trust that provides people with disabilities an ongoing source of money for supplemental wants and needs, Haley Greer is responsible for assisting families in establishing Trust accounts; keeping up with current Medicaid regulations; approving Trust disbursements; communicating with attorneys and judges; and educating interested groups about the benefits of the trust.
Empowering individuals to speak up and advocate for themselves drives her work, and she is passionate about the part she plays to improve the quality of life for individuals in the trust.
Prior to joining The Arc of Texas in 2011, Haley worked for many years in the Texas House of Representatives and focused primarily on legislation related to workforce development, health and human services, and school finance. Haley spent her formative years working in campaign politics and still enjoys watching … from afar.
Haley received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2004, and her law degree from Saint Louis University in 2010. She was admitted to the Texas Bar in November 2010.
Haley loves a Texas road trip, especially one that leads to a scenic vista or a delicious meal.
Yamina Gomez, Deputy Director of Master Pooled Trust
As Deputy Director of Master Pooled Trust, Yamina Gomez oversees the coordination of the Master Pooled Trust program for prompt and effective disbursement of funds to benefit Trust beneficiaries. With more than a decade experience in the nonprofit sector, Yamina joined The Arc of Texas in 2015. Yamina is continuously inspired by the organization’s ability to make a difference in the lives of individuals who need it.
Yamina received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal Poly Pomona, but now enjoys calling Texas home.
When out of the office, Yamina enjoys taking naps and hanging out with her pack of dogs.
Ashley Melero, Master Pooled Trust Education & Outreach Manager
As Master Pooled Trust Education & Outreach Manager, Ashley Melero supports the Master Pooled Trust by providing case management and monthly presentations on Future Planning 101.
Ashley joined The Arc of Texas in 2018 and enjoys the opportunity working for this organization provides to help people with disabilities realize their full potential and ensure quality of life.
Prior to joining The Arc of Texas team, Ashley worked at Communication Services for the Deaf, translating phone calls for people who are deaf. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Texas Tech University and after graduating made Austin her home.
In her free time Ashley enjoys being outside. Some of her favorite pastimes include playing beep baseball, attending sporting events, playing with her dogs, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Delight Melero, Guide Dog
Delight is a native of Austin, Texas. Her current work includes traveling with her colleague and friend, Ashley Malero, and advocating for the equal access of service animals like herself. In her free time Delight enjoys being outside. Some of her favorite pastimes include cheering on Ashley in beep baseball and hanging out with her family and friends.
Colette Flormann, Master Pooled Trust Enrollments Manager
As Master Pooled Trust Enrollments Manager, Colette Flormann provides operational support to the Master Pooled Trust program and educates individuals with disabilities, families, attorneys and judges on the program and the enrollment process.
Colette joined The Arc of Texas in 2013. With a personal background of having friends and family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Colette has a heart for the organization’s mission and is excited about the ways she is able to make quality of life better for those she serves.
Colette attended Eastern Washington University, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting. Colette brings to The Arc of Texas professional experience in funding and advocacy, with prior work experience at the Texas Center of the Judiciary and support for the Children’s Justice Act Grant, a grant designed to improve the investigation, prosecution and judicial handling of cases of child abuse and neglect.
Colette loves a good adventure. When she is not in the office you can find her seeking thrills at an amusement park, rollerblading, or exploring Austin’s hiking trails with her two children.
Victoria Gonzales, Master Pooled Trust Care Management Coordinator
As Master Pooled Trust Care Management Coordinator, Victoria Gonzales supports people with disabilities and their families by providing case management services and crisis intervention.
Victoria began her career in the field of human trafficking advocacy and prevention education. As a survivor of child sex trafficking, she has used her voice to fiercely advocate for the implementation of best practices supportive of survivors. Victoria has used her lived experience and expertise to bring awareness, education, prevention and intervention strategies, along with practices to improve the relationship between service providers and victims. She has served as a survivor consultant to universities, hospitals, nonprofits, school districts and law enforcement agencies, including the Austin Police Department Human Trafficking Unit, and she helped develop and launch SAFE CARES, Central Texas’ first survivor-led program providing a comprehensive response for survivors of exploitation, including opportunities to be and feel safe and connected.
She is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities across the United States, which is why she feels connected to the mission of The Arc of Texas where she helps coordinate care for beneficiaries with disabilities of the Master Pooled Trust.
Glen Purvis, Master Pooled Trust Coordinator
As Master Pooled Trust Coordinator, Glen helps beneficiaries and their families access their trust accounts and navigate decisions that support their needs and choices.
Glen joined The Arc of Texas in 2021. Glen is inspired by the ways The Arc of Texas does genuine good advocating for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and his ability to combine his profession with his passion for helping others, excites him about the work he is doing.
Glen attended Texas State University, receiving his degree in Electronic Media. Prior to joining the organization Glen worked in various client-facing service and logistics roles for organizations ranging from major retail companies to small, local businesses. Glen brought this wide range of experience in customer service to his role advocating for the civil rights of all Texans.
Glen enjoys living in the live music capital of the world, and when he is not in the office, you will likely find him in the audience of a show or festival or back at home gaming.
Jessica Wright, Master Pooled Trust Auditor & Analyst
As Master Pooled Trust Auditor & Analyst, Jessica Wright supports clients and administers disbursements from the Master Pooled Trust. Joining The Arc of Texas team in 2018, Jessica brought with her five years’ experience in finance and management and an abundance of vision and thoughtfulness to equip her for this position.
Jessica is inspired by the ways The Arc of Texas is able to fill the gap for individuals who would otherwise have a hard time receiving help, and the role she plays in partnering with and advocating for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities excites her about the work she is doing.
Prior to accepting this position at The Arc of Texas, Jessica served as a branch manager for a financial services organization. Jessica received her degree in Business Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
Ahead of the Marie Kondo craze, Jessica enjoys organizing and reading in her spare time.
Susan Barkley, Master Pooled Trust Administrative Coordinator
As Master Pooled Trust Administrative Coordinator, Susan manages the administrative needs of the Master Pooled Trust and is the first person you may speak with when calling The Arc of Texas.
Susan is honored to be a part of The Arc of Texas where she enjoys the opportunity to advocate for and support people with disabilities. She takes pride in her work and the protection the Master Pooled Trust provides to so many people.
Susan was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She previously worked with United Way of Campbell County in Gillette, Wyoming, and she even owned her own fine food store!
During her free time, Susan enjoys traveling adventures and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and their dogs.