Executive Committee
Erin Callahan
President
Erin Callahan is thrilled to serve as a Board Member of CASA of Galveston County. Erin is an attorney who owns and operates The Law Office of Erin C. Callahan, PLLC, a small law firm based in League City, Texas, focusing on wills, estate planning, and probate. Erin is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community. She has served on several Non-Profit Boards, including the Atlantic Housing Foundation, the Dallas Women Lawyers Association, and the Ms. JD Board.
Before practicing law, Erin graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in International Studies. She went to law school and graduated from SMU Dedman School of Law. At SMU she received numerous accolades, including serving as the Student Bar President and the Women in Law President. Erin is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Young Lawyers Association, the Houston Association of Women Attorneys, the National Association of Women Lawyers, and Ms. JD.
When Erin is not helping clients, she enjoys spending time with her family and participating in community events. Erin is a League City resident and enjoys the slower pace of life when given the chance. Her favorite activities include trying new restaurants, traveling, reading, searching for the best pot of tea, and spending time on the water.
Kent Etienne, Jr.
vice president
Kent Etienne Jr. is honored to serve as a CASA Board Member. As an advocate for community investment and workforce development, Kent has been heavily involved serving others as exemplified through his efforts as Past Board President of the United Way Galveston, and participation in various groups such as the Texas Municipal Human Resource Association (TMHRA), Galveston Career Connect (GCC), Leadership Galveston, and the Galveston Workforce Development Committee.
Kent is the Vice President of Human Resources for AMOCO FCU whereby he provides oversight and strategic direction for various subdepartments within the credit union, including Employee Relations, Compensation and Benefits, and Recruiting and Engagement. Prior to his employment with AMOCO FCU, Kent served the City of Galveston for 12 years as the Executive Director. During his time with the City, he made significant contributions to the workforce and local community. As Executive Director, he oversaw various functional areas within the City, such as Human Resources, Civil Service, Payroll, Risk Management, and Municipal Court.
Kent obtained his B.S. in Applied Sociology with a minor in Business Administration from Texas State University and his MBA from LeTourneau University. Kent is certified as a Senior Professional through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
June Dempsey
secretary
June has served as a CASA for 5 years and she is dedicated to serving CASA as a Board member. For over 40 years June has worked as a Speech Pathologist in Houston and League City, with a few raising-family gaps along the way. She grew up in El Paso where she received her BA in Speech Pathology from the University of Texas at El Paso. After graduation she moved to Houston with her husband and went on to receive an MA in Speech Pathology at the University of Houston. June lived in Europe for 8 years then returned to Texas with her expanded family in 1988.
Her work for over 30 years since returning from overseas has been primarily as a self-employed speech therapist specializing in very young children with special needs. She has worked with hundreds of families facing life-changing challenges caring for their children. Sharing these challenges with so many families has forged her commitment to empathy for children in troubled circumstances.
June’s other passions include forming and leading Stephen Minister groups for over 20 years. This is an organization associated with churches of various denominations that is comprised of care providers for people who are in crisis. June has also volunteered in helping resettle Afghan refugees in the Houston area and for 15 years with Sailing Angels, taking veterans and disabled persons sailing on Galveston Bay.
June has a daughter in League City, a son in New Zealand and recently celebrated her 51st wedding anniversary. She has lived in League City since 2006.
Marc Renjard
treasurer
Marc was born and raised in Scotland and moved to the United States in 1988. Marc came to the USA to train as a figure skater at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. What began as a 6 month endeavor turned into the rest of his life. Marc graduated from the University of Colorado in 1994 with a BSBA in Accounting. After a brief time in public accounting he found himself in the Automotive business and has enjoyed a 28 year career that has led him here to the Houston area.
Marc loves golf, wine, and cooking in his spare time. He enjoys traveling and meeting new and interesting people.
Marc is the General Manager at Mac Haik Toyota league City. He and his wife Emily moved to the area in June 2020 from Colorado Springs. Marc and Emily have 3 children, and recently in August of 2023 they had their first grandchild. Marc is honored to serve as a board member and support CASA’s mission here in Galveston county. Giving a voice to the children who cannot speak for themselves is of great importance to Marc.
Members
Rose Lazo
Board Member
Rose Lazo is more than honored and excited for the privilege to serve CASA of Galveston County. Rose has been serving Galveston County for the greater part of 13 years. Rose attended University of Texas San Antonio studying Early Childhood Education. After college she accepted a position in a local shelter, later, working directly as a Child Advocate/ Case Manager. She became passionate after seeing the dire need for advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children. Rose has partnered with many local nonprofits and schools as a preventioneer and educator, speaking on body safety, bystander intervention, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She has a huge, beautiful and hard beating heart for her community, especially children, the abused, and marginalized. She has an incredible drive and determination to make the world better around her in any way she can.
Rose Lazo is an accomplished advocate, preventioneer and educator; however now she is also an accomplished businesswoman. Rose is the Co-Founder and Development Director of Aveo Creative, a local content creating company and co-host of Launching Us Podcast.
She and her husband, Juan Lazo, currently reside in La Marque with their 2 incredible children John Texas and Sophia Rose. In her down time, Rose loves to cuddle up on the couch with her family to watch movies and eat popcorn.
Dan Butler
Board Member
Dan Butler is happy to rejoin the Galveston County CASA Board of Directors. He has a lifelong passion for causes that support vulnerable children. After serving CASA as an advocate, he joined the newly formed CASA of Galveston County Board of Directors in 2012 and helped shepherd the organization through its early growth phase.
In 2014, Dan’s son Sullivan was diagnosed with brain cancer which prompted him to step away from charity work. Dan is enthusiastic about supporting CASA’s mission once again.
Dan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and earned an MA in Humanities and MBA from University Houston – Clear Lake. He has spent his career supporting NASA’s human spaceflight efforts. Dan enjoys traveling with his family and volunteers his time with CASA and several pediatric cancer foundations.
Dan lives in League City with his wife, Jen, and their three sons, Sullivan, Cashel, and Finneas.
Patrick McDonald
board member
Patrick McDonald is proud to be serving on the Board of Directors for CASA of Galveston County. His mother retired from CPS after 45 years and that passion for helping neglected children was passed down to him. Needless to say, CASA has been a part of his life for a very long time.
In 2018 he started his volunteer career where he served on two cases before joining the Board.
He studied finance and business at Texas Tech University. During college he volunteered at the Lubbock Children’s Home. He has since been involved with a number of organizations including DePelchin Children’s Center and SEARCH Homeless Services.
Patrick is a Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor for Merrill Lynch in Galveston. He and his family are members of Bay Harbor Methodist Church in League City. In his free time, you’ll find Patrick coaching his children’s sports activities or when there is a sliver of free time, on the golf course.
Rebecca Pitman
Board Member
Rebecca Pitman is the mother of two children, five dogs and a cat. She is a part-time Galveston resident along with her husband Lee. She is grateful for the opportunity and respects the privilege of volunteering as a Board Member of CASA of Galveston County. She strongly believes in being the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, providing support systems for children, and defending the needs and rights of children.
“Children are the future, and every child deserves their best chance. Volunteer advocates give children in inequitable situations hope. Every child matters, deserves to be seen and deserves hope. In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.”
She holds various degrees and certifications, speaks Spanish, and enjoys learning. Currently she works full-time as a Controller in the Energy sector.
Meg Winchester
BOARD MEMBER
Meg Winchester is honored to be serving on the Board of Directors for CASA of Galveston County.
Meg was introduced to CASA in 2011 through the state CASA association when she was working as the Director of Visit Galveston and was working to bring their state convention to Galveston. Upon hearing of the amazing work done by CASA, she became a CASA in 2013 and worked with 3 cases.
Meg served as the President and CEO of Visit Spokane from 2019-2023. Prior to joining Visit Spokane in 2019, Meg held the position of Director at Visit Galveston for 13 years. Since 2023 she had held the position of Senior Advisor with Fired Up Culture.
Meg has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
During her free time you will find Meg looking forward to her next travel adventure, riding her bike, reading, and enjoying time with friends and family.
Dr. Ja’Neice Houston
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Ja’Neice Houston is a board-certified physician in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine. She currently serves as the Medical Director of Operations for the neonatal intensive care unit and is the immediate past chairwoman of the Board of Trustees at the Woman’s Hospital of Texas. Dr. Houston earned her undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and completed her medical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston.
She lived in Galveston for over a decade during her medical training and early career, and now resides in Galveston County, where she remains deeply committed to the community.
She is married to Andrew, her husband of 18 years, and they have two vibrant children, Anderson and Noelle.
Dr. Houston is also the founder of Kindness Released, a nonprofit organization that uplifts senior citizens through education, kindness, and programs aimed at reducing social isolation. She is passionate about health equity, philanthropy, and service. In her free time, she enjoys road trips and quality time with loved ones.
Liz Rogers
BOARD MEMBER
Liz Rogers is the founder of Five & Two Marketing and a seasoned communications strategist whose work spans corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors. A Texas A&M University graduate, she also completed TCU’s Certified Public Communicator Program and FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute.
Service is a core value of Five & Two—and of Liz. She served more than 18 years on the Galveston Island Humane Society Board of Directors and has a knack for creative events and development, helping raise funds and awareness for organizations including the Junior League of Galveston County, Galveston Island Humane, and the Heroes & Hounds firefighter calendar.
A proud mom of five, Liz is a steady advocate for those who need a voice. She’s excited to bring her energy, empathy, and storytelling expertise to CASA of Galveston County, supporting children and families with compassion and practical, get‑it‑done leadership.
Joe Stanton
BOARD MEMBER
Joe is honored to have been chosen to serve on the Board of Directors for CASA of Galveston County.
Joe is the Assistant Vice President and Security Officer for Texas First Bank, bringing over 29 years of law enforcement experience to his role. Joe served as Chief of Police for the Texas City Police Department during the final five years of his distinguished career. Joe had been acquainted with CASA throughout his law enforcement career.
Joe holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and continues to serve his community through leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Texas City.
A devoted family man and active member of Clear Creek Community Church in League City, Joe finds joy in spending time with his family—especially his three grandchildren.
Karen McWhorter
BOARD MEMBER
Karen is deeply committed to restoring hope and fostering resilience in children and families facing adversity – values at the heart of Galveston County CASA’s mission. Karen is thrilled to serve on the Galveston County CASA Board, a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to uplifting children and families through strategic, compassionate leadership and investment in the futures of Galveston County children and families.
Throughout Karen’s career (which began in CPS), she has focused on working with children and families impacted by trauma, mental health/substance abuse issues, and systemic challenges. She brings a flexible, compassionate, and systems approach to meeting families where they are and helping them rebuild. Karen believes in the power of community—when people come together with empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose, meaningful healing and transformation can occur. Over the past 12 years, Karen has raised funds for small nonprofits, leading mission-aligned development initiatives to sustain and expand programs.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, which has guided her work with children and families. In her spare time, Karen enjoys creating memories with her family and friends, walking and playing with her dogs, and spending time on the beach or camping in the mountains – usually accompanied by a great book!
Lisa Burus
BOARD MEMBER
As a proud BOI Lisa Burus is honored to serve CASA of Galveston County and to continue her lifelong mission of connecting, uplifting, and advocating for her community.
As the Business Development Officer for Stewart Title in Galveston and Texas City, Lisa brings over 17 + years of experience in consulting and business development, fields that have allowed her to see firsthand how awareness, connection, and collaboration can transform communities.
Lisa earned her degree in Business, but her passion for advocacy began years earlier during her time at KIPP Coastal, where she witnessed the powerful impact that guidance, compassion, and opportunity can have on a child’s future. That experience planted a seed that grew throughout her professional journey, inspiring her to combine her business expertise with her calling to serve others.
Today, Lisa continues to find purpose in uniting people and organizations around a shared goal, to build stronger, more supportive communities where every child and family can thrive.
Lisa and her husband, Mat Burus, reside in Texas City with their two amazing children, Chloe and Zachary. In their downtime, they enjoy family time, traveling, baseball, and giving back to the community that means so much to them.
Personal Quote: Giving a child a voice is more than advocacy, it’s giving them hope!