STAFF MEMBERS
Dr. Diann Phillips Smith
Founder
Dr. Smith completed her PhD studies at the University of Phoenix, earning a Doctoral Degree in Management. She has worked with vulnerable and abandoned children domestically and abroad, and after her studies she focused all her efforts on building and mending relationships between children and families by providing services in identifying suitable foster homes for vulnerable children. Dr. Smith will assume the role of President of the Committee Board, as well as Executive Director for the organization.
Elicha Edwards
Administrator
Elicha Edwards earned her Master in Counseling from the University of Aransas. She worked several agencies in counseling and as a Family Therapist. She furthered her career goals by working under a Treatment Director and became a Licensed Child Placing Administrator. Ms. Edwards brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field and will assume the role of a Licensed Administrator for the organization.
Shanice Talley
Placement Specialist
Shanice Talley earned her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Social Work at Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas. She has worked at several healthcare centers in Texas performing social work assessments. Ms. Talley has also earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Social Work at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. She brings a host of other skills in customer service, case management and is proficient in many software programs. Ms. Talley will assume the role as WCKF’s Placement Specialist.
BOARD MEMBERS
Sarah Fisher earned her BS Degree in Justice Studies, at Pittsburg State University. She worked for the Missouri Child Protective Service agency as a contract employee, working with residential juvenile sex offenders. Sarah is a caregiver for her elderly parents, and works as a Juvenile Probation Officer at the 2nd 25th Judicial District Court. Sarah has devoted her entire career working with diverse populations of children and families in high risk and crisis situations. Her goals are to assist children and families become healthy, happy and productive members of society.
Jay Johnson served in the United States Navy after graduating from high school in Dallas, Texas. Jay is the founder of J.F. Johnson Holdings L.L.C., which is an insurance and real estate company. Jay is devoted to teaching and developing leadership skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs. Jay has worked effortlessly in his community assisting and sponsoring events for senior citizens, mentoring youth, attending to the homeless, and working with small groups in his church. Jay hopes to lend a helping hand in setting policies.
Chasity Watson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with well over 20 years of experience in serving those in need. Chasity earned her BA in Psychology from SUNY at Buffalo and a Master in Social Work at Boston College. Chasity’s professional career demonstrates excellence as it focuses on providing the necessary services to those who have been the victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. She has served as a past board member for both Prevent Child Abuse at Henry County in Georgia, as well as the Georgia Critical Incident Stress Foundation.