Meet the PIP Team!
Val Rios | Executive Director
Val (she/her/ella) is thrilled to be a part of the Partners in Parenting team. She has held an array of positions in the corporate and non-profit world. Prior to moving back to Austin, she lived abroad and knows the value of having a supportive community around you when transitioning to parenting. She is excited about bringing her leadership skills to the table in order to propel Partners in Parenting forward. In her spare time, you can find her practicing Iyengar yoga. Together with her own special partner in parenting, Floris, they have one spunky little girl and an active little boy.
Ali Tepper | Program Director
Ali (she/her) brings a wealth of experience empowering parents and strengthening the parent-child connection through research-based, and empathetic, practices. As an avid supporter of parents and children, Ali has dedicated her career to making a meaningful impact on improving families' lives. Her experience includes being a curriculum director at an educational nonprofit focused on literacy and leadership building and later, a program specialist at a parent support nonprofit where she trained early educators and parents on trauma-responsive tools to improve social-emotional well-being. Ali grew up in sunny Florida, moved to the bright lights of NYC, and has since settled in lovely Dripping Springs, TX with her husband, Taylor. Ali has three kiddos that keep her laughing and busy. You might spot her around Austin enjoying hot yoga, or checking out a new live music spot.
Jenna Williamson | Marketing Manager
Jenna (she/her) has been an advocate for youth, families, and parents in the Austin area within nonprofits for more than a decade. Before PIP, she provided adult mental health counseling, supported newly arrived refugees in their transition to the U.S., connected Austin families to essentials resources like free meals and afterschool programming, and facilitated trauma-informed youth and parent programming for families experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. Jenna is thrilled to have a key role in expanding PIP’s critical parent support services through strategic marketing, graphic design, outreach, partnerships, and fundraising. Outside of work, you may find Jenna at the garden center, picnicking with her family, supporting local bands, or thrifting!
Liz Crawford | Program Experience Manager
Liz (she/her) believes wholeheartedly in the mission and values of PIP. She brings a wealth of knowledge within consumer-focused solutions and strong interpersonal skills to assess the needs of clients and make recommendations to ensure satisfaction. In her downtime, she enjoys learning, crafting, event planning, and spending time with her “crazy family”.
Mari Valladares | Bilingual Program Experience Specialist
Mari (she/her/ella) is passionate about equality, raising kids in a conscious way, parenting support, and books. Specialized in Psychology of Human Development, she used to work with underserved communities in her native Venezuela by giving workshops for children, helping them develop literacy skills and emotional support, encouraging them to discover the world through books. As a mom she truly believes that it’s easier if we create bonds with other parents to feel understood and less isolated. She has been in Austin since 2014, where she has grown fond of the walking trails and outdoor dining patios or enjoying live local music with her family. She is the mother of a lovely little girl, and you can probably find them reading books in the library.
Acacia Tatro | Program Experience Specialist
Acacia (she/her) moved to Austin over 11 years ago from Vermont and has since built her career supporting families in the community. With experience as a nanny and postpartum doula, she is passionate about building strong, supportive connections for parents. After joining a PIP group when her son was born, Acacia experienced firsthand the importance of community and is excited to now serve families in her role as Program Experience Specialist. Acacia lives in East Austin with her partner and their curious toddler. In her free time you’ll find Acacia exploring Austin’s parks and restaurants with her family or curled up with a book.
2025 Board of Directors
Shelley Mattingly (President) (she/her/hers)
Shelley grew up around the midwest and spent her early adult years on the East Coast as well as abroad in Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, and the UK. After five years practicing corporate law in London and New York, she moved to Austin in 2009, where she switched gears and joined a nonprofit, working to implement aid programs in Ethiopia while also diving into the world of philanthropy. She welcomed her first daughter in 2014 and shortly after participated in one of the very first PIP groups. Without extended family in Austin and having experienced anxiety throughout her pregnancy and postpartum, Shelley knows how important it is to have a network of support as a new parent and is thrilled to further PIP's mission by serving on the board. Now the proud mom of two girls, Shelley continues her philanthropic work, running a small foundation that supports organizations that serve pregnant people, new parents, and disadvantaged women and children. Shelley loves to travel with her husband and daughters and in her free time also loves cooking and baking.
Allie Townshend Peña (she/her/hers) As a three-time PIP alum and devoted volunteer group leader, Allie is thrilled to be chairing the PIP Board! Although she's been home with her three mini bosses (ahem, kids) full-time since the spring of 2020, Allie has a fundraising background and has served in development roles with local nonprofits Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Austin Humane Society, and Generation SERVE. She considers herself a “professional volunteer;” when Allie isn’t helping out with PIP, she also serves on the Development Committee for Generation SERVE and spearheads parental involvement/volunteering at her kids’ school. Originally from Northern Virginia, Allie has been in Austin since 2011 and loves exploring all the city has to offer.
Gaurav Jain (Governance Committee) (he/him)
Gaurav is a Senior Manager (IT Program Management) at Charles Schwab, where he leads projects panning Investor, Advisor, Retirement, Regulatory, Digital, and Technology segments. Born and raised in India, Gaurav holds an MBA and MS in Information Systems from Bryant University, a BS in Computer Science from Providence College, and several technology certifications. He is committed to charitable causes focused on underrepresented and diverse communities and have strong interests in fine arts and creative work. He currently lives with his wife and 2 kids in Northwest Austin. In his free time, you will find Gaurav either hiking, attending band, orchestra, or choir concerts of the local high school, and help judging the Speech, Debate, or Geography Bee events.
Verónica Gómez (Programs Committee) (she/her/ella)
Hola, my name is Veronica Gomez I have 3 children: Camila, David, and the youngest is Misael. My husband's name is Javier. I currently live in Pflugerville. I love spending time with my family, going for walks, and listening to music. Helping out means a lot to me, it's a way to give back to our community. Being a volunteer has helped me connect with many moms. For me, family is very important and teaching my children to be good to others is very important.
Adriana Kohler (Finance/Internal Affairs Committee) (she/her)
Adriana joined the PIP board in 2023 and is a proud PIP alumna with two kids. She and her partner participated in PIP after the birth of their son, Liam, and then again after their youngest son, Bennett, was born. She is the Policy Director for Texans Care for Children, a nonprofit fighting for policy changes to help Texas kids, where she coordinates the organization’s advocacy efforts across multiple areas and leads strategies to shape state policy. Since joining Texans Care for Children in 2016, Adriana has championed initiatives to expand access to children’s health insurance, improve maternal health care, and support family well-being.
Adriana has published research on maternal mental health, early childhood development, and parental support, and she frequently testifies at the Texas Legislature and speaks at conferences. Before her current role, she worked at a national nonprofit in Washington, D.C., and as a health policy attorney. Adriana earned her B.A. in History and Political Science and her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
In her free time, Adriana loves hiking, running, baking, and spending time at the playground or a local Austin pool with her family.
Angie Max (Chair, Programs Committee) (she/her/hers)
Living life on both coasts led Angie to plant roots in Austin, where she's raising a spirited two-year-old with her partner, Mark, thanks in part to the incredible support from the Partners in Parenting group. When she's not sparking innovation and focusing on enterprise wide digital transformations at PwC, you might find her diving into her passion for making sure technology treats everyone fairly. She's also the first to jump at the chance to host get-togethers, explore new places with her family, soak up Austin's lively scene, or hit the pause button for camping adventures whenever the Texas weather says 'go'.
Claudia Arniella (Board President Elect) (she/her/ella)
Claudia is a storyteller, facilitator, and communications strategist who helps mission-driven organizations build creative, dynamic, and impactful programs for diverse audiences. She has 18 years of experience in outreach and engagement for community programs including reproductive healthcare, education, immigrant services, and planning efforts for parks, trails, and transit. In addition to running a communications consulting business, Q’ente Communications, Claudia is passionate about building networks of support for women, mothers, and caretakers through gathering and connection. She lives in East Austin with her partner, daughter, and two cats.
Rona Walton (External Affairs) (she/her)
When you first get a glimpse of what a single day in the life of Rona entails, you begin to wonder if she has more than 24 hours in her day. Your first encounter is guaranteed to be a whirlwind of passion and excitement bundled up into a purpose driven woman, who is paving the way for the limitless success of mothers. Walton is the co-founder of "The Collection Plate", a trusted business and advocate for Black and Brown-led nonprofits. Rona has been recognized by several organizations for her community and professional contributions. Additionally, she is a member of Leadership Austin - EMERGE 13 / Class of 2020 | Class of 2024. Through hard work, determination and sacrifices, she graduated with honors from Austin Community College. Undaunted by being a single mother, residing in public housing; she earned a spot on the National's Dean's List. Rona's heartbeats are her husband of 20 years, 3 adult children and an adopted grandson as she resides in Buda, TX.
Dr. Gabrielle Wagabaza (she/her)
Gabrielle was born in Portland, Maine, and now resides in Austin as a licensed Chiropractor in the state of Texas. She holds
additional certification in TMJ care, Pre/Postnatal & infant care, and transformative soft tissue therapies, including cupping, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and trigger point therapy. With a profound understanding of the body, Dr. Gabrielle guides her patients toward a deeper connection with the health of their nervous system. She supports individuals, families, and little ones of all ages feel their very best in the biggest times of transition.
Nena Khir
Nena Khir, a native of Durango, Mexico, holds a degree in engineering. She moved to the United States to pursue her professional goals, but her journey took an unexpected and meaningful turn.
After starting a family, Nena transitioned from her engineering career to focus on raising her two children. Having her first son was a particularly challenging time for her, as she felt lost without a supportive community. This experience has made PIP especially meaningful to her, and she is excited to be part of the organization.
During this transformative period, Nena discovered a profound passion for writing, inspired by her children and the creativity of her own inner child. She has written several children's books and has published two of them. This newfound path has enabled her to channel her experiences and aspirations into compelling stories, where she continues to share her unique voice and perspective.
Jessica Mason (she/her)
Born and raised in Michigan, followed by stints on both coasts, Jessica made her way to Austin with her partner in 2018. Shortly after, they welcomed their daughter in the midst of the pandemic with no family nearby, and found much-needed connection and community through a Partners in Parenting Newborn Group. Jessica has since become a passionate advocate and PIP volunteer group facilitator. She is absolutely thrilled to continue her commitment to supporting Austin parents as a Board Member. With over a decade of experience in brand marketing for mission-driven organizations such as Whole Foods Market, EPIC, and currently GoodPop, Jessica is eager to apply her leadership and marketing expertise to amplify PIP's work. When she's not slinging popsicles, she's often reading, going to concerts, and exploring Austin's parks with her two under three.
Erin McKay (she/her)
Erin is originally from New Orleans but spent time in Houston and London while growing up, before coming to Austin to attend the University of Texas. She is a CPA with a master’s degree in accounting and over 13 years of experience, including time spent in both public accounting and working as a Controller for a private company. She is currently an Audit Manager in Maxwell Locke & Ritter’s Financial Statement Advisory and Assurance Practice where she enjoys working with a wide variety of clients. She served on PIP’s Finance Committee for two years before joining the Board, and she is eager to use her skillset to serve PIP in a greater capacity. In her free time, she enjoys running, crafting, being outdoors, and spending time with her family: her husband, their two sons, and their dog, a rhodesian ridgeback named Murphy.
Flory Mejia (she/her/ella)
Flory Mejia, a proud mother, is a dedicated advocate for new parents. She became a group leader with Partners in Parenting (PIP) before joining the board, work she will continue while serving in this leadership role. Through her experience guiding mothers in the program, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community support. She is passionate about creating spaces where parents can recognize and address challenges like postpartum depression and anxiety—topics that are often overlooked in the Latinx community.
2025 Board Committees and Members
Executive Committee
Shelley Mattingly (President)
Allie Townshend Peña (Past President)
Claudia Arniella (President Elect)
Erin McKay (Treasurer)
Jessica Mason (Secretary)
Governance Committee
Allie Townshend Peña
Gaurav Jain
Gabrielle Wagabaza
Programs Committee
Angie Max
Verónica Gómez
Flory Mejía
Finance/Internal Affairs Committee
Erin McKay (Treasurer)
Shelley Mattingly
Adriana Kohler
External Affairs
Nena Khir
Claudia Arniella
Rona Walton
Evan Ortiz
FOUNDERS
CAROLYN OPPS
Carolyn was born and raised in Minnesota, attended college at Drake University in Iowa, and received a Master's Degree at DePaul University in Chicago. She spent eight years living and teaching in Chicago, but decided to move to Austin in 2006. Following three years of teaching 4th grade, she and her husband decided to throw caution to the wind and travel around the world for a year. After returning to Austin she continued her teaching career for several years before devoting herself to PIP as the Program Coordinator after co-founding the organization in 2014. Carolyn continues to serve as a devoted volunteer. In addition, she has two children that keep her days full!
KRISTA MILLER
Fresh from the new parenting experience, and so grateful for the group of women that inspired her to form her own village of support, Krista co-founded and launched Partners in Parenting in 2014 as the next chapter in her journey. Krista spent the first two years of the organization in the role of Executive Director.
Board Alumni
Krista Miller (Founding Board Member 2013-2017)
Tanya Vermeeren (Founding Board Member 2013-2015)
Rebecca Nunan (Founding Board Member 2013-2015)
Megan Barnes-Zesati, LCSW (2014-2016)
Meredith McDaniel, CFA (2014-2016)
Kristen Warms (2014-2016)
Robyn Burchfiel (2015-2017)
Anna Rigby (2016-2017)
Nikki Moriarty (2017)
Caroline Freedman (2017-2018)
Liz Zimmer Waldman (2017-2018)
Amanda Neal (2017-2019)
Ilana Zivkovich (2017-2019)
Cole Godvin (2018-2019)
Todd Euston (2017-2019)
Sarah Pell (2017-2020)
Erin Ryan Mazcko (2017-2019)
Traci Gaskins Bermiss (2017-2019)
Carolyn Opps (2014-2020)
Ashley Choucroun (2018-2020)
Amreen Rajabali (2019-2020)
Shelby Kaufman (2019-2021)
Jason Appelbaum (2019-2021)
Elizabeth Nelson (2016-2021)
Rebekah Anthony (2019-2021)
Carson Quinn (2019-2021)
Whitney Moskowitz President (2016-2021)
David DeStefano (2020-2022)
Frankie Arvello (2020-2022)
Blake Sunshine Leiber (2020-2022)
Alma Gloria (2020-2022)
Jennifer Haefner President (2020-2023)
Anne Harrington President (2023-2024)
Rob Howard (2023-2024)
Myneeka Holloway (2020-2024)
Carla Delagdo (2022-2024)
Rock Shum (2022-2024)
Elizabeth Kirichenko (2024)
Kathryn Leins (2021-2024)