Board Members

 

The Board of Directors for ChildSafe are volunteers who, along with their commitment to the mission of care for sexually abused children, bring a variety of vital professional expertise and experience to the organization.

 

OFFICERS

Elizabeth Flavin Crawford, Chair
The Trust Company

ChildSafe is a special place for me because it takes families that have experienced devastating abuse and gives them the tools they need to put their lives back together.  The ChildSafe staff is so dedicated to these families and to helping them move past their abuse.  I can’t think of a more meaningful way to spend my time and efforts.

 

Rebecca “Becky” Canavan, Vice Chair
Community Volunteer

 

Ray Battaglia, Treasurer
Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison & Tate

Abraham Lincoln is thought to have said, "No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child." How can anyone stand by and not help a child who is the innocent victim of abuse? I joined the Board to stand with ChildSafe's staff and partner agencies who make such a tremendous difference in the lives of these children and their families.

 

Matt Spahn, Secretary
Spahn Law Firm

For nearly twenty years I’ve practiced law, and I’ve seen the devastation of dysfunctional families and abused children.  It’s an honor to serve this community and region on the board of ChildSafe and do my part to help families and children.  To come alongside the wonderful staff and agencies with the volunteers is very rewarding.

 

Martin Parrish, Assistant Secretary
Valero Energy Corporation

ChildSafe’s mission is to restore dignity, hope, and trust to children traumatized by sexual abuse.  These words grabbed me several years ago and still grab me today.  I feel fortunate to serve ChildSafe.

 

MEMBERS

Catherine Babbitt
Bexar County District Attorney’s Office
Catherine Babbitt is designated by District Attorney Susan D. Reed to represent the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office on the Board.  Catherine is the Division Chief of the Family Justice Division and has served on the Board since 1999. 

For me, working with abused children and their families is more than a job, it is a calling.

 

Ronald D. Bennett, Deputy Chief
Bexar County Sheriff’s Department
In more than 27 years of Law Enforcement, the single most difficult thing for me to grasp and understand is the physical and sexual abuse of a defenseless child. Working together with dedicated members of the ChildSafe Staff and the multi-disciplinary team partners is very rewarding for me. “ChildSafe makes a difference!

 

Janaé Florance, Deputy Chief
San Antonio Police Department
Deputy Chief Florance is appointed by Chief William P. McManus to represent San Antonio Police Department on the ChildSafe Board. 

As a Detective, I worked several years investigating child abuse cases and appreciate my Board appointment as it gives me the opportunity to continue protecting, serving, and providing a voice for the children of the San Antonio area.

 

 

 

Sherry Gomez
Texas Department of Family & Protective Services

 

Jody Hillenbrand
TravisWolff, LLP

 

Larry Lapaglia

For as long as I can remember, I have felt a calling to offer guidance, support, mentoring and fun to children. Now that mine are grown, I have looked to my church to continue those activities. I am honored to be part of the ChildSafe family because those that cannot defend themselves need strong, vocal advocates who can show them that it’s ok and safe to be a child.

 

Larry Mathews
Retired U.S. Attorney’s office
As a former federal prosecutor who handled cases involving the sexual assault of children, I realized the need for the kind of services ChildSafe provides to law enforcement and the victims, including their families. When I was asked to serve on this Board, I readily agreed. It is an honor to have the opportunity to assist in my small way with the great work that is done at ChildSafe.

 

Delaine Mathieu
News 4 WOAI

 

Matthew D. Mills
KCI

 

Kristin Popowich
Security Service Federal Credit Union
I am more than honored to participate on the board of ChildSafe and serve with such a special organization for the community in which I work.  Children are the precious ones, and by being on the board I only hope I can help with maintaining a place where children feel protected and can heal from trauma experienced at the hand of another person.  I feel it is my duty to do whatever I can to help serve the children in our city.

 

Asennet Segura
Baptist Child & Family Services
ChildSafe is significant community partner in caring for children and families.  Children that have been abused need ONE place to tell their story so they can move forward and begin their healing process.  BCFS is committed to supporting that mission and I am proud to be part of ChildSafe and all that they stand for.

 

Jay Stanley

My motivation to accept the invitation to join the board of ChildSafe-San Antonio was borne out of a desire to try to help a portion of our population who truly cannot help themselves. I have four grown children and I am blessed with seven grandchildren (ranging from five months to eight years), who are growing up in such a different world than I or even my children did. In Rotary, we try to say "YES" when asked to serve, and the mission of ChildSafe is so compelling, it was an easy decision.

 

Daniel Q. Villarreal, Jr.
NuStar Energy LP
Children and the elderly are the segments of society that tend to be neglected and abused.  My goal is to be part of the solution toward seeing that children are represented fairly and afforded all the protection and assistance that is available.