HYP's Steering Committee
HYP is coordinated through an active group of professionals who volunteer their time to serve on the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee helps guide the monthly workshops, coordinate networking opportunities, create opportunities for professional development, and serves as representatives of HYP in the larger community.
HYP Steering Committee
Chair
Armando Sanchez, LCSW He/him/his CARE Coordinator The University of Texas at Austin Armando Sanchez is a clinical therapist in Austin, TX. He has been in the field of social work for 10 years and has worked predominantly in education and non-profit settings providing support to youth and young people of diverse backgrounds. He also writes a blog that focuses on the healing, growth, and empowerment of gay men. One of his professional goals is to provide comprehensive and inclusive therapeutic services to gay men and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially queer people of color. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. Armando enjoys being out in nature, playing volleyball, writing, TV shows, and hanging out with his dog. |
Evaluation & CEU Coordinator
Laura Stevens, LPC She/her/hers Lead Clinical Trainer University of Texas Dell Medical School Website: https://dellmed.utexas.edu/ Laura Stevens is the Lead Clinical Trainer in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences’ Center for Youth Mental Health. In this role, she is responsible for research and dissemination of best practices for serving young adults with mental health challenges. Laura is also a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a clinical background in working with young people in community mental health and juvenile justice systems. Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, traveling, and enjoying the Austin weather (when it’s warm). |
Workshop & Social Media Coordinator
Katie May, MSW She/her/hers Public Health Educator Austin Healthy Adolescent Program City of Austin Public Health Department Katie May is a Public Health Educator for the City of Austin’s Healthy Adolescent program. The program focuses on engaging, empowering, and collaborating with communities across Travis County to support youth in taking ownership of their own health and working to advance the health of their communities. Her role specifically focuses on teaching a multi-session medically accurate comprehensive peer-led sexual health curriculum within AISD, DVISD, and with community partners. Her previous work focused on rape prevention and education with youth and adults through a trauma-informed primary prevention lens. Her ultimate goal is to see youth thrive in the ways they define. She received a Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from Appalachian State University. She absolutely loves to ride bikes with her partner, laugh at her doggies, and summer is her very favorite season, yes, even in Austin. |
Secretary
Rachel Jacobs, LCSW She/her/hers School-Based Therapist Integral Care Website: https://www.integralcare.org Rachel Jacobs is a school-based therapist with Integral Care. She works to help students who are experiencing emotional challenges or mental illness in individual, group and family settings. Rachel received a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In her spare time Rachel likes to garden, walk her dog, and explore the Austin area. |
Outgoing Chair
Rebecca Shirsat |
Join The Steering Committee!
We are looking for folks to join us on our mission to provide comprehensive, relevant, and transformative professional development and networking opportunities to youth-serving professionals in the greater Austin area.
If you are looking to make a positive impact in the lives of professionals and youth, consider filling out our interest form. We especially encourage professionals of color and LGBTQ colleagues to apply!
A steering committee position is usually a two-year commitment, with attendance at our meetings, workshops, and other offerings. Steering Committee members typically contribute approximately 8-12 hours of effort per month.
If you are looking to make a positive impact in the lives of professionals and youth, consider filling out our interest form. We especially encourage professionals of color and LGBTQ colleagues to apply!
A steering committee position is usually a two-year commitment, with attendance at our meetings, workshops, and other offerings. Steering Committee members typically contribute approximately 8-12 hours of effort per month.