Michelle Williams received her undergraduate degree from Stephens College and earned her law degree from Texas A & M University School of Law in Fort Worth, Texas.  While attending law school, Michelle interned at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office in the Family Violence Unit and began working for a family law firm in Dallas, Texas. 

Immediately after graduating law school in May of 2005 and admittance to the State Bar of Texas in June of 2005, Michelle opened her own firm dedicated to family law and has been practicing family law exclusively for over eighteen years. 

Michelle is also a trained mediator in civil and family law.  Upon learning about the creation of the Dallas County Child Protection and Permanency Court, Michelle volunteered to assist aged out foster youth prior to establishing the nonprofit Friends Investing in Foster Kids with the other board members. 

Her philosophy is “if my child has something, whether it is a prom ticket, cap and gown for graduation, a driver’s license or a Christmas present, the youth in the Child Protection and Permanency Court should have access to that as well.”

When Michelle is not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to concerts with her son, and traveling the world. 

     Tim Sexton was appointed to the Dallas County Child Welfare Board and became Chair of the Board serving for six years.

     Tim volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for six years with Dallas CASA and was on staff as a Supervisor of Advocates for seven years.

     Currently, Tim is Treasurer of Friends Investing in Foster Kids, a 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation focused on supporting the needs of children assigned to the Dallas County Child Protection and Permanency Court, Judge Delia Gonzales presiding.

     Since 2002, Tim has worked tirelessly to help children in foster care, CASA Advocates, foster families and kinship caregivers.  Tim has been able to address issues within the system to positively impact Dallas County children and families.  He is a volunteer voice for the voiceless and acts on behalf of those who could not protect themselves.

In 2019, Judge Gonzales was appointed as an Associate Judge to create and establish the Child Protection and Permanency Court in Dallas County through the Office of Court Administration.

The goal of the Court is to work with youth who are in the foster care system to achieve positive outcomes as they exit foster care. In 2020, Judge Gonzales was awarded the Texas CASA Judicial Innovation and Leadership Award. In 2021, Judge Gonzales was awarded the Ken Fuller Pro Bono award by the State Bar of Texas for her dedication and leadership to the youth that the Court serves. 

Judge Gonzales has spoken a various conferences including the Advanced Child Welfare Conference, Judicial Child Welfare Conference, and many Children’s Commission seminars. Judge Gonzales has built the foundation and fundamentals for the court to assist children who are in the permanent custody of CPS and has worked to help the youth in her court obtain positive permanency, enhance outcomes for youth in care and address wellbeing issues.

Kevin O’Brien is a retired entrepreneur who has volunteered in support of the needs of foster children in various capacities since 2016.  He currently serves as a court appointed mentor for aging out foster youth. 

Samantha Anderson approaches each case as if her client was a close friend or family. She advises as to what is best for her client and the client’s family. Samantha went to law school because of her desire to help others.

She is compassionate with clients as the client is navigating through a difficult time and is a fierce advocate, both in and out of the courtroom, for her clients. Samantha strives to ensure that her clients are involved .

Prior to graduating with honors from SMU Dedman School of Law, Samantha attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Samantha worked in the corporate world prior to becoming a lawyer, and this experience in the corporate world allows her to have a broader perspective as to the issues many clients face.

Samantha is proud to serve clients in the areas of family law, estate planning, and probate. She is experienced in divorce, adoption, child custody, child support, and modifications.

Samantha lives in the Dallas area with her husband and three kids.

Jodi McShan grew up in a family-owned business, where she did everything from floral design and delivery to accounting and management.  At McShan Florist, she learned the benefits of hard work and personal relationships from both her grandfather Lee A. McShan, Jr. and her father Bruce A. McShan.

She has experience in business,  intellectual property, and family violence cases, which enables her to be a strong advocate for her clients.  Jodi leverages her knowledge to help her clients reach positive outcomes – her approach is different from some.  Instead of coming into every case as a “bulldog,” she works with each client and helps the client decide what the best approach may be.  

In the end, clients are happier when they have control over the outcome and their children are protected.  This can come from a variety of approaches, and each case has its own needs.  Jodi helps clients analyze these needs, and they build a game plan together – whether it be going into litigation as a “bulldog” or working through things amicably.

Rachel was raised in Tennessee but has called Dallas home for the past 30 years.  She attended University of Tennessee – Knoxville and University of Texas – Arlington where she was a cheerleader and a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. 

She has been in the sales and fitness industries for the past 20 years and currently owns a company that sells and consigns luxury goods.  As an entrepreneur, she has a passion for children and giving back to the community. 

Rachel has two sons and three Yorkies that keep her busy.  Her hobbies include yoga, Pilates, and spending time with family.