Our Board
Dr. Shaunise Alford
Dr. Shaunise Pelts Robinson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 2011, Master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2014, and Doctorate's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2022 fromTexas A&M University-Commerce.She has earned the Athletic Academic Achievement Award, Best New Member of All Greek Organizations, Dean’s List, President’s List, and Compassionate Educator of the Year Award.She is a member of Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented, the World Council For Gifted and Talented Children, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She currently owns and operates a private preschool and after school program in Garland, Texas.
LaShandra Butler
LaShandra Butler is a devoted wife and mother, managing a bustling household of six with grace and resilience. At the heart of her world are her three children, each with their own unique light. Jalen, her eldest at 19, is a source of inspiration and joy, bravely navigating life with Down Syndrome. LaShandra's dedication to supporting him is unwavering, infused with endless love and understanding. Beyond her role as a devoted wife, mother, and daughter, LaShandra is also a seasoned financial professional, bringing her expertise and passion for excellence to every endeavor. Her desire to make a meaningful impact extends beyond her family and into the broader community. That's why she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to contribute to the Myles Place Foundation as a board member, where she aims to leverage her skills and experiences to support individuals and families facing similar challenges to her own. With a heart full of love and a spirit fueled by compassion, LaShandra Butler embodies strength, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place for all.
Jonathan Gaffeney
Johnathane H. Gaffney Sr. (affectionately known as Coach Gaffney) is a Fort Worth, TX native with nearly 20 years of serving in various roles in public education and social service organizations. Coach Gaffney received his Bachelor's of Science from the University of North Texas and Master's in Education Administration from Concordia University. Through his career coach has served as an elementary, middle and high school teacher and coach, community liaison, parent advocate, campus administrator, district administrator, fathers and families coordinator, and most recently as a youth director in public health services. His work as an Adaptive PE teacher/coach, volunteer for Special Olympics, and coordinating activites for twice exceptional students suits to add value to Myles Place Foundation. These personal and professional experiences have afforded Coach the opportunity to be intimately engaged in the lived realities, perspectives, values, needs, challenges, and strengths of various communities; as he aims to be apart of the collective positive impact on community.
Dr. Amber Gibson
Dr. Amber Gibson is a dedicated professional within the field of psychology, recognized for her commitment to improving mental health services for all people. With diverse experience encompassing clinical practice, academia, and advocacy, she brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to her work as a licensed psychologist, licensed school psychologist, and assistant professor. Drawing from her varied experiences, including her pivotal role as a mental health clinician within the juvenile justice system, Dr. Gibson has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized youth and their families. In her current role, Dr. Gibson provides invaluable support to children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, alongside their families. As a dedicated leader and advocate, Dr. Gibson is driven by a genuine desire to empower individuals and families to lead fulfilling lives, contributing positively to her community and the broader field of psychology.
Latoya Rowlett
Latoya Rowlett embodies the essence of dedication, incorporating her passion for faith and family into every facet of her life. As the wife of Timothy Rowlett and the proud mother of Rheagan, and the dynamic fraternal twins, Kaleb and Kennedy, Latoya's heart beats for her
loved ones. Originally from Kansas, Latoya has called Texas her home since 2003. Armed with a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington, Latoya has built an impressive career as a workforce operations specialist in the corporate world. In addition to working a full-
time job, Latoya is also an entrepreneur and small business owner of a transportation company that she co-founded with her husband.
At the heart of Latoya's world are her children. Kennedy, her superhero daughter with Down syndrome, has been the driving force behind their family’s motivation to build relationships that will help fulfill their purpose. They feel they have been called to be a vessel for God to bless others through the sharing of their journey and experiences as they parent a child with different abilities. Latoya is excited to share their story, hoping to be a source of inspiration and support to others facing similar paths.
Jamila Thomas
Jamila Thomas is a 2019 Presidential Leadership Scholar appointed by the Presidential Centers of William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Jamila has been breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings with remarkable success. From her creation of Dallas Independent School District Racial Equity Office, to mentoring young women in Chicago juvenile detention centers, to serving in the inaugural role of Senior Vice President for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Dallas, she is committed to creating equitable solutions for society. She has worked to empower organizational change for over 20 years. Due to her ongoing commitment to societal change and advancement, she served on the BBBS of America Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee reaching 250 agencies across the United States with innovative and transformational activations. Jamila is now serving as the Chief Development Officer for VolunteerNow.
Taylor Williams
My name is Taylor Williams, M.Ed. LPC. As a parent of a CP Warrior and a Licensed Professional Counselor, my passion is fueled by advocating for advances within the disabled community, and supporting fellow special needs parents to help them prevent burnout and find balance. My motivation stems from my personal experiences with fighting for my child’s needs, as well as my vocational dedication to people develop the coping skills necessary for navigating stressors associated with raising a disabled child. I aim to provide a source of shared strength in finding valuable resources and recommendations ranging from what financial assistance is available, to which therapeutic agencies are great for working with children and families that are impacted by disabilities. You can’t pause life. But what you can do is take care of yourself to make sure you’re ready to react to whatever does happen.