Planning Council's Role
The Planning Council provides general oversight to the Reentry Roundtable and assures that the Roundtable's work is consistent with its mission and vision. Guests are welcome to join for monthly Planning Council meetings, held on the second Monday of each month from 12:30-2pm.
To attend, please register in advance via Zoom at https://bit.ly/PlanningCouncilMeetings. To view the 2023 meeting schedule, click here.
The Planning Council's functions include:
- Identifying, recruiting, and informing stakeholders
- Planning and executing Roundtable meetings and forums
- Coordinating committees and workgroups
- Developing strategies and action plans
- Identifying goals and timelines
- Ensuring outcomes are met
- Providing fiscal oversight, including identifying and securing funding and other necessary resources.
Executive Committee

Vice Chair
Melissa Shearer, LBSW, JD
Travis County Mental Health Public Defender

RAP Representative
Cynthia Simons, RPS, MHPS
Texas Center for Justice & Equity
Nominating Committee
Dr. Charles A. Moody, Jr.
The Rock ATX
Helen Gaebler, JD
UT School of Law
Melissa Shearer, LBSW, JD
Travis County Mental Health Public Defender
Don Tracy
Austin Community College
Planning Council Members
Sonja Burns
Community Representative
Jennifer Carter
Goodwill Central Texas
David Clauss, LMSW
American YouthWorks
Helen Gaebler, JD
UT School of Law
Juanita Garcia
Travis County Public Defender
Mia Greer, RN, BSN, CLIA
Community Coalition for Health
Darwin Hamilton
Community Representative
Robert Kingham
City of Austin Community Court
Carl F. Hunter II, M.Div
Building Promise USA
Cathy McClaugherty
Travis County Justice & Public Safety
Rodolfo (Rudy) Pérez, Jr.
Travis County Adult Probation
Hank Perret
Community Representative
Kaleigh Phelan
Capital Area Private Defender Service
Joe Ramirez
Texas Veterans Commission
Paola Silvestre
Indeed
Louella Tate, Ph.D.
Community Representative
Alex Villarreal, LPC
Integral Care
Interested in Joining the Planning Council?
Membership in the Roundtable is open to organizations and individuals who confirm their interest in supporting our mission and work. If you are interested in membership, please contact info@reentryroundtable.org to learn more.
Meeting Minutes
Minutes are available online for past Planning Council meetings: