Social Services
Welcome — and thank you for visiting the Galena Park ISD Mental Health & Support Services page. Our students are at the center of everything we do, and we are committed to supporting the well-being of students, parents, staff, and the wider community.
Mental health plays a substantial role in a school's safety and overall climate. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 51 in 5 adolescents has a diagnosable mental health disorder, and even more show signs of depression. Educators also struggle with mental health, with recent surveys suggesting half or more describe themselves as under high levels of stress and in a “not good” place mentally. These issues can disrupt the educational environment and lead to negative outcomes for students. By focusing on mental health, schools can support and promote the safety of all members of the school community through new initiatives and fresh perspectives on existing practices (Texas School Safety Center).
Our multidisciplinary support team works collaboratively to meet student needs and strengthen families:
- Galena Park ISD Social Service Specialist
- VOCA Crisis Intervention Specialist (Victims of Crime Act)
- District Substance Abuse Counselor
- Communities In Schools (CIS) Site Coordinators
Together, these professionals partner across the district to provide timely crisis intervention, counseling referrals, substance-abuse support, family resources, and campus-based wraparound services. We coordinate with community providers and local agencies to connect families with mental health care, emergency assistance, and prevention programs.
How we support you:
- Direct student support and crisis response on campus
- Family engagement, referrals, and resource navigation
- Staff wellness resources and professional supports
- Prevention programs, education, and community outreach
If you are concerned about a student, need help for your family, or want to learn how to access supports, please contact your campus CIS Site Coordinator or the district office. For immediate danger or life‑threatening emergencies, call 911. For non‑emergency mental health assistance, our team can help connect you to appropriate services and resources.
Thank you for partnering with Galena Park ISD. Together—parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners—we can create safe, supportive schools where every student and adult can learn, heal, and thrive.
Click below for more information on:
Who We Are
Contact Us
| Director for Mental Health and Social Services | |||
| Name | Office Location | Phone Number | |
|
Dr. Karen Haynes, LPC-S |
Administration |
832-386-1280 |
khaynes@galenparkisd.com |
| Secretary to Director for Mental Health and Social Services | |||
| Name | Office Location | Phone Number | |
|
Juanita "Janie" Ahrlett |
Administration |
832-386-1209 |
jahrlett@galenaparkisd.com |
| Social Services Specialists | |||
| Name | Office Location | Phone Number | |
|
Frankie Buggs |
Jacinto City Elem |
832-386-4616 |
fbuggs@galenaparkisd.com |
| Crisis Intervention Specialists - VOCA | |||
| Name | Office Location | Phone Number | |
|
LaToya Jordan |
North Shore MS |
832-386-2613 |
labrown@galenaparkisd.com |
|
Shawn Langellier |
North Shore Senior High |
832-386-4788 |
slangellier@galenaparkisd.com |
| Youth Substance Abuse Counselor | |||
| Name | Office Location | Phone Number | |
|
Melody Burr, LCDC |
Joyce Zotz Center |
832-386-3634 |
mburr@galenaparkisd.com |
| Communities in Schools (CIS) Campus Coordinators | |||
| Name | Office Location | Phone Number | |
|
Anita Baena |
Normandy Crossing Elem |
832-386-1648 |
abaena@galenaparkisd.com |
|
Jacob Cullen |
Cloverleaf Elem |
832-386-3221 |
jcollins@galenaparkisd.com |
|
Tera Kegler |
Cunningham MS |
832-386-4484 |
tkegler@galenaparkisd.com |
|
Elizabeth Huerta |
Woodland Acres Elem & MS |
832-386-2242-Elem |
ehuerta1@galenaparkisd.com
|
|
Melisa Nwoko |
North Shore Elem |
832-386-4672 |
mnwoko@galenaparkisd.com |
|
Renee' Payne |
Cobb 6th Grade |
832-386-2114 |
rpayne@galenaparkisd.com |
|
Maria Rodriguez |
Green Valley Elem |
832-386-4397 |
mtrodriguez@galenaparkisd.com |
