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Social Services

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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:

Foster Care Mental Health 

Who We Are

Contact Us

Director for Mental Health and Social Services
Name Office Location Phone Number E-Mail

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 E-Mail

Juanita "Janie" Ahrlett

Administration

832-386-1209

jahrlett@galenaparkisd.com

Social Services Specialists
Name Office Location Phone Number E-Mail

Frankie Buggs

Jacinto City Elem

832-386-4616

fbuggs@galenaparkisd.com

Crisis Intervention Specialists - VOCA
Name Office Location Phone Number E-Mail

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 E-Mail

Melody Burr, LCDC

Joyce Zotz Center

832-386-3634

mburr@galenaparkisd.com

Communities in Schools (CIS) Campus Coordinators
Name Office Location Phone Number E-Mail

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
832-386-4762-MS

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