Kristen Howell, LMSW, is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County. She has worked in the field of social work and family violence for the last 20 years. Kristen graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and the University of North Carolina with her MSW. She was most recently the Chief Programs Officer at Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, where she provided oversight to all of the direct service programs at the Advocacy Center, including the Forensic Services team, the Clinical Services team, the Family Advocate team, and the Research Institute. Prior to that Kristen worked for three years at Momentous Institute as Director of Development, and Genesis Women’s Shelter for ten years as Clinical Director and Director of Development.
Kristen is married to Bill Howell, an attorney in Dallas, and has two daughters. Kristen trains and speaks nationally on the impact of violence and trauma on families. “CACDC’s Board of Directors is thrilled to have Kristen on our team,” said Brian Hayduk, Board Chair. “She has the right combination of skills we need to keep CACDC moving forward. Her passion and experience made her the perfect choice.” Howell succeeds Dr. Ron Aldridge, who has served as the interim Executive Director for the past two months. “We are grateful for Ron’s exceptional leadership and dedication to the families of Denton County as well as the staff, volunteers and donors,” said Hayduk.
“I am so honored to join the team at the CACDC,” said Howell. “I am excited and humbled to take the helm of this organization that has proudly stood up for kids for the last 20 years. We have our work cut out for us. We must complete our capital campaign, we are almost ready to break ground on our addition to our Lewisville office and we must stand at the ready for every new child that walks through our door with an allegation of sexual abuse or severe physical abuse.”
“Having worked in this field for the last 20 years, I am ready to hit the ground running so that we can realize our potential as an agency, just as the kids who walk through our doors realize their potential because of this agency and the values of justice and healing that we are able to offer to families.”
Established in 1997, Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County’s mission is to empower child abuse victims, their families and our community through education, healing and justice. In 2017, the number of interviews of abused children conducted at the Center is up 33% over last year. The Center also provides 250 therapy services per week to victims of child abuse and their families. Justice in our county is also seeing a major impact because of the collaboration at the Center. Of the cases handled at CACDC, 94% of arrested perpetrators received a felony conviction. Learn how to get involved at www.cacdc.org or call 972-538-9612. To report child abuse call (800) 252-5400.
Bob Weir is a former NYPD officer, long-time Flower Mound resident and former local newspaper editor.
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