Meet the people
making PIP possible
Our Team
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Valerie Rios (she/her/ella) has been part of the Partners in Parenting team since 2017. She has held a range of positions in the corporate and non-profit world, and she knows firsthand the value of a supportive community when transitioning to parenthood. Her own struggles during that transition sparked a lasting passion for maternal mental health, and she believes every parent deserves community and connection during this season of life.
Together with her own special partner in parenting, Floris, she is proud to be a parent to two amazing, growing humans. In her spare time, you can find Valerie practicing Iyengar yoga or biking her kids to school and activities - feel free to roll down your window and say hi. She remains so grateful to be part of this team and all the collective work done for new parents in the Central Texas community.
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Julia Forslund (she/her) has a background in nonprofit programs, fundraising, and communications, with a strong focus on supporting families through community-driven work. Originally from St. Louis, she moved to Texas to attend Texas Christian University and later made her way to Austin, where she continues her work in the nonprofit sector. Her time in the disability nonprofit space shaped her belief in the power of connection and community to create meaningful change. That belief guides her efforts at PIP, where she supports initiatives that expand resources and strengthen connections for parents. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, crafting, exploring Austin coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family.
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Jenna Williamson (she/her) has been an advocate for youth, families, and parents in the Austin area within the nonprofit world for more than a decade. Before PIP, she served in a variety of roles as a mental health counselor, youth educator, parent support specialist, and creative. Jenna is thrilled to have a key role in expanding PIP’s parent support services through creative marketing, brand management, graphic design, outreach, events, and community partnerships. Outside of work, you may spot Jenna at the garden center or exploring Austin’s parks, bakeries, coffee shops, or libraries with her family.
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Liz Crawford (she/her) believes wholeheartedly in the mission and values of PIP. She brings a wealth of knowledge within consumer-focused solutions and strong interpersonal skills to assess the needs of clients and make recommendations to ensure satisfaction. In her downtime, she enjoys learning, crafting, event planning, and spending time with her “crazy family”.
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Mari Valladares (she/her/ella) is passionate about equity, raising kids in a conscious way, parenting support, and books. Specialized in Psychology of Human Development, she used to work with underserved communities in her native Venezuela by giving workshops for children, helping them develop literacy skills and emotional support, and encouraging them to discover the world through books. As a mom, she truly believes that it's easier when we create bonds with other parents to feel understood and less isolated. She has been in Austin since 2014, where she has grown fond of the walking trails, outdoor dining patios, and enjoying live local music with her family. She is the mother of a lovely girl, and you can probably find them reading books at the library, a bookstore, or a café.
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Acacia Tatro (she/her) moved to Austin over 11 years ago from Vermont and has since built her career supporting families in the community. With experience as a nanny and postpartum doula, she is passionate about building strong, supportive connections for parents. After joining a PIP group when her son was born, Acacia experienced firsthand the importance of community and is excited to now serve families in her role as Program Experience Specialist. Acacia lives in East Austin with her partner and their curious toddler. In her free time you’ll find Acacia exploring Austin’s parks and restaurants with her family or curled up with a book.
2026 Board of Directors
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Claudia Arniella
PRESIDENT
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Shelley Mattingly
2025 PRESIDENT
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Erin McKay
TREASURER
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Jessica Mason
SECRETARY
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Gaurav Jain
Governance
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Dr. Gab Wagabaza
Governance
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Nena Khir
Special Events & Outreach
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Flory Mejia
Special Events & Outreach
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Jose Quintero
Finance
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Kristina Phillips
Fundraising & Donors
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Leo Xicum Ku
Special Events & Outreach
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Jeni Putalavage-Ross
Fundraising & Donors
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Hilary Bentsen
Finance
2026 Committees and Members
Executive Committee
Claudia Arniella (President)
Shelley Mattingly (Past President)
Erin McKay (Treasurer)
Jessica Mason (Secretary)
Finance Committee
Erin McKay (Chair)
Jose Quintero
Hilary Bentsen
Fundraising & Donor Committee
Claudia Arniella (Chair)
Jeni Putalavage-Ross
Kristina Phillips
Angie Max
Governance Committee
Shelley Mattingly (Chair)
Jessica Mason
Gabrielle Wagabaza
Gaurav Jain
Grants Sub Committee Member: Allie Townshend-Pena
Special Events & Outreach Committee
Nena Khir (Chair)
Flory Mejia
Veronica Gomez
Leo Xicum Ku
Our Founders
CAROLYN OPPS
Carolyn was born and raised in Minnesota, attended college at Drake University in Iowa, and received a Master's Degree at DePaul University in Chicago. She spent eight years living and teaching in Chicago, but decided to move to Austin in 2006. Following three years of teaching 4th grade, she and her husband decided to throw caution to the wind and travel around the world for a year. After returning to Austin she continued her teaching career for several years before devoting herself to PIP as the Program Coordinator after co-founding the organization in 2014. Carolyn continues to serve as a devoted volunteer. In addition, she has two children that keep her days full!
KRISTA MILLER
Fresh from the new parenting experience, and so grateful for the group of women that inspired her to form her own village of support, Krista co-founded and launched Partners in Parenting in 2014 as the next chapter in her journey. Krista spent the first two years of the organization in the role of Executive Director.