People ask, “how can a person abuse a child?” I ask, “how can so many ‘GOOD’ people NOT do anything about it?
– Adrianne Simeone
Our Founders
Leatrice Nash
Leatrice R. Nash attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She graduated in 2000 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. In 2016, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her passion to serve humanity is evident in her career choice. Leatrice is a woman of Impact. She seeks to make a difference in the lives of those she is called to serve.
Working with vulnerable and underserved populations has become Leatrice’s life work. She has served abused and neglected children for over 16 years, while working with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the Texas Department of Family and Protective.
Leatrice’s passion for working with vulnerable populations is evident as she seeks to serve humanity. She seeks to become a beacon of HOPE for those that are hurt, rejected, and abused. Leatrice has dedicated her life to this work, through random acts of love and making daily efforts to renew the hope of those that are downtrodden.
Mario White
Mario White graduated from Northwestern State University, LA, where he obtained his degree in Social Science. Mario launched his career at a residential treatment facility that provides specialized care for children and adolescents with a wide range of behavioral and emotional difficulties. Furnishing 15 years of performance, Mario later became a supervisor Milieu Coordinator before joining the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). As a Child Care Specialist for DFPS, he aided in protecting vulnerable children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. A Round Rock, TX resider since 2005, Mario is a devoted, absorbed husband and father. His favorite pastimes are partaking in his children’s extracurricular activities, fishing, family gatherings and traveling.
Board of Directors
Keyonna White
Keyonna White carries a degree in General Studies from Northwestern State University of Natchitoches, LA. During a summer of college, she became employed at Haven House, Inc., a 24-hour women’s emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and their families. While there, she provided case management services and support to the victims, in hopes to break the cycle of domestic violence through education, advocacy, counseling and resources. Born and raised in Louisiana, Keyonna became a resident of Round Rock, TX in 2012. Saying farewell to the Administrative workforce, Keyonna became a stay at home Mom. Her foundation is her faith, her family, and her passion is to see people become strong and flourish in every aspect of their lives.
Dana O’Con
Dayna O’Con has five years experience as a former CASA Advocate Supervisor in Louisiana, as well as 5 years experience with a behavioral health specialist agency. She has an Associate Degree in Applied Science/Respiratory Care from Angelina College and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Human Resources from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Ms. O’Con is dedicated to providing care for children in compromised circumstances. She recently retired and will be able to devote much of her time and effort to Palisade. Ms. O’Con enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren in Texas and Tennessee.
Dione Gumbs
Dione Gumbs is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and she is a skilled Project Manager with a long tenure in the Information Technology industry. She presently serves as a Program Manager for IBM Corporation. Her track record of effective operations management allows her to deliver guidance and direction in areas of project management, process development, budget management and forecasting.
She has successfully managed several database development projects, which helped to transform and bring existing platforms to life. She graduated from American InterContinental University with a MBA in Operations Management and Project Management. She has earned a BIT in Computer Systems and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Villanova University.
Her philosophy on growth is “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” – Napolean Hill
Kinyada White
Kinyada White brings nearly 25 years of experience as a multi-dimensional business and IT professional for global organizations providing leadership, vision, creativity and business acumen while driving and managing business growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Grambling State University and a Master of Business Administration from Texas State University.
Kinyada is committed to supporting Palisade, as she believes all children deserve a chance at a childhood filled with love, hope, healing and a direction that leads to a productive adulthood.
Anthony Stewart
Anthony Stewart has a desire that is committed to serving all people. He is also able to take a vision and make it reality through sound strategy development. Previously, as a Store Director, Operations Executive and Human Resources Executive for Target, he is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the corporate America industry.
Currently, he is the Executive Pastor of Powerhouse Church located in Katy, TX, where he has the privilege to serve the people of God through the vision of, “Transforming Lives that Transform the World”.
Anthony holds an MSW from Baylor University and a BSW from Northwestern State University. He is married and have 2 children. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events and volunteering in the community.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Get In Touch
Contact Number: 512-522-8461
Palisade: Where Hope is Renewed
P.O. Box 7196
Round Rock, Tx 78683