Dr. Jessica Gomez is a Bilingual Licensed Psychologist and Executive Director of Momentous Institute. She has worked with children and families for over 15 years and is dedicated to building healthy communities where children have access to quality education and mental health services.

Dr. Gomez is an active thought leader in mental health through publications, presentations, and collaboration with community leaders. She also served as a clinical and assessment supervisor on the APA Training Committee that oversees doctoral and post-doctoral psychology fellows. Dr. Gomez received her doctorate in clinical psychology and master’s degree in counseling psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She specializes in community mental health, staff development/training, family therapy and the treatment of complex trauma.

She has presented at TPA (Texas Psychological Association), NLPA (National Latino Psychological Association), Texas Pediatric Association, Aspen Challenge, Telemundo, NBC, KERA and Univision. Dr. Gomez has been published in APA’s The Family Psychologist Journal: “The Accidental Family Therapist”, Parent Magazine: “5 ways to help children be more inclusive of other kids”.

Karla is the Executive Assistant at Momentous Institute and began her role in 2014. Her previous experience includes 20 years of work in the corporate world before her move to nonprofit work in 2007. She has prior work with multiple organizations, including the National Math and Science Initiative and the Meadows Foundation.

Michiko joined Momentous Institute in December 2019. She has over 15 years of experience in child and adolescent health behavior and outcomes research. She has previously worked for Children’s Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, and University of South Florida. Michiko completed a Bachelor’s degree from International Christian University, a PhD in Developmental Psychology from University of California Riverside, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Psychology at Johns Hopkins University.

Robin joined Momentous Institute in July 2019. She brings with her more than 30 years of fundraising experience for a variety of organizations across the Chicagoland area, including The Community Foundation for McHenry County and the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation. Robin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.   

Maureen joined Momentous Institute in 2011. She leads a team that shares social emotional health strategies with other professionals through digital and print content. Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in english from Gonzaga University.

Paul joined Momentous Institute in 2011. His previous experience includes work in the information technology field for more than 15 years. Paul received a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of Texas Arlington.

Jim joined Momentous Institute in 2002. His current role includes oversight of facilities and information technology functions. Under his purview is an 80,000 square foot campus in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood and 36,000 square foot campus in northwest Dallas.

Daniel joined Momentous Institute in July 2017. His previous experience includes extensive involvement with students and families in South Dallas, including service with Teach for America. Daniel received a bachelor’s degree in international relations from American University and a master’s degree in school leadership from Southern Methodist University.

Fred is a Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor and joined Momentous Institute in November 1989. His previous experience includes over 28 years of work in the mental health field. Fred received a master’s degree in counseling from Texas A&M Commerce.

Tania joined Momentous Institute in April 2013. Her previous experience includes managing grants for Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and overseeing the victim advocacy program in the Family Violence Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Tania received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from The City College of New York.

Karen joined Momentous Institute in August 1997. Her previous experience includes over 25 years of work in the field of education. Dr. Norris received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Dallas, a master’s degree in reading from The University of North Texas, a master’s degree in Mind, Brain, and Education from The University of Texas Arlington and received her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from The University of North Texas.

Alina joined Momentous Institute in 2006. Alina received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California-Los Angeles and earned both her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Tina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and joined Momentous Institute in January 2016. Her previous experience includes over two decades of work in the mental health field through various direct practice, community outreach and organizational leadership roles. She received her bachelor’s degree in English/Political Science from Jarvis Christian College and her master’s degree in social work from University of Texas-Arlington.

Garica is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and joined Momentous Institute in August 2009. Dr. Sanford also serves as the Internship Training Director for the agency's APA Accredited Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology and Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Sanford received a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University and completed her doctoral education at Spalding University.

Rhonda Vincent joined Momentous Institute in December 2013. Her previous experience includes over 25 years of work in education. Along with a Bachelor of Science, Rhonda earned elementary and early childhood teaching certificates from the University of Texas Permian Basin. She received a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University and a Ph.D. in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University.

Laura Vogel joined Momentous Institute in 2007. Her previous experience includes over 20 years of working with children and their families. Laura is a licensed psychologist who received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at The University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Austin College.

Jordan joined the research team at Momentous Institute in the summer of 2017. Prior to working at Momentous Institute, Jordan studied cognition with a focus on decision making, attention, memory, cognitive load, cognitive mapping and ethical judgments. He received a master’s degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in experimental psychology with a minor in Quantitative Psychology from Texas Christian University.

Kate joined Momentous Institute in 2000. She is responsible for assisting staff with visioning, strategic planning and teambuilding. She has previously held positions in communications and scholarship program management at Momentous Institute. Kate received a bachelor’s degree in Television/Radio from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in international development from Carleton University.