About Connections
What started in 1981 as an organization to support at-risk youth in Comal County has expanded to serve 16 counties with counseling, prevention programming, an emergency children's shelter and a youth transitional living program.
Mission
Strengthening communities, one youth and one family at a time.
Vision
We envision a community where every individual feels safe, is empowered to make positive life changes, and has the opportunity to lead a meaningful life.
Values
Compassionate. Committed. Connected.
Our Executive Team
Jacob Huereca
Chief Executive Officer
Jacob has spent his career working with youth in foster care. He received a social work degree from Colorado State University-Pueblo and a master's degree in social work from the University of Texas. Jacob studied Community and Administrative Leadership with a focus on nonprofit management. Jacob is an Endeavor Fellow through the San Antonio Area Foundation and a graduate of Leadership New Braunfels. Jacob is a licensed social worker and childcare administrator as well as a Trust-Based Relationship educator. Jacob has six children and has been a foster parent twice. He is from Las Vegas but considers Texas home!
Rochelle Menchaca
Chief Human Resources Officer
Rochelle is responsible for hiring, onboarding, employee relations, and IT in her role at Connections. Her background includes HR management for both nonprofit organizations and private businesses. Rochelle has a bachelor's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio and currently lives in New Braunfels with her husband, Robert.​
Stefanie Garcia
Chief Prevention Officer
Stefanie has been with Connections for more than 10 years as a certified prevention specialist. As the Chief Prevention Officer, she is responsible for providing oversight to all prevention programs and is passionate about seeing youth grow academically and in confidence. Stefanie was born and raised in Pleasanton, Texas.
Nicole Beauchamp
Chief Financial Officer
Nicole works closely with her team to manage grants, cash flow and budget reports while providing strategic financial planning. Her professional experience includes over eight years in finance and business management, primarily in group homes. Nicole is originally from Reno, Nevada, but now lives in New Braunfels with her husband and two sons. She enjoys baking, sewing and spending time with her family and friends.
Monika Baptista
Chief Operations Officer
Monika is responsible for managing operational needs agency-wide in order to keep the overall agency functions running efficiently. She also oversees all communications and fundraising. She began working at Connections in 2021 as an accounting assistant and continues to work closely with the Finance Department to maintain the overall budget. Monika brings six years of previous experience as an office administrator to her role, as well as several years working in the non-profit industry. She moved to New Braunfels in 2018 with her husband and their three children. As a family they enjoy spending time outdoors and visiting the state parks of Texas.
Micki Matthews
Chief Community Services Officer
Micki began her journey at Connections interning as a graduate student. She transitioned into a leadership role after working closely with clients for many years and is passionate about collaborating with her team to enhance the counseling department and further its outreach into the communities Connections serves. Micki moved to Texas from Colorado and enjoys being outdoors and on the water with her family as much as possible. She believes in the healing power of nature, positivity and being present in the moment.
Connections Board of Directors
Executive Board
Matthew Bonine
President
Matthew and his wife, Kaci, settled in New Braunfels in 2013. He attended the University of Texas and received an undergraduate degree in government. He's worked in the accounting and tax industries and currently owns a bookkeeping and business management company. Community and nonprofit service is near and dear to Matthew's heart; some of his fondest memories are of working in inner-city Houston with at-risk middle schoolers. Matthew and his wife have three beautiful children and they enjoy church ministries, sports, and watching movies together.
Pia Lomax
Vice President
Pia is an executive coach, business strategy consultant, and retired Air Force Colonel with 33 years experience in LEAN/Six Sigma consulting, leading people, developing strategy, building new organizations and improving performance in large organizations. She believes everyone deserves great leadership and inspiration and is passionate about solving problems, instilling positive change and working with people. Pia and her husband are proud New Braunfels residents and devote many hours to playing racquet sports and their rescued furry friends.
George Scofield
Treasurer
George is with Norton Rose Fulbright, where he has practiced law in the healthcare and tax-exempt finance areas for over 40 years. George attended Louisiana State University and received a bachelor's in accounting and a law degree as well as a Master of Law degree from New York University. George has served as the chair of the board of San Antonio Medical Foundation, the Section of Taxation of the Texas Bar Association, and Any Baby Can of Texas, as well as on the boards of United Way of San Antonio, Salvation Army, Charity Ball Association and BioMed SA.
​
Hope Skibitsky
Secretary
Hope has an undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management and is an almost 30-year veteran of the United States Air Force. A Texas native, she and her husband call Spring Branch home. She has a background in health and wellness, education and training, career advising and crisis counseling, and she has several decades of experience in leadership and management. Hope has a long history of working with nonprofits and community service organizations, particularly those serving the underprivileged and at-risk populations.
Board Members
Amanda Anding
Board Member
Amanda is the co-founder and owner of Anding Environmental Consulting, LLC, headquartered in New Braunfels. She is a Texas State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in international business and a master’s degree in geography. Amanda began volunteering with Connections in 2014 at the Transitional Living Program. Her past experience with board development and her interest in helping youth in foster care brought her to the Connections Board of Directors. Amanda lives in New Braunfels with her husband, two daughters, dog, Duke, and cat, Navani.
Jasmine McDonald
Board Member
Jasmine is an IT Business Relationship Manager with CPS Energy and a Certified Project Management Professional. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and sociology and a master's degree in public service & administration from Texas A&M University, providing her with in-depth knowledge of the nonprofit sector. Jasmine has spent years working with and volunteering for nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, Foundation Communities, and Habitat for Humanity. Jasmine lives in New Braunfels with her husband, dog, and cat.
Caryn Benson
Board Member
Caryn Benson moved to New Braunfels in 2000 to be closer to family. She enjoys getting involved in her community and giving back as much as possible. Caryn is a New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Blue Coat. Caryn has volunteered with nonprofits focusing on helping children, animals, medical assistance, and people experiencing homelessness, and these experiences have fostered a larger passion for helping others, which is why she's happy to be on Connections' board.
Sean O'Connor
Board Member
Sean has called New Braunfels home since 2009. With a banking career spanning nearly 18 years, he works as a commercial relationship manager for American Bank. Sean has also served as worship ministry coordinator at New Braunfels Bible Church since 2010. Sean is a Leadership New Braunfels graduate (class of 2012) and also serves on committees with the Chamber of Commerce, Referral Partners of Comal, and Scouts BSA. He and his wife, Kristine, have four children and love getting outside and visiting both state and national parks.
Ken Goodman
Board Member
A native of South Texas, Ken and his wife, Valerie, have been residents of Comal County since 2021. He retired from USAA after 34 years of service as an executive in various roles including P&C Sales/Service, leading international operations in both San Antonio and London, and several staff support areas. Ken has his BBA from West Texas State and MBA from UTSA. Ken looks forward to leveraging his experience to assist Connections in continuing to play a major role in shaping the future of those who benefit from its services.
Yvette Pewitt
Board Member
Yvette made the exciting move to New Braunfels with her family in 2020. A proud Texan originally from Houston, she embarked on her real estate journey back in 1996, and her passion for helping people find their perfect home has only grown stronger. Before joining the board, she helped plan Connections' annual gala; she was inspired and realized she found a cause that aligns with her passion for helping kids in crisis and serving her community. In her down time, you'll find her exploring local hidden gems, indulging her love for live music and Texas wine.
Leanne Latham
Board Member
Leanne is the Human Resources Manager for the City of Schertz. She graduated with her BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has over 16 years experience in human resources and holds a Professional Human Resources certification. Leanne was born and raised in Texas and has lived in the Central Texas area for the past 13 years. She has called New Braunfels home since 2020, and she looks forward to supporting Connections and helping those in New Braunfels and the surrounding areas.
Sally Uzomba
Board Member
Sally holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biomedical sciences, with a minor in mathematics. With a strong background in advocacy, Sally has been actively involved in supporting youth in care through the Texas Network of Youth Services and AmeriCorps. As a former resident of Connections' Transitional Living Program, Sally brings a unique and personal perspective to the board, dedicated to enhancing the health and education of the youth served by Connections Individual and Family Services.