Our Leadership
Executive Director
The Executive Director of Kids In a New Groove, Laura has been employed by KING since 2013.
Having previously served as Program Manager, she not only carries an intimate understanding of our program, the youth in foster care we serve, our partners, and our Mission, but she also has the experience and vision to lead KING to a brighter and more musical future.
Laura received her Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Degrees from Abilene Christian University. After graduating, she began her career in foster care as a Director of Intake for a national child placing agency. She worked there for 5 years prior to Kids in a New Groove, verifying and training foster homes as well as placing children into the foster homes.
She quickly adopted the Austin culture and is a music aficionado who is incredibly involved in the local music scene.
Program Manager
Carmen stepped into the role of Program Manager in September 2016. She is an Austin transplant, originally from Kansas. Earning her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Kansas, Carmen has devoted her professional career to youth empowerment and development.
After moving to Austin, Carmen became a Family Services Worker for a national child placing agency, providing case management and care coordination for youth in foster care. She has an inside understanding of the foster care system and the youth served by Kids In A New Groove. Carmen brings with her a strong combination of education and work experience. She is dedicated to being a champion for youth, to equip them with the opportunity and ability to meet their full potential.
Carmen and her husband moved to Austin in 2010, to be a part of this vibrant city. They enjoy taking in all that Austin has to offer with live music, amazing food and outdoor activities. Carmen is an avid sports fan and likes to stay active through CrossFit.
Our Board
Mark Porter
Chairman of the Board
Advisor at Brinson Benefits
Tamsen Cohagan
Secretary
Vocalist
Chris Bauer
Treasurer
Managing Partner at Bauer & Company, LLC
Elizabeth Rogers
Compliance Officer
Shareholder, Privacy & Data Security at Greenberg Traurig
Clint Strait
Vice President, Strait Music Company
Dana Keeven
Senior Contract Divisions Manager, C3 Presents
Dorian Colbert
Instructor of Psychology at Huston-Tilloston University
Hector Beltran
Program Committee Chair
Systems Analyst, Managing and Reporting Statistics, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Jerri Paul
Business Architect Director for Federal Business at Dell, Inc.
Karyn Scott
Founder of Kids in a New Groove & Lifetime Board Member
Kelly Conway
President of Fleming & Conway Insurance Agency, LLC
Lisa O’Neill
Marketing Committee Chair
Principle at Newton O’Neill Communications
Lowell Keig
Division Director for Texas Workforce Commission, Civil Rights Division
Mitch Flax
Committee Chair
Managing Director, Emerging Markets at MassMutual Workplace Solutions
Misty Pennock
Digital Sales Manager, Austin Monthly
Nicole Watson
Director of Marketing and Giving, Hotels for Hope