4-H CAPITAL is shaped by all the experience, knowledge, and interests of our staff and AmeriCorps instructors. We take pride in working together to achieve our program’s mission and to foster a culture of learning, both in our science clubs and in our office environment.
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Alicia Espinoza Ford 4-H CAPITAL Program Director Travis County Extension Agent of Urban Youth Development As the agent for 4-H Urban Youth Development, Alicia manages the 4-H CAPITAL Program. Alicia has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Northern Iowa. She started at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio and transferred to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, where she worked for 7 years in afterschool programming. She was first introduced to afterschool programming during her time at University and has been dedicated to it ever since. Now, as the Program Director, she participates in grant writing, program development, staff management, and strategic planning. |
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Willie Garza AmeriCorps Project Manager After earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas, Willie joined 4-H CAPITAL in 2005 as an AmeriCorps member. In 2010, Willie took a position with the Del Valle Independent School District, creating a new after school program for Ojeda Middle School. As an administrator of this new program his time in the classroom was limited and he missed teaching students. In the summer of 2013 Willie rejoined the 4-H CAPITAL Program as the STEM coordinator where he developed new STEM Curriculum and supported after school classes. In 2015, Willie became the AmeriCorps Project Manager working closely with the Program Director, AmeriCorps Members, and staff to ensure program quality and grant compliance. |
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Shelley Franklin 4-H Project Manager Shelley graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in History. She began a job in sales and quickly realized that her heart was in teaching. She returned to Texas State to complete the certification process and began her teaching career in Dripping Springs. In 2008, Shelley started Learning Fun 101 with a dear friend, developing curriculum and providing leadership for the camp and afterschool programs. When that business was up and going, Shelley returned to teaching science at the middle and high-school level. In 2008 she and her family joined the wonderful 4-H program, through which Shelley watched her children grow into confident leaders while exploring the world of agriculture and science. Shelley is very excited to be at 4-H CAPITAL, where her experience in teaching, her love for animals, and her desire to give back to the community all come together to make the best better! |
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Casey Branthoover AmeriCorps Project Coordinator Casey graduated from Allegheny College in 2013, with a dual degree in Psychology and Environmental Studies. After working a year at home in the YMCA afterschool program, he decided to dedicate a year of his life to service and explore outside of Warren, Pennsylvania. In 2014, he served as a literacy tutor with PAVE AmeriCorps in Eldon, Missouri, and helped with afterschool programming. He really enjoyed his experiences with the LEAP afterschool program in Missouri and decided to join 4-H CAPITAL in order to delve further into afterschool life. In July, he joined the 4-H CAPITAL staff as the AmeriCorps Project Coordinator, supporting members as they complete their terms of service. |
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Annabel Almeida Administration and Finance Coordinator Annabel Almeida has been with Travis County for 8 years. She is very passionate about working with youth and families to provide services for a better living. In December 2015 joined 4-H Capital as the Administration and Finance Coordinator where she is responsible for budget keeping. |
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Meredith O’Reilly Garden Science Specialist Meredith graduated from UT Austin with a degree in Zoology and a strong course base in photojournalism. She worked as an editor of educational materials for many years but longed to reconnect with her love of science and nature. After leaving the publishing industry, she focused on environmental stewardship by building native habitats on school campuses and educating youth and adults and about ecosystem gardening. These experiences ultimately led Meredith to join 4-H CAPITAL in 2013 as the team’s Garden Science Specialist. Meredith believes that time spent outdoors is key to improving youth’s emotional and physical health, their creativity and love of learning, their academic success in multiple curricula, and their understanding and appreciation of nature. |
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Heather Russon Natural Resources Specialist Heather is 4-H CAPITAL’s Natural Resources Specialist. She is passionate about bringing high-quality nature-based experiences to underserved urban youth. Heather studied Biology and Spanish in college, did field work with ladybugs, and studied abroad in Ecuador. Heather joined the staff of 4-H CAPITAL in 2014 after completing two AmeriCorps terms. She excels in connecting science content like chemistry, technology, and engineering to outdoor education. On the weekends, you can catch Heather exploring Austin’s trails with her dog Patch. |
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Emily Weerts Engineering & Tinkering Specialist Emily grew up in Davis, California, exploring the museums, science centers, and campgrounds of the Golden State. After studying Sociology at the University of California Davis, she worked as an educator supporting students with special needs. In 2006, Emily moved to Austin and started working as a summer camp and afterschool program educator for the Austin Children’s Museum. Emily coordinated the museum’s technology education programs and managed the Innovator’s Workshop exhibit at the Thinkery. In 2016 Emily joined 4-H CAPITAL as the Engineering & Tinkering Specialist. Emily is passionate about building a community that encourages lifelong learning. You might catch Emily driving around Austin in her Star Wars themed vehicle, CAR2D2. |
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Katie Thompson Animal Science Specialist Katie grew up in a small town in Illinois and spent her youth participating in a local 4-H club. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. Her career has been deep-rooted in the field of education, spending her time as a teacher in Special Education in Monmouth, IL, a 2nd-grade teacher in Birmingham, England, and an English teacher in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Her love for animals, the outdoors, and anything crafty shows in everything she does! |
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Chris Ford Instructional Specialist Long before he earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas, Chris was having fun working with youth and fascinated by science and technology. After many years as a summer camp counselor, outdoor educator, peer-mediation trainer, and industrial design hobbyist he went back to school and received a Masters of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Texas State University. He started his own business as a handy-man and design consultant and soon found himself also working as a part-time 3-D Printing and Wood-Shop instructor at TechShop. Having joined 4-H CAPITAL in August 2013, Chris now has the amazing opportunity to share his broad expertise with the youth of Travis County teaching them STEM fundamentals as they complete projects of their own design. |
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Dr. Brooke Miller, PhD Evaluation Specialist Dr. Brooke Miller earned her PhD in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin where she researched the role of authenticity in education in informal learning environments. Prior to joining the team at 4-H CAPITAL she taught at UT Austin and created digital educational content with Khan Academy and Osmosis. She is passionate about both science education and social justice, and is excited to be able to work in a place where those interests intersect. She spends her days doing research, writing grants, and conducting program evaluation. |
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Elizabeth Sanchez Office Specialist After graduating from Stanford University with a degree in International Relations, Elizabeth returned to her home state of Texas. She had a variety of jobs in different fields, but it wasn’t until she worked as a math tutor at a community college that she discovered her passion for education and making topics like science and math more accessible for everyone. After moving to Austin in 2017, she joined 4-H CAPITAL as an AmeriCorps member before later becoming a staff member in 2018. On her days off, Elizabeth kayaks along the Colorado River or volunteers at a therapeutic horse riding center. |
Our AmeriCorps Members
Our AmeriCorps members are a vital part of the 4-H CAPITAL family. AmeriCorps members come from across the country, sharing their enthusiasm and love of learning with youth. Their diverse experiences and knowledge keep our program growing and adapting every year!
