Meet Our Staff

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. When Alicia is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter,  two cats and dog!

Mary Bolden
AmeriCorps Project Manager

Mary is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. She worked with the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department for 23 years. She enjoys working with youth and families. During her tenor with Travis County, she also worked as an Extend-A-Care supervisor where she planned youth activities and maintained programming agendas. In her free time, Mary loves watching sporting events, going to concerts and traveling. The AmeriCorps organization affords her the opportunity to share her experiences in the work field and her joy of motivating people.

Nathan Shavers
Animal Science and Natural Resources Project Manager

Lawrence English
AmeriCorps Project Coordinator

Lawrence graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.  After several years in the hospitality industry, Lawrence focused on community engagement through the nonprofit sector.  Lawrence started working with HCDE in a nonprofit organization called CASE, Children’s Afterschool Enrichment.  As an Americorps Member, Lawrence facilitated programming to students during the summer program.  Lawrence then transitioned to Playworks, a national nonprofit organization focused on safe and healthy play through recess.  Lawrence was a recess coach as a 2nd year Americorps Member.  Through 8 years with Playworks, Lawrence held positions as a trainer, manager and director.  Lawrence moved to Austin, TX and worked with Austin Sunshine Camps before transitioning to 4-H CAPITAL. Lawrence is excited to be supporting the Americorps Program and aid members in their year of service.  In his free time, Lawrence likes to spend time with his family and explore all that Austin has to offer.

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.

Nicole Beckstrom
Garden Science Specialist

Nicole studied sustainability and food systems at Arizona State University. While in college, she built upon her passion for the environment and gardens, as she was an officer of a garden club on campus and completed a garden internship at a school in South Phoenix. After college, Nicole moved to Austin, where she completed a year of AmeriCorps service on the garden science team at 4-H Capital. Nicole is now the Garden Science Specialist at 4-H and enjoys continuing the mission of connecting youth to gardens, the outdoors, and science capital. She is passionate about increasing healthy food access in urban settings and helping youth understand where their food comes from. In her free time, Nicole enjoys trying new restaurants in Austin and exploring the parks around the city.

Melody Cagle Brown
Natural Resources Specialist

Melody was born and raised in Austin Texas and grew up with the city and it’s changes. She went to Tarleton State University and finished in 2017 with a degree in Biology with an emphasis in wildlife. Natural resources and wildlife are a passion of hers, and she has worked in Zoos, Aquariums, and in the field to grow closer to nature. From 2019 to 2021, Melody was an AmeriCorps member with 4H Capital on the Animal Science and Natural Resources Teams where she connected youth to science in new and exciting ways. This year, Melody moved up to a staff position as the Natural Resources Specialist with 4H Capital. In her new position, she will be mentoring and guiding 4H Capital AmeriCorps members with lesson planning and engagement for students in the natural resource world. In her free time, Melody loves spending time with her Husband and many animals, going on nature hikes, and looking for unique insects.

Nick LaRiza
Engineering & Technology Specialist

Nick grew up in San Francisco and started working with kids in afterschool programs during his college years in central California. He and his wife moved to Austin after graduating where he continued to work with kids teaching science, technology, engineering and math. Nick is here because he wants kids of Travis County to be able to see a future for themselves in technology. He enjoys equipping the 4-H AmeriCorps members to help young people see a future for themselves in the tech industry by increasing their love for STEM. Through increasing their powers of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking, we can help the young people of Austin build a better future for themselves and their communities.

*Vacant*
Animal Science Specialist

Florence Thompson
Office Specialist 

Florence Thompson – Born and raised in Austin. Educated via Austin ISD and St. Edward’s University. Most of her work experience has been in finance or customer service. Flo has 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren. She loves to learn new things and is  always willing to help others when she can. In her free time, she loves to travel/cruise, enjoys crafting and spending time with her grandchildren!