Dr. Audas holds a Doctorate in Education/Literacy from Sam Houston State University and has been both an 8th-grade History teacher and a university-level faculty member preparing incoming teachers for their chosen profession.

Past projects include the development and management of a Trauma-Informed GED Prep Program for at-risk adults as well as Trauma-Informed Teacher Training Programs in Turkey, Syria, and Algeria, in addition to adult literacy programs in Texas.

Sandra Audas graduated from the University of Houston with a BBA concentrating in management in 1998. In 2014, she graduated from Sam Houston State University with an MBA in finance. Other certifications include Six Sigma Green Belt and PMP certification.

Sandra has experience in multiple industries in multiple business/finance roles, including advertising, trust accounting services, energy/utilities as an Accountant, financial analyst, and accounting manager. Currently, she works on the MSH Financial Systems team doing project management for McKesson.

Originally from North Attleboro, MA, Sandra moved to Texas 25 years ago. She is married to her husband, Gary, and the two enjoy traveling, watching their favorite teams (Chelsea FC and the New England Patriots), going to plays, hiking, and watching movies together.

Dr. Fadia Braktia is Assistant Director at the Academic Success Center for Writing, Reading, and Humanities at Sam Houston State University. She is an educator with experience teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students in elementary, secondary, and university settings. She is experienced in content-based and immersive language teaching and learning as well as working closely with teachers addressing language and cultural responsiveness in educational settings. She has international experience working in Algeria, China, the United States, Costa Rica, and Russia. She earned an EdD in literacy and was awarded a United States Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant grant.

Stephanie Duer began her career in education and mental health while still attending Sam Houston State University when she began providing ABA therapy in 2003. Since then, Stephanie has worked in various settings including community mental health, residential treatment facilities, elementary and middle schools, and schools for adjudicated youth. She also worked as a crisis clinician on the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team for Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare for many years.

Stephanie serves as the HB19 Mental Health Outreach Specialist for Region 6 Education Service Center and Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare. She is both a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Certified School Counselor. Stephanie is currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services from Houston Christian University.

Stephanie is a certified trainer in several programs including Youth Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid, AS+K to Save a Life, Trauma-Informed Care, Road to Recovery, and Trauma-Sensitive Schools. She recently co-authored “Trauma-Informed Care in Education” for the Eduhero program.

When she is not out working with schools, she is found shuffling her two kids between their many activities. She is fondly referred to as the “GoTo Guru” by colleagues and friends due to her love of sharing resources and information with anyone who will listen.