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.

Dr. Stephanie Duer is a highly respected leader in the fields of mental health and education, bringing a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to systemic change. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Certified School Counselor, Dr. Duer has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between mental health and educational success.

Holding a Doctorate in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services, Dr. Duer currently serves as the Behavioral Health Partnership Program Liaison for Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare and Region 6 Education Service Center. In this role, she provides professional development and critical resources to more than 50 school districts, empowering educators and school leaders to build trauma-informed, supportive learning environments.

Dr. Duer’s leadership extends beyond her liaison role. She actively contributes to several Community Resource Coordination Groups, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance access to mental health services for children and families. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Board of the Texas Association of School Resource Officers (TASRO) as the Educational Liaison, where she champions trauma-informed practices and fosters stronger partnerships between educators and law enforcement in school settings.

With a passionate focus on trauma-informed education and accessible mental health services, Dr. Duer seeks to inform initiatives that create lasting, positive impacts on students, families, and communities across Texas