Leadership and Staff

Kathryn Thalken

Kathryn Thalken

Executive Director

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Kathryn Thalken MS, LMFT

A native Texan, Kathryn has been working in social services for the last 10 years and holds a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy while also being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her most recent role was serving as the Senior Director of Programs for The Parenting Center.
“I couldn’t be more honored to join The Ladder Alliance as their Executive Director. This organization continually educates, empowers, and encourages those most vulnerable in our community; and has for the last 20 years,” expressed Kathryn. “I’m excited to see where we will go for the next 20 and can’t wait to get started.” Kathryn began her new role on March 22nd of 2023.
Jessica Seidel

Jessica Seidel

Director of Programs and Operations

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Jessica Seidel MS, NCC, LPC

As a seasoned Director with over 10 years of experience in Non-Profit, Jessica has successfully built and maintained strong community relationships with local organizations and school districts. Her exceptional ability to coordinate class schedules and manage 7 programs, including 3 grant local and state-funded programs, as well as over 60 staff, has made her a valuable leader in the industry.

Jessica's impressive credentials include a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Counseling with a major in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, facilitating impactful programs and delivering tangible results.
 

Anahi Alamillo

Administrative Assistant

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Anahi Alamillo

 

Ruben Herrera

Computer Skills Instructor/IT Administrator

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Ruben Herrera

Ruben has more than 16 years of experience in the IT industry along with 12 years of experience in business management and customer service. Ruben developed a passion for technology at a young age, by the time he was 14 he wrote his first program on a Commodore 64 computer. Since then, Ruben has found a love for helping others in sharing his passion of computers and technology and helping spark excitement in those that he teaches.

Alex Dominguez

Computer Skills Instructor

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Alex Dominguez

Alex has worked with various schools and organizations, as an educator for English as a Second Language programs, secondary school computer tech, and refugee English survival courses. In his spare time, Alex volunteers to help immigrant citizens secure a legal pathway through volunteer programs, and is passionate about fighting for the rights of those less fortunate. Along with his volunteer efforts, Alex is an avid visitor of art museums in his hometown of Fort Worth, loves to cook at home with his fiancé, and enjoys attending rock concerts. Alex has been with The Ladder Alliance since 2019 as an IT Instructor.

JENNIFER GOULETTE

Computer Skills Instructor

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Jennifer Goulette

Jennifer has over 15 years of experience as a computer instructor. After graduating from UTEP, she began her career in an accounting department but soon discovered a passion for helping others when it came to teaching her colleagues new software or learning new tips and tricks in Microsoft Excel. She began her teaching career as a GED instructor, which led to technology instruction shortly thereafter, and continued for the next 10 years. After moving to North Texas in 2009, she continued her career as an adjunct instructor working for Weatherford College for 7 years. She is currently enjoying her new position as a Computer Skills Instructor with The Ladder Alliance. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys a good true crime book or tv show and spending time with her husband and two girls.