BOARD

Louisiana Children's Trust Fund BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ms. Franchesca Hamilton-Acker, Esq., Chairman
Representing the Louisiana State Bar Association

Unit Leader of the Child(ren) In Need of Care Unit (CINC) at Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) where she manages the children’s representation in Child in Need of Care Cases in North, South, Central, and Southwest, Louisiana. She has practiced public interest law for over 22 years. She received a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in English and Political Science from UL (formerly USL) in 1995 and a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center in 1998. Some of her involvements includes serving as the Chair of the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund Board, member of the ABA Section of Litigation Children’s Rights Committee and the ABA Commission on Youth at Risk.

Ms. Angela J. Bridgewater
Representing the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice

Licensed clinical social worker, currently serving as the Program Manager II for the Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ)/Community Based Services. She has over 29 years of experience providing direct clinical services to youth, families, and providing clinical supervision to social workers. Since 2010, Mrs. Bridgewater has served as Commissioner for the Interstate Commission for Juveniles (ICJ) on behalf of the state of Louisiana. As the Commissioner of ICJ, Mrs. Bridgewater oversees the department that manages the safe return of youth and/or accused delinquents who have absconded, escaped, or runaway across state lines. As the Program Manager II for the Office of Juvenile Justice, Mrs. Bridgewater is responsible for the oversight and supervision of the Social Workers assigned to the juvenile Probation and Parole offices throughout the state.

Judge Ree Casey-Jones
Representing the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 2000, thereafter obtained a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center, and was admitted to practice law in 2006. Judge Ree has completed judicial certifications from the University of Nevada at Reno and a judicial fellowship at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Judge Casey-Jones is the presiding judge over the Family Preservation Drug Courts, Child Support, Adoptions, Juvenile criminal matters, and the newly implemented STAR Court which is a court for girls who are victims of human trafficking. She is also a nationally certified TBRI Practitioner. She frequently travels throughout the country visiting other courts and spends several hours learning new and innovative ways to provide fair access to justice to citizens in Caddo Parish. She’s a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links, Incorporated and as well several professional organizations.

Brittney Cochran
Representing the Department of Education

Brittney Cochran has been working in education for 18 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Louisiana State University. After working 10 years in early childhood and elementary classrooms, Brittney had the opportunity to work with educators and with system leaders on early childhood literacy, educational leadership, and system-wide school improvement in many parishes in Louisiana through her professional development work. After traveling to and working with districts across the state, she took her career toward the path of curriculum writing and development for a national company. Now serving Louisiana as the Early Childhood Strategy Director of Academics for the Louisiana Department of Education, Brittney is passionate about leadership in family engagement, instructional practices, and her commitment to making sure all students and educators grow and thrive.

Mrs. Tamara Foster-Montgomery
Representing the University Community

Tamara Foster-Montgomery is the Director of the Career Services Center at Southern University and A & M College-Baton Rouge where she is providing leadership focused on the university’s mission and purpose. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Nelson-Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Southern University and A & M College. Before pursuing her career at Southern University, Mrs. Foster-Montgomery worked for Unisys Corporation, Entergy and Remington College. For 15 years, she has worked in higher education in various areas including the Southern University’s Honors College, Student Life, Financial Aid and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs where she served as the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Mrs. Foster-Montgomery is a member of several national and regional professional associations including the National Association of Colleges and Employers, Louisiana Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Louisiana Association of Colleges and Employers (LACE), and Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE). She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. FosterMontgomery is a mentor, motivational speaker, and a servant leader with a genuine heart to serve others. She is also an entrepreneur, project manager and business consultant with over 10 years of experience. Mrs. Foster-Montgomery is married to Nathan Montgomery, Sr. and together they have two children.

Ms. Christie Hitchens
Representing the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter

A Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker, employed with East Baton Rouge Parish School System for the past 19 years. She currently serves as Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance within EBRPSS and holds the designation of Certified School Social Work Specialist. Christie earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern University A & M College in 1997 and a Masters of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in 2000. She has practiced in the field of educational and clinical social work for over 23 years. Christie has served as a social worker within the Exceptional Student Services Department of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.

Mr. Bret Hanemann
Representing the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services

Alicia Castleberry Kober, M.D.
Representing the Louisiana State Medical Society

Dr. Kober was born and raised in Sulphur, Louisiana. After graduating as a valedictorian from Sulphur High School, she attended LSU Honors College, then obtained her B.S. in Biology from McNeese State University. She completed medical school and pediatric residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport and has been practicing Pediatrics with Ochsner Health System for over ten years. Dr. Kober takes special interest in preventive pediatrics and routine newborn care. She is a member of the Baton Rouge Ballet and Theater Guild Steering Committee and is an active equestrian.

Ms. Yolanda Motley
Representing the Early Childhood Community

Yolanda T. Motley joined Clover, Inc., formerly Kingsley House of New Orleans, LA in March of 2006. During her 33 -year career tenure, Yolanda has partnered with staff and community organizations to provide support for under-resourced children and families to ensure high quality education and the overall well-being of pregnant moms, infants, and children. Prior to Clover, she served as a member of the Orleans Parish Public School System for 14 years working initially as First Grade Classroom Instructor, then matriculating to Title I Staff Development Coordinator, Literacy Facilitator, Reading Coach, and Interim Principal. She also served as a Louisiana Mentor and Assessor to new teachers in the field. Yolanda received her Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Xavier University of New Orleans, LA. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans with 21 post-graduate hours in Educational Leadership and Administration earning an Administrative Certification. She is a proud native New Orleanian and lifelong resident where she currently resides with her husband of 23 years, Kenneth Motley.

Dr. Kimberly Sherman
Representing the Louisiana Psychological Association

A senior professor of practice in Tulane's psychology department and a licensed nationally certified school psychologist. In addition to her work at Tulane, she provides autism diagnostic evaluations at the ASDID clinic at LSU Health in New Orleans. She practiced school psychology in New Orleans-area school districts for nine years prior to joining Tulane's faculty in 2016. Her interests include school-based academic and behavior prevention and intervention services.

Jolie V. Williamson, MS
Representing the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet

Jolie V. Williamson is a seasoned educator with over 14 years of experience in public education. With a B.A. in Political Science and an M.S. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, Jolie brings a strong academic background to her roles. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her excellence, including winning the NSDA Louisiana District New Coach of the Year in 2023 and being nominated for LEF Teacher of the Year for six consecutive years. Outside of education, Jolie is an active member of her community, volunteering, participating in martial arts, and exploring the rich history and culture of Louisiana. With her diverse skill set, passion for education, and commitment to community engagement, Jolie V. Williamson passionate and ready to serve as the Director of Children's Programs and Executive Director of the Louisiana Children's Cabinet, guiding the state's efforts to support and uplift its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

2024 Child Abuse Prevention Conference. Franchesca Hamilton-Acker, Esq., LCTF Board Chair and Ursula Anderson, LCTF Executive Director.

2024 Child Abuse Prevention Conference in Lafayette.