Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Section name
Timeline
Generic

Emerald Ealy Dennis

Katy

Summary

Experienced student and family support leader with 15+ years of experience in advancing equity through school-based, nonprofit, and public sector services. Skilled in trauma-informed systems design, cross-agency collaboration, and program leadership. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on reforming support systems for at-risk and system-involved youth. Proven track record of building and maintaining strong client relationships, utilizing strategic planning and effective communication for optimal service delivery. Successfully leads client service teams to consistently meet and exceed expectations.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Housing Assessor

The Beacon
10.2024 - Current
  • Conduct comprehensive housing and vulnerability assessments aligned with HUD and citywide priorities.
  • Design individualized housing plans informed by policy research and real-time client data.
  • Partner with public agencies, landlords, and nonprofits to facilitate sustainable, equitable housing access.
  • Track and analyze outcomes to support strategic planning and reform policy efforts.

Director of Client Services

United Against Human Trafficking
06.2023 - 08.2024
  • Directed service delivery for housing, education, and counseling programs serving highly vulnerable populations.
  • Supervised interdisciplinary team of 10+ staff and interns; implemented data-driven systems that improved efficiency by 30%.
  • Fostered external partnerships to align services with citywide housing and trauma recovery strategies.
  • Contributed to organizational reports and policy recommendations guiding funding and public awareness efforts.

Advocacy Coordinator

Child Advocates
04.2017 - 10.2022
  • Managed complex caseload of 24+ child welfare cases; facilitated coordinated academic, behavioral, and legal support.
  • Led development of individual service plans in collaboration with school staff, legal teams, and families.
  • Trained and supervised volunteers and interns in case documentation, ethical practice, and DFPS compliance.
  • Served as a liaison between schools, courts, and social service agencies to ensure continuity of care.

Youth Prevention Counselor

Fort Bend Regional Council
06.2016 - 04.2017
  • Provided on-campus counseling, academic coaching, and behavioral support for middle and high school students.
  • Delivered evidence-based group education and coordinated prevention services with school administrators.
  • Built trust with students and families to improve outcomes and service engagement.

Case Manager

Multiple Agencies
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Delivered direct services including educational planning, mental health referrals, and housing support.
  • Monitored academic attendance, behavioral issues, and family needs to drive individualized intervention.
  • Collaborated with school personnel, probation officers, and healthcare providers to streamline service delivery.

Substitute Teacher

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
08.2012 - 01.2014
  • Delivered K–12 classroom instruction across subject areas; supported behavior management and academic engagement.
  • Observed and documented student progress for teacher and administration review.
  • Developed rapport with students from diverse backgrounds across multiple campuses.

Child Protection Specialist IV

Texas Department of Family & Protective Services
08.2005 - 07.2012
  • Managed a complex caseload of up to 45 children and families across intake, investigation, foster care, and adoption services.
  • Conducted abuse and neglect investigations; made critical safety determinations in alignment with DFPS guidelines.
  • Performed routine home visits and face-to-face child contacts to monitor well-being and ensure placement compliance.
  • Developed and implemented action plans to address risks, stabilize family environments, and prevent recurrence of harm.
  • Coordinated and facilitated foster parent trainings to strengthen caregiving quality and support permanency outcomes.
  • Maintained consistent, accurate case documentation and service records to support legal, administrative, and court reporting requirements.

Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership

Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
01.2026

Master of Public Administration - undefined

Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Skills

  • Strategic Program Development & Evaluation
  • Cross-Agency & Community Collaboration
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Compliance, Data Management & Outcome Reporting
  • Family Engagement & Volunteer Coordination
  • Goal setting
  • Excellent communication
  • Documentation review
  • Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Practice
  • Microsoft Office Salesforce Data Platforms
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening

Certification

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – Current
  • DFPS Child Protection Certified

Section name

Trauma-Informed Care – Multiple Agencies

Timeline

Housing Assessor

The Beacon
10.2024 - Current

Director of Client Services

United Against Human Trafficking
06.2023 - 08.2024

Advocacy Coordinator

Child Advocates
04.2017 - 10.2022

Youth Prevention Counselor

Fort Bend Regional Council
06.2016 - 04.2017

Case Manager

Multiple Agencies
01.2014 - 01.2016

Substitute Teacher

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
08.2012 - 01.2014

Child Protection Specialist IV

Texas Department of Family & Protective Services
08.2005 - 07.2012

Master of Public Administration - undefined

Southern University and A&M College

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Southern University and A&M College

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership

Prairie View A&M University