Leah Hymel
Abilene,TX
Summary
Experienced DFPS leader with 17 years of progressive service in Adult Protective Services and Child Care Licensing, including frontline investigations, supervisory leadership, Evidence-Driven Investigations (EDI), subject matter expertise, and employee development. Experienced in supporting leadership development, strengthening investigative practices, and promoting consistency across teams. Committed to helping new supervisors build confidence, develop leadership skills, and successfully transition into supervision.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
APS Supervisor II
04.2026 - Current
- Supervised seven APS In-Home Specialists conducting investigations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect.
- Developed employees through coaching, case consultation, feedback, and support for professional growth.
- Guided staff in applying APS policies, investigative practices, and documentation standards.
(Hybrid) EDI Unit Supervisor – Evidence-Driven Investigations
03.2023 - 04.2026
- Supervised the Hybrid Evidence-Driven Investigations (EDI) Unit responsible for complex APS investigations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation.
- Provided coaching, mentoring, and consultation to staff handling highly complex investigations.
- Supported employees in strengthening investigative decision-making, documentation practices, and policy application.
- Presented to external stakeholders regarding financial exploitation, APS investigative practices, and collaborative approaches to protecting vulnerable adults.
Program Specialist V – EDI Subject Matter Expert
02.2022 - 03.2023
- Served as a regional Evidence-Driven Investigations (EDI) Subject Matter Expert for highly complex APS investigations.
- Provided expert consultation and technical guidance to staff and leadership on complex investigative matters.
- Assisted supervisors and staff with investigative strategies, policy interpretation, and case decision-making.
APS Supervisor II
09.2018 - 02.2022
- Supervised seven APS In-Home Specialists conducting investigations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect.
- Developed employees through coaching, case consultation, feedback, and support for professional growth.
- Guided staff in applying APS policies, investigative practices, and documentation standards.
Child Care Licensing Investigator / Generalist II
10.2015 - 09.2018
- Investigated allegations of abuse, neglect, and regulatory violations involving licensed and unlicensed childcare operations.
- Investigated illegal in-home childcare operations and facility-based childcare concerns.
- Expanded DFPS program knowledge through cross-program experience in Child Care Licensing and Adult Protective Services.
APS In-Home Supervisor
08.2012 - 10.2015
- Supervised seven APS In-Home Specialists conducting investigations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect.
- Developed employees through coaching, case consultation, feedback, and support for professional growth.
- Guided staff in applying APS policies, investigative practices, and documentation standards.
APS In-Home Specialist
12.2007 - 08.2012
- Conducted investigations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.
- Assessed client safety, interviewed clients and collateral contacts, documented findings, and collaborated with community partners.
- Provided field-based training and guidance to new APS In-Home Specialists by modeling investigative practices and reinforcing policy expectations.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling and Human Development
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, Texas01-2007
Bachelor of Behavioral Science - Sociology
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, Texas01-2003
Skills
- APS Supervisor Development
- Field-Based Coaching and Mentoring
- Leadership Development
- Employee Development
- Performance Management
- Evidence-Driven Investigations (EDI)
- Complex Investigation Consultation
- Supervisor Mentoring
- Program Improvement
- Stakeholder Engagement
Timeline
APS Supervisor II
04.2026 - Current
(Hybrid) EDI Unit Supervisor – Evidence-Driven Investigations
03.2023 - 04.2026
Program Specialist V – EDI Subject Matter Expert
02.2022 - 03.2023
APS Supervisor II
09.2018 - 02.2022
Child Care Licensing Investigator / Generalist II
10.2015 - 09.2018
APS In-Home Supervisor
08.2012 - 10.2015
APS In-Home Specialist
12.2007 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Behavioral Science - Sociology
Hardin-Simmons University
Master of Arts - Counseling and Human Development
Hardin-Simmons University