NATALIE A. TAYLOR
Jarrell
Summary
Dynamic public service executive with 20 years of progressive leadership within the Department of Child Protective Services advancing practices in child welfare, program oversight, and policy implementation. Proven track record in strengthening statewide compliance systems, improving child and family outcomes, and leading large, multidisciplinary teams through complex reform efforts. Recognized for innovative problem-solving, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to child and operational safety, family and staff support, system accountability, and community partnership.
Professional with solid foundation in strategic management and visionary leadership. Skilled in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and driving performance outcomes. Strong focus on fostering collaboration, adapting to change, and delivering measurable results. Known for effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to organizational goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Director, Child Protective Services (CPS)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
Austin, TX
- Directed all CPS operations across a large regional footprint, ensuring compliance with DFPS policy, state law, and federal mandates.
- Supervised Program Administrators and leadership staff, driving accountability, professional development, and consistent application of policy.
- Managed regional budgets, resources, and performance measures, implementing corrective action strategies that improved child safety and permanency outcomes.
- Partnered with courts, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and legislators to strengthen cross-system collaboration and resource capacity.
- Provided legislative analysis and guided implementation of new statutory and regulatory requirements.
Director, Kinship & Conservatorship Services, Quality Assurance
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin, TX
- Directed statewide kinship and conservatorship programs, developing policy and procedural guidance to promote consistency and stability.
- Oversaw administrators and managers implementing statewide initiatives to support caregivers and strengthen permanency planning.
- Delivered legislative testimony and bill analysis to align DFPS practice with evolving statutory expectations.
- Advanced collaboration across divisions to improve outcomes for children placed with relatives and kinship caregivers.
- Lead a team of high quality staff to ensure compliance of federal remedial orders involving sexual victimization and/or sexual aggression.
Director, Heightened Monitoring Program Division
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin, TX
- Designed and led the statewide Heightened Monitoring system in response to federal foster care litigation and remedial orders.
- Supervised Division Administrators and a 60-member team monitoring residential operations, child-placing agencies, and emergency shelters.
- Created data-driven systems for placement tracking, safety compliance, and performance improvement.
- Represented DFPS in federal hearings, presenting compliance documentation and systemic progress reports.
- Strengthened statewide accountability, ensuring consistent enforcement of child-safety standards.
Education
Master of Public Administration (MPA) -
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology & English
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX12-2006
Skills
- Child Welfare Oversight
- Policy Implementation
- Legislative Analysis & Testimony
- Compliance & Accountability
- Crisis Management & Investigations
- Program Development
- Cross-System Collaboration
- Staff Leadership & Development
- Budget & Resource Management
- Disaster Readiness & Recovery
- Relationship building
- Innovation and creativity
- Strategic planning
- Change management
Certification
- Licensed Child-Placing Agency Administrator – Texas Health & Human Services Commission
- Certified Mediator
- Executive Leadership Academy Graduate (Class 15), Class Speaker, Mentor
- Aspiring Leaders Academy Graduate (2017)
Timeline
Director, Kinship & Conservatorship Services, Quality Assurance
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Director, Heightened Monitoring Program Division
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology & English
Midwestern State University
Regional Director, Child Protective Services (CPS)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
Master of Public Administration (MPA) -
Lamar University
Community Involvement
- Jarrell Education Foundation
- Jarrell Library
- Mission 4301
- City Church