About Us

Who We Are

Mental Health Connection (MHC) of Tarrant County is a collaboration of dues-paying members committed to revolutionizing the mental health service system by developing long-term systemic changes while addressing emerging needs within our community.

Where We Started

In 1999, the Wedgwood Baptist Church shooting happened as a result of a man suffering from an untreated mental illness. Fort Worth Mayor, Kenneth Barr, turned to local mental health providers, requesting a plan to improve access to quality mental health services for all Tarrant County residents. The initial providers were comprised of Tarrant County, My Health My Resources (MHMR) of Tarrant County, the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth ISD, Cook Children’s Medical Center, Lena Pope, and the Child Study Center. These founders provided leadership and financial resources, created task forces and set parameters for collaborative planning, recruited organizational and individual members, and developed a fees structure. With this, Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County was established, and this core group has expanded to over 100 members that include county and city officials, both private and not for profit hospitals and service providers, school districts and universities, child welfare and foster care, individual practitioners and impacted family members. With our continuous collaboration, we’re able to develop long-term changes in the system, while addressing emerging needs. 

Staff

Christina Judge, MA, CFRE, Executive Director

Christina Judge, MA, CFRE, is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience across diverse sectors, including mental health, healthcare, child welfare, higher education, and the U.S. Army. She currently serves as Executive Director of Mental Health Connection, bringing a deep commitment to community wellbeing and organizational excellence.

Before joining Mental Health Connection, Christina was the Executive Director of The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, a leading North Texas nonprofit focused on suicide prevention education and training. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in executive leadership, program development, fundraising, and strategic communications.

Originally from the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area, Christina relocated to Texas in 1992. She has remained deeply engaged in the community, serving on the boards of CASA of Tarrant County, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Hope Floats Foundation. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth and actively participates in several mental health-focused committees and task forces.

Christina holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from Texas Woman’s University, with a concentration in demographics and field research, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

Lauren Pohl joined the Mental Health Connection team in 2025 and serves as the organization’s Office and Membership Coordinator. With a strong background in administration and a passion for connecting with people, Lauren brings a unique set of skills to the role.

Before joining MHC, Lauren worked in finance and administration for an environmental company. After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to open her own esthetics business. While she values the independence and close relationships with clients, Lauren carries over that experience with her when working with members and community stakeholders. Lauren enjoys working in a team environment, and she feels fortunate to be part of an organization that is making such a positive impact on the community.

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lauren made Texas her home in 2012. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her husband, Cody, and their two dogs, Beya and Beckett.

Photo of Lauren Pohl

Lauren Pohl, Office & Membership Coordinator

Kim Brennan, M. Ed., Strategic Initiatives Director

As Strategic Initiatives Director at Mental Health Connection, Kim Brennan brings over a decade of experience in education, social work, supervision, and training. Her work centers on strengthening mental health systems through collaboration, professional development, and organizational growth.

Prior to joining MHC, Kim spent six years at ACH Child and Family Services, an MHC member agency, where she helped build and expand the training department. She also launched wellness and self-care initiatives that continue to benefit staff and clients. Certified in several training areas, Kim has led programs on communication, resilience, and staff development.

At MHC, Kim works closely with member agencies to identify shared needs, align resources, and promote partnerships that improve care and outcomes. She led the development of a Learning Management System to expand access to high-quality training for the mental health workforce.

Kim is also leading the launch of MHC’s Mental Health Leadership Certificate Program, aimed at developing leadership skills through resilience, peer support, and blended learning. Created with a cross-agency task force, the program supports future leaders and drives long-term change.

She holds a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from San Diego State University.

Board of Directors

  • Ashley Elgin Barnes, PhD, Board Chair

    Chief Executive Officer of Lena Pope

  • Matthew Robison, LMSW, Board Vice Chair

    Executive Director at Child Study Center, Cook Children’s

  • Ottis Goodwin, MA, LPC-S, Immediate Past Chair

    Director of Children’s Oral Health at Cook Children’s Medical Center

  • Matthew Vereecke, Ed.D, Board Treasurer

    CEO of The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation

  • Holiday Bean, PsyD, Board Secretary

    Clinical Director of The Telos Project

  • Zelia Baugh, MSW, LICSW

    Executive Vice President Behavioral Health of JPS Health Network

  • Susan Garnett, MSW

    CEO of My Health My Resources (MHMR)

  • Jennifer Gilley, BS, M.Ed

    Executive Director of Tarrant County Challenge

      • Wayne Carson, PhD

        CEO of ACH Child and Family Services

      • Gaby Garcia, PsyD, LPC

        President of PSP Professional Services

      • Frank Hernandez, PhD

        Dean of College Education at Texas Christian University

      • Riley Shaw, JD

        Chief Probation Officer of UC Juvenile Services