Our Team
Executive Leadership
Tracey Hardwick
Founder and Executive Director
Todd Bloom
Chairman of the Board
Andrew Wagnitz
Co-Chairman of the Board
Amber Wagenknecht
Secretary
Board of Directors
Sean grew up in Tampa, Florida, before attending the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Following college, Sean attended Vanderbilt Law School in Nashville, Tennessee. Now, as an associate at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, Sean focuses his corporate practice on mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance issues. Sean has assisted Together We Thrive with various legal matters over the past year and joined the board in August of 2022. Sean lives in Dallas with his girlfriend Ariana, and their golden retriever Dakota. In their spare time, Sean and Ariana enjoy taking Dakota for walks at Griggs Park, seeing live music, and exploring all the great restaurants Dallas has to offer.
Melanie Kirton, owner of Financial Affairs LLC, has over 12 years of experience in non-profit accounting. She has worked for organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Give Kids The World and SafeHaven of Tarrant County. With each of these organizations, Melanie was in a senior leadership role within the finance department.
Financial Affairs LLC works exclusively with non-profit organizations across the United States. The organizations we support vary from startup non-profits ($500k and under operating budget) and well-established non-profits ($2m+ operating budget). Financial Affairs LLC provides services from monthly accounting support including transaction allocations and monthly financial reports to CFO-services including operating budget preparation, KPI tracking, cash flow forecasting and much more.
Nicole is an experienced I-O Psychologist dedicated to fostering harmonious work environments and promoting personal and professional growth. With a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, she leverages her expertise in diverse public and private organizations to create safe spaces for individuals to develop self-awareness, enhance skills, and transform behaviors.
Nicole holds a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Sacred Heart University, where she honed her expertise in understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics. She also possesses a Bachelor of Arts in International Trade from the University of Central Arkansas, which has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of global business practices.
With a deep commitment to facilitating positive change, Nicole continues to make a significant impact by helping individuals and organizations thrive. Her unique blend of psychological expertise, leadership, and diverse industry experience positions her as a valuable asset in fostering personal and professional growth within any organization.
Shelley Reynolds spent the first 21 years of her life in Hillsdale Michigan, where she was born.
She graduated with a marketing degree from Hillsdale College in 1988.
Shelley married her husband, Jeff in December of 1989.They have three boys. Jacob, is their oldest, 30 and married to Jess. They live in Miami and are having Jeff and Shelley’s first granddaughter in September. They are so excited! Their middle son is Zachary, 27 and married to McKenzie. They live in Frisco. Lucas is 25 and lives in Dallas but works in Plano and is Jeff’s golfing buddy.
Shelley’s work career has mainly been focused around real estate. Her first two jobs were in retail site selection and feasibility studies. Her husband’s job moved them around the country quite a bit, so she started doing “Chip and Joanna style” house flipping before that was such a thing. They moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 where she started her building career. As she was getting ready to start her second house, her husband came home with “one more move” where they ended up in Dallas or Frisco to be exact in 1999. Shelley started her custom building company and has built or remodeled over 75 homes in the past 20 years. In 2018, she got her real estate license more to buy and sell for her projects, but recently has been doing more transactions for family and friends.
After a health scare in 2020, she decided to slow down and is doing one or two smaller construction projects a year. This allows her time to volunteer more at our church, Preston Trail, travel back to Michigan where she is a Member of The Women’s Commissioner’s at Hillsdale College, and help her favorite charity, Together We Thrive. She is back playing competitive tennis and getting out to play more golf. Shelley is truly trying to enjoy life and give more as she believes, “we never know what tomorrow will bring.”
Shameka Young is a globally experienced business, consulting and human resources leader. She is the former Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Cognizant where she was responsible for driving a more integrated, global and regional approach to diversity and inclusion. Shameka stood up the Diversity & Inclusion organization; working with executive leadership to shape a strong foundation to deliver and influence belonging and inclusion. Additionally, she has over 25 years of professional services experience and spent 14 years in Accenture’s Communications and High Tech industry with a specialized focus in technology networks. While there, she led strategic and technical consulting programs for multinational corporations. Shameka is a graduate of the University of Texas and lives in Dallas with her husband of 21 years and son. As a family, they enjoy watching sports, traveling to explore WW2 history sites and serving as members of One Community Church.
Ms. Saundra Nichols served as the Program Manager/Analyst, Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support, Airman and Family Care Directorate, Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas before her retirement as a federal civilian from the Department of Defense in December 2023. Ms. Nichols was selected by the Department of the Air Force’s highest leaders to stand up the Congressionally mandated EFMP-FS component for the Air Force as well as lead for several other Congressionally mandated family programs. She worked as an Air Force civilian for 33 years and was a member of the AFPC headquarters management and leadership team for nearly 19 years. Ms. Nichols’ federal career began at Yokota Air Base, Japan, in 1990 where she first took a dedicated interest in advocating for and helping military connected families improve their quality of life.
Ms. Nichols served as the Business Process Owner and DAF’s only subject matter expert on all end-to-end operational processes for policies, programs, procedures, requirements, personnel management, and legislative/executive decisions. She provided a high level of enhancements, advisement and EFMP policy and operational oversight for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Office of Special Needs/Family Programs, other leadership, field level staff and various other stakeholders as well as personnel from other military service branches. She developed several core courses across various fields of expertise, served as educator and training consultant as well as led many high-level working groups and focused discussions with top leaders and staff to help raise the level of awareness and quality of life for military families around the world. She earned the reputation of being an effective and multi-faceted leader, pioneer, advocate, and advisor with a vast array of skills and knowledge within and outside of DoD. As a catalyst and advocate for change, she took EFMP-FS and several other military family programs to new heights during her 33 years of dedicated civilian service.
Ms. Nichols holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Master of Arts in Management and Leadership and is a Certified Professional Life Coach. In her spare time, she has volunteered for numerous organizations over the years to include serving as a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association, board director a local ISD education foundation, local church volunteer, and communication coach for hundreds of school aged children. In retirement, Ms. Nichols is involved in real estate investments and settling into her new community in Frisco, Texas. She also enjoys many activities to include traveling with her husband, staying engaged in her community, spending time with family/friends, and building fond memories each day with her adorable grandchildren!
Advisors
Sally grew up in Austin, Texas before attending Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Following college, Sally worked for several years as a SAT/ACT/AP tutor in Austin before moving to Dallas. When Sally moved to Dallas she took a job as a paralegal and was accepted to SMU Dedman School of Law where she attended the evening program while continuing to work as a paralegal. Now a third year associate at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, Sally focuses her corporate practice on mergers and acquisitions. Sally has assisted Together We Thrive with various legal matters for the past three years, and looks forward to being a member of the board. In her spare time, Sally and her husband enjoy trivia and traveling to visit family and friends.
Joe is a leader in the banking industry and currently serves as the Chief of Experience and Digital Officer at UBank. Throughout his career, Joe has excelled in performance and innovation, implementing effective ideas such as the Surprise and Delight Program at Capitol One, which was recognized by the Inspire the Way award. Faith is a very present value of Joe’s as evidenced by his pursuit of a church ministries degree in Psychology while youth pastoring for most of his undergrad studies. Joe holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and is in the process of a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Texas. Joe lives in Oak Leaf, Texas with his wife Kenita. They have three children, Jack and twins Jacob and Sydney and several animals including Rosco (the Dog), Kevin and Carl (the finicky felines), and …… 14 chickens (and yes, they all have names – Sydney saw to that.) Joe enjoys everything in the outdoors: camping, fishing and gardening just to name a few. Joe joined the Together We Thrive Board of Directors in August of 2022.
Follower of Christ, husband, and father of 4, Kirk Hardwick is a 35-year veteran in the retail and CPG industry. Kirk cut his teeth in retail at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, where he enjoyed a 15-year tenure at Sam’s Club. There, he held various executive positions in merchandising and operations and ended his career in Puerto Rico, where he served as an officer and Country Director for Sam’s Club in the International Division. In 2001, Kirk ventured out on his own and began his entrepreneurial career when he started LLL Marketing; a sales, consulting, and marketing company. Kirk currently serves as VP Sales in the natural beverage space for a national innovation company strategically aligned with The Coca-Cola Company to manufacture and incubate start up brands and bring them to scale at retail.
Luke received his degree in Finance from the University of Arizona. He brings years of
experience in counseling young people through Sky Ranch, Leadership camp and college
students on campus while attending Grand Canyon University. He remains active in playing
soccer and spending time with his rescue, Sunshine. His commitment to serving in the non-
profit community and seeing at-risk youth to a place of sustainability, is fulfilling. "It’s
invaluable the many opportunities that I’ve had with Together We Thrive to see where
the dedication of ones love and time can drastically alter the direction of a youth's life.
Navigating through high school into your early adult years is difficult, and no one should
go through that alone. "
Adam Hassan is a Managing Partner at Torchy’s Tacos. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology with an emphasis in child behavior, Adam found an amazing career in running and operating restaurants across the country. Adam and his wife have been married for 11 years and have 2 girls together. Adam says being a girl dad is the best thing ever. Adam loves networking and serving his community whether it be through his local PTA or serving with non-profits in his community. Adam’s childhood gives him a unique understanding of the youth we work with and gives him a special heart for the mission of Together We Thrive.
Luane McWhorter is the proud owner of Grand Spa, Sutera Spa and Spa Vela. She is active in her community and supports many local charities. McWhorter started her career in the cosmetics’ industry working for several skincare and cosmetic companies as an account executive with department stores and spa’s as her clients.
In her private life McWhorter is married with three children and three grandchildren.
Her husband is in the Power Sports business as well as a Ranch owner that raises Bulls for the PBR.
McWhorter is a member of Success North Dallas, as well as being part of Rotary and Chamber groups. She has supported Crystal Charity, Cattlebarons, New Friends New Life as well as Together We Thrive over the years.
Luane has served as a Board Member for Together We Thrive since 2019, and has provided leadership for our annual Casino Night.
Chrissy Williford Metcalf is a corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) partner at O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Dallas, Texas. In her legal practice, Chrissy represents buyers and sellers in private M&A transactions across a wide variety of industries and also acts as outside general counsel to a number of clients. Outside of work, Chrissy and her husband, Mike, spend their time trying to keep up with their young son, Parker, and trying to keep their two dogs, Cosmo and Marvin, from causing too much trouble. Chrissy has been involved with Together We Thrive since the organization started its work in North Texas and provides counsel as a legal advisor for the board of directors. Chrissy also serves on the board of directors and the development committee for the Cancer Support Community North Texas.
Jill is a Society of Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Prior to her recent retirement from corporate HR, she enjoyed heading up HR operations within the aviation and corporate coaching industries. Jill is especially passionate about a holistic approach to HR and looks forward to bringing her relationship building style to our team. When she is not collaborating on human resource issues, Jill can be found managing five Dallas-based bands with her husband, Trey. She’s also actively involved with her daughter, Grace, in National Charity League and is enjoying her son, Mac, in his senior year of high school and the numerous activities that it involves. Any spare moments are dedicated to her five rescue dogs.
Christopher Staine has been involved with Together We Thrive since its formation and currently serves as a legal advisor to the Board of Directors. In that capacity, Mr. Staine provides advice and counsel to the Board of Directors on nonprofit governance matters and legal issues that may arise from time to time.
Outside of Together We Thrive, Mr. Staine is a shareholder and director in Crowe & Dunlevy’s Dallas office. He is a trial lawyer that represents individuals and companies in a wide range of commercial disputes in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts throughout the country. He focuses his litigation practice and regularly advises clients in the areas of commercial, bankruptcy, banking, creditor’s rights, and oil and gas litigation. He prides himself on bringing a balanced and pragmatic approach to every matter to create value for his clients, both inside and outside the courtroom. A champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, Mr. Staine also serves as Chair of Crowe & Dunlevy’s Diversity Committee and is actively involved in many of the firm’s diversity initiatives at the national and local levels.
Sally Cooper
Legal
Joe Evarts
Business Management
Kirk Hardwick
Business Management
Luke Hardwick
Business Management
Staff
Rochelle’s background is in child welfare, where she worked as a CPS Investigator for the Department of Family Services for four years. Rochelle became certified as a Life coach in 2021. From there, she began coaching children, singles, and couples that were working through life’s challenges. Rochelle changed her focus during time in Las Vegas where she saw an increase in youth crime and sexual exploitation reports.
Rochelle describes herself as a nurturing and compassionate motivator. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging youth. She understands that sometimes life is difficult and often requires the ability to shift and redirect. Youth sometimes lack life skills and do not have the support they need. Life Coaches are able to assist with coping skills, self-esteem, conflict resolution and guidance. Rochelle shared, “Our youth are sometimes at a disadvantage, and it leaves them underserved. I care about them becoming well rounded, informed, and confident young adults.”
Rochelle said her absolute favorite thing to do is eat and cook. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family and friends. She drawn to helping others in any way possible, through advising, mentoring with other non-profits and volunteering in the community. Rochelle travels as often as she can! Her dream is to vacation in Italy, Turks and Caicos and Barbados.
Shannon Sharp is Together We Thrive’s Volunteer Coordinator. Shannon has been married for 30 years to her husband, Paul. Together, they have two amazing daughters. Shannon was a public school educator for 20 years, and the majority of her career was devoted to the classroom.
Shannon was also involved in a mentoring opportunity through Rockwall ISD and became a mentor to a young girl who is now considered her Bonus Daughter. This young woman has been an integral part of their lives for more than 10 years, and she now has two precious young girls for the Sharps to love as well.
As empty nesters, the Sharps recently moved to the big city of Dallas after calling Rockwall home for almost 20 years. Although Shannon no longer work as an educator, she is continuing her passion for helping youth become a positive, productive, and viable part of society.
Shannon was specifically searching for an organization to volunteer where she could influence young individuals in a positive, safe, and sustainable way. Shannon met Tracey for lunch and the rest is history! Shannon aligns with Together We Thrive’s mission statement because it is exactly what it takes to fully support and walk alongside youth to earn their respect and high level of trust. At the end of the day, Shannon wants to be an inspiration to youth who can begin to believe in themselves and say, “I didn’t give up”. Shannon doesn’t think anyone can ever look back on life and say, “I’ve spent too much time with my kids”. Shannon shared, “I firmly believe we have an opportunity through Together We Thrive to embrace, commit, and devote TIME with youth who don’t have adults that spend quality time with them. For me, the benefits of serving are endless!”
My name is Domingo Monjaras Salazar and I am a Life Coach at Together We Thrive where I’ve spent almost two years helping and empowering underprivileged youth. I am a First-Generation College graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and have been passionate about helping and guiding youth since post-graduation. My background includes working at non-profits like the YMCA, serving on youth ministry, and working with youth in South Dallas at summer camps through Watermark Community Church. My time in youth ministry opened my eyes to struggles and life circumstances of underprivileged youth. In my spare time, I enjoy being a husband to my Wife, Marissa, a father to my daughter, Lucia, dancing and spending time with people!
My name is Juliane, and I’m a life coach with Together We Thrive! I graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a Master’s in Social Work. My passion for serving youth began in college, where I worked as a college and career mentor, and I’ve been dedicated to helping young people thrive ever since. I believe every student has the potential to grow, no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through. During a season in their life that can be confusing, exciting, and overwhelming, my job as a life coach is to celebrate their wins and walk alongside them through the obstacles they face. In my free time, I enjoy working out, being a foodie with my husband, and binge watching a drama or action show.
My name is Ashtyn Paddock, and I’m a Life Coach at Together We Thrive. For the past year, I’ve had the privilege of helping middle and high school students navigate life’s challenges and set meaningful goals for their future. I’m passionate about creating a safe space where students can share their stories—because every story is unique and worth hearing. Originally from Indiana, I grew up with basketball as a big part of my life. Outside of work, I enjoy playing pickleball, exploring coffee shops, watching movies, being actively involved in and serving at my church. and spending time with friends.
My name is Newana Neal, and I’m a Life Coach with Together We Thrive, where I have the privilege of working with youth across Dallas ISD schools. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington—where my passion for community service first took root.
My career began with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division, where I developed a deep appreciation for social services and the impact of supportive intervention. Today, I channel that passion into youth mentorship, guiding students in developing healthy coping strategies and life skills that empower them to build brighter, more resilient futures.
Outside of my work, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and spending quality time with my family and our animals.
Amanda Muscatell has served as the Social Media Director for Together We Thrive since 2022. Prior to her time with Together We Thrive, Amanda provided marketing leadership at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association where she worked to raise awareness and garner support for the profession of athletic training. Amanda is passionate about supporting youth and wants to make an impact for at risk youth in North Texas. Amanda and her husband, Travis, have two children together. Amanda is an active member in her church and volunteers at the Alliance for Children in Tarrant County.
Rochelle Harrison
Program Manager
Amanda Muscatell
Social Media Director
Shannon Sharp
Campus Relations
Our leadership team strives to support, care for, and advocate for our Life Coaches, the youth we serve, and communities we work in. Our Life Coaches are carefully selected, highly educated, and compassionate individuals with experience working with vulnerable youth.
