TCDLA Staff

 
MELISSA J. SCHANK
Chief Executive Officer
mschank@tcdla.com
512.646.2724

  • Implements board policy
  • Policy and business planning
  • Oversees association
Melissa J. Schank, Chief Executive Officer, boasts a distinguished career spanning over two decades in nonprofit associations, with a dedicated tenure of more than 18 years at TCDLA. She holds a Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and a Mediation Certificate, all earned from Saint Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Melissa is also a Certified Association Executive. Her exceptional strengths lie in her proficiency in long-term strategic planning for legal educational programs. She excels in the management of TCDLA's seminars, membership, publications, and communication departments, making her a pivotal figure in the organization's success.


 
MARI FLORES
Chief Financial Officer
mflores@tcdla.com
512.646.2727

  • Budgets and financials
  • Grant compliance
  • Financial analysis
Mari Flores, TCDLA’s Chief Financial Officer, has been with TCDLA since February of 2012. She has an MBA in accounting and a BBA in Finance from Saint Edwards University in Austin, TX. She has over 20 years of nonprofit experience in accounting, financial management and auditing. Her accounting and financial nonprofit knowledge, as well as the professionalism, efficiency and dedication she brings to her position are her greatest strengths.


RICK WARDROUP
Curriculum Director/ Staff Attorney
rwardroup@tcdla.com
806.283.1469
  • Develops and directs training for criminal defense lawyers
  • Supervises law clerks for research
  • Provide resources for criminal defense attorneys

As Curriculum Director, Rick is responsible for assisting in the creation and development of trainings to address the needs of Texas criminal defense lawyers, particularly in the areas of forensic science, capital litigation, trial advocacy and wellness. As Staff Attorney, Rick assists in the development of grant applications and serves as a resource for legal questions which arise at the home office. He updates several TCDLA publications and solicits attorneys to update other books and cheat sheets. 

 
MIRIAM DUARTE

Database Director
mduarte@tcdla.com
512.646.2732

  • Database management
  • Operations 
  • Membership benefits
Miriam Duarte, Database Director, is an Austin native and has been with TCDLA for 18 years. Miriam is committed to providing unsurpassed service in the membership, seminar, and publication departments. Her attention to detail and accuracy has provided great management and upkeep of the organization's database. Miriam is a mother of four and enjoys spending time with her family, reading and listening to true crime podcast.


MEREDITH PELT

CLE Director
mpelt@tcdla.com
512.646.2735

  • Event coordination and management
  • Contract negotiations
  • Marketing development
Meredith Pelt graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2022 with a BA in International Relations and Global Studies and Geography. She is a native Texan born in Dallas, and has lived in Austin for 7 years now. This position at TCDLA started her career, and she loves to tell people this is her very first “big-girl job”! In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, finding new bars and restaurants to spend money at, walking around, practicing yoga, reading, and watching movies.  


ALICIA THOMAS

athomas@tcdla.com
Communications Director
512.646.2736

  • Voice for the Defense
  • Communications
  • Graphic Design
Alicia Thomas earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from South Dakota State University in 2020. With a multifaceted skill set, she possesses expertise in diverse domains, including social media management, graphic design, customer relations, and effective communication. In her personal life, Alicia, alongside her spouse and child, has provided a loving home for two rescue dogs. During her leisure hours, she engages in crafting, listens to podcasts, and spends quality time with her family.


ASHLEY YBARRA

Executive Assistant
aybarra@tcdla.com
512.646.2721

  • Liaison to Boards and Committees
  • Office Management
  • Assist Management
Ashley Ybarra earned a BA in Psychology from Hendrix College in Arkansas. As a true Austin native, she was born and raised in the city. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Peanut, staying active, and discovering new books to read.


 
CRISTINA ABASCAL
Accountant
cabascal@tcdla.com
512.646.2725

  • Payroll
  • Accounts payable
  • Deposits
Cristina Abascal, TCDLA’s Accountant, has been with TCDLA for 16 years. She has 16 years of nonprofit experience in accounting and auditing. Her hard work, dedication, efficiency and ability to adapt to change are her greatest strengths. When she is not at work she is enjoying spending time with her first and only grandson Elijah.


ERIC GARZA
CLE Coordinator
egarza@tcdla.com
512.646.2729

  • Speaker Confirmation
  • Materials for Seminars
  • Venue Logistics
Eric Rene Garza, born and raised in Austin, Texas, is a graduate of Concordia University Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations. Whether he’s shooting hoops or exploring new music, he brings energy and creativity to everything he does.  


 
SONNY MARTINEZ

Media Specialist
smartinez@tcdla.com
512.646.2730

  • Manager virtual programs
  • Oversee media at seminars
  • Coordinate speaker travel and materials
Sonny Martinez, a proud Austin, Texas native, holds a B.S. in Business, Marketing & Management from Penn State University. Outside of his professional life, Sonny is passionate about spending quality time with his daughter and family. He enjoys staying active through basketball and hiking, and is an avid music lover. 


KIERRA PRESTON

Registrar
kpreston@tcdla.com
512.646.2737

  • Registration
  • Online/Affiliate Training
  • Travel Stipends
Kierra Preston graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice from Carthage College in Kenosha Wisconsin. She was born and raised in the Suburbs of Chicago and made her way down to Austin in the fall of 2019. She enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling! Kierra spends most of her days hanging out with her dog and cat or soaking up the sun.   


Legislative Counsel

ALLEN PLACE JR.

Head Legislative Counsel
legislative@tcdla.com
254.865.8475

  • Chief media contact 
  • Government Affairs
Allen is going on his 44th year of being a practicing Texas attorney after graduating from Baylor University and Baylor University School of Law. Since 1990, Allen's practice has primarily focused on parole law following a decade of trial practice.   In 2021, Allen was named the Percy Foreman Lawyer of the year by TCDLA for his work on several high profile parole cases. From 1990 through 1999, Allen served in the Texas Legislature.  From 1993 through 1999, Allen chaired the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.  During 1993, Allen was the author of the Texas Penal Code and was named one of the Ten Best Legislators by Texas Monthly magazine for his efforts during that session.  Since 1999, Allen has been honored to serve TCDLA as senior legislative counsel. Place Law Office has offices in Gatesville and Austin, with principal attorneys being Allen D. Place Jr. and Shea Place.


SHEA ELYSE PLACE

Legislative Counsel
legislative@tcdla.com
512.477.6424

  • Government Affairs
  • Legislative listserv reports
Shea Place graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Psychology from St. Edward’s University. She received her JD from Baylor University, where she was a technical editor on the Baylor Law Review. In 2016 Shea joined the Place Law Office in Austin, practicing criminal defense with a focus on parole issues. In addition to legal work, Shea has worked in governmental relations and as a grassroots coordinator, developing an extensive legislative grassroots program. Shea joined the TCDLA team in January 2017 as legislative counsel and has continued to represent them since.


DAVID GONZALEZ

Legislative Counsel
david@SG-LLP.com
512.381.9955

  • Government Affairs
  • Legislative listserv reports
   


JESSICA STEEN

Seminar Associate
jsteen@tcdla.com
512.646.2740

  • CLE Credits & Online CLE
  • Scholarships
  • Travel Stipends
Jessica Steen is a born and raised Texan. She has participated and staffed countless Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts events, holding a variety of positions, which include, secretary work, accounting, administration, and training. Jessica is a hard worker that enjoys working with others. When she is not working or studying, she enjoys spending her time with her reptiles or crafting. 


JAYLA DAVIS

Service Associate
jdavis@tcdla.com
512.646.2741

  • Merchandise and Publication Inventory
  • Order Form Maintenance 
  • Processing Orders
Jayla Davis is a native Texan, born and raised in Austin. Her previous experience provided her with managerial skills, as well as knowledge pertaining to data entry and registration. She is a loving mother to her twin boys. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time outside in nature. Jayla also takes pride in her plant collection and healing crystals. 

 
CLAIRE PRAVEDNIKOV

Program Associate
cpravednikov@tcdla.com 
512.646.2733

  • Seminars
  • Exhibitors/Sponsors
  • Webinars & Series
Originally from Austin, Texas, Claire graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2025 with a B.S. in Finance. Claire has a strong passion for personal growth and enjoys staying active through exercise and long walks. She also likes spending quality time with friends and family, reading, and trying new restaurants. 


 
DAJON WHITE

Seminar Clerk 
dwhite@tcdla.com 
512.646.2731

  • Data processing
  • Shipping 
  • Attendee packets 

Dajon White, born and raised in Austin,TX, graduated high school in Pflugerville,TX where she began her professional career at a small law firm as an administrative assistant. Now with over 5 years of administrative and clerical experience, Dajon continues to learn new skills and prove to be a hardworking, team player. In her free time she enjoys loving her 3 beautiful kids and creating memories with her family. Dajon also makes time to focus on and promote Health and Wellness in her home and community.  



LOHTSE HERNANDEZ

Seminar Clerk
lhernandez@tcdla.com
512.646.2723

  • Data Processing
  • Shipping
  • Attendee Packets
Lohtse Hernandez is a true Austinite and recent graduate with a passion for arts, photography, and music. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and animals. With deep interest in history, English and sociology, she is excited to explore new opportunities and eager to embark on her professional journey.

AMERISS RENTERIA

Seminar Clerk
arenteria@tcdla.com
512.646.2728

  • Data Processing
  • Shipping
  • Attendee Packets
Ameriss was born and raised in Austin, TX. She graduated from high school in Austin, TX. She is currently attend St. Edwards University for Biology.

LUCAS SEIFERMAN

Seminar Clerk
lseiferman@tcdla.com
512.646.2722

  • Data Processing
  • Shipping
  • Attendee Packets
Lucas was born and raised in Austin, TX. He attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA for Commercial Music Performance. He has been a profession musician at a high level for 17 years and have played and traveled to some really cool places. Lucas has two little boys , two dogs and a wife that he spends most of his free time with. 

AUSTIN HEADQUARTERS

6808 Hill Meadow Drive
Austin, TX 78736
512.478.2514 phone | 512.469.9107 main fax | 512.469.0512 seminar fax