The Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing (TXICFW) is a team of researchers and practitioners developing and refining knowledge to improve how systems interact with children and families. Every year, TXICFW conducts the Child Care Market Rate Survey, a comprehensive statewide assessment that provides up-to-date data on childcare rates in Texas. The insights gained from this survey are instrumental for local workforce development boards in determining appropriate child care subsidy rates.
Meet TXICFW’s Fall ‘25 research assistants who play a vital role in gathering accurate and current data from childcare providers across the state, as well as supporting other funded projects as needed.
Martina Alvarez
Degree: Master of Information Science ’27
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Hobbies: Outside of work, I like to write and work on visual art/aesthetics. Making ideas tangible is very important to me.
“My family received subsidies when I grew up in El Campo, Texas. I think it is beautiful that I’d be helping families like mine in accessing quality child care by giving Market Rate Surveys.”
Brianna Camacho
Degree: Human Ecology with a minor in Statistics & Data Science and a certificate in Public Policy ’27
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Hobbies: I enjoy baking and reading, particularly memoirs and fiction.
“Early childhood is such a crucial stage of development, and having access to supportive services such as quality child care is essential for the healthy development and lifelong well-being of children. I am excited to contribute to this important work.”
Andre Sanchez Collado
Degree: Master of Public Affairs, ’27
Hometown: College Station, Texas
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time in nature, going on hikes, exploring water features, and paddleboarding. I love traveling and visiting new places. I also enjoy cooking for myself and my loved ones, as well as trying different recipes.
“I am looking forward to supporting research that will hopefully provide more access to daycares for families. I am getting my master’s in Public Affairs because I want to work on policy supporting economic development, workforce development and education and I believe this work supports my overall goals.”
Joban Hernandez
Degree: Master of Health Behavior and Health Education, ’27
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Hobbies: Outside of work and school, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. Maintaining a balance in my life is essential to me.
“Growing up in a low-income household motivates me to pursue higher education and eventually become a dentist who serves underserved communities. The experience I gain at TXICFW will help me better understand how to address health disparities and provide more equitable healthcare.”
Ariana Hickman
Degree: Master of Science in Social Work, ’26
Hometown: Mesquite, Texas
Hobbies: Outside of school and work, I enjoy walking Towne Lake with my dog every night, taking yoga classes, and unwinding while watching reality TV.
“I am beyond excited to be returning to this project. I gained so much valuable insight to data collection, research, and so much more last year. I cannot wait to see what else I learn this year.”
Jonathan Negron
Degree: Master of Community and Regional Planning, ’27
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Hobbies: Outside of school and work, I love to cook, go on runs, and try new restaurants that I hear about.
“I love that we will be hopefully contributing to a more equitable future when it comes to childcare in Texas. This is also my first time partaking in research at this scale and I am interested in seeing the process unfold.”