We recently caught up with Jennifer M. Gondeck, who joins TXICFW as Call Center Manager, supporting our Texas Youth Foster Network.
Before joining UT Austin, Jennifer spent more than 10 years with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in child welfare. Her experience with the Department included supervision, learning and development, program development, and statewide human trafficking initiatives.
TXICFW is excited to welcome Jennifer to the team!
Hi Jenni! Tell us a little bit about your past work.
I am most proud of the variety of experiences I bring to this work. I have worked directly with children and families, supervised and trained staff, supported statewide programs, and used data to improve services. That background helps me understand both what the process looks like on paper and what it feels like for the people who have to use it every day.
What excites you or interests you most about the work you do?
I’m excited to help build something that makes it easier for young people to ask questions, find resources, and feel supported. I truly believe the right support at the right time can change the direction of a young person’s life. I also love building teams, improving processes, and finding ways to make systems work better without losing the human touch.
What is something you hope to achieve in your career?
I hope to pursue a PhD and turn what I have learned through lived experience, professional practice, and incredible mentorship into research that helps create better systems for young people and the people who support them. More than anything, I want my career to show that where you begin does not limit how far you can go or the impact you can make!
What are some of your personal hobbies?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren, traveling, reading, Pilates, live music and theater, museums, iced coffee, and the occasional afternoon nap.
To learn more about Jenni, visit her staff profile.
