TECEC Staff

Kara Johnson, Executive Director
Kara Johnson joined the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (TECEC) more than four years ago and now serves as its Executive Director. Her leadership has contributed to TECEC being regarded as a premiere child advocacy organization both in Texas and at the national level.  She is one of the authors of Edition 2 of The Texas Plan, a ten-year public policy agenda dedicated to early childhood education and development in Texas. 

Prior to working for the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition, Kara interned with the Center for Public Policy Priorities to conduct extensive research on poverty in Texas, leading to the publication of  “Tough Choices.” Between 1999 and 2001, Kara worked as a Campus Manager for Communities In Schools in Dallas where she worked directly with school administrators, counselors, school psychologists, and teachers in order to meet the needs of children and families.  
 
She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas and her Masters Degree from the University of Texas School of Social Work with a focus in Administration and Planning. In addition, she received her Diversity Certification from the University of North Texas.

Email: kjohnson@tecec.org

Dr. John W. Gasko, Director of Research & Public Policy
John Gasko currently serves as the Director of Research and Public Policy for the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (TECEC), where he manages and oversees all strategic early childhood education projects and research initiatives, and coordinates all legislative and policy efforts at the Texas Legislature and throughout the state.

Prior to becoming a part of TECEC, John served as a research associate for an education think tank, the Texas Center for Education Policy, at the University of Texas at Austin, where he conducted quantitative and qualitative research projects in local Texas communities. In addition, he is a former middle school and high school teacher, and vice-principal of academics for the Edgewood school district in San Antonio, Texas.

John’s education credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from the New York Maritime Academy, a Master’s in Education from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and he is finishing his Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Strategic Planning at the University of Texas at Austin, and will graduate in May 2008.  He resides in Round Rock, Texas with his wife, Laura, and his son, Aviel.

Email: jgasko@tecec.org

Rio Romero, Policy & Research Coordinator
Rio Romero is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, earning a B.A. in Sociology and a B.S. in Human Development & Family Sciences. She also received a multidisciplinary Certificate in Social Inequality, Health, and Policy. Her genuine interest in the needs of children and families have led her to serve in research positions with the Division of Human Ecology and Department of Sociology at UT-Austin, as well as work at the UT-Austin Child Development Center. Additionally, her leadership honors have included serving as Fundraising Officer for the UT Child and Family Council, President for Kappa Omicron Nu-National Human Ecology Honors Society (UT-Austin chapter), and Vice President for Alpha Kappa Delta- International Sociology Honors Society (UT-Austin chapter).

Email: rromero@tecec.org

Don Titcombe, Communications Coordinator
Don Titcombe serves as the Communications Coordinator for the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (TECEC), where he manages community and media outreach.  Don also coordinates membership recruitment efforts.

Don earned his Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, where he emphasized community building, policy analysis, and non-profit leadership in his studies.  He complemented his graduate career with a diverse experience in social research in such areas as disability, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS prevention. Don also received a Bachelors of Arts in American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and was awarded the Hibbs Scholarship for scholastic achievement.  He has participated in community organizing and collaborative efforts for change at all levels of his education.

Email: dtitcombe@tecec.org

Nicole Vykoukal, MSSW Intern, University of Texas at Austin
TECEC intern Nicole Vykoukal is currently completing a Masters of Science in Social Work with a clinical concentration at the University of Texas at Austin.  She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society (UT chapter).  During her social work graduate education, Nicole interned as a clinician at the Family Crisis Center, Bastrop and at Seton Shoal Creek Hospital. 

Nicole received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with a minor in social work from Texas State University-San Marcos; she was invited to present her undergraduate research at the Social Science Association Conference. 

Throughout her education, Nicole has focused on social justice and diversity.  She has completed clinical hours and in-depth research in the following areas: domestic violence, women’s issues, mental illness, Deaf culture, adolescent populations and group facilitation with various populations.