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, has worked with numerous nonprofit associations for over 25 years and has been with TCDLA for over 20 years. She has experience in executive-level leadership across personnel management, financial management, and grants, to name a few. Since becoming Chief Executive Officer of TCDLA, Melissa has spearheaded new projects, grown criminal defense training, and greatly expanded seminars. She earned her Master of Human Resources Business Administration, Bachelor of Communication, and Mediation Certificate from Saint Edward's University in Austin, Texas. Her greatest strengths include overseeing the long-term planning, budgeting, and strategy for legal and educational programs. She also excels in managing the organization's seminars, membership, publications, and communication departments.    



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 20 years. She oversees database management, operations, and membership services, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and providing excellent service to TCDLA members. Outside of work, Miriam enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and listening to true crime podcasts.


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 in May 2022 with a BA in International Relations & Global Studies and Geography. She is born and raised in Texas and has lived in Austin since 2018. Meredith started her professional career at TCDLA and is grateful for the countless opportunities that have been granted to her. In her free time, her favorite things to do are going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and discovering new places to socialize ... a.k.a spend money at.
 
 
RACHEL STEINBRECHER

Communications Director
rsteinbrecher@tcdla.com
512.646.2736

  • Voice for the Defense
  • Communications
  • Graphic Design
Coming soon!


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.  


 
Vacant

Multi Media & Program Coordinator
@tcdla.com
512.646.2730

  • Manager virtual programs
  • Oversee media at seminars
  • Coordinate speaker travel and materials
coming soon.


KIERRA PRESTON

Registrar Coord
kpreston@tcdla.com
512.646.2737

  • Registration
  • Online/Affiliate Training
  • Travel Stipends
Kierra Preston graduated from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with a BA in Criminal Justice. Born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, she moved to Austin in the fall of 2019. Outside of work, Kierra enjoys caring for her many houseplants and spending time with her dog, Maya, and her two cats, Kiwi and Tango.


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 with a lifelong passion for the outdoors. A scout at heart, Jessica grew up participating in Adventure Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Girl Scouts, experiences that helped shape her path both personally and academically. Her love of nature and the outdoors led her to earn an associate degree in Environmental Science. She also graduated from the Texas Master Naturalist program, further deepening her knowledge and commitment to conservation and the natural world. When she’s not at work or volunteering in nature, Jessica enjoys spending time at home with her cats and enjoying her love of sewing and other crafts.

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 who was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She brings a diverse professional background, with experience in management, data entry, and registration, along with internship experience at a bail bond agency. Outside of her professional life, Jayla is a devoted mother to her twin boys. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, where she can relax and connect with nature.

 

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 from high school in Pflugerville, TX, where she began her professional career at a small law firm as an administrative assistant. Now with over five years of administrative and clerical experience, Dajon continues to learn new skills and prove herself to be a hardworking team player. In her free time, she enjoys loving and spending time with her three beautiful children and creating memories with her family. Dajon also makes time to focus on and promote health and wellness in her home and community.



LAMAR BUTLER

Seminar Clerk
lbutler@tcdla.com
512.646.2812

  • Data Processing
  • Shipping
  • Attendee Packets
Lamar Butler is an aspiring graphic designer with a passion for creativity and visual storytelling. He played college basketball at St. Edward’s University and University of Mary Hardin–Baylor, where he built strong discipline and teamwork skills. He graduated from UMHB with a general studies degree, focusing on graphic design, business, and marketing, and he is working toward building a career in design and branding.

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. 



VACANT

Seminar Clerk
monet@tcdla.com
512.478.2514

  • Data Processing
  • Shipping
  • Attendee Packets
 
Bio

AUSTIN HEADQUARTERS

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