Meet the TXABC Team

Chairman of the Board – Greg Wright

Greg brings over 40 years of experience in the Business and IT industries to his work as an advocate for anti-bullying initiatives. As a co-founder of TX ABC, Greg started with a clear vision: to combat bullying and promote kindness in communities. Deeply committed to inspiring the youth, he champions the simple yet powerful message: "Be Kind." Beyond his advocacy, Greg is actively involved in fundraising efforts and building partnerships with like-minded organizations that support TX ABC’s mission. His dedication to creating a more compassionate world continues to drive his work, as he strives to make a lasting impact on communities throughout Texas.

Executive Director – Chris Wright

Chris is a co-founder and the operational glue at TX ABC. With 20 years of business experience, he applies his strategic planning and efficiency expertise to his role. Devoted to bullying prevention, Chris organizes the assemblies and initiatives that support the youth, families, educators, and school systems. His mission is to promote kindness and foster positive change across communities. Through his dedication to TX ABC, Chris is committed to creating environments where kids can thrive without the fear of being bullied.

creative director- Kyla Wright

Kyla is passionate about kindness, inclusion, and empowering the next generation. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a background in Human Resources, she believes in the transformative power of empathy and is dedicated to creating environments where individuals feel supported, understood, and valued. Kyla leads the marketing efforts and plays a pivotal role behind the scenes, generating fresh ideas and turning them into impactful actions. Through her work, she focuses on amplifying voices and promoting the importance of integrity and unity.

Consultants

Tom Thelen is a Certified Trainer in Youth Mental Health First Aid, a program by the U.S. Department of Behavioral Health. In 2005, Tom graduated from Grace Christian University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. Tom then went on to write three books for students including Victim proof, Teen Leadership Revolution, and the upcoming 2020 release: Mental Health 101.

Dr. Kirleen Neely holds a PhD in Counselor Education from St. Mary’s University. She is a licensed Professional Counselor and an approved Counselor Supervisor. Dr. Kirleen has worked in the mental health field for over twenty years and has been the chief executive officer of Neely Counseling Center since 2001. She currently manages the day-to-day operations of her counseling center and serves as an adjunct professor for St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Kimberley Orsten Hooge, aka Dr. OH, received her PhD in Psychology, specializing in Cognitive Neuroscience, from Rice University. She loves research, teaching, and all things brain-related, and works as an independent research consultant. She has co-authored numerous publications on topics such as pediatric brain injury, resilience in at-risk youth, and visual perception. She is an adjunct lecturer for The University of Texas at Dallas.

Dr. Elliot Kagan earned his PhD from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University in New York. As a School Psychologist and a New York State Licensed Psychologist, He specializes in clinical treatment and school-based services. Dr. Kagan worked for many years at Suffern Middle School in New York, where he served as a school psychologist and coordinator for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

Norma Canals obtained her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University and has been working as a Licensed Social Worker for over 16 years. She has provided drug prevention and grief counseling for middle and high school students, and has led student groups focusing on anxiety and depression. In her current position at Pearl River School District, Mrs. Canals provides critical advocacy and support to students and families from diverse backgrounds who require assistance navigating the education system. She is a Certified Trainer in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), and she runs diversity training for both staff and students.

Kiesha Jackson is an award-winning mental health expert and advocate. As a suicide loss survivor, she turned her personal tragedy into triumph, and created Caleb’s Kids. Founded in 2016, Caleb’s Kids’ mission is to create a transformative educational experience for families focused on mental wellness and preventing suicide completion through innovative and evidence-based program delivery. Kiesha is a proud graduate of The University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and Central Michigan University where she earned a Master of Science in Health Administration.