Rachel Phillips is the founder of The Thomas Effect, established in memory of her brother, Thomas, following his death from fentanyl toxicity. She is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies focused on psychology, a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling, and additional training in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Drawing from professional training, personal recovery, and the loss of her brother, Rachel brings both lived experience and a deeply personal commitment to the organization’s mission.

As Director of Programs and Community Impact, Rachel leads the development of support groups, recovery and reentry programming, community outreach, education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. She has helped lead initiatives including Fort Worth’s Walk for Lives and the Stockings for Pine Street Project, connecting individuals and families with practical resources, support, and hope. Her work centers on creating programs that meet people where they are while helping them move toward stability, connection, and lasting change.

Rachel’s vision for The Thomas Effect is rooted in the belief that no person is beyond hope and no family should have to navigate addiction, recovery, or loss alone. She is committed to challenging stigma, advancing overdose prevention, supporting all evidence-based pathways to recovery, including medication-assisted treatment, and building a community where people are seen for who they can become, not only for what they have survived.

Contact: Rachel@thethomaseffect.org

TEAM

Leah Dotson has been involved with The Thomas Effect since its conception. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Science in Data Science, bringing a valuable combination of business, technology, and data-driven insight to the organization.

Leah has contributed to technology, fundraising, community events, awareness campaigns, social media, rallies, and other outreach efforts. As a member of the board of directors and the lead for Technology and Strategic Initiatives, she helps identify new opportunities, strengthen the organization's use of technology and data, and expand its outreach and community impact.

Her understanding of the gaps in the systems intended to protect, educate, and connect people with help began before her work with The Thomas Effect. That insight continues to fuel her commitment to helping close those gaps. She believes meaningful change requires not only greater awareness, but also better access to information, resources, and support. Through her work at The Thomas Effect, she hopes to turn that awareness into meaningful action that creates a lasting change in the community.

Leah Dotson - Technology & Strategic Initiatives - Board Member

Dr. George Cravens, MD, FAANS, FACS - Board Member

Dr. George Cravens is a retired board-certified neurosurgeon with more than four decades of experience serving patients and advancing neurological care in Fort Worth. A graduate of UT Southwestern Medical School, he completed advanced training in neurological surgery and founded the Center for Neurological Disorders. Dr. Cravens previously served as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at JPS Health Network. He helped lead JPS through the process of becoming a state-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and served on the Texas Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council Stroke Committee, contributing to the development of statewide standards for stroke care and emergency response.

Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Cravens founded the nonprofit Texas Medical Museum, reflecting his commitment to preserving medical history and expanding public understanding of medicine. He has also supported the preservation of Fort Worth’s history through his restoration of the historic Flatiron Building and contributions to public art in downtown Fort Worth.

As a board member of The Thomas Effect, Dr. Cravens brings extensive medical knowledge, nonprofit leadership, and decades of professional and community experience. His perspective strengthens the organization’s work to reduce stigma and improve support for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorder.

Dr. Sherri Mata is an educator, psychologist, and nonprofit consultant with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, counseling, and program leadership. She has served in leadership roles at Tarrant County College and Texas Wesleyan University and has extensive experience developing educational and community-based programs.

As Director of Counseling and Educational Programs for Journey4ward, Dr. Mata secured a $350,000 grant in 2018 to provide counseling and advocacy services for crime victims. The grant has been renewed by the North Texas Council of Governments following each three-year funding period and continues to support Journey4ward’s services. She also developed a 16-week traumatic bereavement program and provided leadership in program development, staffing, community partnerships, and education.

Dr. Mata brings to The Thomas Effect expertise in psychology, organizational leadership, education, program development, grant writing, and community engagement, along with a strong commitment to helping individuals and organizations achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

Dr. Sherri Mata, PhD, LPC - Board Member

Jesse Jones is a government reporter covering city, county, and state politics in New Mexico. His reporting focuses on government, public policy, and the issues affecting communities throughout the state.

Jesse earned a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Art History from the University of New Mexico’s Communication and Journalism Department. He previously earned a University Studies degree with an emphasis in photojournalism and began his journalism career as a Local News Fellow with the Valencia County News-Bulletin. He also serves on the board of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Rio Grande Chapter.

As a member of The Thomas Effect’s Board of Directors, Jesse brings experience in journalism, research, communication, and public engagement. He supports the organization’s efforts to raise awareness, share meaningful stories, and help communities better understand the issues surrounding substance use, recovery, and loss.

Cathy Taylor is the founder of Journey4ward, a support and advocacy organization created after the death of her 27-year-old son, Corey, to gun violence in 2013. While navigating her own grief, Cathy recognized how difficult it was for families to find support, resources, and guidance following a violent loss. Corey’s loving spirit and compassion for others continue to inspire her work helping grieving families know they are not alone.

Cathy brings more than 30 years of experience in executive office and project-management roles. She is a longtime advocate for survivors and families affected by violence and has volunteered with several victim-support, safety, justice, and community organizations. Cathy is also the author of Real Grief: My Journey of Loss to Healing, which shares her personal journey through grief and toward healing.

As a member of The Thomas Effect’s Board of Directors, Cathy brings valuable experience in nonprofit leadership, grief support, advocacy, project management, and community service. Her personal understanding of traumatic loss strengthens the organization’s commitment to supporting families with compassion, connection, and practical resources.

Caleb White is an educator, faith leader, and community advocate based in Dallas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Music from Sam Houston State University and a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies from Chicago Theological Seminary.

Caleb’s ministry experience includes serving as Student Pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Consulting Pastor for Community Outreach at Christ Church Firewheel UCC, and Young Adult and College Ministry Coordinator at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. His work has emphasized community outreach, economic justice, church growth, and creating welcoming faith communities.

A committed advocate for dignity and inclusion, Caleb has publicly supported the full affirmation of LGBTQ+ people within the Christian church. He brings to The Thomas Effect valuable experience in education, ministry, behavioral-health services, and community organizing, along with a strong commitment to ensuring that people affected by substance use, incarceration, homelessness, grief, and other difficult life transitions are treated with compassion and respect. His inclusive, justice-centered perspective will help The Thomas Effect build stronger connections with faith communities and create welcoming programs where every person, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, can receive support without shame or judgment.