Center for Transforming Lives New Board Members FY26

October 8, 2025

Contact:
Trish Rodriguez
Director for Communications
trodriguez@transforminglives.org
817-996-7330

Center for Transforming Lives announces new members joining Board of Directors

Center for Transforming Lives welcomes Dr. Joann Sanders, Melissa Harris and Trina Pecina to its Board of Directors.

Joann Sanders, MD, MSHQS, serves as Chief Quality Officer for Cook Children’s Health Care System, leading system-wide strategies that advance safety, quality and outcomes for children and families. She joined Cook Children’s in 1989, where she practiced pediatric hematology and oncology for more than three decades, with a clinical focus on pediatric brain tumors and bleeding disorders. In 2015, she transitioned to full-time leadership in quality and safety, bringing her deep clinical expertise into system-level improvement.

Her academic foundation includes a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in biology, and a medical degree, all from St. Louis University. In pursuit of lifelong learning, Dr. Sanders recently attained a master’s degree in Healthcare Quality and Safety from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2023. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Presidential Freedom Service Award, the Texas Medical Institute of Technology Patient Safety Leaders in Action Award, and recognition from Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety. She has also served the community through board roles with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, Tarrant County Literacy Coalition, Camp Sanguinity, and Camp John Marc.

Melissa Harris, CFP®, CEPA®, is a Wealth Manager with a deep commitment to helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. She holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation, bringing added expertise to business owners preparing for transition.

Harris earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity College and went on to complete her MBA at American University, strengthening her foundation in strategic financial planning and business leadership. In addition to her professional work, she is an active community leader. She currently serves on the boards of the YMCA of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Report and is excited to bring her experience and perspective to this new role.

Trina Pecina is owner of three HOTWORX locations, a 24/7 infrared sauna boutique fitness destination. She previously served as a board member for Meals on Wheels.

The new members join an esteemed list of returning board members including:

Board Officers: Catherine Oliveros, DRPH, Board President (Texas Health Resources); Megan Terrell, Treasurer and Finance Chair (Armanino); Aimee Stone, Secretary and Governance Chair (Bank of America Private Bank); Dr. Whitnee Boyd, Programs Chair (North Texas Community Foundation); Shanna Saldana, Development Chair (Building Pathways); Winifred King, Communications Chair (Cook Children’s Medical Center); and Charlie Powell, Facilities Planning Chair (Ciera Bank).

Board Members: Dr. Rachael Capua, Tarleton State University; Anthony Balderas, J.P.Morgan; Rachel Matthias, Fortis; and Katherine Thompson, Freedom Church DFW.

Center for Transforming Lives partners with single mothers and their children so they can thrive. Founded in 1907, Center for Transforming Lives is one of Tarrant County’s biggest family safety nets, working to disrupt cycles of poverty and homelessness among the most vulnerable in our community. The non-profit meets the needs of 3,000 women and children annually, through a comprehensive and evidence-based, two-generation and trauma-informed model. Thanks to housing support, early childhood education, economic mobility services and counseling services that work across generations, parents and children establish security and well-being as a family. Led by CEO Carol Klocek since 2009, the $22 million non-profit opened its new Riverside Campus headquarters in May.

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