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Dr. Walter is the Founder, Executive Director and CEO of Lifeline Children and Family Services, Inc. From a child, Dr. Walter was known for his energetic and charismatic personality. Born in 1963, Dr. Walter was gifted with what he considers his greatest attributes, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and music. Dr. Walter spent his entire childhood and adolescent years internalizing how others classified him. He was often referred to by uninformed adults, teachers and peers as “slow”, “dumb”, “stupid”, “ignorant”, “a distraction”, “angry”, or “special ed”.
Eighteen years after barely graduating high school, Dr Walter began to pursue higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Three days after graduating with his BS degree, Dr. Walter matriculated into his graduate studies. He earned a Master of Arts in Pre-Professional Counseling, Master of Science in Family Studies, and Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Amberton University. His last academic feat was in 2019 when Dr. Walter earned his Doctorate in Professional Counseling from Mississippi College. Dr. Walter’s scholarly research involved INTEGRATING SELECTED COMPONENTS OF NTU PSYCHOTHERAPY AND NARRATIVE ENHANCEMENT COGNITIVE THERAPY TO ADDRESS STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION IN AFRICAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENT MALES.
Dr. Walter has numerous licenses and certifications including Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, NBCC, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Anger Management, Domestic Violence treatment brain change, ADHD and numerous others. With the mission of strengthening the resilience in families’ experiencing life’s difficulties, Dr. Walter envisions establishing and offering a myriad of services focused primarily in rural communities through counseling centers, independent/transitional living programs, veteran services, housing partnerships, educational initiatives, and prison psychotherapy groups (to address addiction/substance abuse, maladaptive behaviors, reactive attachment disorder, re-entry and spiritual transformation), Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment programs for youth 13-21, and mental health awareness and training for spiritual leaders.
Dr. Walter and Dorothy planted a church in Corsicana Texas in 1996. They serve as senior pastors and lead several community ministry initiatives. Dr. Walter is an accomplished musician and vocalist/singer. He has performed in numerous venues to diverse audiences both in the United States and abroad. Dr. Walter credits music with saving his life, especially during the period when he struggled with major depression.
Dr. Walter has been married to his wife Dorothy for 38 years. They are the parents of eight children Ricky (Brende), Rainece (Bryce) Deaniel, Ashley, Terrence (Michelle), Laporcha (Jamonte), Pauletta, and Brooklyn). Dr. Walter and Dorothy are the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren and 2 angel babies. The Walter family’s work started many years ago when Dr. Walter’s parents adopted two boys. The elder Walters planted a seed that now includes three generations of adoptions. Dr. Walter tears up when he is asked to share his feelings and thoughts regarding his facilitation of hundreds of adoptions. His response is often simple “Touching a life can change a destiny.”
Sharon Brown is Program Director for Lifeline Children and Family Services. She obtained her Bachelor degree of Science from Texas A&M. Some of her experience working with children include working as a Juvenile Correctional Officer, being a foster parent and over the years she fostered 9 children, and lastly previously employed in the education field as a paraprofessional, Autism trainer, and reading interventionist for first grade. Some of her volunteer efforts working with children included working with the local Pee Wee League Cheer, youth leader at church, Salvation Army Bell Ringer.
Sharon is the mother of five children and grandmother to two boys. Sharon resides in the East Texas area where she volunteers as an election clerk, secretary of Drill Team Booster and a member of the Juneteenth committee. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her family.
Alisa Brooks is a dedicated Case Manager at Lifeline Children and Family Services, where she has been making a positive impact since 2016. She began her journey in the field through an internship with Lifeline, which laid the foundation for her professional development and commitment to supporting children and families in need. With a strong focus on advocacy and resource management, Alisa continues to contribute to the mission of strengthening families and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations. Alisa earned her Associates of Science in Sociology from Navarro Junior College. Later, earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of North Texas in Denton.
Alisa completed an internship with Girls Inc. of Tarrant County and volunteered at The Department of Family and Protective Services while completing her degree at UNT Denton. She furthered her education at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning her Master of Science in Social Work. She completed her internship with My Health My Resources (MHMR) working with youth with mental health in a short-term facility in Tarrant County. This academic foundation propelled her into the professional world, allowing her to develop a robust skill set of working with children and families.
Her early career was marked by her role as Child Protective Investigator at The Department of Family and Protective Services. This initial experience honed her capabilities and paved the way for her subsequent roles in more prominent organizations. Outside of her professional life, Alisa is known for her passion for traveling, shopping, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Through her unwavering dedication, strategic acumen, and passion for her work, Alisa Brooks continues to make a significant impact in her field, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and embrace the possibilities of a brighter future.
Kathy Newsome is a dedicated case management professional with over 30 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of making a positive impact on the lives of countless families, guiding them through challenging times and helping them build better futures.
Her journey began in Dallas, Texas, where she was a graduate from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in 1988. That early experience in a vibrant community instilled in her a strong work ethic and a commitment to service. Following high school, she attended Navarro College to pursue an Associate’s certificate in Psychology. This program not only deepened her understanding of human behavior, but also ignited her passion for supporting individuals in need. Eager to expand her knowledge and skills, she then enrolled at Texas A&M Commerce, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies. This academic foundation has been instrumental in shaping her approach to case management- one that is both compassionate and informed by a broad understanding of diverse challenges.
Kathy began her professional journey with BW Development as a direct care professional, embracing the belief that “there was never a problem starting at the bottom when you can see your way to the top.” In that role, she was committed to ensuring that the home was in full compliance with state standards, while also caring for and safeguarding the well-being of developmentally challenged individuals. She has had the privilege of wearing many hates- each one adding to her wealth of experience and deepening her commitment to compassionate care. She took on roles as an area supervisor and a program manager, each position teaching her valuable lessons in leadership, management and the critical importance of maintaining high standards of care. Ultimately, her journey culminated the role of executive director, where she could fully leverage her extensive experience to drive organizational excellence and positively impact countless families.
Over the past three decades, Kathy have learned that effective case management is about more than just addressing immediate concerns, it’s about building trust,
providing ongoing support and empowering families to overcome obstacles. Her journey has been one of growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Calandra Tapia is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and a minor in Sociology from Texas A&M San Antonio. With a strong foundation in public service, Mrs. Tapia began her career as an Investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. In her four years with the department, Mrs. Tapia received several promotions and was selected as a mentor. Mrs. Tapia then expanded her expertise by working in Foster Care and Adoptions, providing support and resources to families and children for over a year. Aiming to make a positive impact and foster growth in the next generation, Mrs. Tapia worked as a substitute teacher for several years, utilizing her skills to support the educational growth of students across various
grade levels.
Passionate about community outreach, Mrs. Tapia continues to volunteer with and aids at-risk families, youth and underserved communities through various nonprofit organizations to include adoptive and foster families, pregnant teenagers and those that have aged out of the states care.
In addition to her professional achievements and goals, Mrs. Tapia has been happily married for 18 years. She is a proud mother of four while balancing a fulfilling career with a strong commitment to her Faith, Family and Community. In her free time, Mrs. Tapia enjoys crafting and is an avid thrifter.
