About CIS
A recent study by the Search Institute found that only one-in-five at-risk youth could identify a trusted, caring adult in their life. At its core, Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County exists to provide that trusted, caring relationship to a student who would otherwise not have one.
![About CIS](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/About-CIS.jpg)
Who We Are
Communities In Schools was brought to Tarrant County in 1992 by a United Way-led task force that saw a need for an effective and efficient stay-in-school program. Over the past 30 years, our evidenced-based model has expanded and now serves 71 schools across 11 school districts.
At Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County, we do whatever it takes to keep our students in school and on the path to graduation.
Who We Serve
CIS serves over 5,000 at-risk students, Pre-K through 12th grade, across Greater Tarrant County.
Message From Our CEO
“Think back to your days as a young person in school. Who helped you most to achieve success? You might be thinking of a teacher, coach, family member, or a mentor. What were the biggest challenges you faced? WHAT IF you were poor, had experienced trauma, weren’t sure where your next meal was coming from, didn’t have clean clothes to wear to school, had a toothache, needed glasses, or were experiencing abuse or neglect? Who would have helped you? Who would you tell? And who would connect you with local services to help you and your family overcome these obstacles, to ensure your continued success?
That’s where Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County comes in. Our social workers are warriors. They walk beside a student and their family throughout the child’s time at school, providing integrated student supports, making home visits, and ensuring students stay on track for academic success. The answer to the “Who” questions I posed here is: CISGTC. Our area schools serve many, many children considered at-risk for a host of reasons. These students often perform poorly in school. Many eventually drop out, and people wonder why. Schools, by themselves, are not equipped to address these needs. It’s my feeling that every school should have someone working inside the campus, full-time, whose job it is to find out what’s going on behind the scenes…and respond. Someone to bring hope and help the student work toward a brighter future.
CISGTC is changing students’ lives. We invite you to learn more about our mission, and we look forward to finding ways to partner.”
— Lindsey Garner
![Lindsey Garner, President and CEO](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Lindsey-Garner-President-and-CEO.jpg)
![Alison-Sanburg](https://www.cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Alison-Sanburg.jpg)
A Message From Our Board Chair
“I have been involved with Communities In Schools for many years and have been able to see firsthand the impacts that CIS has on the lives of at -risk kids. CIS recognizes that education is not just about academics, but also about addressing the social, emotional, mental health, and practical needs of students to help them thrive in school and beyond. This holistic support and collaboration with community partners is what sets CIS apart, and leads to the positive long term impacts that are seen in so many students’ lives.”
— Alison Sanburg
History
1992
A United Way task force brings Communities In Schools to Fort Worth. CIS of Fort Worth hires Mike Steele as Chief Executive Officer. Four program staff begin case management services to 200 students in 2 high schools.
1995
CIS of Fort Worth is awarded United Way Partner status.
1998
CIS expands to 18 schools, establishing programs in Everman ISD and Arlington ISD. CIS of Fort Worth changes its name to Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County.
2012
CIS establishes an Endowment for long-term sustainability.
2014
CIS is named one of the “Top 3 Workplaces for Women in Tarrant County” by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.
2017
CEO Mike Steele retires after 25 years. Lindsey Garner is named President and CEO.
2018
CIS pilots its Mental Health Supports program within one school in Fort Worth ISD. Within 3 years, the program grows to 11 counselors providing services to schools across four districts.
2022
CIS of Greater Tarrant County celebrates its 30th anniversary and now serves 72 schools across 11 districts in four counties.
Leadership
![Lindsey Garner](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Lindsey-Garner.jpg)
Lindsey Garner
President and CEO
![Rachel Kreidler](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Rachel-Kreidler.jpg)
Rachel Kreidler
Chief Development Officer
![Lauren Sly, LMSW](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/laurensly.jpg)
Lauren Sly, LMSW
Chief Operating Officer
![Nancy Wright](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Nancy-Wright.jpg)
Nancy Wright
Chief Financial Officer
Meet the Board
![Corey Bearden](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Corey-Bearden.jpg)
Corey Bearden
![David Bekerman](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/David-Bekerman.jpg)
David Bekerman
![Kelly Biegler](https://www.cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/headshot.png)
Kelly Biegler
![Jason Brown](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jason-Brown-1.jpg)
Jason Brown
![Christian Burton](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Christian-Burton.jpg)
Christian Burton
![Leah Collette](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Leah-Collette.jpg)
Leah Collette
![Todd Creel](https://www.cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/todd.jpg)
Todd Creel
![Niketa Dennis](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Niketa-Dennis.jpg)
Niketa Dennis
![Matt Dufrene](https://www.cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/matt.jpg)
Matt Dufrene
![Lisa Falcone](https://www.cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lisa-Falcone-Headshot-002.jpg)
Lisa Falcone
![Karen Green](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Karen-Green.jpg)
Karen Green
![Roy Johnson](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Roy-Johnson.jpg)
Roy Johnson
![Craig Lesok](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Craig-Lesok.jpg)
Craig Lesok
![Leah Marek](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Lea-Marek.jpg)
Leah Marek
![Jennifer Nanni](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jennifer-Nanni.jpg)
Jennifer Nanni
![Bob Pence](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Bob-Pence.jpg)
Bob Pence
![Jonathan Rittenhouse](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jonathan-Rittenhouse.jpg)
Jonathan Rittenhouse
![Alison Sanburg](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Alison-Sanburg.jpg)
Alison Sanburg
![Kay Sanders](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kay-Sanders.jpg)
Kay Sanders
![Cindy Schallawitz](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cindy-Schallawitz.jpg)
Cindy Schallawitz
![Kevin Thaman](https://www.cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Thaman-Kevin-headshot.jpg)
Kevin Thaman
![Rachel Willis](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Rachel-Willis.jpg)
Rachel Willis
![Leslie Wilson](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Leslie-Wilson.jpg)
Leslie Wilson
![About CIS](https://cistarrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/About-CIS.jpg)
Financials
In a continuing effort to provide the highest standards of financial management and reports, CIS of Greater Tarrant County provides online access to all financial information, including independent audits and 990s.