Meet Our Executives
Shena Ureste
Prior to becoming CEO in May 2024, Shena Ureste served as the Behavioral Healthcare Services Director . .
Shena Ureste
Chief Executive Officer
Shena is a seasoned healthcare administrator with over two decades of leadership at Texana Center, where she directed all aspects of the Behavioral Healthcare Services Division across six counties. Her strategic oversight included program management, budgeting, and operational efficiency, ensuring high-quality clinical services met community needs while maximizing funding opportunities. Shena has driven significant initiatives such as the implementation of AI for documentation efficiency, achieving CCBHC designation, and establishing innovative programs like the Crisis Center (Jail Diversion Center) and Primary Care Integration. Her leadership transformed the division from financial deficit to surplus, enabling reinvestment in facilities and staff. Shena has a record of community collaboration to enhance mental health services across Texana Center’s service area. Prior to joining Texana Center in 2003, Shena was a Chief Financial Officer for Triad Hospitals (DeTar Regional Medical Center) and Universal Health Services (Victoria Regional Medical Center) in Victoria, Texas for over fifteen years. Shena holds a BBA in Accounting from Texas A & M University, College Station.
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Amanda Darr, M.B.A.
As Texana’s CFO, Amanda Darr is responsible for the overall financial management of the center...
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Amanda Darr, M.B.A.
Chief Financial Officer
As Texana’s CFO, Mrs. Darr is responsible for the overall financial management of the center, including the direction and management of the accounting, reimbursement and purchasing departments. Additionally, she oversees the center’s information-services initiatives. Amanda, who holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Dallas and an M.B.A. from the University of Houston, has served as CFO since 1988.
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Kevin Barker
Kevin Barker oversees Behavior Support, Day Habilitation, Nursing, Residential...
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Kevin Barker
Director of Intellectual & Developmental Provider ServicesKevin Barker oversees Behavior Support, Day Habilitation, Nursing, Residential, Supported Employment, and Vocational services for our six county region. Kevin joined Texana in 2005 and has over 25 years of experience in serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. Prior to joining Texana he was the manager of Home and Community-Based Services for MHMR of Nueces County.
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Kate Johnson-Patagoc
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Kate Johnson-Patagoc
Director of Specialized ServicesKate Johnson-Patagoc is the Director of Specialized Services. She has been with Texana since June 2009. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 25 years experience working with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities or brain injury. She obtained her B.S. from North Dakota State University and her M.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University. She has worked as a Behavior Analyst in Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where she directed a behavior analysis treatment program for children with intellectual disabilities from 1997-2009. Kate has published research articles in Behavior Modification, Behavior Therapy, and The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
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Dot Preisler
Dot Preisler is responsible for all employment matters, including recruiting, training ...
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Dot Preisley
Director of Human ServicesDot Preisler is responsible for all employment matters, including recruiting, training and staff development at Texana Center. Dot began her career with the organization in 1998, working at that time for Central Gulf State-Operated Community MHMR Services and has over 20 years experience. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of Houston.
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Sheri Talbot
Sheri Talbot manages Texana Center’s operations as the ‘front door’ for Developmental Disabilities Services....
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Sheri Talbot
Director of Intellectual & Developmental Authority ServicesSheri Talbot manages Texana Center’s operations as the ‘front door’ for Developmental Disabilities Services. This includes intake, eligibility determination, Service Coordination, and Medicaid Waiver enrollments and Interest Lists. Sheri began her career with the organization in 1999, and has over 30 years of experience in the quality management of developmental disabilities programs. Sheri serves on multiple statewide committees dedicated to quality services for people with developmental disabilities, including the state’s IDD System Redesign Advisory Committee. She holds a Master Degree in Education from Sam Houston University.
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Kara Janecek
Kara Janecek is responsible for the management of Texana’s Behavioral Healthcare Services Division ,...
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Shena Ureste
Director of Behavioral Healthcare ServicesKara Janecek is responsible for the management of Texana’s Behavioral Healthcare Services Division, including its outpatient clinics, crisis services, pharmacy and client benefits department. Kara started her Texana career in 2005 working in two of our rural Behavioral Healthcare Clinics as a Clinical Team Leader and Clinic Manager. Since 2020, she has served as Clinic Manager for the Rosenberg BH Clinic. Prior to joining Texana, Kara worked as a medical social worker for HIV/AIDS services at a community healthcare agency in Richmond, Texas. Kara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work from the University of Houston.
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