Meet The Team
Katria Y. Haynes-Jenkins, Ed.D
Exec. Branch Director IV - Central Florida
Katria has over 20 years of experience working within the Delinquency and Child Welfare Dependency System. Prior to joining Bethany Christian Services, Katria was the Executive Director for Embrace Families in Osceola County for 6 ½ years. Katria was responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies and procedures. She participated in contract negotiations, ensured financial resources were utilized appropriately, and engaged with several community partners to align resources to promote the best outcomes for children and families. Prior to being employed with Embrace Families, Katria was a Program Director. She was a System of Care Trainer and was certified to train Child Welfare Workers, Child Protection Investigators, and Foster Parents. Katria’s prior professional roles also include being a Program Supervisor, an Adoption’s Counselor, a therapist for teens involved in the Delinquency System and a Program Manager for a moderate risk Department of Juvenile Justice residential program. Katria has been involved in the Osceola Children’s Cabinet for the past 6 years and served as Vice Chair in 2020 and Chair in 2021. Katria obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bethune Cookman University, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Webster University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Katria has been married for 24 years, has four sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks, reading, and caring for her two bull dogs.
Alejandra Trujillo
PRS Supervisor - Central Florida
Alejandra joined Bethany Christian Services in 2019. She graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s in psychology, and some years later she completed her master’s degree in clinical and family psychology. Since starting her career, she has had the opportunity to work in different fields but working with immigrants by being part of this agency has been one of the most rewarding experiences. She feels truly blessed serving in Bethany’s UC program because she has had the privilege to use her knowledge as an immigrant in favor of very vulnerable children and families. She feels, without a doubt, that this opportunity is one of God’s important plans for her life.
Diana R. Mendoza
PRS Case Manager - Central Florida
Diana joined Bethany in 2021 as PRS Case Manager. Diana has experience working with vulnerable children in Colombia, her country of origin, to promote and implement public policies for the protection of children and the prevention of child labor. Diana is currently pursuing a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. Diana decided to move permanently to the United States in 2013. Her experience as an immigrant has been a strong motivator for working with immigrant families in the Bethany’s UC program. Diana likes to spend her free time with her family and friends. Her favorite places are either in the middle of nature or at the top of a mountain contemplating the landscape.
Kimberly A. Langlais
Regional Director of Donor Engagement - Central Florida
Kim joined Bethany Christian Services in July of 2019, as the Regional Director of Donor Engagement. For over 21 years, Kim has extensive marketing, development, fundraising and capital campaign experience. Her expertise includes major gifts, feasibility studies, annual appeals, and capital campaigns. Kim is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In addition to her professional work, Kim has spent years volunteering and serving her community for various endeavors. Kim lives in Harmony, Florida with her husband Darryl and young son Landon.
Megan Hood
Safe Families for Children Coordinator - Central Florida
Megan has served as the Safe Families Coordinator, since December 2020. She has previously served children, teens and families through foster care, church ministries, the juvenile justice system and domestic violence intervention. Megan enjoys communicating through public speaking and writing. Her two children, Dalen and Cola, are the highlights of her life. Together, they enjoy college football, days by the pool, and playing with their family pet, Penelope, a tri colored guinea pig.
Heidy V. Blanco
PRS Case Manager - Central Florida
Heidy Blanco joined Bethany Christian Services in July 2019, as the South Florida Case Manager serving unaccompanied refugee children from Central America. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology. She has worked with youth and families in a variety of settings for the last five years. Heidy is passionate about empowering children and families to reach their highest potential. Heidy demonstrates a professional and personable working style and is confident in her ability to represent children and families in their best interest. Heidy constantly maintains a strong work ethic, high moral, and core values.
Nedra Messenger
Adoption Specialist - Central Florida
Nedra Messenger is the adoption specialist for the state of Florida. She has been in this role since 2014 and has over 16 years of experience working in foster care and adoption. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida. She also helps with marketing and recruiting for all of our programs. Nedra has a passion for reaching those in the community and helping build families through adoption.
