Board of Directors
The Birthday Joy Program is run by a board of directors who oversees the day to day operations of the program. Each director volunteers of their time to make TBJP a success.
Meet the Board
Kim Jackson - President
Kim is honored to continue to serve on the Board of Directors. Kim works for Dickinson Independent School District as a school counselor and mental health trainer. Kim has served with TBJP program for a few years helping with fundraising events like bingo, book sales, garage sales and helping at the occasional shelter party.
Kim has been married to her husband Dominque for 15 years. They have a daughter, Malia, who is 8. The Jacksons are church planters at Mosaic Christian Fellowship where Kim is the children’s ministry leader and her husband is pastor.
Kim believes strongly in altruism. She serves as president of her Alpha Delta Kappa chapter, an honorary organization for women educators. She also serves as a Girl Scout leader and runs a small outreach ministry connecting clothing and household donations with people who need them most.
Her desire is to see The Birthday Joy Program increase its reach in the Harris, Galveston and Brazoria counties and also engage volunteers in more ways.
Shannon Bennett - Vice-President
Shannon is honored to be serving on The Board of Directors for The Birthday Joy Program. Shannon works for Petroleum Service Corporation and is the owner of Sweet Southern Storks. Last year, Shannon helped to chair the first Birthday Joy "Birthday Ball" fundraiser, which was a huge success.
Shannon has been married to her husband Chris for 12 years, and is the proud mom to 3 terrific kiddos, 10 year old Parker and 9 year old twins Bryce & Chase. Shannon and her family are avid Astros fans, and she enjoys spending her free time watching her sons play baseball and soccer.
Shannon has served on the boards for Bay Area Mothers of Multiples and Ross Elementary PTA over the last 10 years, and is excited to continue serving the League City community through TBJP.
Taylor Biddle - Secretary
Taylor is a new member of the The Birthday Joy Program board. She has lived in the Clear Lake area for 25 years and is passionate about helping the children in her community.
Taylor received her Master's in Victim Services Management and works as a paralegal for a litigation firm in Houston. Her husband David is a financial advisor in Seabrook. When Taylor married David she gained two amazing daughters, Emma and Claire. Their home is rarely quiet with their three dogs and three cats.
Prior to serving on the board for The Birthday Joy Program, Taylor served two terms on the Board of Directors for CASA of Galveston County and continues to serve as a court appointed advocate. She is also an active member in the Junior League of Galveston County. In between those roles she has fostered countless kittens (and a few puppies) for the League City animal shelter.
In her free time Taylor enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, visiting state and national parks, and brunching with her girlfriends.
Taylor is excited to work with The Birthday Joy Program to expand their services and increase funding sources.
Anthony Tupper
Anthony Tupper is one of the newest members of the TBJP board.
Anthony Tupper has been the owner of Tupper Martial Arts Academy since 2007, where he teaches martial arts classes, self-defense seminars and fitness to children and adults in Brazoria, Harris and Galveston Counties. He is a 5th Degree Black Belt and a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. Anthony has over 22 years of martial arts and self-defense training.
Anthony is a member of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, and also serves as a mentor in Pearland ISD’s RISE and Alvin ISD’s YET Student Mentoring programs.
Anthony is married to Krystle, who is a Certified Dental Assistant and owns Craftastic Things (a handmade custom craft designer). They just bought their first home, in Pearland, where they live with their 3 dogs, cat and bearded dragon. Anthony and Krystle have recently started the process to adopt a child.
Anthony and Krystle are members of Crosspoint Church, where they both serve in the children’s ministries. Anthony teaches 2nd grade Sunday School classes, while Krystle watches the 10-14 month olds.
Anthony’s desire to help families comes from his experience growing up in a single parent home, in a low-income neighborhood. Anthony was born in Galveston and raised in Alvin and Pearland. Anthony also firmly believes that as a martial artist and Black Belt, serving the community is a way to show his students about leadership and courtesy.
Anthony’s goal as a board member is to expand the program’s visibility and reach through building community and business relationships.
When Anthony has free time, he usually spends it exercising, with his family and friends, or watching Astros baseball or Star Wars.
Donna Menzies
Donna Menzies is new to the TBJP Board, but is not new to The Birthday Joy Program. Donna has been a long time volunteer organizing shelter parties, helping at distribution drives, picking up and delivering donations and also making drops at different partnering agencies.
Donna is a retired Pasadena elementary teacher. She enjoys substituting in the local schools whenever she can.
She is married to David for 35 years and has two grown children. Daughter Maryann is married to Matt and lives in Austin. Her son Marshall lives here in Houston as a CPA. The newest (and best of all) member to the family is her first granddaughter named Winnie.
Donna and her husband are members of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, where she enjoys volunteering with St. Vincent DePaul Society food pantry.
Donna expresses her great appreciation to The Birthday Joy Program for the opportunity to serve. It gives her much enjoyment and satisfaction to work with such caring volunteers. She feels this program is worth the time and efforts of all its volunteers. She hopes TBJP continues to make a difference in children's lives.
Robert Garate - Treasurer
Robert was born and raised in the Clear Lake/Galveston area. He graduated with honors from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he earned his Bachelors degree with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. After graduating from Sam Houston, he was admitted into South Texas College of Law in 2011 where he earned his Juris Doctorate and was licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Robert has years of experience litigating civil and family matters. Robert has worked with numerous business owners aiding in everything from start-up/acquisition to day to day business operations and contracts.
Robert Garate is a Certified Mediator, in both Family and Civil Matters. Robert also is a licensed Real Estate Agent licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission.