Our Board of Directors

Meet the Board

Anthony Tupper - President

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 - Vice-President

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.

Donna Duke - Secretary

Donna Duke has served the Pasadena ISD students as both a teacher and administrator for 39 years. She began her career in 1982 as an elementary teacher. During her career, Donna taught in both elementary and secondary, teaching grades 3, 4, 5 and 6-8th grade math respectively, and retired from Pasadena ISD in May of 2022. Donna now works in conjunction with the University of Houston-Clear Lake and Pasadena ISD as a field supervisor for student teachers.

Donna has been married to her high school sweetheart for 42 years. They have four children and three bonus children (2 sons-in-law, 1 daughter-in-law), three of which are currently working as educators for Pasadena ISD. Donna and her husband have three grandchildren who light up their lives and are also students in Pasadena ISD.

Katie Figlus - Volunteer Coordinator

Katie Figlus has been involved with TBJP from almost the very beginning. Katie began volunteering after seeing a post in a local mom's group and has done almost every role in the organization. She has a passion to make sure every child is celebrated.

Katie is a pre-school teacher and is married with three children.

Katie leads our volunteer coordinating efforts.

Brooke Mylott

Brooke became a board member in 2024 and has been volunteering with TBJP since 2018. She moved to Friendswood 10 years ago from Washington State with her husband and two children. She has worked in business administration for nearly 20 years. Her current role is with McDonough Construction Rentals, Inc., as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager. She previously worked for a nonprofit and brings experience in fundraising, event planning, and marketing.

She is dedicated to supporting TBJP volunteers in their work and appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in our community.

When not at work, Brooke enjoys spending time with her family, especially the new addition of her grandson, Deen, and traveling with her husband.