About Us
What Sets Us Apart
In many communities across Dallas County, there’s no clear path forward—just scattered resources that don’t speak to the whole person. There’s no comprehensive approach that addresses the connection between health, wealth, and education. We exist to change that.
A Catalyst For Change helps people move from surviving to thriving by walking with them through life’s key transitions. Whether it's a young girl finding her voice at cheer camp, an adult earning their GED and entering a new career, or a senior making their home safe to age in—we meet people where they are and help them take the next step.
Meet Our Founder
Dr. Kesha O’Reilly, PharmD, MS, RPh
Founder & President, A Catalyst For Change
Dr. Kesha O’Reilly is a public health policy expert, nonprofit founder, and community servant with a lifelong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty through education, health access, and economic opportunity. A U.S. Army veteran and proud Dallas College Trustee, Dr. O’Reilly has spent her career helping people navigate life’s hardest transitions—whether in classrooms, clinics, or neighborhoods that too often get overlooked. With over two decades of leadership across global health, biotech, and community development, she brings both strategy and heart to her work. Her experience includes directing global HIV initiatives at Gilead Sciences, mentoring young STEM scholars, and creating programs that serve youth, adults, and seniors with dignity and respect. Dr. O’Reilly earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Howard University and her Master of Science in Population Health from the University of Mississippi. She is also an alumna of the Mississippi Center for Health Policy Fellowship Program. In founding A Catalyst For Change, Dr. O’Reilly envisioned more than a nonprofit—she created a movement rooted in faith, fueled by purpose, and committed to helping people rise. From launching Shine Squad Summer Cheer & Dance Camp for elementary school girls to building GED and career mentorship pipelines, her work is centered on connection, trust, and long-term impact. Dr. O’Reilly is a passionate believer that every person is created with purpose—and no one should have to settle for just getting by.
Meet Our Team
Byron Rose II | Artistic Director
My name is Byron Rose II, I am currently a second year Psychology student at Prairie View A&M University. I am a Dallas, Texas native, growing up in the Cedar Hill Independent School District. While at Cedar Hill, I became the first male captain of the school’s national award winning drill team, the Cedar Hill Highsteppers. I have received mentorship under Curtis King at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, where I have trained in contemporary, lyrical, and cultural styles of dance. Since being at Prairie View, I have became an incoming drum major of the Marching Storm for the 2025-2026 and I have became a leading member within the Marching Storm ‘Bolt’ Dance Community. Dancing has became an internal passion blessed upon me by God, and I cannot wait to help others express themselves through dance!
.jpg)
Bailey Sanders | Director of Social & Emotional Learning
Bailey Sanders is a driven and compassionate junior at Bishop Lynch High School, known for her leadership, service and creativity. A Hope Squad member and Honor Council representative, she impacts her school community deeply. A varsity soccer state champion, she excels in athletics and academics, holding multiple honor society memberships. Bailey is also an entrepreneur and artist, contributing to community projects and youth programs. With global experiences and a passion for community, she makes a commitment to serving others.
Grace Otieno | Director of Leadership & Career Development
Grace Otieno is a former educator with a background in teaching, curriculum development, and college and career readiness. She has built partnerships with hundreds of businesses, institutions, and individual professionals to connect students to real-world opportunities. As the founder of the Kutana Foundation, she leads programs focused on leadership, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and professional networking—helping young people step confidently into their future. Grace also works as a financial professional, guiding individuals, families, and businesses in building strong financial foundations and long-term wealth strategies. She is known for turning knowledge into action and creating pathways to real impact. Favorite Quote: “Your network is not just who you know—it’s who knows you, believes in you, and is willing to open a door when it matters.”
Meet Our Board of Directors
Andrew Bates | Secretary
Andrew Bates, LMSW, MSW, MHSA, is a Licensed Master Social Worker with experience spanning public health, child welfare, mental health, and medical social work. He holds graduate degrees in Social Work and Health Services Administration, along with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, allowing him to approach care from both clinical and systems-based perspectives. A proud Mississippi native, Andrew has served underserved and rural communities across multiple states, including Arizona, where he worked as a travel medical social worker. Now based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, he is known for meeting people where they are and helping them navigate complex systems with dignity and compassion. Andrew’s core belief and professional mission is simple yet powerful: everyone deserves the opportunity to be happy, healthy, and whole.
Dr. Del'Rio Cole | Development Director
Dr. Del’Rio A. Cole, LMSW, HIVPCP, CCM, is a licensed psychotherapist, educator, advocate, and community leader whose work focuses on mental health equity, trauma-informed care, HIV advocacy, and empowerment within historically marginalized communities. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Dillard University in New Orleans, La., a Master of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University, and a Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky School of Social Work. He has built a professional career that bridges clinical practice, higher education, public speaking, and nonprofit leadership. Dr. Cole currently serves as a psychotherapist with BACH Therapeutic Counseling Services, where he provides culturally responsive care to individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, identity development, life transitions, and mental health challenges. He also brings experience in healthcare case management, behavioral health advocacy, and HIV care coordination and prevention management, with a specialized commitment to serving Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. In academia and public scholarship, Dr. Cole is recognized for his work exploring the intersections of religious trauma, mental health, spirituality, and identity, particularly within the Black LGBTQIA+ experience. His doctoral research, Healing Sacred Wounds: Understanding Religious Trauma in the Black LGBTQIA+ Community, contributes to emerging conversations around trauma recovery, liberation, and culturally affirming clinical practice. In addition to his research and clinical work, Dr. Cole is deeply engaged in community leadership, mentorship, and service. He is known for creating spaces that encourage healing, education, empowerment, and civic engagement through workshops, advocacy initiatives, and public dialogue. His recent appointment to the Board of Directors for "A Catalyst For Change" reflects his ongoing commitment to servant leadership, community impact, and advancing equitable opportunities for vulnerable and underserved populations. A proud New Orleans native, Dr. Cole is a founding member of the New Orleans chapter of Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc., an international service fraternity sustained by the five core principles of Brotherhood, Leadership, Loyalty, Justice, and Temperance, where he serves as the Vice President and Membership Chairman. He is also a member of the New Orleans Chapter of Black Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers.
Latonia Robinson | Treasurer
Latonia Robinson is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience in healthcare. She currently serves at the only safety-net hospital in her county, providing care to underserved and vulnerable populations and advancing health equity within the community. Her diverse clinical background includes hospice care, critical care, neonatal intensive care (NICU), and psychiatric nursing, giving her a comprehensive perspective across the lifespan and continuum of care. Latonia holds a certification in Case Management and brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare operations, team development, and quality improvement. Latonia is deeply passionate about serving the community and educating others on ways to improve quality of life. She is committed to advocacy, mentorship, and initiatives that promote accessible, compassionate, and effective care for individuals and families. Her extensive experience, combined with her servant-leadership approach, enables her to provide meaningful insight and leadership in support of nonprofit missions.
.jpg)
Brenna Watson | Marketing Communications Director
Brenna Wriston is a public affairs executive, nonprofit leader, and Licensed Master Social Worker with deep experience serving communities across Dallas and North Texas. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at JBJ Management, where she leads public-facing strategy, public-private partnerships, community engagement, government relations, communications, and program delivery. Brenna’s career has centered on helping people and organizations navigate complex systems with dignity, structure, and purpose. Prior to JBJ Management, she served as Senior Director of Community Collaboration and Partnerships at The Family Place, Executive Director at Alley’s House, and Program Services Director at The Salvation Army of North Texas. Her work has focused on strengthening support for individuals and families facing difficult transitions, especially when resources are fragmented or hard to access. Brenna's civic involvement includes Dallas Regional Chamber's Leadership Dallas Class 51, serving as an Executive Board Member and Economic Development Chair for the Oak Cliff Chamber, Leadership Oak Cliff, and Emerging Leaders of Philanthropy at Communities Foundation of Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work, focusing on nonprofit administration and is a former adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work. Brenna brings strong nonprofit administration experience, civic leadership, and a clear commitment to long-term community impact. Her background aligns closely with the organization’s mission to help people move from surviving to thriving through education, health access, economic opportunity, and trusted relationships. She is committed to building partnerships that last, honoring the dignity of every person, and helping create clear pathways for individuals and families to move forward with confidence and hope.