Meet the Team
The Here For Texas team is a talented group of professionals with psychology, social work, and clinical mental health backgrounds. Our staff is dedicated to providing empathic support to people seeking mental health and addiction resources and ensuring they get connected to the services they need. Our team is always leading the way to make a difference in North Texas.
Kevin Hall
President
Kevin works closely with Vanita and staff to oversee day-to-day operations and future growth initiatives, with an emphasis on marketing, program services, community outreach, and development. He is an avid golfer and, in his spare time, is a golf course rater and occasional editorial contributor for Golfweek Magazine.
Here For Texas Team
Leslie Silva Castillo, MSW
director of mental health resources
Leslie leads the Foundation’s mental health resources strategy and Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. She works closely with individuals, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand access to mental health care and connect North Texans with resources that meet their unique needs. Leslie holds a master’s degree in social work and brings nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, including more than six years in a hospital setting helping survivors of complex trauma access mental health care and essential social services. As a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Leslie is especially passionate about increasing access to culturally responsive mental health support for Hispanic and Latino communities while helping break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
Florencio gobellan, BSW
Mental Health Resources manager
Florencio connects individuals and families with mental health resources through the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work, with a focus on mental health and substance use and completed his clinical internship at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s inpatient psychiatry unit. Florencio also served as a student resource intern at Harvard University, helping students navigate academic, personal, and wellness concerns. As a bilingual professional, he is passionate about making mental health care accessible, culturally responsive, and easy to navigate. Florencio is especially committed to supporting Spanish-speaking families, underserved communities, and individuals seeking mental health resources for the first time.
leslie melendez, MSW
Mental Health Resources Manager
Leslie connects families and individuals with mental health resources through the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. She hold’s a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in mental health and substance us. With a background in behavioral health, case management, and educational outreach, Leslie is committed to helping individuals navigate mental health resources in ways that are accessible and affirming. She’s especially passionate about reducing stigma and improving access to care for Spanish-speaking and underserved communities.
Esmeralda nava, LMSW
Mental Health Resources Manager
Esmeralda connects individuals with mental health resources through the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line and supports volunteer mental health navigators. A licensed master social worker, she has a background working with victims of domestic violence and related crimes in the Hispanic/Latino community who are eligible for immigration benefits. With a deep passion for serving diverse and underrepresented populations, Esmeralda has built her career around empowering individuals and ensuring they can access the tools they need to heal and thrive. She is especially committed to bridging the gap in mental health access for the Hispanic/Latino community and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.