Meet the Team
Lana Ahrens, MS
Renee Weaver, MS
Lana Ahrens, MS
President
Co-founder
With more than 20 years of experience supporting families, Lana Ahrens serves as President and Executive Director of REACH, where she leads with creativity, compassion, and vision. She believes lifelong success begins with a healthy, loving family, and that small shifts in communication can create lasting, positive chan
President
Co-founder
With more than 20 years of experience supporting families, Lana Ahrens serves as President and Executive Director of REACH, where she leads with creativity, compassion, and vision. She believes lifelong success begins with a healthy, loving family, and that small shifts in communication can create lasting, positive change.
At REACH, Lana oversees daily operations and brings programs to life through healing art workshops, advocacy services, and initiatives like the Drug-Free Youth Coalition. Her inclusive leadership ensures every participant feels valued and connected, making her a driving force behind REACH’s mission.
Specializing in the use of art as a tool for healing and self-discovery, Lana embraces a holistic approach to well-being, supporting physical, mental, social, and emotional health. She has also served as an education advocate for children with special needs, guiding families through the IEP process, and as a Family Support Counselor, providing critical resources to help keep children safe and thriving at home.
A proud Girl Scout leader for 10 years, Lana embodies the values of service and leadership. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Family Studies from California State University, Northridge, and partners with A Window Between Worlds to offer trauma-informed art workshops that bring hope and healing to our community.
Above all, Lana is dedicated to fostering cooperation, understanding, and growth—helping individuals and families thrive as the best versions of themselves.
Contact: LanaA@REACHccl.org
Call or Text: 903-386-3484
Ashley Keheley
Renee Weaver, MS
Lana Ahrens, MS
Treasurer
Co-founder
A lifelong resident of Cedar Creek Lake and proud graduate of Mabank High School, Ashley has deep roots in the community. She uses her intimate knowledge of the area to extend support and encouragement to all. As a devoted mother of two remarkable boys, Ashley leverages her firsthand experience navigating challenges li
Treasurer
Co-founder
A lifelong resident of Cedar Creek Lake and proud graduate of Mabank High School, Ashley has deep roots in the community. She uses her intimate knowledge of the area to extend support and encouragement to all. As a devoted mother of two remarkable boys, Ashley leverages her firsthand experience navigating challenges like epilepsy, autism, and food allergies to become a staunch advocate for parents.
Her dedication to REACH shines through her various contributions. She guides parents at advocacy workshops, administers our virtual support network on Facebook, and assists with art workshops. Ashley's familiarity with the area she holds dear allows her to effectively coordinate the community calendar. Her unwavering optimism and invaluable insights into her home town make her a privilege to have at REACH.
Contact: AshleyK@REACHccl.org
Jacey Hurst
Shelly Barr, RN, BSN
Renee Weaver, MS
Board Member
Jacey is a multifaceted professional whose diverse talents span literature, animal care, art, and advocacy. As the author of 9 Days of Deities, she brings mythology and spirituality to life, weaving stories that inspire reflection and connection. She is also the proud owner of Dreamy Dogs, where she channels her creativity as
Board Member
Jacey is a multifaceted professional whose diverse talents span literature, animal care, art, and advocacy. As the author of 9 Days of Deities, she brings mythology and spirituality to life, weaving stories that inspire reflection and connection. She is also the proud owner of Dreamy Dogs, where she channels her creativity as a competitive groomer with a specialty in imaginative, artistic grooming.
Passionate about making a difference, Jacey is a strong advocate for both animal welfare and women’s empowerment. She serves on our Animal Advocate Committee and leads our Women’s Art Empowerment Workshops, creating spaces where creativity becomes a tool for healing and growth. Her dedication also extends to trauma recovery, where she uses art and compassionate guidance to support resilience and renewal.
For Jacey, art is not just a passion—it is at the heart of everything she does. Whether through writing, grooming, or facilitating workshops, she continues to uplift others and make a meaningful impact in the realms of literature, animal advocacy, women’s empowerment, and trauma healing.
Contact: JaceyH@REACHccl.org
Shelly Barr, RN, BSN
Shelly Barr, RN, BSN
Shelly Barr, RN, BSN
Monika Allen, MBA
Shelly Barr, RN, BSN
Shelly Barr, RN, BSN
Animal Advocate Committee Chair
Monika brings over 20 years of dedicated volunteer experience to the table, having served as an officer on the boards of two animal rescue non-profits. Her passion for animal welfare is further fueled by her academic background: a BS from Purdue University, an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and a pr
Animal Advocate Committee Chair
Monika brings over 20 years of dedicated volunteer experience to the table, having served as an officer on the boards of two animal rescue non-profits. Her passion for animal welfare is further fueled by her academic background: a BS from Purdue University, an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and a prestigious Executive Leadership Certification in Animal Shelter Management from Southern Utah University (sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society).
Through this specialized training, Monika gained invaluable insights into best practices for animal welfare leadership. This includes collaborating with local non-profits and elected officials to modernize animal control ordinances in favor of lifesaving measures.
Her unique combination of expertise in consumer product management and animal shelter direction makes her a strategic asset. Monika excels at planning, execution, and clear communication - all crucial skills for tackling REACH's Animal Advocacy Committee.
Her unique combination of expertise in consumer product management and animal shelter direction makes her a strategic asset. Monika excels at planning, execution, and clear communication - all crucial skills for tackling REACH's Animal Advocacy Committee key priorities: Promoting Spaying/Neutering: Monika spearheads educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of spaying/neutering pets and provides resources for low-cost services in the community. Pet Support Programs: She leads efforts to supply pet food to local food pantries and organize affordable vaccination & microchip clinics for pet owners. Legislative Advocacy: Monika works closely with elected officials to update animal control ordinances, aligning them with best practices adopted in other less-populated regions of Texas.
Monika's blend of passion, experience, and expertise makes her a powerful advocate for the well-being of animals in the community.
Contact: Advocacy@REACHccl.org
