Healthy Start Staff
Healthy Start – CenLa
Kristen Copenhaver
Director of Grants Management
kristen@acadianafamilytree.org
Kristen Copenhaver is the Director of Grants Management at The Family Tree Information, Education, and Counseling Center. She was previously the Healthy Start Project Director and has over 15 years of experience in working with women, children, and families. Kristen received a Bachelor’s of Applied Life Sciences Degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1998 and her Master’s in Counselor Education Degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2005. She is also a Certified Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor.
Kristen is the proud single mother of two amazing young men. When her boys are not on the basketball court, Kristen loves to read. As a child, her love of reading started when her mother paid her a penny a page so naturally she started with the encyclopedias. She also enjoys spending time with family and getting together with friends. Originally, from a small town in southwest Missouri, Kristen relocated to Lafayette in 1994 to attend USL. After 25+ years, she considers herself an honorary Cajun.
Tonya Hoover, RSW, CLC, CD
CenLa Healthy Start Program Manager
thoover@acadianafamilytree.org
Tonya Hoover is a registered social worker with the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners, a Certified Lactation Counselor, and a Certified Doula. She attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA where she graduated in May 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Tonya’s primary focus in the field of social work has been supporting and empowering families with young children so they may achieve their greatest potential. She is passionate about making a difference in families’ long-term outcomes.
Tonya hails from the booming city of Natchitoches but moved to the Acadiana area over 20 years ago. Tonya enjoys spending time with her family and friends and doing fun things with her son.
Sarah Brouillett
CenLa Healthy Start Case Manager
sbrouillette@acadianafamilytree.org
Ms. Sarah Brouillette hails from Baton Rouge, LA, and was raised in Simmesport, LA, where she currently resides in Scott, LA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University at Alexandria. Sarah’s life experiences have fueled her passion for helping others, leading her to choose a field where she can support and educate individuals within her community. With plans to further her education, Sarah aims to pursue a Master of Social Work degree.
In her leisure time, Sarah finds solace in reading, practicing yoga, and cherishing moments with her family. Eager to embark on her journey with CenLA Healthy Start, Sarah is committed to continuing her passion for community service in the place she calls home.
Lauryn Caldwell
CenLa Healthy Start Case Manager
LCaldwell@acadianafamilytree.org
Lauryn Caldwell hails from Monroe, LA and was raised in Pineville, LA where she currently resides. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology at Louisiana State University of Alexandria in 2024. She plans to further her education by pursuing not only a Master of Counseling Psychology, but also a Ph. D of Forensic Psychology. Lauryn has always had a passion to help others. She is passionate about the work that she does to help build up the community around her. She enjoys the work CenLa Healthy Start has to offer. She finds it to be a blessing to be able to be of help and support to the families who reside in CenLa.
Lauryn is a mom of one amazing daughter. She loves going on trips and shopping sprees with her daughter. She finds solace with being in nature and pampering herself with spa days. She also enjoys spending time with her amazing family and friends.
Lauren David, BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC
High-Risk Clinician & Doula Coordinator
ldavid@acadianafamilytree.org
Lauren is a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She joined The Family Tree as the High-Risk Clinician in 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisiana @ Lafayette (2002) and was originally certified as an IBCLC in 2011. She has also had special training in infant feeding issues through Chrysalis Orofacial’s TOTS (Tethered Oral Tissues) Specialty training program, which allows her to better identify and assist mother/baby dyads who are having difficulties with breastfeeding.
Lauren has over 20 years of experience in Maternal-Child services, working as a nurse in labor and delivery/nursery, as a public health nurse with the WIC & KidMed programs, and as a lactation consultant for a local hospital’s Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. She has her own lactation private practice, Drops of Hope Lactation and Wellness Consulting, where she visits families who need specialized support with breastfeeding. In the community, she serves on the Boards of both the Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition & Family Strong Foundation.
Lauren’s current role with The Healthy Start Program as High-Risk Clinician involves meeting with mothers who have a high-risk medical or nutritional condition to help clarify any questions or concerns they may have and develop a care plan for a healthy pregnancy, mother, and baby. She is also available for lactation consults to help with any specialized breastfeeding concerns.
Born and raised in Marksville, LA, Lauren moved to the Acadiana area for college in 1998, met her soulmate, and has been here ever since. She and her husband, Shawn, have 3 very active children who keep them busy and running every day of the week. In her few moments of downtime, she enjoys cooking, audiobooks, and sharing the wonders of natural solutions through essential oils.
Nikki Evans, PLPC
CenLa Healthy Start Mental Health Clinician
Nikki Evans holds a Bachelor’s in Social Science (2018) and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health (2022) from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a background in nonprofit organizations and diverse clientele, Nikki believes in the power of every individual’s narrative. She is dedicated to empowering people to transform their lives positively and lead healthier lifestyles. Specializing in women, children, and families, Nikki’s counseling experience covers various areas including depression, anxiety, anger management, boundary setting, parenting, and relationships.
Outside of her profession, Nikki finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and children, engaging in game nights, and watching movies. Committed to making a difference, she actively participates in her church community and finds fulfillment in witnessing her clients’ growth throughout their counseling journey.
“It’s so rewarding to see my client’s growth from the first session to the last. To see them find peace and understanding in a situation that they thought they wouldn’t overcome, is truly beautiful. The best part is, they did the work. They did it. They always had what was needed to help themselves.”
Rebekah Galle
Consortium Coordinator
rgalle@acadianafamilytree.org
Rebekah Galle grew up in Pineville, Louisiana, and is thrilled to support new parents in the CenLa region. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University and has dedicated the past 10 years to working with children and families in San Antonio, New Orleans, and CenLa. Rebekah has focused on gaining valuable insights from the families she serves and building strong relationships with community partners.
Rebekah loves spending time with friends and family in her free time, exercising, connecting with fellow moms, and reading psychological thrillers. As a mother to a young daughter, she is passionate about expanding access to services and support for moms and dads in the CenLa region.
Christopher Lazard, CD, CBS
(He, Him, His)
Fatherhood Coordinator
clazard@acadianafamilytree.org
Christopher Joseph Lazard was born in Opelousas, LA. Chris attended LSUE and All Nations Biblical Study Center. In 2010, Chris accepted the call to preach and in 2014, he brought to fruition the Spirit of Elijah Life Institute Church where he is the Founder and Senior Pastor. Learning to cope after the suicide of his cousin, Dominique Domino in 2016, Lazard started the Domino Effect – an organization geared towards the prevention and education of suicide. He is also the owner and operator of Lazting ImpressionZ LLC. Since the age of 12, Chris has played the piano, which helped him in the transition of becoming both a recording artist and a songwriter. His love for the betterment and empowerment of the world led him to the social service field. In his spare time, he enjoys singing, writing, traveling, and laughing whenever the chance presents itself. If asked what he is doing, his response would be “I’m trying to make the world a better place!”
Leona “Michelle” Young
CenLa Healthy Start Case Manager
myoung@acadianafamilytree.org
Michelle Young, a native of Northeast Louisiana, holds an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy (2020) and Bachelors of Arts in Psychology (2023) from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Joining The Family Tree team in 2023 as a Case Manager, Michelle brings years of experience from the public school system along with other lines of expertise, where she worked closely with children and families. Her time in diverse areas involving families and children fueled her passion for continued learning and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Michelle’s professional philosophy is established in the foundational belief that “Knowledge is power and societies can perish from lack of knowledge.” With a heartfelt desire to improve maternal and infant mortality outcomes, she embraces the opportunity to educate, advocate, support, and contribute to CenLa Healthy Start for the empowering of others.
As a single mother of three, Michelle has encountered challenges, struggles, and loss, which have equipped her with a unique ability to connect with others from diverse backgrounds. She approaches life with positivity and optimism, inspiring others to enhance their quality of life. Michelle plans to continue personally and professionally pursuing her passion to be one that will bring light in the mist of darkness while guiding others to success.
In her leisure time, Michelle thrives in the outdoors, indulging in activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking. She also enjoys music and cherishes moments spent with her children.
With a resilient spirit and determination to overcome obstacles, Michelle endeavors to make a meaningful difference across Louisiana.
Sue Johnson