Meet Our Incredible Board Members

Dr. Michael Faggella-Luby

 Michael Faggella-Luby, PhD is a lifelong Catholic educator and advocate for meaningful inclusion. A former Catholic school teacher and administrator, Michael has spent more than two decades partnering with Catholic schools across the country to strengthen instructional practices and build systems that honor the dignity and potential of every learner. He currently serves as a Professor of Special Education at Texas Christian University, where his teaching, research, and outreach focus on improving access, assessment, and high-quality instruction for students with disabilities. He is also the parent of a twice-exceptional child, an experience that continues to deepen his commitment to ensuring that families of all abilities find belonging in Catholic schools. Michael and his wife Kate are the proud parents of two children.

Carrie Ro

FIRE Foundation Dallas was founded in 2019 by Carrie Ro after moving to Dallas and discovering that inclusive Catholic education was not available. Her vision grew from her family’s experience at their previous Catholic school, where her son Jonathan, who has Down syndrome, was fully included and thrived alongside his peers. Motivated by this success and decades of research on inclusive learning, she set out to ensure other families would not face similar barriers.

Cathy Brandt

Cathy is a practicing attorney and mother of two adult daughters.  She volunteers at a local church for their Night OWLS program.  Night OWLS (Out With Loving Sitters) is a respite program for families throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area that is open to children with disabilities and their siblings.  Through her volunteer work, Cathy became passionate about the issues surrounding inclusion of children with disabilities in parochial schools.

Elizabeth Hall

Beth Hall is a mother and of three children and former Special Education Teacher.  She holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in Educational Psychology.  Beth has worked in public education and Catholic education as a teacher as well as a student and family advocate.  She is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities to be included in all aspects of the life of the Church, Catholic education, and the community.  She believes that all people have an innate desire to belong and that we, as the Church, must honor and uphold the dignity and beauty of every person, created by God, by fostering a community where all are welcome and all belong.

Laura Herrera de Villarreal

I was born and raised in Mexico. Received a bachelor’s degree in International Business and later completed postgraduate studies (EMP-MBA) in Europe. Emigrated to USA shortly afterwards for professional reasons and have come to love the country I now live in. On January 2012, the most amazing little girl came to shape and redirect our lives and since then I dedicate every day to make her life one special adventure. My commitment is to make an impact in the lives of children with Down Syndrome by helping them reach their full potential and assure an adulthood with independence and an active role in society. I am always thankful for the lessons life teaches me and appreciate “all the things we can only see with our heart,” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).

Kassandra Roe

Kassandra Roe is a passionate advocate for the pro-life movement. She spent five years teaching in special education classes at a public schools. She is currently teaching at Regina Caeli Academy and leaning into her new role as a mother to her son, who spent 10 weeks in the NICU when he first arrived. Kassandra has always been passionate about inclusion and inspiring independence, especially within the Catholic Church. She is an alumna of Texas A&M University and spent two years as the assistant director for the Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley before moving to Dallas with her husband in 2023. 

Andrew Gagie

Valeria Salas

Valeria Salas is a devoted mother, student, and advocate whose life is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep belief in inclusion. As a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful children, an energetic 10-year-old daughter and a bright, loving 3-year-old son with Down syndrome, Valeria has built her life around caring for her family while continuing to pursue her own goals. Her children are her greatest motivation, and they inspire her to approach every day with patience, strength, and a commitment to creating a supportive and loving home.

Driven by her desire to help families like her own, Valeria is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in social work. She hopes to use her education to advocate for individuals who may feel overlooked or misunderstood, and to provide resources, support, and encouragement to families navigating unique challenges. Her studies allow her to combine personal experience with professional training, strengthening her ability to uplift others with empathy and understanding.

Valeria is a passionate believer in the power of inclusion. She sees inclusion not just as a concept, but as a necessary foundation for a compassionate society—one where every child, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers. This belief guides her advocacy for her son, as she works toward having him attend the same Catholic school as his sister. For Valeria, this effort is about more than education; it is about ensuring that her son is welcomed, valued, and fully integrated into the same community that has shaped her daughter’s growth.

Whether she is supporting her children, studying to become a social worker, or advocating for educational equality, Valeria is committed to making a meaningful difference. Her journey reflects courage, hope, and a deep dedication to creating a more inclusive world—not only for her son, but for all families who deserve to feel seen, supported, and included.