WE SUPPORT THE
WHOLE FAMILY
We provide children and parents with social, emotional, and educational resources.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to educate, equip, and empower children and their parents to build strong, healthy family foundations so children can grow up in safe, nurturing environments and rise to their fullest potential.
We provide our children and parents with social, emotional, and educational resources.
We equip our children and parents with the tools to manage their lives successfully.
We empower our children and parents with the support of partnerships and services in the community.
WHAT WE DO
Gracefilled Opportunities of Hope provides research supported education to promote the healthy development of children and families. Our research uses a theoretical lens based on several well-known, well documented theoretical frameworks including social cognitive theory, bioecological theory, and attachment theory just to name a few. Through our research, we participate actively in conferences and promote training and education for schools, parents, and organizations.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"The fact that Dr. Clay is an active researcher in child trauma and child development as well as a former educator in public schools makes her very relatable and able to present in a way that is easily understood."
~ Tim C.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Dr. Shaleen Clay
Ph.D., LMSW, MBA
Dr. Shaleen Clay is an international speaker, author, and professional development specialist. Dr. Clay is the founder of Gracefilled Opportunities of Hope, a 501(c)(3) focused on promoting the healthy development of children and families. Dr. Clay earned her Ph.D. in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from Texas Woman’s University. She is a licensed social worker and holds an MBA. Dr. Clay’s research focus and interests include the influence of social media on children and youth behavior, problematic sexualized behaviors in children and youth, secondary traumatic stress, complex PTSD and child trauma, epigenetics, and unraveling the complexities within the education system to create supportive teaching environments for educators, administrators, and children.
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Dr. Shaleen Clay is an international speaker with over a decade of experience in public speaking and education. Presentations have included topics such as the Influence of Social Media and Social Networks on Juvenile Sexual Behavior; Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress in Teachers; Teacher Wellness; Creating Efficacious Schools; Understanding the Dangers of Social Media and Social Networks on Child Development and Behavior.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rebecca Dorton
Chair I Founding Board Member
Rebecca Dorton is a highly qualified, experienced educator and business professional focusing on enriched educational opportunities for children and their families. Becky received her BA degree from the University of Texas Permian Basin and completed graduate coursework in bilingual education at Sul Ross State University. She holds education certifications in early childhood, kindergarten, elementary, Spanish/English bilingual, and English for speakers of other languages. Becky’s decades of education experience include classroom teaching and specialized teaching focused on English and Spanish reading fluency for Spanish speakers.
She is highly experienced in implementing educational technology and presenting staff development for teachers as well as collaborating with colleagues to develop enrichment and differentiation programs. She has served as department chair, benefits coordinator, teacher organization district representative, and TCTA local president.
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Among other interests, Mrs. Dorton is experienced in public relations, as well as serving as a brand ambassador, marketing specialist, and realtor.
Melissa Fletcher
Vice Chair I Founding Board Member
Melissa Fletcher currently works as a secondary school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. Melissa earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce with an emphasis in both school counseling and clinical mental healthcare. She holds an undergraduate degree in Spanish from The University of Kansas.
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Melissa’s work has been primarily in the field of public education where she has served for over 20 years in all settings: elementary, intermediate and secondary levels as a bilingual teacher, a Spanish teacher and a school counselor. Recently, she started her own private practice, Mind & Sol Counseling, where she is the sole proprietor offering both virtual and in person services for clients of all ages focusing on anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, peer and familial relationship issues, school and work-related stress, and self-esteem. Her passion has always been advocating for marginalized populations and helping provide a sense of peace to all.
James A. Clay III MBA, MHA, MSE
Treasurer I Founding Board Member
James Clay serves as a Founding Board Member of Gracefilled Opportunities of Hope, providing strategic oversight, fiduciary guidance, and governance leadership in support of the organization’s mission to deliver meaningful and sustainable community impact. He brings more than 25 years of progressive experience in finance and financial planning and analysis (FP&A), primarily within the healthcare sector, with demonstrated expertise in financial strategy, operational performance management, and long‑term organizational sustainability.
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In addition to his healthcare finance leadership, Mr. Clay served for over 13 years as President of H.R. Clay Ranch Management, LLC, where he was responsible for enterprise‑level financial management, strategic planning, operational oversight, and asset stewardship. His executive leadership experience informs a disciplined and results‑oriented approach to organizational governance and strategic decision‑making.
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Mr. Clay holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a Master of Science in Energy and a Master of Legal Studies in Oil, Gas, Energy, and Environment from Texas A&M University. He has further enhanced his financial leadership capabilities by earning an FP&A Certification from Wharton Executive Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Mr. Clay’s extensive financial expertise, combined with his multidisciplinary academic background and executive experience, provides a comprehensive strategic perspective that supports effective governance, rigorous financial stewardship, and sustainable organizational growth.
What is Healthy Development and How Technology Negatively Influences Child Development
Healthy child development is multifaceted. Physical development, social development, and emotional development are the primary components of development. All of these are dependent heavily on a child’s environment which includes having a positive, supportive home, school, and community. Most importantly, a child must feel safe in all of these environments to be able to grow and learn. Children need to be able to express themselves in social environments that allow them to learn how to interact with others, regulate emotions, and express emotions through positive relationships and experiences.​
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In today’s world, technology has become a challenge to the family system as well as a child’s healthy development. When parents choose to be on devices when a child is present, this negatively influences a child’s emotional state, making them feel insecure. Parents’ use of technology can also negatively influence children’s speech and reading ability. Technological devices in the hands of children also negatively impacts children’s brain development, social development, and emotional development.