Traci Nicole Howeth graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in December of 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development and Family Relations and went on to complete all state courses and requirements, earning her State of Texas Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker credentials in 2003. Traci began her career as a child abuse investigator for the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services in January of 1990, working as an advocate for abused and neglected children, before transferring to an inpatient Psychiatric Center working with children and youth with severe mental health issues.
In September of 1992, Traci began working with Harris County Community Youth Services, where she worked tirelessly as a Crisis Intervention Specialist. As a County Employee, she was school campus based, and acted as a liaison between multiple Schools, Children’s Protective Services, Police Agencies, the Juvenile Probation Department and the Court System. She worked with children ranging in age from Pre-K through High School, providing immediate crisis intervention and support to children and families dealing with domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, gang violence, grief and trauma issues, suicide/homicidal threats, children victimized by internet crimes, and many other highly at risk areas. Traci gave numerous awareness presentations to staff, parents and youth and assisted in coordinating prevention events such as “Shattered Dreams” and the Documentary “Chronicles of a Teen Killer”. She received numerous awards for her work throughout her career.
In 2014, Traci retired from Harris County and worked as a Contract Crisis Social Worker at Spring High school, offering individual and group crisis counseling support to staff, parents and students following an on-campus homicide. Traci also acted as the liaison between campus staff and students, Police Investigators, The District Attorney’s Office and other agencies throughout the aftermath of the event and the trial.
Although she “officially retired” in 2016, Traci is still very active in her field of passion: helping youth and families. She consults with and supports parents and schools giving presentations on topics affecting our youth today, volunteers with church organizations and is a proud Board Member and supporter of Hands of Justice, an inspiring Human Trafficking Awareness and Education Non-Profit agency based in Montgomery, County Texas.
