Taylor Dédé says she wants to advocate for policy changes that improve public education and mental wellness.
Contact:
John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
Washington, DC— Dr. Brandy Taylor Dédé will serve as the new State Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Texas following a nationwide search.
Dr. Taylor Dédé most recently served as a school psychologist and Director at Diagnostic Assessment Services, Incorporated, for three years. Prior to that, she oversaw the operations of Bridgeway Preparatory Academy, in Farmers Branch, as the school’s Assistant Superintendent. In addition, Dr. Taylor Dédé owns Epiphany Psychological Solutions, which provides psychological services to individuals within school and community settings.
Dr. Taylor Dédé’s selection as State Director of CDF-Texas marks a return to the organization for the educator and school psychologist. Dr. Taylor Dédé previously served CDF-Texas as Youth Leadership Development Associate from 2012 to 2014, and earlier as an intern.
Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Defense Fund, said Dr. Taylor Dédé has displayed a commitment to providing inclusive educational opportunities for young people who have been disenfranchised by unjust policies, systems, and institutions.
“Dr. Taylor Dédé will make an immediate impact in her new role in my home state,” Dr. Wilson said. “She is dedicated to fighting for the well-being of all children and young people. I have no doubt she will do all she can to ensure Texas youth get the opportunity to grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.”
Dr. Taylor Dédé wants to further explore the nexus between practice, research, advocacy, and public policy, as they relate to child well-being, while serving as CDF-Texas’ state director.
“As a practitioner, I realized many local and statewide decision makers are ill-informed about the needs and resources of young people and families in public schools and Texas communities,” Dr. Taylor Dédé said. “I want to be a part of the solution by advocating for policy changes that improve public education and mental wellness.”
Dr. Taylor Dédé graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and an Education Specialist degree. She also completed her doctoral studies, with a specialization in Prevention Science, at Texas A&M University.
While a native of Louisiana, Dr. Taylor Dédé has spent the last 25 years in Texas, having resided in Marshall, Bryan-College Station, Houston, and now Dallas.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Celebrating 50 years in 2023, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.
