Governor Abbott appoints three to Texas Juvenile Justice Board

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of Matthew Marick and the reappointment of Joe Barton, Ph.D., and Stephanie House to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board. Their terms will expire on February 1, 2031. The Board is responsible for creating rules for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, its executive director, and staff, as well as establishing the mission and goals that prioritize keeping youth in their communities while balancing rehabilitation with public safety.

Matthew Marick, from Krugerville, serves as the director of Juvenile Probation for Denton County. He holds positions as vice president of the North Texas Chiefs Association and is a member of the Texas Probation Association. Marick graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministries from Liberty University.

Joe Barton, Ph.D., from Canyon, is a licensed professional counselor and chief juvenile probation officer for Randall County. His affiliations include membership in the Panhandle Area Juvenile Probation Officer Association and the West Texas Chief’s Association. Barton has previously been involved with several other organizations including the Texas Counseling Association and National Board for Certified Counselors. Additionally, he volunteers for the Canyon Independent School District Advisory Committee and serves as treasurer for the Canyon High School Choir Booster Board. He earned his Master of Arts in Psychology from West Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Walden University.

Stephanie House hails from Liberty Hill and works as a secondary school principal within Georgetown ISD. With over two decades in education, her experience spans roles such as Special Education teacher to Director of Instruction across various educational settings including juvenile justice systems. She participates in both national and state principal associations and volunteers with Texas Humane Heroes. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University Texas, and a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

The appointments await confirmation by the Senate.