ABOUT US

Who is

Hayley?

Jamie found Hayley when

she was just a puppy in

Canton, TX on “puppy alley”.

After witnessing the horrors

of puppy mills firsthand,

Jamie found a family who

had a litter of cocker spaniel Pictured left to right – puppies for sale. Jamie saw Hayley, Jamie McKean, Cody Joe Hodges &

Hayley and instantly fell in Banjo (adopted from the Brazos Animal Shelter) love. Hayley was Jamie’s

constant companion for 15+ years, and helped her through illness, divorce, sorrow, moves and career changes. Once she came into Cody’s life in 2012, she stole his heart as well. She ended up being a therapy dog for both and even accompanied them during numerous tours. Sadly, Hayley passed a few years ago, that’s when Cody came up with the name “Hayley’s Halo” – after all, she saved them as much as they saved her.

Cody Joe Hodges

Cody is a Nashville singer-

songwriter and recording artist.

He was born in Bryan, TX at

St. Joseph’s Hospital, and was

raised in Caldwell, TX. Cody

graduated from Caldwell High

School in 2001, and then went on

to attend college at Texas A&M

University. He graduated in 2006

with a degree in Agricultural

Development. After graduation,

Cody Joe set off for Nashville.

He spent a few months working in downtown Nashville, then decided he needed to step away from music. He ended up moving back home and joining the Army. At Cody’s first duty station in Fort Carson, CO, Cody was asked to try-out for the Army vocal ensemble group, “Harmony in Motion”. He made the audition and was immediately pulled back into music – playing military events, private events, and large sporting events

for the Army.

Upon discharge, Cody decided he would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a power lineman. At the same time, he formed a band called “Cody Hodges & the Lineman”. It wasn’t long before Cody decided to follow his true calling, and in 2012, decided to make the giant leap of faith and pursue his music career full-time.

2012 also proved to be a pivotal year in his personal life. At the end of 2012, Cody Joe Hodges met his wife, Jamie McKean. Jamie believed in him, his talent and, most importantly, that music was his true calling, so they joined forces - they began songwriting together and touring the US, promoting his solo career.

Cody currently splits his time between Texas & Tennessee. He has released 5 albums, and 7 singles to Texas radio and nationally, with his most recent album being “That Country Sound”, which he

co-wrote and co-produced with Jamie McKean.

Jamie McKean Hodges

Jamie was born at

St. Joseph’s Hospital in

Bryan, TX. She was raised

in College Station,TX graduating

from A&M Consolidated in 1993.

Upon graduation, Jamie enrolled

at Texas A&M University. She

graduated in 1998 with a degree

in Agricultural Development.

After graduating from Texas A&M,

Jamie moved to Dallas where she

began a career in purchasing,

marketing and product development in the beauty industry, working for such companies as TIGI/Bed Head Products and Sally Beauty. At the same time, she received her master’s degree in International Marketing from American Intercontinental University.

In 2006, Jamie decided to move back to the B/CS area, where she became a Project Manager for JaCody, Inc., a commercial construction company started by her father, Wick McKean. In 2012, she met her husband, Cody Joe Hodges, and began managing his music career. In 2015, she decided to focus on her and her husband’s music career, and left JaCody to pursue their dream full-time.

Currently, Jamie splits her time between Texas and Tennessee. She spends her time booking, promoting, managing, and marketing Cody Joe Hodges & CJH Productions (which includes songwriting, video production, graphic design, and marketing). In addition to songwriting, production and management, Jamie recently co-authored the book series and daily devotional “Prayers From the Front Porch” with Amanda Kidd.

She has dreamed of creating a safe space for special needs children and animals in need of rescue.

Krista Hazlett Salazar

Krista Hazlett Salazar was raised in College Station, Texas and graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 1993. Growing up in a working class family, Krista knew the importance of education and community resources at an early age. She knew she wanted to be in education very early on, and long before she knew how intertwined her professional life and personal life would be.

Krista met and married her husband, David, just after graduating high school, and soon began building their family. Because building a family was first and foremost in Krista's and David's plans, Krista didn't enroll in college until after the birth of their third daughter in 1999. And just a few years later, Krista had earned several undergraduate degrees, as well as a Masters Degree in Education, all while raising three daughters; Alyssa, Kayla, and Jenna. It was while she was completing her last semester of undergraduate school that Krista discovered she and David would be adding baby number four. Their three girls would soon have a baby brother, and their family would begin a challenging and beautiful adventure that would change their lives forever.

Cody joined the Salazar litter (as her daughters call it) in November of 2004. Krista began advocating for Cody's services before he was even a year old. She was able to recognize the delays in his development simply by being a mom and paying attention, and after a few months of arguing with physicians and "experts", Cody and the entire family began working with ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) to help with Cody's needs. He was diagnosed with "Pervasive Development Disorder" before he was even three years old. (This diagnosis was soon reassigned to the Autism Spectrum in 2008.) Therapists would come to the house several times a week and focus on helping develop and build Cody's skills. Play therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy were all a part of the Salazar family's daily routines and part of their "normal". Two sisters now work in special education, and another sister is a physical therapy assistant. All three of them devote their lives to others who have additional needs, and each one will gladly tell you that it's because of Cody.

Krista has taught junior high, high school, as well as ten years at Blinn College, and currently serves as the Education and Disability Specialist for BVCAP Head Start & Early Head Start in Bryan, Texas. She has been a part of teaching and learning for students aged birth to sixty-three years old during the past twenty years, in addition to coaching and serving as a sports official for some time in between. And as much as she thought she knew about educating others and teaching students new strategies for success, nothing taught Krista more than raising a special needs child and being immersed in a community so welcoming and loving towards individuals with special needs. Krista's own experience in the evaluation process and determination of services for Cody has helped her guide many parents through the process, which is what she loves best about her job.

Krista and her family actively participate in the special needs community in the Bryan/College Station area. Cody thrives on staying active and surrounded by people, so Krista and her three daughters can frequently be found working or volunteering for Special Olympic events, in the dugout or on the field with Crusaders Baseball (a baseball league for individuals with special needs), attending or working disability conferences and special events in the surrounding areas, as well as advocating for additional services and resources to be brought to the Brazos Valley.

When she's not working or out in the community, you can usually find Krista at home with Cody, any combination of her eight grandchildren, all three of her dogs, one cat, and possibly some of her eight grand-pups. Krista is by no means an expert in this field, but her heart and passion are with others who share similar experiences and journeys. Being a part of Hayley's Halo is a dream come true and something Krista hopes to continue learning from. After all, her adventure is not over yet.

Board of Directors

We are excited to share with you our Board of Directors. We have an all-star team with years of experience, diverse talents and expertise and a passion for our community. We can't wait to see what the future holds for Hayley's Halo with this group behind it.

Natalie Briaud Pine

Natalie Briaud Pine is an active member of the local community as well as serving as Managing Partner for Briaud Financial Advisors in College Station. She has served on many non-profit boards including positions as the President of the Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center Board, Treasurer of the Prenatal Clinic Board and OPAS Encore Board, and Community Vice President of the Junior League of BCS. She is also currently serving as a member of the Schwab Advisory Board and the Board of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

Her personal interests include spending time with her husband Roger Pine and two sons, Ryland and Royce, as well as playing tennis and soccer. In her younger years, Natalie was a national tennis player and played for the varsity team at Rice University.

Jennifer Wood

Jennifer is a skilled professional with an enthusiasm for community service. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 2001, she began her

career as a high school math teacher. She received her Masters degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in 2007 and moved from the classroom

into an Educational Diagnostician role. During that time she has earned her Principal and Superintendent certifications. She has used her education to serve students in the Brazos Valley for 20+ years as a teacher and administrator. Jennifer is currently using her skills to serve students and faculties across the US, as a School Leadership Coach with Instructional

Empowerment.

In addition to her flourishing career, when she is not watching her daughter participate in Varsity athletics, Jennifer serves as the President of the Allen Academy Ram Backer Athletic Booster

club. She enjoys watching student athletes flourish both on and off the field and is always happy to support these athletes by raising money through membership, concession sales and volunteerism.

Jennifer also serves as the Second Vice President of the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra as the Symphony Belles Coordinator. As an educator, she recognizes the importance of raising well rounded young women and exposing them to many different activities.

With her background in education and special needs, Jennifer is overjoyed to be working with Hayley’s Halo. When Jennifer is not working, watching her daughter play sports, and volunteering, she enjoys traveling and seeing the world.

Cassie Medlin

Cassie Medlin is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a passion for community service. Graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Speech Communication in 2002, she has since leveraged her skills in the corporate world, currently serving as a Project Manager at Satori Marketing.

However, Cassie goes beyond the corporate realm, demonstrating a deep commitment to philanthropy. She has been an integral part of The Junior League of Bryan-College Station, Inc. for over a decade, showcasing an unwavering dedication through various volunteer roles. This commitment culminated in her exceptional service on the Board of Directors for over six years, including a noteworthy term as President from 2015 to 2016. Currently holding the position of Executive Vice President, Cassie continues to provide strategic leadership to this esteemed organization.

Beyond her involvement with The Junior League, Cassie extends her impact to the local community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Ram Backer Sports Boosters at Allen Academy. This additional role demonstrates her commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting local initiatives to benefit local children.

Moreover, Cassie has lent her expertise to the American Heart Association, participating in the Go Red Luncheon Committee for two consecutive years. This reflects her dedication to health-related causes and a broader commitment to making a positive impact on societal well-being.

With a proven track record of leadership, a strong educational background, and a wealth of volunteer experience, Cassie brings a unique and valuable perspective to Hayley's Halo.

Cindy Cook

Cindy brings a unique perspective and experience to the board of directors. She was born in McKinney, TX, and raised in Princeton, TX where she graduated from high school. She then attended and graduated from Stephen F Austin State University with a business degree. While in her senior year at SFA, she worked as an office assistant at a local group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities. During her time in this position, her entire plan for her future changed. She fell in love with helping the residents and wanted to change her major. She was strongly encouraged to finish her business degree and then pursue a teaching certification at a later date. That is exactly what she did. After her marriage, 2 kids, and 9 years of working in banking and accounting roles, she attained her alternative teaching certification. She then began her career teaching as a special education teacher in a brick-and-mortar setting. While pursuing her career as a teacher, raising her children, and maintaining a stable home life, Cindy went on to earn her Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M in Commerce, TX.

After 12 years of teaching in a brick-and-mortar school, Cindy moved into the virtual education realm. She is now in her 10th year in virtual education and is currently serving a dual role for Stride Incorporated as the Interim Director of Student Services and the Senior Manager of Special Education. Her work supports 4 school districts in Texas, including the largest virtual school in the USA.

When Cindy and her husband, Mike bought land in northeast Texas and built their home, they followed their dream of rescuing and helping animals. Over the past 20 years, they have rescued and adopted hundreds of animals. Currently, they have 7 dogs, 1 cat, and 3 donkeys, most of which are rescues.

In her spare time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling with her husband of 25 years, and playing with her grandbabies. She is excited to be a part of Hayley’s Halo and use her knowledge and passion for helping people with disabilities as well as animals in need of rescue.

Darla Dyke

Darla is a huge advocate for individuals with all special abilities. She is also a co-founder in the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley. Darla is currently the Director of Operations for the DSABV and a Mom to an amazing young man with Down syndrome. Shane and Darla have a big family with 2 daughters, (wonderful son in laws) and Dillon’s unified partner his brother Chris (and an amazing daughter in law) and 4 beautiful grandchildren. She is always looking for ways to enrich the lives of special individuals. Everything she does is centered around independence and inclusion. Becoming a part of Hayley’s Halo is such an honor. We are huge animal lovers, this organization is exactly what the community needs in helping families cope with everyday struggles. It is proven that animal therapy teaches us all patience, kindness and a special love that’s in our hearts.

As a parent we all need to prepare for today, tomorrow and the future. No one should feel alone in this journey. We are all in this together!!

Melisa Dorney

Melisa Dorney, brings a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to Haley’s Halo board of directors. Her academic journey includes undergrad studies at Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University.

Driven by a deep passion for animals, Melisa actively volunteers with DFW Boxer Rescue, embodying her commitment to the well-being of our furry friends. She has been a Boxer mom since 1993, and has rescued many dogs. She just recently foster failed, again, with her new pup, Boudreaux. An avid animal lover, she also has a lifetime love of horses, chickens and pretty much all of God’s creatures.

Transitioning from a successful career as an interior designer for the past 25 years, Melisa has ventured into two new entrepreneurships. She is the founder of Beach Bum Cart Rental in Miramar Beach, Florida, offering island style transportainment for the local community and visitors. She is also the founder of Sugar Beach Boutique, an online women’s clothing boutique offering fun fashion at affordable prices.

When Melisa isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her fiancee and her two bonus kiddos. Her bonus son has Intellectual Disability and she has played a key role in helping him get accepted into the University of North Texas Elevar Program, an inclusive college experience, where he has excelled in personal growth and development and is learning to live independently. She also loves spending time with her pups and soaking up those gorgeous Florida sunsets.