About Us

our leadership

Originally from Los Angeles, James Castro has been married to his wife Tara for the past 15 years. Together, they have 3 adopted boys. Castro received his Mster's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary's University. He loves working at St. PJ's because he is passionate about healing and saving lives of the children in our community.

"I love observing our staff showing affection, tenderness and kindess to the children and the children responding with smiles and laughter."

Denise believes there is a need fulfilled by St. PJ's.

"That mission, the core values and the amazing people who work at and lead through volunteerism make St. PJ's an awesome team to be a part of. I truly believe God led me to this opportunity and I hope i never disappoint Him or any of our team members.

One of my favorite memories is when one of our young men learned to change the oil in his car with the help of my husband. They both teased and harrassed me the entire time."

Janet first became involved with child advocacy through the Court Appointed Special Advocate program as a volunteer in Travis County, Texas. The life changing experience as an advocate for abused and neglected children inspired her to change her career, using her business, advertising, and sales experience on behalf of children.

She started with CASA as a Supervisor of Volunteers and became Executive Director in January 2003. Today she is leading the development department at St. PJ’s Children’s Home as the Director of Institutional Advancement.

Janet brings business management and financial experience from her time as co-owner of a small business in Austin, TX. Previously, she worked in the newspaper business, starting with the Cox Media chain in Austin, Texas in the advertising department. She also worked in newspaper operations, taking the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio through the transition from manual production to a completely digital system. Most importantly, she started her career as a teacher. It’s that initial passion for children that brought her back to the work that inspires and motivates her.

“I understand at the deepest level that it is my life’s mission to advocate for abused and neglected children…I also believe that there are no coincidences in life and that I am here to use my passion for the vision and my extensive management experience to help lead St. PJ’s Children’s Home,” said Ketcham.

Ketcham graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor in Journalism with minors in Government and Education. She holds a Texas lifetime teaching certificate.