Liana is a dedicated Public Relations Coordinator for the Region 6 PRC. Previously, Liana served Phoenix House Texas as a certified prevention specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field. Known for their self-motivation and passion for making a difference, Liana has consistently demonstrated a commitment to bringing about positive change. Their expertise spans various aspects of prevention, and they have a proven track record of inspiring others and creating impactful change.
Currently, Liana is focused on transforming the field of public relations within region 6. They aim to leverage their extensive experience and innovative approach to inspire and lead initiatives that promote awareness, education, and proactive measures. Liana’s vision is to foster a community that is well-informed and empowered to take preventive actions, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.
Dr. Sherry Peoples-Banks has built a meaningful and diverse career in prevention and behavioral health throughout her more than 16 years with Phoenix House Texas. Beginning as a Prevention Specialist, she worked closely with schools and communities to deliver evidence-based substance-use prevention programs while strengthening partnerships to expand outreach and effectiveness. Her experience also includes serving as a Case Manager, where she demonstrated strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to promoting healthy behaviors among youth and families.
In her current role as Regional Alignment Coordinator for the Region 6 Prevention Resource Center, Dr. Banks works strategically with community partners and key stakeholders across 13 counties. She supports regional collaboration, promotes data-driven decision-making, and helps strengthen prevention initiatives that advance behavioral health and community well-being.
Dr. Banks holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and an MBA focused on Nonprofit Management and Strategic Leadership from Springfield College. She earned her Doctor of Business Administration from Liberty University, with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and Strategic Leadership. She is also an International and Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist. In 2026, Dr. Banks received the APPM Prevention Resource Center Award and was named Prevention Professional of the Year by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP).
Beyond her work with Phoenix House Texas, Dr. Banks serves on the Boards of Directors for the Houston Recovery Initiative and the Coalition for Behavioral Health. She is also an author, ordained minister, and founder of Hope for Despair Ministries and Iron Sharpens Iron Women’s Fellowship. In her personal time, she enjoys writing, ministering, bowling, traveling, and spending time with her family. Through her professional expertise, collaborative leadership, and heart for service, Dr. Banks continues to make a lasting impact in prevention, behavioral health, and recovery.
Luis Aguayo Jr. is a health advocate from East Houston, Texas and a 2025 graduate of the University of Houston with a B.S. in Health, concentrating in Health Promotion. Passionate about empowering his community, Luis works alongside his team in Region 6 PRC. Together they promote wellness, preventative care, and health education to all individuals across the region. Driven by a desire to give back to the neighborhood that shaped him, he focuses on creating meaningful, lasting impact through initiatives that inspire healthier lifestyles and stronger communities all across Southeast Texas.
Connor Gilbertson graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. After graduation, he began working in the Substance Use Prevention field at The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council with the Region 5 Prevention Resource Center (PRC) as their Public Relations Coordinator. He then moved to Houston, where he served as the Public Relations Coordinator for the Region 6 PRC at the Council on Recovery. Connor serves Phoenix House Texas as the Region 6 PRC Director.
Crystal Waddell holds a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration and is an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist with over 17 years of experience in the prevention field. She became the Director of the Phoenix House of Texas Prevention team in February 2017, previously serving as Prevention Supervisor at Phoenix House from 2002 to 2015. Her nonprofit management experience also includes positions at Harris County’s Residential and Treatment facility, Young Men About Change (YMAC), and Women Helping Ourselves (WHO-A), where she was responsible for planning, organizing, directing, controlling the management and service delivery and related administrative and support activities; as well as ensured compliance with program standards and contract requirements.
She has years of experience working in residential, juvenile, public, and charter school settings, servicing youth and adults throughout the city of Houston. With her dedication to the individuals that she serves, her goal is to increase awareness of the dangers that are associated with drugs and alcohol and give the community resources that will equip them to live a healthy lifestyle.