About Abrazo

Elizabeth grew up as a preacher’s kid. She majored in piano at Interlochen Arts Academy before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Sociology, followed by a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She played piano professionally on the Riverwalk, worked in public relations, and directed church children’s choirs before becoming a licensed therapist and a licensed child placing agency administrator. Elizabeth’s greatest accomplishments have included college cheerleading, founding Abrazo, and raising two fine sons as a single mom. Church keeps her sane, and chocolate, jazz and retail therapy keep her happy. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys reading, politics, Broad way shows, and traveling anywhere there’s sunshine and ocean.

Ximena was born and raised in northern Mexico, but holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Spa Management from the University of Arizona; she worked in the hospitality industry in Scottsdale, AZ and at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. She relocated with her husband to San Antonio, and earned her Master’s degree in Counseling & Guidance. A treasured member of the Abrazo team since 2016, Ximena is our Adoption Specialist, providing the best of client support, homestudies and post-adoption supervision (while also maintaining a private counseling practice and moonlighting as a school counselor.) This proud dog mom of two enjoys traveling, reading and crafting. Her claim to fame (besides having been Artie the Artichoke, her college mascot– yes, there is such a thing) is conversing fluently with just about anybody in English and/or Spanish, and running marathons if the medal looks good.

Renee is a South Texas native who got her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, then put herself through grad school to earn her Master of Social Work degree. She is a licensed social worker, the published author of a novel, a serial dater, and the proud mom of an absolutely adorable canine fur baby named Bandit (and she is particularly blessed to have absolutely awesome hair.) She considers herself remedially-challenged when it comes to decorating, but she’s a great listener and a world traveler, and goes the extra mile to find great resources for her clients in need. Renee enjoys dancing, working out, doting on her nieces, and her favorite homecooked meal is picadillo (and yes, you read that right, lol.)