Meet Our Team


As you discover the myriad of ways the Office of Talent & Organizational Development (OT&OD) impacts the City’s learning and engagement culture, know that a passionate Team is behind it all! Each Team Member has a unique set of experiences and talents that have been cultivated over time. Every day they share them generously with one another, our learners, colleagues, customers, and visitors of the E.B. Cape Center...


Team Members are grouped into four distinct but interrelated Teams: Administration, Learning Design & Evaluation, Organizational Development, and Training.

  • The Administration Team develops and implements a learning, organizational development, and communications strategy that aligns with the Human Resources’ strategic plan.
  • The Learning Design & Evaluation Team focuses on the design and evaluation of learner-centered and high-impact learning solutions.
  • The Organizational Development Team acts as a strategic thought partner for department leaders using organizational success measures.
  • The Training Team engages learners in face-to-face, virtual, and blended learning environments.

If there’s anything we can help you with, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to joining you on your learning journey at the City of Houston.

Administration

Crystal Bessix
Dr. Crystal Bessix
Chief Learning Officer

832.395.4845

Ruth Izaguirre
Ruth Izaguirre
Administrative Assistant

832.395.4832

Lance Dones
Lance Dones
Communications Intern

832.395.4831

Learning Design & Evaluation

Dawn Janis
Dawn Janis
Learning Designer

832.395.4846

Larry Salazar
Larry Salazar
Learning Designer

832.395.4837

Rolando Ruiz
Rolando Ruiz
Senior Graphic Designer

832.395.4828

Organizational Development

Denise Wyche
Denise Wyche
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Division Manager

832.395.4822

Gideon Peterson
DR. Gideon Peterson
Organizational
Development Analyst

832.395.4830

Yolanda Woods
Yolanda Woods
Administrative
Coordinator

832.395.4626

Training

Deborah Johnson
DeBorah Johnson
TRAINING Division Manager

832.395.4823

Herb Shook
Herb Shook
TMS Analyst

832.395.4826

Arland Omali
Arlanda Omali
Training Coordinator

832.395.4854

Desiare Duplechan
Desiare Duplechan
Training Coordinator

832.395.4858

Ricardo Obasare
DR. Ricardo Obasare
Training Coordinator

832.395.4841 

Robert McNeill
DR. Robert McNeill
Training Coordinator

832.395.4823

Ronda Byrd
Ronda Byrd
Training Coordinator

832.395.4855

Monica Munoz
Monica Munoz
Administrative Assistant

832.395.4827

LaShonda Johnson
Lashonda Johnson
Administrative Associate

832.395.4829

Vision Statement

A learning center recognized for its diverse educational excellence and its commitment to adapting the workforce to a dynamic environment.



4501 Leeland Street, Houston, TX 77023
Phone: 832-395-4900
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

hrotod@houstontx.gov