**Please note we are NOT a program. We only provide transport services to programs! (rehab centers, wilderness programs, and therapeutic boarding schools.)**
Click to read about the founder of Next Step Youth Transport Services: Anji Maddox
Lisa B.
Lisa has worked in the banking and customer service industry for over 38 years, but three years ago she took a huge leap of faith that changed everything in her world. She joined Anji’s team here at Next Step Youth Transport Services. What she wasn’t expecting, was the impact that the parents and children would have in her life. She raised two teenage boys, and found that she could relate very well to the parent’s struggles and complexities of a child in crisis. She is married to the love of her life for 41 years, and throughout those years have “raised” several children, her own and some not her own. She is a mother and grandmother, family is so important to her, and she treats every family that comes to Next Step as an extension of her own. As Director of Operations, her job calls for her to work closely with the families, the agents, and the programs as well as all the logistics and invoicing. She truly has found her passion and calling working in this profession.
Darren M.
Darren M. is a father and former United States Marine with a C4SIR (Command, Control, Computers, Communication, Surveillance, Intelligence, Reconnaissance) background. While in the service he held a NATO Secret Security Clearance and attended Computer Sciences School in Quantico, Va. He also attended the Marine Corps Institute in Washington D.C. and received diplomas in numerous areas of study to include Terrorism Counteraction, Weapons, Battle Skills, and Leadership. Darren was assigned to MCTSSA (Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity) and 1st SRIG (Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Intelligence Group). Initially qualified as a Marine Sharpshooter he went on to qualify as a 3rd award Rifle Expert.
Darren is licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Private Security Bureau as a Private Investigator and Personal Protection Officer. He is also a Texas Supreme Court Certified Process Server, Texas Notary Public, Certified Surveillance Investigator, Certified “Handle with Care” Behavior Management System Instructor, Certified Firearms Instructor and holds a Concealed Handgun License. Darren is also licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Concealed Handgun Instructor. Certifications include the collapsible baton and oleoresin capsicum aerosol projector. Darren is a highly motivated Security Specialist experienced in the areas of Executive Protection, Investigations, and Special Event Security. He is a skilled facilitator with excellent contacts and has experience in coordination of both small and large projects. He is comfortable in low or high-risk situations and is able to put forth excellent leadership qualities and management skills in any environment.
Ashley N.
Ashley is a Licensed Private Investigator, Security Consultant, Commissioned Security Officer, and Personal Protection Officer (PPO).
Ashley specializes in Criminal Background Checks, Due Diligence Checks, and provides Private Protection Services to High Profile Executives, several celebrities and political figures including a U.S. Congressman and a former President of the United States. She has done long distance at risk youth transports to various areas of the US and has done so under the training from a Handle With Care instructor. Ms. N. is also a certified EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and a Gun Shot wound care instructor.
Ashley has in-depth experience working with crisis management situations and hostile terminations. Ms. N. additionally has expertise conducting large scale security assessments in the areas of Physical Security, Cyber Security, and Bio/Chemical Security in the Utility/Energy industry and has been in the private investigative business since 2009. Ms. N. has worked a wide range of investigations including assisting V4CR (Veterans for Child Rescue) in a large scale operation in conjunction with LE to apprehend sexual predators/traffickers.
Ashley has extensive firearms training and is a NRA Certified Instructor in Basic Pistol, Private Protection in the Home, and Firearms Safety. Ms. N frequently trains and will continue to do so to provide a safe and secure environment to anyone and everyone she works with in the future.
Terry B.
Terry is trained in dealing with at-risk youth and has worked in youth counseling for over 15 years. He has worked with Fellowship of Christian Athletes program and volunteers as a Camp Coordinator and has been a Youth Pastor for over 15 yrs. Terry is licensed by the Texas Department of Public safety as a Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer, a Personal Protection Officer, and a Private Investigator. Terry is a father of 3 children. He loves being able to make a difference in the lives of troubled youth by using his calm demeanor to help them workout their issues.
Kelly O.
After graduating from Southwest Texas State University, Kelly served as a Community Relations Officer in the U.S. Army, specializing in crisis management and managing interactions with local community organizations, schools and youth programs. Kelly has a master’s degree in Human Resource and Training Development and is licensed by the state of Texas as a Private Investigator, Commissioned Security Officer and Personal Protection Officer. Kelly serves her neighborhood as a member of VIP (Volunteers in Patrol) and has also participated in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, sponsored by the Office of Emergency Management, to aid her community in response to a crisis or natural disaster. She is an NRA Certified Instructor and trains extensively with firearms and medical trauma response, frequently providing range operations, safety supervision and coaching for individuals and families in personal defense training programs. Kelly loves working with at-risk youth and knows how to form a rapport with them during such a difficult time in order to assist them while in crisis.
William R.
William is a licensed Private Investigator, All Lines Insurance Adjuster, and level IV Personal Protection Officer. William is also an Expert Vehicle and Property Appraiser, Accident Investigator and Reconstructionist, Notary Public, and former Chairman of the “Unlicensed Activity” Committee for the Texas Association of Licensed Investigators.
Raised in Mexico for several years, William became fluent in the Spanish language and accustomed with the culture. In addition, this experience allowed William to become highly adaptable and comfortable operating in unique environments. With over 30 years of training and experience, William is uniquely prepared for today’s ever-changing challenges and situations. This training and experience combined to forge William into a highly effective investigator able to adapt and conform to an array of situations and obtain evidence in even the most challenging environments.
From advanced experience driving and maneuvering a multitude of vehicles in combat and pursuit environments, to a lifetime of investigative, security and self-defense training, William has dedicated his life to developing the mental and physical skills needed for today’s challenging market environments. While working with the Department of Defense, William had the privilege of utilizing and honing many of those skills in the combat zones of Iraq while embedded with the U.S. Military during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
William is married and the proud father of 4 children. His 26-year-old son is a Naval Aviator, his 18-year-old son just graduated High School and now going to the University of Houston to be a Mechanical Engineer. He has a 16-year-old daughter in High School who makes straight A’s. Then his youngest daughter, 15 years, has never made below a 97 and did not miss ANY questions on the STAR test for her first 5 years.
Denise
Denise is licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Private Investigator, Commissioned Security Officer, and Personal Protection Officer. She has an extensive background working with Law Enforcement Agencies serving as Sheriff Secretary, CID Secretary, Drug Task Force member, and transporting Adult and Juvenile inmates. She served as first point of contact for the department; maintained confidentiality in all matters related to the department. She worked effectively with other agencies to request records which included criminal, background, arrest, warrant records and collaborated with these agencies on sensitive issues while dealing with the public. She has years of experience in Private Investigating surveillance and counter surveillance. She has also participated in Community Emergency Response Team and Disaster work.
She has worked with both adults and children in dealing with abuse and substance abuse cases. She has received training on dealing with adult and youth mental health issues and abuse. She has aided in finding rehabilitation for abused children and adults, drug, and alcohol abuse. She was called to help search female suspects by DPS while on traffic stops. She has worked as a Job Coach and Group Home Caregiver for the Texas Mental Health Department. She’s had extensive training on working with high-risk anger management with mental health issues in a safe way. She’s had in-depth experience working with children and adults. She enjoys working with at-risk profile cases and knows how to form a rapport during such a difficult time to assist client while in crisis. She has years of experience in surveillance work along with Private Investigations for multiple departments and as a self-contractor. With 25 plus years working with and round law enforcement agencies. This experience has giving her the opportunity to encounter cases that has helped her with knowledge of her job duties and strengthen her ability to perform at her best.
She has raised 3 stepchildren of her own now of adult age. She has worked with adults and children of all ages from caregiving to substitute teaching, coached softball and helped with coaching other sports with other children of her hometown. Growing up in a rough lifestyle alone has helped her relate to others in different life events. She has always kept her faith in dealing with what life holds for her as well as staying close to her Christian roots. She enjoys running long distance now for 15 years with a wall of running medals. She enjoys trail bike riding on challenging terrains. She enjoys fishing, playing sports, cooking out with friends. Most of all she enjoys helping children and adults better themselves and being a good influence in their lives. She possesses a strong sense of awareness and attention to detail. Her positive attitude and sense of humor helps her succeed in difficult situations. She is an experienced professional with proven leadership skills, communication, and she adepts well at problem solving. She is currently employed for Texas Department of Transportation (Austin TXDOT) as the Construction Quality Assurance Specialist II.
Kenneth
Kenneth is a father of 3 kids and a native Texan that was born and raised outside of the DFW metroplex. Kenneth’s experience and expertise has led to traveling to locations such as Europe, China, New Zealand, Mexico and Stateside. Kenneth is currently active in his community serving as a two-time member of the PAC (Parent Advisory Council) in Navarro County and is a proud member of the Dawson Lions Club as well as the Vietnam Veterans of America. Kenneth spends time working with youth and participating in activities throughout the community that have impacted him as a father and career investigator. Kenneth’s early years included an enlistment in the armed forces after 9/11 and afterwards opening his own consulting company for security logistics and business intelligence consulting. Kenneth has worked with others in providing training and threat assessments for corporations and private sector companies which serve as building blocks for others. Kenneth’s dedication to his community, family, and associates have made him a valuable member of the transport industry.
Raymond
Raymond served 10 years in, The United States Air Force and 10 years as a Commissioned Officer with The Texas Department of Public Safety. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Technical Degree from the Community College of the Air Force. He has over 7000 hours of specialized training in various technical and academic disciplines.
He has had various experiences throughout his career dealing with at risk youth in many diverse situations. He has attended several courses in human and emotional psychology, physical and verbal de-escalation, and emotional intelligence. Raymond is CPR certified. In addition, he is TCCC Certified (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) which was developed to teach evidence-based, life-saving techniques and strategies for providing the best trauma care. He comes from a large family and is 1 of 6 siblings. Raymond is considered a loving husband and father that spends most of his time outdoors with his kids.
Michael
Michael S. is a versatile professional with a passion for health, wellness, and service. With a diverse background spanning from fitness coaching, transportation services, and construction, Michael brings a unique blend of skills, expertise, and dedication to every role he undertakes. Michael’s journey in the health and wellness industry began when he started his own business as a Fitness Entrepreneur back in 2018. He has meticulously crafted personalized fitness programs tailored to individual needs, fostering measurable improvements in strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Michael’s commitment to ongoing education and staying abreast of industry trends ensures that he provides the most effective guidance and support to his clients. Transitioning into the realm of transportation services, Michael happily serves as a Youth Transport Agent. Michael’s compassionate approach, coupled with his attention to detail, ensures that each journey is a supportive and personalized experience for these youth. Michael’s commitment to professional development is underscored by his educational achievements. He has completed training programs at EMTS Academy, Texas State University, as well as fire training at Temple Fire Training Academy. Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael is an avid ultra marathon runner, with a passion for pushing his physical and mental limits. Whether tackling urban streets or scenic trails, Michael embraces the challenge of the marathon distance, embodying perseverance, determination, and resilience with every stride. When Michael works with youth, he loves educating them on health and wellness. He loves giving these kids goals and aspirations to have a better life and future.