Matt and Nikki Darrah

Matt and Nikki Darrah never anticipated becoming involved in foster care—until a late-night call changed everything. A mother, desperate to keep her children with someone familiar, reached out to them for help. That moment opened their eyes to the overwhelming need for support when children enter care and the families who step in to receive them.

Out of that experience, Panhandle Orphan Care Network was born. In 2017, Matt and Nikki founded POCN with a clear purpose: to provide Placement Packages filled with essentials specifically chosen for each child, offering comfort and stability during one of the most uncertain times in their lives.

In June 2024, Matt transitioned into a full-time role as Executive Director to further grow POCN’s mission across the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Together, Matt and Nikki continue to lead with compassion, faith, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe from day one of entering the system.

Carter Estes

Carter Estes is a follower of Christ, a fifth-generation Texan, and the current Executive Director of Elevate Amarillo. A proud native of the Texas Panhandle, Carter was born in White Deer to a schoolteacher and oilfield worker. Aside from his years in Lubbock and Cambridge, he has called the Panhandle home his entire life.

Carter earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. His career has taken him from managing political campaigns across the country to serving his local community in leadership roles, including his time with the City of Amarillo.

Today, Carter serves as Board President of Panhandle Orphan Care Network, where he is passionate about bringing awareness and practical support to children in foster care. He and his wife, Cassidy—a dedicated elementary school teacher at South Lawn Elementary—are active members of Saint Stephen Methodist Church.

Valerie Hockaday

Valerie Hockaday is a follower of Christ, a longtime member of Paramount Baptist Church, and a devoted wife and mother of four. She is the owner and Hearing Instrument Specialist at Advanced Hearing Aid Technology of Amarillo, where she provides compassionate care to those experiencing hearing loss.

As Board Treasurer of Panhandle Orphan Care Network, Valerie considers it an honor to serve children entering the foster care system. She is deeply committed to offering love and support from the very first moments of their placement—striving to reflect the hands and feet of Jesus in every step.

Cadence Theiss

Cadence Theiss is currently pursuing a degree in psychology and brings a thoughtful, people-centered perspective to her role as Board Secretary for Panhandle Orphan Care Network. Passionate about mental and emotional well-being, Cadence is honored to be part of an organization that uplifts children and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Beyond her work with POCN, Cadence finds joy in music, art, volunteering, and meaningful time with loved ones. She shares life with her two beloved fur babies, who never fail to brighten her days. Whether serving behind the scenes or showing up in small, intentional ways, Cadence is committed to making every moment count—and helping others do the same.

Jennifer Wagner

Jennifer Wagner serves as the Placement Package Coordinator for Panhandle Orphan Care Network, playing a key role in ensuring every child entering foster care receives items that bring comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
When a referral comes in from a case manager, Jennifer personally contacts the foster family to learn what the child needs most. From clothing and toiletries to backpacks and toys, she works quickly—gathering items from the Moses Closet or heading to Walmart (and sometimes even Amazon!) to make sure nothing is overlooked. She then coordinates with volunteers to deliver each Placement Package directly to the child.
Jennifer brings both compassion and care to every step of the process, making sure each child knows they are seen and valued from the very beginning.

Melanie Franklin

Melanie Franklin brings a deeply personal connection to the mission of Panhandle Orphan Care Network. As a foster mom for five years, she welcomed 25 children into her home and eventually adopted five of them into her family.
Now a realtor with ERA, Melanie was introduced to POCN through a friend and immediately resonated with the heart behind the Placement Packages. Reflecting on her own fostering experience, she recognized how impactful that kind of support would have been—and felt called to get involved. What began as volunteering soon grew into a deeper commitment, leading her to serve as a valued member of the board.
Melanie continues to advocate for foster children and the families who care for them, drawing from both her professional skills and her lived experience.

Carl Blanton II

Originally from a small town just south of Savannah, Georgia, Carl Blanton enlisted in the U.S. Army only 13 days after graduating high school. He served for five years, including a deployment to Afghanistan, before being medically retired.

Carl met his wife, Tawcha, through her brother—Carl’s battle buddy during deployment. After reconnecting post-service, the two fell in love and now share a life full of family, faith, and purpose. Carl is a devoted husband and proud father to two young children, Grayson and Chandler. He finds joy in fatherhood, quality time with his family, sports, and music.

In 2018, Carl and Tawcha moved to Amarillo to help care for her grandparents. He worked in the local mortuary for five years before joining the team at Hope Lives Here. It was there that he met Matt and learned about Panhandle Orphan Care Network. Inspired by the mission, Carl asked how he could get involved and now serves as a dedicated member of the board.