National Family Justice
National Family Justice empowers families navigating the legal system through education, advocacy, and reform based on scientific data.
About Us
National Family Justice
Our journey began informally in 2021 with just three individuals from different parts of the country who shared a vision: to provide education, support, and resources for parents involved in the family court system, as well as to advocate for court reform based on scientific data related to children and families. We believe that education is the foundation for change. By understanding how the system operates and where it fails, we can empower individuals to advocate for themselves and their families. Based on this principle, we offer training, tools, and resources to help you navigate the family court process, protect your rights, and support new legislation aimed at systemic reform.
Meet Our Board
Teresa Sneed
Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Robert Garza
Vice President and
Government and Legislative Liaison
Mark Esquibel
Director and
Communication and Media Liaison
Timothy Halpin, Esq.
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Lance Sneed
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Leonard W. Brown
Director
Meet Our Board
Teresa Sneed
Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Robert Garza
Co-Vice President and
Government and Legislative Liaison
Mark Esquibel
Director and
Communication and Media Liaison
Timothy Halpin, Esq.
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Lance Sneed
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Leonard W. Brown
Director
Introducing the NFJ Advisory Council
At National Family Justice (NFJ), we pride ourselves on being a research-based advocacy organization dedicated to promoting constitutional rights, child well-being, and evidence-informed reforms in family law. Our work is grounded in science, guided by data, and driven by the real-life experiences of families navigating the legal system. To further support our mission, NFJ has assembled an Advisory Council composed of accomplished individuals from a wide range of disciplines. These professionals offer diverse perspectives and deep subject-matter expertise—including law, public policy, mental health, child development, technology, cybersecurity, education, and preventative medicine—a vital perspective that helps NFJ recognize the long-term public health implications of adverse childhood experiences and legal system trauma. Their guidance helps ensure that NFJ’s initiatives are well-informed, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of children and families.
We are fortunate to benefit from the insight and strategic thinking of these distinguished leaders, each of whom brings a more applied, real-world orientation to our work. Their involvement enhances the integrity, relevance, and impact of NFJ’s research and advocacy.Please note: The views and opinions expressed by National Family Justice do not necessarily reflect those of the Advisory Council members or their respective employers. Our advisors contribute their knowledge and experience in a personal capacity to help shape NFJ’s efforts toward safer, fairer, and more effective family justice practices.
Kathleen Filiaggi, M.D.
Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician, Baptist Health Concierge Medicine
Dr. Kathleen Filiaggi is a board-certified internal medicine physician with a deep commitment to preventive care and long-term health outcomes for individuals and families. Currently serving as a concierge medicine physician at Baptist Health Concierge Medicine, Dr. Filiaggi brings a wealth of clinical experience in managing complex cardiac, pulmonary, and renal conditions.Before joining Baptist Health in 2023, Dr. Filiaggi served as a hospitalist at Premier Medical Associates and Butler Medical Associates in Pennsylvania. Her background spans both hospital and primary care settings, equipping her with the insight to support families at every stage of the health journey. She is passionate about meeting patients where they are and collaboratively developing comprehensive, sustainable care plans.
A mother herself, Dr. Filiaggi has a unique perspective on the intersection of physical and emotional health, particularly as it relates to childhood adversity. Her understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the long-term physiological effect of trauma contributes significantly to NFJ’s advocacy for trauma-informed family law reform.Through her medical expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Filiaggi offers valuable insight into how systems of care can better protect the well-being of children and families impacted by family separation, legal proceedings, and chronic stress.
Kimberly Wiest is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 30 years of nursing experience and specialized training in functional medicine. As the founder of The Living Well Solutions, Kimberly has dedicated her career to transforming lives by helping individuals uncover and heal the root causes of chronic dysfunction and disease.Her passion for a more comprehensive approach to wellness led her to develop The DEEPER Solution for Living Well—a holistic framework that addresses healing across the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Kimberly’s work emphasizes that true wellness is not a destination but a dynamic journey. Her commitment to personalized, foundational healing has empowered countless individuals to reclaim their health and rediscover their vitality.Kimberly brings to the NFJ Advisory Council her deep understanding of how chronic stress and unresolved trauma impact long-term physical and emotional well-being. Her insights are invaluable in supporting NFJ’s mission to advocate for trauma-informed policies and family systems that promote health, stability, and resilience in children and families navigating the legal system.
With unwavering compassion and clinical expertise, Kimberly helps bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and whole-person healing—advancing NFJ’s commitment to ensuring that every family has the opportunity to live well.
Jeff Crume, PhD, CISSP
IBM Executive Security Architect
Jeff Crume is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), an IBM Distinguished Engineer, and Master Inventor with more than 40 years’ experience in software design, IT security, and cybersecurity leadership. At IBM, he serves as Executive Security Architect, guiding complex security strategies for organizations around the world. Jeff has a PhD in Cybersecurity and serves as an Adjunct Professor at NC State University. Jeff’s YouTube videos have been viewed more than 12 million times and he is the author of a book entitled "Inside Internet Security: What Hackers Don't Want You To Know” as well as a contributing author to the "Information Security Management Handbook.” He is a member of the inaugural class of the NC State University Computer Science Alumni Hall of Fame and serves on the editorial board for the “Information and Computer Security” research journal.As a divorced father, Jeff brings valuable real-world perspective to NFJ’s Advisory Council. His professional background in information protection and systems security supports NFJ’s commitment to using technology responsibly in service of families and children in the legal system.
Jeff’s insights are especially relevant as NFJ explores secure and ethical uses of digital tools to improve transparency, privacy, and access to justice in family law. His contributions help inform how data and technology can support processes that respect the rights of parents and ensure children are protected from harm.By integrating deep technical knowledge with a personal understanding of family dynamics, Jeff provides critical input that helps NFJ shape forward-thinking, secure, and reliable systems for families navigating separation and custody challenges.
Kathy Smith brings over a decade of experience in financial counseling, military family transition support, and career readiness to the National Family Justice Advisory Council. She is a Certified Personal Financial Counselor with Zeiders Enterprises, Inc., where she has spent more than five years helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions with confidence and security.
Prior to her current role, Kathy served as a Pathfinder Scout with the USO Pathfinder Program where she provided personalized transition support to service members and their families. Her work focused on critical areas including employment, education, financial readiness, VA benefits, housing, legal services, family wellness, and community engagement—empowering military families as they adjusted to civilian life.
Earlier in her career, Kathy was a Soldier for Life–Transition Assistance Program (ACAP) Counselor with Serco, advising transitioning service members at Fort Benning, GA, and Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, TX. There, she counseled individuals and groups on career planning, relocation, and educational opportunities, and provided essential job search support through resume development, mock interviews, and networking strategies.Kathy’s dedication to strengthening families, supporting veterans, and promoting financial and emotional resilience aligns closely with National Family Justice’s mission to advocate for families in transition. Her expertise ensures that families facing legal challenges have access to practical financial strategies and resources that safeguard their well-being and long-term stability.
Kathy Smith, MBA, AFC
Certified Personal Financial Counselor, Zeiders Enterprises
Stay tuned! More NFJ Advisory Council biographies coming soon.
Our Supporters
At National Family Justice, we are proud to stand alongside a growing community of individuals, families, businesses, and advocates who believe in protecting children, preserving family bonds, and restoring integrity to our legal system. Our supporters come from all walks of life — parents, professionals, policymakers, and concerned citizens — united by a shared commitment to justice, transparency, and meaningful reform.
Whether through partnerships, donations, volunteer efforts, or raising awareness, each supporter plays a vital role in helping us advocate for families impacted by systemic failures and legal abuse. Together, we amplify voices that deserve to be heard and work toward a future where the best interests of children are truly honored.
Thank you for standing with us.
Milo Business Solutions
Castaway
Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Kim Wiest - Living Well
GALLERY
Testimonials
I cannot express my gratitude enough for the exceptional legal support I received from [Your Law Firm Name]. When my family was going through a tough divorce.
John Doe
Lorem ipsum
Choosing [Your Law Firm Name] was the best decision I made during my adoption journey. Their team handled all the legal complexities with precision and made the entire process feel seamless.
John Doe
Lorem ipsum
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Helping families understand their rights, options, and next steps
1. What does National Family Justice do?
We support families navigating high-conflict custody, family court, and legal system abuse. Our services include education, advocacy, professional training, and support for families facing issues like violations of rights, coercive control, domestic violence, and parental alienation. We also file amicus briefs in landmark cases affecting parental rights.
2. Are you a law firm?
No, we are not a law firm and do not provide legal representation or advice. However, we offer tools, education, document review, and strategic support to empower families and pro se litigants. We can also help you find trauma-informed legal professionals in your area.
3. Can you help me if I don’t have a lawyer?
Yes. We specialize in supporting pro se (self-represented) parents with tools and reasources to help you advocate for yourself in court. We also provide referrals to vetted professionals.
4. Can you help if my case involves domestic violence or coercive control?
Absolutely. We recognize the difference between true “high conflict” and post-separation abuse. We help parents identify patterns of coercive control, gather documentation, and protect their children while advocating for safety in court.
5. What is your stance on shared parenting?
We support 50/50 shared parenting as the default in the absence of abuse, supported by child development research and constitutional equal protection. We also advocate for safe exceptions when domestic violence, abuse, or coercive control is present.
6. What is an amicus brief and how do you use them?
An amicus brief (friend of the court brief) is a legal document we submit to offer expertise or insight in cases with broad impact. We use them to advocate for parental rights, equal custody, and protections for children in courts across the U.S.
7. Do you work with military families?
Yes. We assist military-connected families by ensuring custody orders respect deployment obligations, federal protections like the SCRA and UDPCVA, and parent-child bonding despite service duties.
8. Can you help with problems involving CPS, a guardian ad litem, or a parenting coordinator?
Yes. We review CPS reports, GAL conduct, parenting coordinator conduct, custody evaluations, and risk assessments for ethical violations. We also provide documentation support and can help elevate concerns when due process is denied.
9. How can I get involved with your organization?
You can support our mission by volunteering, donating, or joining our parent-to-parent mentorship program. We also welcome professionals who want to advocate for reform or provide trauma-informed services.
10. How do I request help or a case review?
Use our contact form or email us directly at [email protected]. Please provide a short summary of your situation and what kind of support you’re seeking. A team member will follow up within 3–5 business days.
Get Involved
Copyright © 2025 National Family Justice - All Rights Reserved.
