Meet the Team - SYEP

Triniti Bunton, Program Administrator

Phone: 512-854-4590
Email: [email protected]

Triniti Bunton, Program Administrator of the Summer Youth Employment Program, is an Austin native whose journey reflects a deep commitment to service and community empowerment. After completing graduate studies at Prairie View A&M University, she spent time in the nation’s capital, where volunteering with For Love of Children ignited her passion for working directly with youth.

Upon returning home to Austin, she dedicated several years to advancing youth and family support initiatives with SAFE Alliance before joining Travis County in the fall of 2022. In her current role, she leads efforts to expand equitable access to career exposure opportunities for local youth through meaningful summer employment experiences and strategic community partnerships.

Guided by the belief that “a life of service to others is the highest calling,” she remains steadfast in her mission to help young people realize their potential.

Shirley Peeples, Program Coordinator – Data & Operations

Phone: 512-854-4590
Email: [email protected]

A Bastrop, Texas native, Shirley Peeples moved to Austin after graduating from high school to study Accounting at Nixon Clay Business College and later Business Administration at Austin Community College. She began her professional journey with a State Employee Association, where she served in several roles, including Membership Secretary, Accountant, and Office Manager.

After more than 20 years of service, Shirley joined Travis County Health & Human Services and the Summer Youth Employment Program, where she has proudly served for the past 23 years. Her lifelong commitment to giving back to the community continues to drive her passion for helping young people lead self-sufficient, safe, and healthy lives. Shirley looks forward to continuing this meaningful work and making a positive impact on future generations.

Thomas Pierce, Program Coordinator – Youth with Disabilities

Phone: 512-854-4590
Email: [email protected]

Thomas Pierce, program coordinator with Travis County’s Summer Youth Employment Program, is a central Texas native who believes that investing in our youth is always a worthwhile endeavor. In his role with SYEP, Thomas is committed to increasing accessibility to the opportunities the program provides.

After earning a degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Thomas spent seven years as a secondary Spanish teacher in the Houston and Austin areas where he developed a love of working with youth and providing them with tools they can use to live life meaningfully. He is currently enrolled in the University of Houston’s Master of Social Work Program.

His experience as an educator and social work student has shaped and deepened his understanding of the different systemic barriers that children, adolescents, and families face. He works diligently to ensure that interns in SYEP feel valued, supported, and well-equipped to succeed.

Ciera Wilson, Program Coordinator – Youth Recruitment

Phone: 512-854-4590
Email: [email protected]

Ciera Wilson serves as a Summer Youth Employment Program Coordinator for Travis County, spearheading youth recruitment and engagement efforts. With over 15 years of direct experience working with youth and teens, Ciera finds joy in being a catalyst for their development and growth.

A proud native of Sumter County, South Carolina, and a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (AGGIE PRIDE!) with a degree in Business Marketing, Ciera uses her gifts to support and strengthen communities—especially those often overlooked or underserved.

Before joining Travis County, she worked with youth across several nonprofit organizations and Christian ministry groups, fostering environments that encourage service, purpose, and personal growth. Her work is deeply rooted in a passion for equity, access, and empowerment, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to succeed regardless of background or circumstance.

Ciera’s professional and personal goals are guided by her belief in selfless service and authentic leadership. Passionate about helping students realize their potential and thrive against the odds, she leads with the conviction that, “Where there is Love, there is LIFE.”

Robin Lindsey, Program Coordinator – Employer Recruitment

Phone: 512-854-4590
Email: [email protected]

Robin Lindsey, Social Service Coordinator for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), is a dedicated professional passionate about youth development and community engagement. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, Robin earned a Bachelor of Science.

With over a decade of experience working with youth, Robin began her career in 2011. She has held several impactful roles, including serving as a College Mentor with P-20 Initiatives, an Academic Success Specialist at the Boys and Girls Club, and as the Senior Program Coordinator for WiSTEM at the University of Texas at Austin. These roles have deepened her commitment to empowering youth through education, mentorship, and career development.

In early 2025, Robin joined Travis County, where she now focuses on employer recruitment for SYEP, creating meaningful career exposure and employment opportunities for local youth. Through her work, Robin strives to ensure that young people gain valuable experiences that will help them thrive in their future careers.

Erica Villarreal, Program Coordinator – Justice Involved Youth

Phone: 512-854-4590
Email: [email protected]

After receiving her bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas at Austin, Erica Villarreal has spent her entire career working to uplift and empower justice-impacted youth in Austin and surrounding areas. Her journey began in 2010 while working at the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department as a Probation Officer and then as an Employment Coordinator. She gained firsthand experience with the complex challenges youth and justice-impacted families face within the justice system. This work sparked a lifelong commitment to advocacy, support, and systems change.

Over the years, Erica has worked across various youth-serving organizations focused on restorative justice practices, building and strengthening programs that center healing, accountability, and opportunity. In her current role, she leads efforts to connect justice-impacted youth with meaningful employment, recognizing that economic stability is a critical factor in reducing recidivism and fostering long-term success for individuals and their families. Her work is grounded in equity, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of every young person.