Iris McCullouch, MSW
Iris McCullouch, MSW, is a dedicated child welfare and behavioral health professional with 16 years of experience serving families and communities. She currently serves as a CVS Supervisor II with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a role she has held since July of last year, where she supervises a team of five case managers in the child welfare division. In this leadership role, she manages caseload operations, provides guidance during complex case decisions, attends court hearings, and works directly alongside staff in high-stakes situations. Her leadership style is hands-on, supportive, and rooted in empathy, accountability, and cultural responsiveness. In addition to her primary role, Iris also serves as a clinical administrator for a virtual therapy company and provides crisis support and chat counseling for a domestic violence and sexual assault organization, roles she has maintained since 2012.
Throughout her career, Iris has demonstrated a strong commitment to permanency, family preservation, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Her professional journey includes roles as a family-based case manager, adoption case manager, and care coordinator focused on helping children achieve safe and permanent “forever home” placements. She is especially passionate about serving Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families, often working Spanish-language cases and advocating for culturally competent services. As a bilingual professional, she is deeply committed to dismantling normalized toxic behaviors within families while educating and empowering parents to build safer, healthier environments for children. Her work frequently involves complex cases related to mental health, substance use, and domestic violence, where she provides trauma-informed guidance, crisis intervention, and advocacy in collaboration with legal, medical, and community partners.
Iris earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, an achievement she considers her greatest educational milestone as a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Mexico without formal education. Originally aspiring to become a lawyer, she ultimately found her calling in social work after relocating for graduate school and entering the child welfare field when she became a mother and sought stable employment. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Iris is also a mother and wife who prioritizes creating a healthy, supportive home for her son and husband. She remains grounded through music, attending concerts, and riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a form of stress relief and personal reflection. Her accomplishments include becoming a homeowner, raising her son independently, and breaking generational cycles by creating a stable and nurturing environment for her family. Her career reflects her passion for service, advocacy, and improving outcomes for children and families across her community.
• The University of Houston - MSW
• The University of Texas at El Paso - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, self-reliance, and a strong personal commitment to building a stable and meaningful life for myself and my son. My motivation has been deeply rooted in my desire to honor my family’s sacrifices while creating opportunities that I did not have growing up. As a first-generation American, I have worked diligently to overcome challenges, remain focused on my goals, and continue advancing professionally and personally. My determination to succeed in my career, provide stability for my family, and serve my community has been the driving force behind my achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from a supervisor who encouraged me to pursue my Master of Social Work and served as a formative mentor throughout my academic and professional journey. Their guidance emphasized the importance of continuous learning, strong ethical leadership, and staying committed to my long-term goals despite challenges. While completing my degree, I benefited from their support, accountability, and encouragement to grow both as a professional and as a leader in my field. Their mentorship helped shape my confidence, career direction, and commitment to serving others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to prioritize self-care and protect their mental and emotional well-being, as the work can carry a significant emotional and psychological load. Staying organized, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining strong support systems are essential for long-term success and sustainability in this career. Most importantly, always remember the purpose behind the work — protecting children, supporting families, and challenging normalized toxic behaviors while remaining grounded in compassion, professionalism, and ethical practice.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include the high-stakes nature of decision-making in child welfare, judicial constraints, and navigating cultural and language barriers that can impact service delivery. There is also ongoing work to move away from historically punitive practices that have affected vulnerable families. However, there are significant opportunities as the field continues shifting toward family-centered approaches, with greater emphasis on education, prevention, and supportive services that help strengthen families while promoting safety and long-term stability for children.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life include perseverance, integrity, positivity, and self-care. I believe in conducting my work with honesty and ethical responsibility, avoiding manipulation or dishonesty in all situations. Advocacy for vulnerable children and families is at the center of everything I do, and I strive to approach my work and personal life with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.